Lido Marini

Sitting on an expanse of extensive coastline, the resort of Lido Marini provides an almost exotic and unspoiled feel. Considered one of the best beaches in the Salento, the crystalline water is calm and shallow with a soft sandy bottom, ideal for letting the kids play in the water without worry. The long wide beaches offer loads of space, and are backed by sand dunes and Mediterranean scrub with the vast olive estates beyond that. There are long expanses of uninterrupted beach that is completely undeveloped, rather than suffering unsightly kitschy over-building. If you prefer reefs, you'll find those along the coastline, as well. Lido Marini is between the more famous resort of Torre Vado and Torre Mozza.

What had once been part of a large feudal estate, the Salento is now a popular coastal destination for those seeking sun and surf in a relaxing setting. There are no bustling cities, just smaller inland towns that provide a glimpse of traditional Puglia with its fantastic food and great wines. The focus in this area is more on the sea and holiday fun.

On the shore there is a monument to the "heroes of the sea" - those who died while helping others in peril among the waves. In town you'll find some restaurants, bars, fish mongers, and grocers, though this is a town that is very seasonal and most things will be open only in the summer months. Inland towns provide a diversion and a look at rural life amongst the olive groves and vineyards of Puglia.