Torre Colimena and the Monks' Saltworks: the pink-flamingo nature oasis on the Ionian coast, between sea, dunes and the ancient saltworks. How to get there from Taranto.
History
Torre Colimena is the last seaside hamlet of the Tarantine coast before the border with Lecce's Salento, dominated by its namesake coastal watchtower. The stretch is famous for the nearby Monks' Saltworks (Salina dei Monaci), a nature oasis of extraordinary charm.
The saltworks take their name from the Benedictine monks who once extracted salt here. Today it is a protected area, one of the favourite stopover sites of the pink flamingos during their migrations, along with other waterbird species.
What to see
The landscape is a rare balance of sea, dunes and wetland: on one side the sandy beach facing the Ionian, on the other the mirror of the saltworks reflecting the sky and sheltering the wildlife. It is the ideal place for those seeking nature and birdwatching alongside the sea.
The beach, partly wild and barely equipped, keeps an unspoilt atmosphere. All around stretches the Eastern Tarantine Coast Nature Reserve, with marshes, holm-oak woods and the river Chidro.
Did you know…
- The Monks' Saltworks is one of the pink flamingos' stopover sites during migration.
- The name derives from the Benedictine monks who extracted salt here.
- It is the last Tarantine beach before the border with Lecce's Salento.
Practical information
| Hours | Beach and oasis accessible all year. Shuttle services may run in summer. |
|---|---|
| Ticket | Free access. The beach is largely free and barely equipped. |
| Accessibility | A partly wild area with paths; best to bring water and essentials, as facilities are few. |
| Getting there | From Taranto: about 50 km along the coast towards the south-east. In summer, shuttles to the Monks' Saltworks may be available. |
Tips for your visit
- Bring binoculars: the saltworks is an excellent spot for flamingo birdwatching.
- Being barely equipped, bring water, an umbrella and everything you need.
- Visit at dawn or sunset, when the light on the saltworks is at its most evocative.
- Respect the oasis: it is a protected area of great natural value.