Torre dell'Orso

Torre dell'Orso is a broad, sandy bay on the Adriatic coast of Salento, backed by pine woods and watched over by an old coastal watchtower. It's known for its two sea stacks, the Due Sorelle, and for being one of the more family-friendly, well-equipped beaches in the area. The wide sand and shallow water make it an easy full-day beach, especially for families.

Torre dell'Orso takes its name from the watchtower that still stands above the bay, one of many built along this coast to watch for raiders. Today it's better known for the Due Sorelle - two pale limestone sea stacks just offshore that have become an obligatory photo stop for anyone visiting Salento's Adriatic coast. The beach itself is wide and sandy, backed by a pine forest that offers a rare bit of natural shade and space for picnics. Facilities are genuinely good for the area: showers, restrooms, several beach establishments with sunbed and umbrella rental, restaurants and bars, and accessible pathways and wheelchair-friendly restrooms and parking. Parking involves paid blue-line spaces around the village, with a couple of larger car parks a short walk from the beach entrance charging a flat daily rate. In peak season the bay fills up, but its width means it doesn't feel as squeezed as some of Salento's smaller coves. Torre dell'Orso works well as a straightforward, well-supported beach day - sand, shade, facilities and a striking view - rather than a wild or remote spot. If you're after solitude, this isn't it in July or August, but it's one of the easier beaches in Salento to spend a full day at with children.

Other beaches in Liguria are shown on the map — tap a pin to open its page.