The free strip between Le Dune and Tabù is one of Porto Cesareo’s easiest and most popular beaches: fine sand, generally shallow sea and private services nearby. Peak-summer crowding is the trade-off, and the dunes behind the shore are protected habitat, not a shortcut.
The Dune–Tabù free strip has been checked, with updated parking, families, services, accessibility and dune-protection information.
This guide covers the public strip between Le Dune and Tabù.
Neighbouring services remain private.
Generally shallow, gently sloping water, popular with families.
Still check current sea conditions and depth.
Sand and gentle seabed help, but free space fills quickly in peak season.
Arrive early and supervise constantly.
The municipality explicitly refers to Le Dune car park in 2026 notices.
Tariffs and availability are seasonal.
Road access and openings between facilities make arrival easy.
Dunes are not a shortcut.
The municipality restored fences and signs against illegal access.
Do not walk on dune vegetation.
Bars, food and showers may be available at neighbouring clubs.
They are not included public-beach services.
The municipality has a PEBA, but we found no certification of a fully accessible route here.
Verify the usable access point.
Public beach with bars and music a short distance away.
Respect visitors seeking quiet.
This strip is very popular in August.
Early morning or late afternoon.
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Beach clubs and bathing establishments linked to this location.
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Add beach clubNearby: Torre Chianca, Scalo di Furno, Isola della Malva and Porto Cesareo town centre.
A sixteenth-century coastal tower beside pale sand, short rocky sections and generally shallow water. It is also the northern landmark of Baia Grande, the stretch of sea between Torre Chianca and Torre Lapillo known to kitesurfers: wind, bathing rules and sea conditions must be taken seriously here.
A free stretch of Porto Cesareo coastline where pale sand, small rocky sections and the local name “Primo Ponte” meet one of the resort’s most important archaeological sites. Since July 2026 Scalo di Furno has also been a key point in the new coastal and underwater archaeological park.
Isola dei Conigli is Porto Cesareo’s Isola Grande: a state nature reserve of about 9 hectares managed by the Carabinieri Biodiversity Unit in Martina Franca. Access is listed as free, but a small-boat transfer is the simplest option; wading or swimming across should not be treated as an always-harmless walk.
Torre Cesarea, also known as the Tower of Porto Cesareo, is the large square tower in Piazza Nazario Sauro. The municipality records completion in 1570 and reconstruction in 1622 after structural problems. It remains a major historic landmark.
Porto Cesareo Beach is a small urban beach in the town centre. Its main advantage is location: the sea is steps from bars, shops and services, but space is limited compared with the long beaches farther north.
Lu Culacchiu is a small free public beach on the southern approach to Porto Cesareo from Sant’Isidoro. It is mainly a neighbourhood beach used by people staying or living nearby.
Malva Rock is a small outcrop off Torre Chianca, distinct from the nearby Isola della Malva. The area has landscape and archaeological value and is subject to a specific navigation restriction.
Isola della Malva is a small islet off the Torre Chianca sector within Porto Cesareo’s protected marine landscape. It must be distinguished from the nearby Scoglio della Malva, which has its own navigation rules. The seabed off Torre Chianca also contains the site of five Greco-Roman columns, a separate underwater archaeological site.
A natural peninsula closing the southern side of Porto Cesareo bay: shallow sheltered water on one side and rocky open sea on the other. It is primarily a place to walk and observe, with conservation rules more important than a normal beach day.
L’Approdo is the Torre Chianca coastal sector beside the namesake sailing club and Lido Tabù. It should not be described as one entirely free public beach: public access, concessions and nautical activities coexist along this stretch.
Choose a service and view all available businesses and information on its dedicated page.
Return to Porto Cesareo or continue towards Torre Lapillo and Sant’Isidoro.
Practical answers for one of Porto Cesareo’s busiest free-beach stretches.
