Porto Selvaggio and Palude del Capitano Natural Park – Puglia: coastal pine forests, sea caves and green silences overlooking the Ionian Sea. The Regional Natural Park of Porto Selvaggio and Palude del Capitano extends along the Ionian coast of Salento, between Gallipoli and Porto Cesareo. A protected area that contains lush pine forests, hidden coves, clear cliffs and a rare wetland of karst origin. Here nature is the protagonist: wild, authentic and strongly identitary. 🌲 A landscape shaped by wind and stone: The large pine forest of Porto Selvaggio covers a cliff that slopes down to the sea, giving shade and coolness even in the height of summer. The park is rich in biodiversity, with a varied fauna and flora typical of the Mediterranean scrub. The scents of resin, mastic and thyme accompany every step along the paths. 👉 Tip: Take the path that starts from Torre Uluzzo to the bay: a succession of panoramic views, natural sounds and deep silences. 🏞️ Caves, towers and crystal clear waters: Along the coast there are sea and prehistoric caves, such as the Grotta del Cavallo, which preserves traces among the oldest human presences in Europe. The coastal towers, such as Torre Uluzzo and Torre Inserraglio, recall the ancient defensive system of the Salento coast. The Bay of Porto Selvaggio, with its fresh waters fed by underground springs, is one of the most popular places for those seeking nature and silence. 👉 Tip: Dive into the icy waters of the bay: the regenerating effect is guaranteed even on the hottest days. 🚶 Walk between the sea and the fossil swamp: The Palude del Capitano, a wetland of karst origin, is home to bodies of fresh water connected to the sea by natural conduits. It is an environment of great ecological value, ideal for nature walks, birdwatching and landscape photography. The paths of the park allow you to connect the coast and the hinterland, in a continuous dialogue between rocks, plants and light. 👉 Tip: Explore the swamp at sunset: the sky is reflected in the small lakes and everything is colored orange and silence. 🍴 Flavors of land and sea: The typical products of the area reflect the agricultural and maritime soul of Salento: extra virgin olive oil, legumes, fresh cheeses, wild vegetables, blue fish and seafood. The cuisine is simple, seasonal, fragrant and perfect to enjoy after a long walk through pine forests and coves. 👉 Tip: Stop at a nearby farmhouse to taste potato pitta and octopus salad: balance between rusticity and freshness. 🎉 Sustainable experiences and seasons to live: The park can be visited all year round, with events, guided excursions, activities for families and meetings related to the protection of the landscape. Summer offers sea and nature, spring and autumn are perfect for trekking and wildlife observation. Each season offers a different face of the park, always fascinating. 👉 Tip: Take a night hike with an environmental guide: walking through the pine trees in the moonlight is pure magic. The Porto Selvaggio Park is a corner of Puglia where time slows down, nature breathes and every step tells a story of water, rock and light.