Torre Suda

Named for the watch tower that once helped protect the coast from invaders, it is now "invaded" by sun seekers drawn to the wild shoreline and clean waters!. Torre Suda is south of Gallipoli, and is also known as Spiaggia di Racale (Racale Beach) and Alliste Beach. It is a frazione of Racale and tied to that town administratively and historically. Facing the Ionian Sea, it has a pretty seaside chapel dedicated to the Madonna, Maria Stella del Mare, seen as the protectress of the seafarers. The cylindrical tower that gives the hamlet its name still stands here in place since the 1500s.

There isn't much "town" to Torre Suda, but there are services here, nonetheless: groceries, cafes, gelaterias, pizzerias, restaurants, beach supplies, and more. And of course, Racale offers more range of services and is only a few minutes away.

Here, the shore is made primarily of low rocky coastline but is interpersed with coves and little beaches. Bring your water shoes to make it easier to get into and out of the water! Next to the Torre Suda is the beach called Solatio Costa Ionica, which offers a nice restaurant, a bar and umbrellas to rent for the day. They have a more "luxury" option of padded sun beds covered by a canopy, like a cabana, too.

Just to the south you can go along Via Borromeo and find plenty of places that are free and open and easily accessible on the low rocks, and another beach provider with restaurant. But most of this stretch is left in its natural state and open for free use, just be careful on the rocks!