Punta Pizzo Bay, is one of the anchorages of the Ionian coast halfway between Gallipoli and Marina di Mancaversa. This anchorage offers an unspoiled landscape thanks to its location within the Sant’Andrea Island Nature Reserve established in 2006 with almost 700 hectares of those 20 km of Gallipoli’s Ionian coastline.

The low, rocky coastline is interspersed with enchanting coves of fine sand, bathed by clear blue waters of an opalescent hue perfectly in keeping with the distinctiveness of the surrounding area. The origin of this crystal-clear hue is due to the predominantly rocky coastline whose bottoms are not veiled by sand.

The low cliff is surrounded by a thick pine forest that includes all the typical plant species of the Mediterranean maquis and Aleppo pine forests. This entire area is, in fact, included in the Punta Pizzo Park. In addition to the sight, the sense of smell will also be enhanced by the typical smells of the place due to the presence of arbutus, myrtle, orchids, marigolds and daisies.

The whole area, it is evident, thanks to its naturalistic interest has always attracted all kinds of visits that explain the presence of an ancient Bourbon garrison built to defend the Salento coast from enemy attacks.

The beach of the same name, which is almost 2 km long, is characterized by lonely coves, discos for keeping the small hours, small restaurants with good local cuisine and various types of services for the needs of all kinds of visitors. The beaches still retain their intact charm that benefits from the reserved location giving moments of pure relaxation thanks to a wonderful sea with crystal clear water, especially in the vicinity of the rocky shoreline, where it reaches an extraordinary transparency.

Punta Pizzo, like the entire Gallipoli coastline, is a favorite vacation destination in Salento thanks to its sweeping landscapes and a great wild charm determined by the numerous natural aromatic pine forests rich in tree essences such as rosemary, thyme, broom and lentisk.

However, this bay has something extra that continually attracts tourists: the location in the Park, the scent of the adjoining vegetation, the greenery and the view really offer a feeling of well-being. In addition, the fantastic sea, the small and wild beach, and the unique and inimitable shoreline give the feeling of being in the Maldives.

Always considered one of the symbolic places of the Salento, Apulian, Mediterranean and European identity recognized by the international scientific community, this anchorage is at risk because of a great tourism- real estate speculation.