The Torre Guaceto Nature Reserve is a marine and terrestrial reserve located between Carovigno and Brindisi, renowned for its biodiversity, unspoilt coastal landscapes and important archaeological history stretching from the Bronze Age to the Messapian era and beyond.
Torre Guaceto Marine Protected Area
Coastal nature reserve with a 16th-century Aragonese tower, visitor centre with a small museum and accessible area. Home to archaeological remains, hiking trails and guided activities.
Torre Guaceto Beach
Large area of protected beaches, ideal habitat for nature walks and birdwatching.
Gate to the Torre Guaceto Reserve – North Car Park Entrance Area
Main access point and car park equipped for visiting the reserve.
Historical and archaeological aspects:
Torre Guaceto boasts archaeological evidence dating back to the second millennium BC (Bronze Age), such as the remains of villages on the two Apani Rocks and on the promontory, with subsequent traces of habitation in the Messapian period (7th-3rd century BC), although the finds from this period are more scattered.
Recent excavations at the site and in the surrounding area have unearthed tombs, statues, coins and other artefacts from the Messapian period, alongside objects from the Roman and Medieval periods. Two empty tombs (cenotaphs) were found during the 2024 excavations.
The Aragonese Tower (16th century) is open to visitors and houses an exhibition (guided tours are recommended). Its presence bears witness to the historical defensive function of the area.
The itineraries within the reserve, guided tours and visitor centre allow visitors to explore both the naturalistic and historical-archaeological aspects of the area.
The reserve has walking trails, picnic areas, information points accessible to people with disabilities, and careful management of the impact of tourism. For a complete experience, it is advisable to book guided tours, especially for the fully protected areas and to access historical insights in the Aragonese Tower or at the visitor centre.
Torre Guaceto Marine Protected Area
The Torre Guaceto Marine Protected Area, located on the Adriatic coast of Upper Salento between Carovigno and Brindisi, is a coastal and marine nature reserve covering approximately 2,200 hectares, with over 8 km of protected coastline. It offers extremely varied habitats, including sandy beaches, Posidonia oceanica seabeds, rocky crevices, shoals and hinterland wetlands.
The area is divided into zones with different levels of protection:
Zone A: full protection, access prohibited except for scientific reasons.
Zone B: general protection, bathing permitted only during specified times.
Zone C: controlled use, certain activities (such as fishing and boating) are permitted only with prior authorisation.
Biodiversity is very high: it is home to rare species of marine flora and fauna (such as Pinna nobilis), migratory birds, sea turtles cared for in specialised rescue centres, wild orchids and centuries-old olive groves within the agricultural belt.
The reserve is equipped for guided tours, excursions, educational activities and cycling tours; picnic areas, accessibility services and hiking trails suitable for families and children are available. The 16th-century Aragonese Tower is a symbol of the area and houses museum and information spaces.
Torre Guaceto Beach
Torre Guaceto Beach stands out for its fine golden sand, dunes up to 10 metres high and crystal-clear turquoise sea, with seabeds rich in marine flora and fauna. The beach is long and narrow, interspersed with dark cliffs and coves, including some unusual beaches such as the one made of shells, where shells and fragments play an ecological role in protecting the dunes.
There are areas equipped with parasols, sun loungers and a sunbathing platform for people with disabilities. Swimming is permitted in zone B, while in other areas of the reserve you can go snorkelling, diving and sailing, or take part in guided tours and educational activities in the Reserve. The accessible beaches are connected by paths suitable for walking, trekking and cycling, including the “Trenino del Mare” (Sea Train) which goes to the historic Aragonese tower.
The landscape is a mosaic of beaches, dunes, Mediterranean scrub, marshes and farmland, ideal for those who love nature, biodiversity and relaxation away from mass tourism.
Torre Guaceto where to park
To visit Torre Guaceto and access the beaches, the main car park is the “Porta della Riserva” (North Entrance), which is located outside the protected area and offers approximately 500 parking spaces, accessible toilets, electronic payment facilities, and CCTV surveillance.
This car park is open every day from 8 a.m. to 7.30 p.m. and is connected to the beaches of Punta Penna Grossa by shuttle bus (the “trenino del mare”) or footpaths and cycle paths (1.2 km). Facilities for people with disabilities are available, and accessible beach areas can be booked. Parking costs around £8 per day in high season. Services can be booked online and via the reserve's official app.