From Mikao Apartment in Torre Pali, heading north along the Ionian coast of Salento, you come across some of the most popular and appreciated seaside towns in the entire province of Lecce in quick succession.
Lido Marini and Torre San Giovanni are respectively about 10 and 20 km from the property, less than twenty minutes by car along the coastal road, and offer two distinct yet complementary atmospheres: the first quieter and more intimate, the second livelier and better equipped.
For those staying in the apartments in Torre Pali at Mikao Apartment and wanting to try different beaches during the week, these are two destinations well worth knowing.
Lido Marini is located on the Ionian coast, halfway between Torre Pali and Torre Mozza, within the Ugento Coastal Regional Natural Park. It is a quiet seaside town, less chaotic than other locations along the coast, with a sandy beach about 2 km long alternating between free areas and equipped beach clubs.
Alongside the fine golden sand, there are Mediterranean scrub dunes and stretches of low rocks, perfect for those who enjoy snorkelling or want to experience a more natural landscape.
The equipped beach clubs offer umbrellas, sunbeds, bars, refreshment points, and showers; those who prefer to organise themselves independently will find wide stretches of free beach that are easy to access, with parking nearby. In the village centre, there are shops, bars, ice cream parlours, restaurants, and pizzerias where you can enjoy Salento cuisine based on fresh fish.
In the evening, Lido Marini keeps its relaxed spirit: an aperitif on the seafront, dinner, and a walk. For those looking for real nightlife, Torre San Giovanni is only 9 km away.
Torre San Giovanni is a seaside district of Ugento, famous for its very fine white sandy beaches, turquoise sea with shallow, clear seabeds, and a coastline of about 1.5 km alternating between equipped beach clubs and free stretches of coast. It is the busiest and liveliest seaside town along this part of the coast, with an evening atmosphere that clearly sets it apart from the nearby resorts.
The 16th-century coastal tower that gives the town its name, together with its distinctive black-and-white chequered lighthouse, makes the profile of the marina immediately recognisable and is worth a visit in itself. Along the beach, there are around ten equipped beach clubs offering umbrella and sunbed rental, dining services, and entertainment, as well as wide stretches of free beach with public showers.
For snorkelling lovers, the rocky stretches at the sides of the beach offer interesting seabeds with saddled seabream, octopuses, starfish, and Posidonia seagrass meadows. In the evening, the Torre San Giovanni seafront comes alive: restaurants, pizzerias, bars, and venues with music make Torre San Giovanni the preferred destination for those looking for more than just a day at the beach.
