Nardo​

Latest page update: 20 May 2025
By: Dion Protani

  Where to Stay

Where to Stay in Nardò
Nardò itself has only a modest number of established hotels, with much of the accommodation in the town made up of B&Bs and private residences. For hotel-standard stays, the surrounding coastal area provides stronger and more reliable options.
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Near Santa Maria al Bagno, Grand Hotel Riviera offers seafront accommodation with a pool, terraces and consistently strong guest feedback (€€€). In nearby Porto Cesareo, Le Dune Suite Hotel provides modern facilities with a spa, pool and private beach access, highly rated for comfort and service (€€€). Also in Porto Cesareo, Hotel Blu is a central option with comfortable rooms, a restaurant and positive reviews for convenience and value (€€).

Where is

Where is Nardò?
The town of Nardò is situated with the Salento region of Puglia in the Province of Lecce. It has a population of around 31,000 inhabitants and lies 25 kilometres south west of Lecce itself.

​Places of interest nearby include Santa Maria al Bagno, Santa Caterina and Porto Selvaggio. The recommended accommodation for Nardò​ is the Relais Il Mignano​.
Comune di Nardò
Province: Lecce

Region: Puglia

​Population: 30,761 (in 2024 - source)

​Size: 190 km²

Elevation: 45 metres

​Close by: Santa Maria al Bagno, Santa Caterina, Porto Selvaggio

Recommended accommodation: Relais Il Mignano

What People Ask About Nardò, Puglia

Is Nardò worth visiting?
Yes, Nardò is worth visiting for its elegant baroque centre, historic churches, and lively piazzas. It is one of the largest towns in Salento and offers both cultural heritage and proximity to the Ionian coast.
How do I get to Nardò?
Nardò is located about 25 km southwest of Lecce. It can be reached by car along the SS101 road or by regional train services from Lecce. The nearest airport is Brindisi, about 75 km away.
What are the main attractions in Nardò?
Key attractions include Piazza Salandra, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, and the baroque Church of San Domenico. The town is also a gateway to Porto Selvaggio Natural Park on the Ionian coast.
When is the best time to visit Nardò?
The best time to visit is from spring to early autumn, when the weather is ideal for both sightseeing and visiting the nearby coast. Summer brings festivals and open-air events to the town.
How long should I stay in Nardò?
One to two days is enough to explore Nardò’s historic centre and nearby coastline. Longer stays allow for day trips to Gallipoli, Lecce, or Porto Cesareo.
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Discover

Discover Nardò
Nardò is one of the principal towns in the province of Lecce, situated in the western part of the Salento Peninsula. Set a few kilometres inland from the Ionian coast, it is surrounded by olive groves, vineyards, and farmland that reflect its agricultural strength. The town’s historic centre is among the most elegant in southern Apulia, with baroque palaces, wide piazzas, and narrow lanes that reveal its long artistic and noble heritage.
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The focal point of the old town is Piazza Salandra, lined with ornate buildings and the Guglia dell’Immacolata, one of Salento’s most recognisable monuments. Nearby stand the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and the Church of San Domenico, both rich in decorative detail. Nardò is also close to the protected coastal area of Porto Selvaggio, known for its pine forests and rocky coves. Its location near Gallipoli, Copertino, and Leverano makes it a key cultural and historical centre in western Salento.

Things to Do

Things to Do in Nardò
  • Centro Storico di Nardò unfolds across the Salento plain, its streets winding among baroque façades, noble palaces, and narrow alleys paved in honey-coloured limestone. The town radiates artistic splendour, with sculpted balconies and glimpses of ornate courtyards hidden behind tall gates. Small piazzas reveal fountains, chapels, and artisan workshops. Walking here offers a journey into a place where art and daily life exist side by side.
  • Piazza Salandra serves as the dazzling heart of Nardò, a baroque jewel surrounded by palaces, elegant arcades, and intricately carved façades. At its centre rises the Guglia dell’Immacolata, soaring skyward with delicate statues and floral motifs. The square hosts lively gatherings, festivals, and gentle evening strolls. It remains one of the most beautiful urban spaces in southern Italy.
  • Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta stands majestically near the town centre, blending Romanesque origins with later baroque refinements. Inside are gilded altars, fine paintings, and precious relics. The cathedral has long shaped Nardò’s religious and cultural life. It remains a cherished emblem of faith and artistic devotion.
  • Teatro Comunale graces the town with cultural elegance, its 19th-century interior adorned with plush red velvet and painted ceilings. It hosts operas, plays, and concerts, continuing a tradition of artistic life. The theatre’s façade blends seamlessly into Nardò’s baroque cityscape. It stands as a symbol of civic pride and cultural vitality.
  • Guided historical and culinary tours in Nardò lead visitors through baroque streets, noble palaces, and local bakeries known for Salento delicacies. Local guides share tales of noble families, architectural secrets, and regional folklore. Tours often include tastings of pasticciotti, olive oil, and Salento wines. Exploring reveals Nardò’s blend of grandeur, vibrant culture, and authentic regional spirit.

Tours and Activities

Nardò Tours and Activities

Photo Gallery

Puglia Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Puglia

1. ​Lecce
2. Alberobello
3. Otranto
4. ​Gallipoli
5. Polignano a Mare
6. Monopoli
7. ​Vieste 
8. ​Trani
9. Giovinazzo
10. Castel del Monte

​👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Puglia

How to Get to [Place Name]

How to Get to Nardò
By Rail: Nardò has its own train station on the Ferrovie del Sud Est (FSE) network, which connects the town to Lecce, Gallipoli, and other destinations in southern Puglia. Trains are slower than national services but operate regularly, and the station is around 1 kilometre from the town centre.

By Road: Nardò is situated about 25 kilometres southwest of Lecce and 15 kilometres north of Gallipoli. It can be reached via the SS101 and SP359 roads. Driving from Lecce takes approximately 30 minutes. Free and paid parking is available close to the historic centre.

Nearest International Airports:
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  • Brindisi – Salento Airport: Approximately 75 kilometres from Nardò, with a journey time of just over an hour by car. The airport has domestic flights and seasonal connections to major European cities.
  • Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport: Around 185 kilometres away, reachable in just over 2 hours. Bari handles a wide range of international and low-cost carriers year-round.

Private Transfers

Nardò Private Transfers
A private transfer offers a comfortable and straightforward way to travel to or from Nardò, providing a direct connection to your chosen destination without the need to drive or rely on public transport. You’ll be collected from your selected location and taken directly to your destination by a professional local driver.

Both Brindisi Airport and Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport are accessible by road, making private transfers a convenient choice for arrivals and departures. Transfers can also be arranged to nearby destinations such as Lecce, Gallipoli, and Porto Cesareo, or to other towns and resorts across the Salento area.

To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.

    Private  Transfer  Request

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