The Ionian, Heart of Mediterranean Europe
In fact, on these beaches you can see some of the best preserved sanddunes in Italy. The sand-dunes, of up to 12 metres in height, are covered with a luxuriant Mediterranean vegetation of juniper, thyme, helycrisium and on the land behind the dunes, it is possible to find limonium virgatum and marine fennel. .
The Dunes of Campomarino: this stretch of the coast presents a particular geophysical feature which makes it an unusual biological land: with full exposure to the South. This is the only stretch of Italian beach perfectly looking Southwards, making it a receptive land of unusual biotypes that cannot be reproduced.
Torre Colimena, a seaside resort of the municipality of Manduria, marks the end of the Oriental coast of the Ionian Land or Province of Taranto. Torre Colimena is a real jewel from the naturalistic and environmental point of view. It is surrounded by Protected Natural Areas such as “La salina dei monaci” - salt beds - (belonging to the “Riserva Naturale Regionale Orientata del Litorale Tarantino” – Tarantine Coastal Regional natural reserve).