Excursion to Lecce with Children: Exploration of the Aquarium and Beach in Santa Maria al Bagno
Discover the enchanting village of Santa Maria al Bagno, a hidden gem on the Ionian coast, just a short journey from Lecce.
Upon arrival, the Acquario del Salento (1) greets visitors as a recommended destination for marine education and conservation. This small aquarium houses seventeen tanks showcasing various marine life, including mollusks, coral, and sea stars. The Acquario del Salento's mission supports the future of Salento's natural heritage by protecting its fragile marine ecosystems, and it offers interactive panels and knowledgeable guides to enhance the visitor's experience and learning about marine ecosystems.
After exploring the aquarium, take a leisurely stroll along the beach, a small, sandy crescent with low reefs and gentle, translucent waves. Snorkeling around the rocky edges reveals schools of tiny fish and the occasional octopus.
As the day continues, families can enjoy the village atmosphere with local children diving from rocks, old fishermen mending nets, and families enjoying gelato along the promenade. The Museo dei Bambini (8) is an inviting space designed to spark creativity and curiosity in young visitors, with exhibits encouraging climbing, building, imagining, and experimenting. The museum offers a shaded courtyard for parents to enjoy a quiet espresso while children continue their day's spirit of wonder.
In the afternoon, it's time to gather the family and head back towards Lecce. Children often fall asleep in the backseat after the day's activities, leaving parents to reflect on the day's adventures.
For dinner, Ristorante La Pergola (5) is a local institution offering a shaded terrace and panoramic sea views, with a menu celebrating fresh seafood, hand-made pastas, and seasonal produce. A meal at Ristorante La Pergola can be paired with a crisp Verdeca or a chilled rosé from nearby Salice Salentino.
The journey to Santa Maria al Bagno involves a scenic drive through olive groves, ancient stone walls, and sleepy villages, making the return trip just as enjoyable as the day's adventures.
For those seeking more coastal exploration, the Ionian coast offers several other day trip destinations. Santa Maria di Leuca (10), located at the southern tip of the Salento peninsula, is renowned for its sea caves, such as Grotta del Drago, Grotta dei Giganti, and Grotta delle Tre Porte. Boat tours from Santa Maria di Leuca offer swim stops in crystal-clear waters and sightseeing of landmarks like Punta Ristola and the lighthouse of Santa Maria di Leuca.
Punta Meliso (11), a coastal area near Santa Maria di Leuca, is known for beautiful caves and panoramic sea views. Excursions here highlight the meeting point of the Adriatic and Ionian seas and include opportunities for snorkeling and enjoying local refreshments on board.
Gallipoli (12), a historic and scenic town on the Ionian coast, is popular for its beaches, old town charm, and sunset views. It can be reached from Lecce as part of tours covering multiple coastal towns.
Otranto (13), another coastal town east of Lecce, is known for its seaside waterfront, historic sites, and beaches, often included in day trip itineraries along with Gallipoli and Leuca.
Lastly, Santa Cesarea Terme (14), accessible by boat from nearby Castro, is famed for its thermal baths and seaside beauty, offering the chance for a relaxing coastal excursion.
These destinations are well connected to Lecce and featured in various tours and transfers, making them convenient for day trips while enjoying the Ionian coast’s natural beauty, sea caves, beaches, and cultural sites.
As the sun sets over Lecce, the city transforms into a magical place with golden streetlights, intricate baroque facades, and a hum of evening life in Piazza Sant'Oronzo and Piazza Duomo. A day spent between the sea and the city in Salento is more than a vacation; it's a reminder of what matters most, including nature, food, family, and discovery.
[1] Boat Tours in Santa Maria di Leuca
[2] Punta Meliso Excursions
[3] Gallipoli Day Trips
[4] Otranto and Leuca Day Trips
- After visiting the charming Santa Maria al Bagno, consider boat tours around Santa Maria di Leuca (1), exploring sea caves like Grotta del Drago, Grotta dei Giganti, and Grotta delle Tre Porte.
- The return journey from Santa Maria al Bagno to Lecce offers scenic views of olive groves, ancient stone walls, and sleepy villages, making the drive as enjoyable as the destination itself.
- For families with children, the Museo dei Bambini (8) in Santa Maria al Bagno is an ideal stop, catering to the imagination and curiosity of young visitors with interactive exhibits.
- In the evening, savor traditional food-and-drink at Ristorante La Pergola (5) in Lecce, which offers a shaded terrace, panoramic sea views, and a menu highlighting fresh seafood, hand-made pastas, and seasonal produce.
- As the day progresses in Santa Maria al Bagno, watch the village dynamics unfold with local children diving from rocks, old fishermen mending nets, and families enjoying gelato along the promenade.
- To experience more of the Ionian coast, embark on day trips to nearby destinations such as Gallipoli (12), Otranto (13), and Santa Cesarea Terme (14), each offering unique coastal experiences, thermal baths, and historic sites.
