The natural paradise of Torre Guaceto extends for about 1,200 hectares and has an importance recognised by the State in preserving the precious habitat of local flora and fauna. Located on the Adriatic coast of Salento, not far from Carovigno and San Vito dei Normanni, the Protected Marine Area of Torre Guaceto has a stretch of coastline of 8 kilometres between Punta Penna Grossa and the rocks of Apani.
The landscape of the Reserve is characterised by coastal dunes with some stretches that reach 15 meters in height. At the southern side of the Guaceto coast, the coast is linear and consists of a clayey cliff. Near the tower and towards the northern side, we find the rocky cliff with jagged outlines that give life to small and characteristic unmissable inlets for sea watching enthusiasts. Continuing towards Punta Penna Grossa the coast stretches into a magnificent sandy coastline accessible also for the disabled through a platform.
Inside the Reserve you will discover a landscape of Mediterranean character with dunes, swamps, imposing ancient olive groves, symbol of the agricultural tradition of Puglia and dry stone walls. The Reserve is home to numerous animal species: the badger, the weasel and the marten, which are generally safe during the day in their burrows dug into the ground, well hidden and camouflaged in the vegetation. The tortoise, easily distinguishable from the yellow punctuations on the dark body.
Among the birds that find refuge or resting point the reed of Torre Guaceto you can observe the pendolino and the nightingale of river or birds of greater dimensions as the herons, the hawk or the swallows that in thousands of specimens stationed in Puglia during the migration trips. Among the most common mammals there is the hare, the wild rabbit, the fox, the hedgehog and small rodents.
Throughout the year, the Reserve offers numerous sporting activities such as trekking, hiking, sea-watching and various educational initiatives on environmental education. To go to the discovery of Torre Guaceto, leave from the Al Gawsit Visitor Center.
