Planning a day trip or stay to Torre dell'Orso - one of the most popular beach towns in Puglia?
Our guide's got your covered.
Very much a summer resort town, but in the Italian style, Torre dell'Orso's proximity to Lecce and several of Puglia's most famous coastal spots make it a mandatory stop for first-timers and road-trippers in the southern Italian region.
Although the modern little town itself won't cause your heart to flutter, it's pleasant enough for a day trip thanks to its eponymous long, sandy beach, whilst the range of affordable holiday rentals and hotels may make it an appealing base for travellers looking for more of a 'fly and flop' Puglia coastal experience, rather than those focussing on staying in beautiful, historic towns and cities like Ostuni, Lecce, and Otranto.
We've visited Torre dell'Orso twice now, several years apart, and have finally gotten round to publishing our guide for day trippers and those thinking about staying here. With Puglia's increasing popularity, it's one of the places where change caused by tourism was most visible, but recent government intervention means people arriving in search of one of the region's most Insta-famous swimming spots are in for a grande sorpresa.
In this post, we’ve shared the best things to do in Torre dell'Orso (and nearby), important advice on big recent changes, plus our pick of the best accommodation options available.
This is our guide to Torre dell'Orso, Puglia.
torre dell’orso essentials
Lounge / On Torre dell’Orso’s beautiful, white sand beach
Sunset / Watch the sunset over the famous Due Sorelle
History / Step back in time at Roca Vecchia
Kayak / Discover the coast on a kayak tour
Drink / Take in the view from The Casaccia Parabirreria
Bathe / Our favourite swimming spot, I Faraglioni
Nature / Take a walk in Riserva Naturale Le Cesine
Stay / The gorgeous Masseria Rauccio or Borgo Sentinella
Where Is Torre dell'Orso?
On the east coast of Puglia, in the area known as Salento, Torre dell'Orso is 30km/35-minutes from the beautiful Baroque city of Lecce, making the town and stretch of coast very popular with day-trippers from the city and locals on a summer weekend.
The whitewashed town of Otranto is a 25-minute drive south, and Brindisi is the closest airport, situated 80kms / 1h 15 minutes to the north.
Unfortunately there is no train station in Torre dell'Orso, and the only available public transport option is a bus from Lecce or Otranto. The service is operated by SITA Sud but, like most bus companies in Italy, it’s really challenging to find reliable and clear schedules online (trust us, we’ve tried). If you can share more information to help other travellers, then please leave a note in the comments below.
If you’re planning on staying in Torre dell'Orso though, it really is essential that you rent a car to get around and take day trips.
It’s best to search via both Auto Europe and RentalCars.com to find the best prices and availability for your own travel dates, and lock a car in sooner rather than later. You can also read our Puglia Road Trip Itinerary here, or find out the 14 Essential Things To Know Before Driving in Puglia.
If you’re never rented a car before, we highly recommend reading 9 Car Rental Tips For Travellers to save time, money, and stress.
If doing a Puglia road trip, we'd suggest visiting Torre dell'Orso and several nearby parts of the coast as a full day trip from your base in Lecce, Otranto, or the countryside, or stopping by as you make your way south from Ostuni.
Torre dell’Orso is a layout of one ways, no entries, and blue line parking all over, so it's very likely that you'll have to pay to park on day trips. If staying for the whole day, we recommend trying this carpark first which charges approximately €4 for the day, but in summer you’ll also find a number of pop-up private car parks by the beach charging the same amount.
Very much a beach destination, like everywhere else in Italy, Torre dell’Orso is a packed in the peak summer months of July and August, but the weather conditions are still good enough for beach days from May to June and into late September.
We wouldn't recommend staying here in off-season as it will lack atmosphere, several businesses will be closed, and there are better options in Puglia when the sun isn't shining. However, outside of summer, road-trip stops to admire the viewpoints will still be worthwhile.
The Best Things To Do in Torre dell'Orso, Puglia
A Day At Torre dell'Orso Beach
Fringed by pine forest, and enclosed by cliffs on both sides, the long stretch of sandy beach at Torre dell'Orso ranks as one of the best beaches in Puglia.
In fact, as the eastern side of the gorgeous southern Italian region lacks what many first-time Brits and Europeans would term a proper 'beach', it's the ideal option if you're looking for something like that which is family-friendly, easy to access with plenty facilities.
However, due to the above factors and the fact it can become awfully busy with too much lido coverage, it's not our favourite in Puglia; across three trips to the region and several summers in Italy, we've gone fully native when it comes to rocks and concrete platforms being the best option!
There are several lidos to choose from if you're looking to rent a parasol and a chair for a full day of relaxation, as well as areas of free public beach (though the lidos do unfortunately take up the majority of space).
Quite uniquely for Puglia, there's lots of watersports activities and rentals offered here, and it's the only place we've seen people out surfing! You can find a couple of companies on the beach in summer offering SUP rental, boogie-boards, and kayaks. You can also book a three hour kayak tour along the coast and through the caves here.
Generally, the conditions for swimming here in the azure waters are generally excellent, unless the wind picks up (which is why it's a popular spot for surfing).
There are lots of beach bars and restaurants attached to the lidos for lunch and snacks, but it's not bad idea to bring some of your own drinks + food if settling in for a whole day and watching pennies.
Not sure what a lido is? Read out explainer: The Art of The Italian Lido
Access + Parking // You have a few different options.
1. From the town centre, walk down the stairs between Dentoni and the new amphitheatre, to access the pedestrianised Via Risorgimento. You can get to a section of free beach through the pine forest, but we recommend continuing along the road toward the middle section or the final section of spiaggia libera (maps), which are nicer and have views of the Due Sorelle.
You can access those at certain points through the pine forest, or just continue until you arrive at the walkway entrance.
2. If arriving by car for a beach day, then the more convenient option is to park in one of several car parks on the eastern side of the beach, closer to the Due Sorelle side, rather than going into the more expensive and congested town centre.
Parcheggio Cretì (maps) and Parcheggi di Lombardo (maps) are two good options, with lots of spaces and charging just €4 for the whole day. They're situated a few minutes walk from the beach entrance. If those are full, then we suggest heading to the Due Sorelle car parks we mentioned above, and walking down to the beach.
Plan // The 16 Best Beaches in Puglia
Walk To The Due Sorelle Viewpoint At Sunset
The sea stacks known as the Due Sorelle (Two Sisters) are an obligatory photo stop for visitors to Torre dell'Orso, but most don't know the harrowing legend that bestowed the name.
The story goes that one of two sisters became so mesmerised by the water that she leapt in, but quickly came into difficulty. Her sister tried to rescue her, but the current proved too strong for both of them.
The god of the sea, shocked and repentant at having taken the lives of two innocents, transformed the sisters into the twin rocks, giving them eternal life together
Sidenote / a recent trip to Scilla in Calabria has made us think that the almost every rock in southern Italy was once a girl or woman transformed by a Greek or Roman god.
Aside from the photo opportunities, particularly stunning at sunset, the Due Sorelle viewpoint is also a pleasant, scenic spot to walk along the coast, and you can join a coastal trail from it quite easily that will take you along the coast to several great swimming holes and sunbathing spots (more on those later).
Where / The Due Sorelle are in waters on the far side of Torre dell'Orso beach, and you can find the viewpoint here on Google Maps.
To reach the viewpoint, you have two options:
1. Walk from the beach. It's perfectly manageable, but just note that it's a bit of a steep walk up uneven ground.
2. Drive and park up at the large car park in the field behind the trees, which are very close to the panorama. Signposted from the main road, there are two or three car parks, and we just went to the final one called Parcheggio Belvedere (maps). It was €3 to park for the day (no hourly rates available), paid in cash to the friendly attendant. From there, it's a five-minute walk through a trail in the pine forest to the viewpoint - if unsure, the man will point you in the right direction .
Visit Grotta della Poesia & Roca Vecchia
Travel here just a few years ago, and it would have been difficult to distinguish this part of rocky shore and short cliffs from others you'd pass on the Adriatic Coast. In fact, unless you knew where to go or what was once here, it would have been easier to drive past.
And we speak from experience.
On our first visit to Puglia, we set out to discover this burgeoning attraction, back when there were no car parks, just a handful of apartments on the side of the road, no signage and no clear indication that this nature-made beauty spot existed at all.
Then, word got out, pictures went viral and, in lockstep with Puglia's rising popularity amongst non-Italian tourists, Grotta della Poesia - the ‘Cave of Poetry’ touted as one of the world's most beautiful swimming holes - became a must-visit spot in the southern Italian region.
However, such fame and footfall rang alarm bells for those who valued the site for a very different reason, and the pause offered by the pandemic saw a big change take place. As of 2019, one of the most Insta-famous locations in Puglia has become the region's newest and most prominent archaeological sites.
No longer are people allowed to arrive here in their hundreds to swim, entrance is now ticketed and strictly managed, and one can only admire the Grotta della Poesia from a distance.
From what we saw last summer, many people are still turning up totally unaware of this shift, which has actually been in the works for a very long time.
Back in 1983, the collapse of a sea cave roof triggered the curiosity of Professor Coismo Pagliara, enabling his discovery of walls covered with inscriptions and etchings from distinct and disparate civilisations. His findings, in an area that had already been subject to archaeological enquiry, kicked off further excavation works of the large complex now known as Roca Vecchia.
Situated in a strategic corridor of the Adriatic Sea, just 70km across the water from the shores of Illyria (parts of Albania, Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina today), the extensive evidence uncovered shows that Roca Vecchia would have been an important place of sanctuary, trade, and cultural exchange for those navigating the central Mediterranean and arriving from Greece. Inhabited from the Neolithic Age (at least two millennia BC) to the second century BC, it is regarded as one of the most important protohistoric locations in Italy.
Although University of Salento teams have undertaken methodical work here for over a quarter of a century since Pagliara's cave discovery, concern at the ever-increasing crowds each summer coming to swim and sunbathe in the Grotta della Poesia and elsewhere within the thirty-hectare saw decisive action taken in 2019: Roca Vecchia was gated, ticketed, and transformed into a protected archaeological site for continued digs, academic research, and visitors.
The intervention aims to preserve cultural heritage and deter further damage or loss from erosion and human touch. Visitors are instead encouraged to contemplate the 3,500 years of uninterrupted settlement here on a flat, beautiful rocky outcrop on the east coast of Puglia, mere steps from the sea.
The new entrance is a 15-minute walk / 3-minute drive north of Torre dell'Orso, and entry is €3 per person, purchased at the kiosk across from the dusty car park.
We’re shared all the details to help you decide whether to visit Grotta della Poesia and the newly created archaeological site in this dedicated post: A Short Guide To Visiting Grotta della Poesia & Roca Vecchia
Travel Tip // Although Grotta della Poesia may not give you what you were hoping for, there are still lots of secluded coves and rock spots along the coast where locals sunbathe and swim. There are also several coastal walking trails to enjoy.
If you’d like to join a tour a trekking tour that takes in Roca Vecchia, Grotta della Poesia alongside Torre dell’Orso and Le Due Sorelle, this one has excellent reviews.
Drinks At The Viewpoint
Torre dell'Orso is blessed with an excellent sweeping view of the beach from up high, and you absolutely must stop by - find it here on Google Maps, just in front of the popular Hotel Belvedere Salento.
The town also has a couple of excellent places to enjoy this view with an Aperol Spritz in hand on a summer's afternoon, with The Casaccia Parabirreria (maps) offering up a pretty cool atmosphere into the bargain. They also serve food and craft beers, but the prices reflect the privileged view of the ocean. It's open until 1am and, coupled with nearby hipster-ish Publito restaurant (maps), gave us the impression that Torre dell'Orso may be starting to establish itself as a youthful summer spot.
Via Filippo Turati is a good shout for food or snacks by the way, and you'll find a few places offering puccia (Salento-style sandwiches) and fried seafood.
Tip // Dentoni is a wildly popular pasticceria, and the busiest place in town. Its large building doesn't hint at it, and it's nothing too special on the inside, but Italians come here by the dozen for something sweet with a sea view, with its crepes, pasticciotto, and pastries particularly sought after. We only discovered this after having a bog-standard cappucino and cornetto for breakfast at a supermarket/cafe across the road on Via Lungomare Matteotti, and couldn't work up a sweet tooth again.
Find it here in Google Maps and please let us know in the comments if it's as good as everyone says!
We can also highly rate the focaccia and other savoury treats at nearby Nona Felice, located here.
Visit One Of Our Favourites Places in Puglia
If you're staying in Torre dell'Orso, or heading that way on a day trip, then we really should let you know about our secret happy place.
Just a 10-minute drive from the little beach town, Faraglioni di Sant'Andrea is a delight of chalk-white sea-stacks, deep blue water to dive into, and blissful sunbathing spots on smooth rocks.
It is perfection, and the place we were most excited about spending the afternoon again on our third trip to Puglia last summer.
We first visited this rock formation back in 2017. Back then, we pulled up on the side of a dusty road, and the only others we encountered were Italian tourists, bodies bronzed from a summer in the sun.
A regret we always carried with us from that trip was spending just an hour laying atop the smooth rocks of I Faraglioni di Sant’Andrea, a bathing spot so named for the sea stacks that shoot up from the aquamarine waters that lap the eastern coast. So, when we returned to Puglia last summer, it was one of the places to which we were most excited to return for a proper afternoon.
This beach (if we can be so bold as to call it that), has grown in popularity since that first trip to Puglia. The dusty road now has a ticketed carpark and the bodies belong to a more international cohort, but I Faraglioni (maps) remains as special as we remember.
The Details // You can find all the information you need to visit I Faraglioni di Sant’Andrea and spend the day here, as well as lots more inspiration for your trip, in The 16 Best Beaches in Puglia
Plan // A few other places we’ve visited on our trips, which are a bit more off-the-beaten-path and you may wish to include alongside your day trip in and around Torre dell’Orso are:
Acaya Castle | An idealised, modernised version of a fortified hamlet built in the 16th century, the unique castle in the countryside was planned to be impregnable and capable of sustaining itself through sieges, creating industry and growth, but also serving the needs and livelihoods of its rural population. Its prosperity was short-lived however, with its architect ending his days impoverished and imprisoned for debts in the dungeon of another castle of his own design in Lecce, and the village he owned suffering a rapid decline in importance and wealth. Visitors can access its interior rooms, rooftop and subterranean sections, and there are Italian, English, and French explanations scattered around. Entry is €5, but note that you have to plan ahead around the castle's quite specific opening days and hours, which alter according to the time of year. I Minuti Piaceri (maps) is an excellent pick for lunch by the way.
Borgo Rinascimentale di Roca Nuova | An abandoned medieval village that’s remarkably well-preserved despite the passing of several centuries, it’s just a 7-minute drive from Torre dell’Orso. This area is also blessed with the vineyard and olive-grove countryside for which Salento is famous for across Italy, so don’t be afraid to get lost down narrow side roads or switch off the GPS for a bit.
Cesine Natural Reserve | Owned by the WWF (not the Vince McMahon version), the Riserva Naturale Le Cesine is a superb spot for twitchers. A protected 348-hectare natural reserve, it’s a haven for birds, including flamingoes, and other native trees, flora, and wildlife. The reserve can be visited every day of the year in the company of an official guide, with reservation prior to arrival highly recommended.
Where To Stay in Torre dell'Orso
With its prime coastal location, ease of access, flat roads, and more modern set-up, Torre dell'Orso does have some advantages as a base for a few nights, and it's got good selection of affordable holiday lets and apartments.
However, there are a couple of factors to consider if considering Torre dell'Orso as you main base for five nights or longer:
1. You definitely need a rental car in order to get around and do day trips.
2. There are a few restaurants, but far fewer options in the evenings in comparison to places like Otranto and Lecce, so you may wish to have the option to self-cater some nights. The nearby town of San Foca (10-minutes drive away) does however have more options available!
Torre dell’Orso Hotels & Guesthouses
Hotel Belvedere Salento | The decor at this modern hotel verges a tad on the dull side, but it’s got a fantastic location on the cliff overlooking the beach and offers a rooftop pool! Find out more here.
Masseria Rauccio | Located just a couple of kilometres outside of Torre dell’Orso, this brand new property (opened May 2023) is simply spectacular. Once a traditional farmhouse, it’s undergone a fabulous renovation and now offers a variety of beautiful rooms in a contemporary Puglian style alongside landscaped gardens and a large pool. Guests speak highly of staff and breakfast also. Find out more here.
Borgo Sentinella, located nearby the above masseria is equally beautiful, and of a similar aesthetic. Alternatively, Terecate Experimental Relais, on the way to Roca Vecchia, offers a more modern take on an agroturismo, and also has excellent reviews from guests.
Camere Le Vie di Omero | Our top choice for those seeking an affordable accommodation near the beach in the summer months. No bells and whistles, but clean, comfortable and modernn rooms, each with a balcony. Find out more here.
Baia Dell'Orso and B&B Il Villino are two other great value accommodations in Torre dell’Orso, both with excellent reviews.
Airbnbs & Apartments
Villa Lina | A 1960s architectural beauty (designed and built by a local architect), this three bedroom house benefits from lots of space, a large outdoor area and a privileged view out over the sea, just 200m from the house. Find out more here.
Corallo | Light, bright and modern, this apartment is tastefully furnished throughout. It’s located on the ground floor and the private area outside has a table set-up and enough space to park a car if you so wish. Find out more here.
George’s House | This old-fashioned, two bedroom property isn’t going to win any design awards, but it’s great value, has excellent reviews and is close to the beach. Find out more here.
Other well-rated options include: Casa spiaggia Torre Orso, La Villetta, Studio Near the Sea and The Bleu House.
There are quite a large number of airbnbs in Torre dell’Orso that don’t provide wifi at their properties. We haven’t included any of these in this selection as we know it’s essential to most travellers, however if you do book an accommodation listed above, be sure to confirm the internet situation prior to booking if you know you’d like it.
An alternative option for those with a car who would prefer to be in more of a local's town, rather than a holiday one is Salento Ada's House in Melendugno. Though the town is quite quiet, it offers a few more options for eating out and general amenities. If you stay in Melendugno, you also receive discounted entries for Roca Vecchia and some other spots in Salento.
