Nardò: Free Beaches, Parking and Beach Shuttles
Porto Selvaggio, Santa Caterina and Quattro Colonne: Costs, Distances, Crowds and Useful Tips for Planning Your Visit
Going to the beach in Nardò can be pricey: in 2026, around Nardò and Porto Cesareo, an umbrella and two sunbeds cost about 42.50 euros daily. But there are free options: you can find public beaches at Porto Selvaggio, Santa Caterina, Quattro Colonne, and Santa Maria al Bagno, all about 10 kilometers from Nardò.
In July and August, the nicest spots can get crowded. For a quieter experience, try visiting in June or September, or go early in the morning or late in the evening.
Porto Selvaggio, Santa Caterina, Quattro Colonne, and Santa Maria al Bagno: free beaches, parking, and shuttles
Porto Selvaggio is the most nature-focused choice. It's part of the Parco Naturale Regionale Porto Selvaggio e Palude del Capitano. To reach the bay, you leave your car outside the park and walk. From one entrance near Villa Tafuro, the walk through the pine forest takes about 15 minutes.
Santa Caterina is more populated and serviced, featuring coastal towers. On Via Lungomare Verne in Santa Caterina, there is a unique bathing room, a relic from the 1800s and early 1900s. These rooms were built near cliffs to let wealthy ladies bathe in the sea away from prying eyes and sheltered from the sun.
The room connects to the sea through a partially submerged opening. Entering from the water, you reach this small coastal area, where the sea forms a kind of covered natural pool. It's one of Santa Caterina's most unique spots.
Continuing along the coast, you reach the Quattro Colonne. These are the remains of the 16th-century Torre del Fiume Galatena. They are one of the most recognizable spots on this coast and are near Santa Maria al Bagno.
Santa Maria al Bagno is a lively place with a promenade, shops, and services. It's different from Porto Selvaggio: here, the sea is directly connected to the town. You can enjoy a walk along the promenade.
At Santa Maria al Bagno, I saw many people diving from the rocks, but be careful. In some areas, the seabed might be too shallow for safe diving, and serious accidents have happened. Always check the depth before diving from the rocks. Don't follow others who dive without knowing the seabed.
In summer, avoid driving into the center of Santa Caterina and Santa Maria al Bagno, especially during peak hours. There's a free shuttle service connecting Santa Maria al Bagno with the parking at via Edrisi and Santa Caterina with Vacanze Serene. Both the parking and the shuttle are free.
The service runs from 9 AM to 3 AM, with continuous connections and no stops in between. It's a really convenient way to reach the two marinas.
