Top 18 Lakes in Lecce
Best lakes in Lecce province offer a diverse range of water bodies, including coastal lagoons, former quarry lakes, and marine areas with lake-like characteristics. The region provides various opportunities for exploring natural beauty and engaging in outdoor activities. These locations are notable for their ecological importance and unique geological formations.
Best lakes in Lecce
- The most popular lakes is Bauxite Lake (Cava di Bauxite), a lake formed in a former bauxite quarry. This lake is known for its vibrant colors, ranging from red to emerald green, created by bauxite residue and mineral-rich water.
- Another must-see spot is Torre Sant'Andrea Rock Formations, a natural monument featuring rock formations and a calm, protected sea area. The area is appreciated for its natural beauty and offers a unique coastal experience.
- Visitors also love Le Cesine Nature Reserve, a natural monument and nature reserve covering over 350 hectares of marshes and wetlands. It serves as an important habitat for migratory water birds and rare plant species.
- Lecce is known for its coastal lagoons, quarry lakes, and natural marine pools. The province offers a variety of water bodies to explore, from brackish lagoons to freshwater springs and sheltered sea coves.
- The lakes in Lecce are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 350 upvotes and over 180 photos shared across various highlights.
Last updated: May 15, 2026
Bauxite Lake, Otranto
Highlight • Lake
All this creates a suggestive environment immersed in the typical Mediterranean scrub with shades ranging from emerald green to intense red. Today the area, completely re-naturalized, hosts luxuriant pine forests and paths and is used for agricultural-pastoral activities as well as a destination for walking and outdoor activities.
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Le Cesine Nature Reserve
Highlight • Natural Monument
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Mouth of the Alimini Lakes
Highlight • Lake
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Palude del Capitano
Highlight • Natural
Without a doubt one of the most evocative places in Salento, the so-called Palude del Capitano located in the area of the Porto Selvaggio Regional Natural Park (in S. Isidoro di Nardò), offers visitors an enchanting scenery.
Inside, lush vegetation with various plants now rare as well as evidence of prehistoric man.
In recent years, following archaeological excavations, the remains of a Roman villa have been brought to light and an ancient ointment filled with silver coins was also found.
In this site of Community interest there are several bodies of fresh water (due to the karst phenomenon of the collapse sinkholes, called spundulate in the local dialect) that gushes from the cold springs from the rock and mixes with the salty waters coming from small underground channels that from the nearby sea they join up to the swamp.
solosalento.it/palude-del-capitano
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Bauxite Lake (Cava di Bauxite)
Highlight • Lake
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Panoramic viewpoint overlooking Alimini Grande
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Le Cesine Nature Reserve
Highlight • Natural
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Lido Marini Basin, Regional Coastal Natural Park of Ugento
Highlight • Lake
The cycling links created are beautiful and very wide and safe.
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Acquaviva Cove
Highlight • Beach
The scenery you admire is almost wild.
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Torre Sant'Andrea Rock Formations
Highlight • Natural Monument
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Popular around Lecce
Discovering Puglia by bike – essential rides
Caposele to Santa Maria di Leuca – Apulian Aqueduct Cycle Route
Trieste to Santa Maria di Leuca – the Adriatic Cycle Route
Triangle of Wonders – Salento Ring from Gallipoli
Cycle through the painted blue – a journey of discovery in Puglia
From the boot’s toe to the heel – the most beautiful cycling Tours in Italy
Sea, culture, taste and nature — Italy’s Puglia by bike
Italy’s Puglia from Bari to Santa Maria di Leuca — all the way south
Hiking in Lecce
Cycling in Lecce
Other adventures in Lecce
Tips from the Community
If you'd like to reach the viewpoint by bike, I recommend taking the path that runs parallel to the lake. The path perpendicular to the lake is not suitable for road bikes or regular bicycles.
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Romantic, rocky bay. Two bars, sometimes with loud music, parking.
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Red Martian soil painted by the setting sun
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One of the most representative Spunnulate of the marsh. Example of how the water emerging from the subsoil indicates the presence of abundant fresh water in the Salento subsoil but also the difficulty of accessing it. Destination of migratory avifauna. Wonderful. It is a protected place and (for obvious reasons) bathing is absolutely prohibited.
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We are in the Le Cesine Nature Reserve
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Difficult to drive partly due to the soft sand.
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The Le Cesine Nature Reserve and WWF Oasis is the last stretch of coastal marshes that once characterized the Salento coast.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of water bodies can I explore in Lecce province?
Lecce province offers a diverse range of water bodies, including coastal lagoons like the Mouth of the Alimini Lakes, unique former quarry lakes such as Bauxite Lake (Cava di Bauxite), and stunning marine areas that provide a lake-like experience due to their calm, clear waters, such as Grotta della Poesia and the 'Maldives of Salento' at Pescoluse.
Which lake in Lecce is known for its unique colors?
The Bauxite Lake (Cava di Bauxite) near Otranto is famous for its vibrant colors. The water, rich in bauxite and minerals, contrasts dramatically with the intense red of the surrounding land, creating a palette ranging from red to emerald green.
Are there any significant natural reserves around Lecce's lakes?
Yes, the Le Cesine Nature Reserve is a protected WWF oasis covering over 350 hectares of marshes and wetlands, providing a crucial habitat for migratory water birds and rare plant species. Another notable area is the Palude del Capitano within Porto Selvaggio Regional Natural Park, known for its lush vegetation and unique ecosystem.
What outdoor activities are available near Lecce's lakes?
You can enjoy various outdoor activities. For cycling, there are routes like the 'Lecce - Adriatic Coast Loop via Alimini Lakes' for road cycling, or gravel biking routes such as 'Mouth of the Alimini Lakes – Baia dei Turchi (Turks' Bay), Otranto loop'. Mountain biking trails are also available, including a loop from Otranto towards Torre dell'Orso and the Bauxite quarries. You can find more details on these routes in the Gravel biking in Lecce, Road Cycling Routes in Lecce, and MTB Trails in Lecce guides.
Can I go swimming in the lakes or lake-like areas in Lecce?
Absolutely. While traditional deep lakes are few, the region offers excellent swimming opportunities. The Alimini Lakes area features Alimini Beach with shallow, calm waters ideal for families. Coastal natural pools like Grotta della Poesia and Piscina Naturale Di Marina Serra offer unique sea swimming experiences. Additionally, areas like Porto Cesareo and Pescoluse (the 'Maldives of Salento') are renowned for their exceptionally clear, shallow, and calm turquoise waters, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Are there family-friendly lakes or lake-like areas in Lecce?
Yes, several spots are great for families. The Alimini Lakes, particularly Alimini Beach, are known for their shallow and calm waters. Le Cesine Nature Reserve is also considered family-friendly, offering opportunities to observe nature. Coastal areas like Porto Cesareo and Pescoluse are highly recommended for families due to their pristine sandy beaches and tranquil, shallow waters.
What is the best time to visit the Alimini Lakes?
The Alimini Lakes are beautiful year-round, but for swimming and beach activities, the warmer months from late spring to early autumn (May to September) are ideal. For birdwatching and enjoying the unique flora, spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and active wildlife. The area is also less crowded during these shoulder seasons.
Are there good spots for birdwatching near Lecce's lakes?
Yes, the Alimini Lakes area, especially around the Mouth of the Alimini Lakes, is a significant naturalistic site providing shelter to various species of migratory birds. The Le Cesine Nature Reserve is also an important habitat for migratory water birds and other wildlife, making it an excellent spot for birdwatching.
Can I find places to eat or stay near the Alimini Lakes?
Yes, the area around the Alimini Lakes and nearby Otranto offers various options for restaurants, cafes, and accommodation. You'll find lidos with dining facilities directly on Alimini Beach, as well as numerous establishments in the charming town of Otranto, which is a short drive away.
What makes the Palude del Capitano area special?
The Palude del Capitano, located within the Porto Selvaggio Regional Natural Park, is a captivating natural landscape known for its lush vegetation, including rare plant species, and evidence of prehistoric human presence. It offers a tranquil and pristine environment, perfect for those seeking peace and a unique ecosystem to explore.
Are there any hidden gems among Lecce's water bodies?
Beyond the well-known spots, the province holds several hidden gems. The Palude del Capitano offers a serene escape into a unique marshland ecosystem. While not a lake, the Acquaviva Cove is a beautiful, sheltered sea inlet that provides a tranquil, lake-like swimming experience away from larger crowds.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes and water areas in Lecce?
Visitors frequently praise the stunning natural beauty, the vibrant colors of Bauxite Lake, and the clear, calm waters perfect for swimming and relaxation. The ecological importance of areas like the Alimini Lakes and Le Cesine Nature Reserve for birdwatching and nature walks is also highly appreciated. Many enjoy the unique coastal formations and the serene atmosphere.
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