Sea Festival

A festival dedicated to the Ionian Salento sea

The Sea Festival is the summer event that the Municipality of Nardò, in the province of Lecce, dedicates to its coastline. Promoted by the Onda Viva ASD association with the patronage of the Municipality, the day was created to enhance the environmental, historical, and cultural heritage of the Nardò coast, a stretch of Puglia overlooking the Ionian Sea, famous for its crystal-clear waters and ancient coastal towers. The event is part of the initiatives linked to the Blue Flag recognition awarded to Nardò, a prestigious banner that rewards the quality of bathing waters and the care of the territory.

Torre Squillace, the heart of the event

The most recent edition chose the evocative Torre Squillace as its setting, one of the 16th-century watchtowers that dot the coast between Sant'Isidoro and Santa Caterina. For the occasion, the tower is exceptionally opened to the public, transforming into a true seaside village hosting exhibitions, workshops, and shows. The unique setting, between cliffs and sunset, gives the festival an atmosphere that combines nature, historical memory, and conviviality.

Sport, science, art, and music

The program is designed to involve citizens, families, children, and visitors. Activities range from stand-up paddle demonstrations to educational and environmental workshops curated with Archeoclub Terra d'Arneo and Legambiente Neretum, dedicated to recycling and the protection of marine ecosystems. There is no shortage of scientific outreach, with conferences on marine biodiversity and sustainability, and historical insights into the Salento coastal tower system. The day is enriched by underwater photography exhibitions, dance performances on the cliffs, and acoustic concerts at sunset.

A commitment to the Nardò coast

Beyond its festive dimension, the Sea Festival carries a clear ecological message. Symbolic initiatives like the Basket of Promises to the Sea invite the public to make a concrete commitment to protecting the coastal environment. The event has long enjoyed the support of numerous institutional partners, including the Puglia Region, the University of Salento, the Porto Cesareo Marine Protected Area, and the Nardò Sports Council.

A free-admission event

The Sea Festival is a free event open to everyone, designed to help people experience the sea in a conscious and participatory way. Strolling among the stalls, trying out a paddleboard, listening to experts, and waiting for the sunset on the cliffs of Nardò is the best way to discover the Ionian soul of Salento and the richness of the Apulian coast.