Marina Serra is what happens when nature designs a pool and forgets to invite the architects. The result? A stunning, weirdly perfect stone cove filled with water so clear it makes Evian look like swamp juice. There’s no sand, just rocks. Glorious, sun-baked, oddly shaped rocks. Some are flat enough to lie on. Others will challenge your spine’s will to live. It’s less “luxury resort” and more “spa day for reptiles,” and honestly, that’s the vibe. Now, let’s talk people. Yes, there are others here. A mix of locals, clued-in travelers, and the occasional brave soul in speedos who clearly peaked in the 80s. But unlike those packed tourist beaches where you have to wrestle a stranger for towel space, Marina Serra gives you just enough human presence to feel safe, without anyone blocking your view of the sea with a Bluetooth speaker and a novelty inflatable unicorn. The water? Cold. Clear. Perfect. You’ll enter slowly and with dramatic gasping, but once you’re in, you’ll feel like Neptune on a wellness retreat. Schools of tiny fish swim by like you're part of an underwater episode of MasterChef: Crustacean Edition. And yes, some people do leap from the rocks into the pool with zero hesitation. Don’t feel bad if you take 12 minutes and need a countdown. Facilities? Ha! This is nature’s lounge. Bring what you need, leave no trace, and accept that your coffee will be slightly sandy and made from a thermos. That’s the price of paradise. Final verdict: Marina Serra is gorgeous, peaceful-ish, and just rough enough around the edges to make you feel adventurous without actually requiring any skill or survival instinct. Five stars. One bruised shin. Zero regrets.

I much preferred the "natural swimming pool" on the west side. The more enclosed one seemed more for families with little kids. I also saw some of the hottest Italian men at the western side, so that's a bonus.

Fabulous trip so happy we chose kayaks over boats , the kayaks can go right into caves for best overall experience.

Really beautiful carved out swimming hole with great snorkeling. Lots of fish! Nice locals.

Wonderful location in the cliff of Marina Serra. Natural swimming pool with shallow water and easy access via ramps and ladders with open sea outlet. There is a little bar with toilets and showers, a few flat spaces for storing towels and umbrellas, also very busy during the week, not just on weekends. Must to be on early morning to find carpark and to have a umbrellas kids loves it better to have a properly water shoes for rocks

Nice rocky “swimming pool” with enough spots that provide shade. Access to the sea through the cave. Free parking close by.

Spectacular, the Water is beautiful and clear . Just amazing

Amazing huge tree. There are plenty of legends regarding this tree. One, and the most believed from the people living in this area, is that it helped 100 soldiers to save their lives. All of them were hidden between its branches when the ottoman empire arrived to conquer the area. They survived and told the story to posterity but, since it was never proved, now it is said to be a legend. This place and this tree can easily fascinate people. Many spouses decide to make the pictures there between those historical branches. If this tree can talk, we would have a detailed story of more than 800 years! Amazing.

Although fenced, this endemic tree is magic. It stands on a lovely place that unfolds all its miracle mainly on hot days during summer.

The area of these trees has shrunk to a patch of land, sitting between two lanes of the same road. That is a pity

Oldest tree in europe

Good

(Translated by Google) The "Oak of the 100 Knights" refers to a specific and monumental Vallonea Oak (Quercus ithaburensis subsp. macrolepis) It is one of the oldest trees in Italy and a true natural monument. * Name and Legend: Its name comes from a popular legend. It is said that Frederick II of Swabia, together with one hundred knights and his court, found shelter under its vast crown during a sudden storm, while returning from the Crusades. This legend, although anachronistic, underlines the impressive size and historical significance of the tree. * Age and Dimensions: This majestic tree is estimated to be around 900 years old, making it one of the oldest trees in Italy. It stands about 20 meters high, with a trunk circumference of about 4.5 meters, and its imposing crown covers an area of ​​about 700 square meters. * Historical and Cultural Significance: In addition to the legend, the tree has historical value. In the past, the tannins extracted from its acorns were used for tanning leather, a significant economic activity in the area. Today it is a symbol of Salento's natural heritage and a popular destination for visitors who want to connect with ancient nature and local folklore. (Original) La "Quercia dei 100 cavalieri" si riferisce a una specifica e monumentale Quercia Vallonea (Quercus ithaburensis subsp. macrolepis) È uno degli alberi più antichi d'Italia e un vero e proprio monumento naturale. * Nome e Leggenda: Il suo nome deriva da una leggenda popolare. Si narra che Federico II di Svevia, insieme a cento cavalieri e alla sua corte, abbia trovato riparo sotto la sua vasta chioma durante un improvviso temporale, mentre tornava dalle Crociate. Questa leggenda, sebbene anacronistica, sottolinea l'impressionante dimensione e il significato storico dell'albero. * Età e Dimensioni: Questo maestoso albero è stimato avere circa 900 anni, il che lo rende uno degli alberi più antichi d'Italia. Si erge per circa 20 metri di altezza, con una circonferenza del tronco di circa 4,5 metri, e la sua imponente chioma copre un'area di circa 700 metri quadrati. * Significato Storico e Culturale: Oltre alla leggenda, l'albero ha un valore storico. In passato, i tannini estratti dalle sue ghiande erano utilizzati per la concia delle pelli, un'attività economica significativa nella zona. Oggi è un simbolo del patrimonio naturale del Salento e una meta popolare per i visitatori che desiderano connettersi con la natura antica e il folklore locale.

(Translated by Google) It's a shame to find such a beautiful "monument" fenced off in the middle of a road, without any description or sign indicating it or describing its history... it's a tree, an oak that is more than 900 years old, if you know what I mean. (Original) Peccato trovare un "monumento" così bello recintato nel bel mezzo di una strada, senza nessuna descrizione o un cartello che lo indichi o ne descriva la storia...... è un albero, una quercia che ha più di 900 anni, non so se mi spiego

(Translated by Google) Beautiful building in the countryside with 5 altars which is currently deconsecrated and disused. I hope it can be preserved in some way. For now, some events are being organized in the designated area in front. The rest inside can only be seen through the small holes in the door windows. (Original) Bellissima costruzione in campagna con 5 altari ad oggi sconsacrata e in disuso. Spero si possa preservare in qualche modo. Per ora nel posto adibito antistante si organizza qualche evento. Il resto all'interno si può vedere solo attraverso i piccoli fori delle finestrelle delle porte.

(Translated by Google) The Church of the Madonna of Constantinople or better known locally as the Church of the Devils, thanks to an ancient reputation which mentions the fact that the devil told the citizens of Tricase to build the church in one night otherwise he would send them to the underworld... Furthermore it is said that the missing bell of the attached bell tower, again due to another ancient legend, was dismantled and transported to the bottom of the Rio Canal and sometimes you can hear it being retouched when there are currents or the sea moved...Currently home to local socio-cultural events in the area in front and which in recent times thanks to conservative renovation interventions can be admired in the state in which it is presented. (Original) La Chiesa della Madonna di Costantinopoli o meglio conosciuta in loco come Chiesa dei Diavoli, grazie ad un'antica nomea che menziona il fatto che il diavolo disse ai cittadini di Tricase di costruire la chiesa in una notte altrimenti gli avrebbe mandati negli inferi... Inoltre si dice che la campana mancante del campanile annesso, sempre per un:altra anrtica leggenda, è stata smontata e trasportata sul fondale del Canale del Rio e a volte la si sente ritoccare quando ci stanno delle correnti o con il mare mosso...Attualmente sede di eventi socio-culturali locali nella zona antistante e che in tempi recenti grazie ad interventi di ristrutturazione conservativa la si può ammirare nello stato in cui si presenta.

(Translated by Google) A wonderful little ancient church protagonist of a dark legend. The place is outside the city in a quiet corner of the truly suggestive countryside. Must visit! (Original) Una meravigliosa chiesetta antica protagonista di una fosca leggenda. Il luogo è fuori città in un angolo tranquillo della campagna davvero suggestivo. Da visitare!

(Translated by Google) Its history is very interesting, it's a shame it's closed and impossible to visit, you can glimpse something through small grates in the entrance door... (Original) Molto interessante la sua storia, peccato sia chiusa ed impossibile visitarla, si sbircia qualcosa da piccole grate nella porta di ingresso...

(Translated by Google) We saw it from the outside because we were there for the "Celeste Castrignano" walking festival, for the concert by Antonio and Eliseo Castrignanò, "Voice and Piano," held on the lawn in front of the Church of the Devils in Tricase. Both the church and, of course, the concert were breathtaking. (Original) L'abbiamo vista dall'esterno in quanto eravamo li in occasione del Festival del cammino "Celeste Castrignano" per il concerto di Antonio e Eliseo Castrignanò, "Voce e Piano", tenuto appunto sul prato davanti la Chiesa dei Diavoli a Tricase. Entusiasmante sia la chiesa che ovviamente il concerto.

(Translated by Google) The church has been deconsecrated for years. Its octagonal shape makes it unique in Salento. It is currently closed to the public. (Original) La chiesa è sconsacrata da anni. La sua forma ottagonale la rende unica nel Salento. Attualmente è chiusa al pubblico.

(Translated by Google) A place of absolute peace between the town and the splendid marinas. For those who love walking it is a must see. Too bad it's closed. From the door you can see the interior. (Original) Un luogo di pace assoluta tra il paese e le splendide marine. Per chi ama camminare è da vedere. Peccato che sia chiusa. Dalla porta si scorge l'interno.

(Translated by Google) Only two stars because it couldn't be visited as we were doing the square in front (Original) Solo due stelle perché non era visitabile in quanto stavamo facendo la piazza antistante

(Translated by Google) The facade of the walls is very beautiful....but it is the only thing you can see. It cannot be visited because it is private (at least I think since there is only a faded billboard on site), nor can it be seen from the other sides. It is certainly a beautiful structure with unparalleled historical charm....but going a long way to see a closed door and photograph the cars parked in front of what little you can see is not worth the time wasted to reach it. (Original) La facciata delle mura è molto bella....ma è l'unica cosa che si puó vedere. Non è visitabile perché è privato (almeno credo visto che in loco c'è solo un cartellone sbiadito), ne si può vederlo sugli altri lati. È sicuramente una bella struttura dal fascino storico ineguagliabile....ma fare tanta strada per vedere un portone chiuso e fotografare le auto parcheggiate davanti a quel poco che si può vedere, non vale il tempo che si spreca per raggiungerlo.

(Translated by Google) It's wonderful to look at it illuminated in the evening. It is located in a very quiet square and there is a lovely church in front. (Original) Una meraviglia guardarlo di sera illuminato. Si trova in una piazza molto tranquilla e c'è una graziosa chiesa di fronte.

(Translated by Google) Beautiful castle from 1480 from the Aragonese era (Original) Bel castello del 1480 epoca aragonese

(Translated by Google) Massive structure, located in the square where time has stopped, Caprarica del Capo, a hamlet of Tricase, Castle from the 1500s on its walls you can see history and time passing, quadrangular structure with four towers at the corners, built to defend the Turkish invasions in the period in which Otranto was occupied and its inhabitants massacred, on the front there was only a door, no other embellishments, it cannot be visited, there are no opening hours, it is almost always closed to the public. It should be valued. (Original) Struttura massiccia, ubicata in piazza dove il tempo si è fermato, Caprarica del Capo frazione di Tricase, Castello del 1500 sulle sue mura si vede la storia e il tempo che passa, struttura quadrangolare con quattro torri agli angoli, costruita a difesa delle Invasioni turche nel periodo in cui Otranto fu occupata e i suoi abitanti massacrati, sul fronte solo un portone nessun altro abbellimento, non visitabile, non ci sono orari di apertura quasi sempre chiusa al pubblico. Andrebbe valorizzata.

(Translated by Google) come on, some places when you pass by them, you have to go and see them!!! (Original) dai, certi posti quando gli passi vicino, devi andare a vederli !!!

(Translated by Google) Beautiful and captivating Castle which dominates the square in front with its imposing walls and lateral towers with a circular base which was built in 1480, i.e. immediately after the event of the martyrs of Otranto at the time of the Turkish invasions to safeguard the same ones who targeted the beautiful and strategic Salento due to its central position in the Mediterranean. (Original) Bellissimo ed accattivante Catello che predomina sulla piazza antistante con le sue imponenti mura e i torrioni laterale a base circolare che fu fatto edificare nel 1480 e cioè subito dopo l'evento dei martiri d'Otranto ai tempi delle invasioni turche a salvaguardia degli stessi che mirarono il bellissimo e strategico Salento per la posizione centrale nel Mediterraneo.

An absolute must! Our dinner at Castillo di Tutino was truly unforgettable. The atmosphere, the vibe, and the food were all exceptional. It’s such a special place: warm, welcoming, and full of charm. The staff were incredibly friendly, and Chef Facu prepared one of the best meals I’ve ever had. Every dish was perfectly balanced and bursting with flavor. This restaurant alone would be reason enough for me to return to Puglia!

This restaurant is a bit hidden, but worth a detour: we had a delicious dinner in the beautiful courtyard of an historical castello. The new operator of the restaurant, a young family team from Argentinia, started in the summer 2024. The food is very fresh and creative, made with local products (but not the typical pugliese or italian cuisine). The service ist very friendly and personal, the team speaks english. We had a wonderful evening.

WoW ! Amazing Castello. Great food. Best focaccia, best pasta, best entrecôte. Everything was delicious, the best we had in Italy so far. Such a nice place.

Really nice place, the castle is a dream come true. The bar is great!! There's a new restaurant management bringing magic to your table. The menu is amazing!

An old casle, which became a tobacco company and now a great restaurant. The place is magical. Great food and service.Highly recommended if you're in the area

Amazing venue in the courtyard of the old palace. Fabulous menu and really great service and atmosphere. The wine was also excellent!

Amazing. 🤩

Overpriced, average at best. Avoid and go to one of the independent neighbourhood eateries instead.

Best Pizza I ever had in a Pub - classic neapolitan pizza

Great food!! If you are in Tricase, i can highly recommend that pub to eat!

Presented as an Irish/English pub experience and the decor does that but the menu is not available in English. Decent food, good service but let down by an inability to fully appreciate the choices on the menu so had to pick the most obvious ones

Second time I visit this place, this time was very busy but we managed to get a table after twenty minutes we arrived. The food is nice and tasty, with a good selection of beer and wine. Love the Pulled pork burger.

Great pizza and a great view of the lovely main square if you can get a table outside.

Beautiful location. Excellent food. Very friendly staff.

Top!

(Translated by Google) Noisy environment, but large and clean. Good pizza and excellent dough, only personally I would have preferred more sauce because the pizza was dry. Fast service and friendly, polite staff. The spritz is good! (Original) Ambiente rumoroso, ma grande e pulito. Pizza buona e ottimo impasto, solo personalmente avrei preferito piu’ sugo perche’ la pizza risultava secca. Servizio veloce e personale cordiale e gentile. Buono lo spritz!

(Translated by Google) Everything is simply perfect. Starting from the location, designed with taste and precision: very well-kept spaces; The seats and lamps with a 60s flavor integrate perfectly with the rough Lecce stone of the walls, enhanced by modern touches such as the backlit external logo. The exterior is equally pleasant, with well-arranged tables and two large windows harmoniously inserted into the structure. Every detail is designed with aesthetic coherence: from the personalized dishes to the fried food menu with the restaurant logo. The staff is young, very kind and very attentive: a close-knit and motivated team that makes the experience even more enjoyable. The menu is extensive, with really interesting proposals even for those who are vegetarian — like me. The pizza has a perfect dough, soft, light and very digestible. The fried foods reflect the Salento tradition, but with an elegant and precise presentation. Even the desserts are well-finished and excellent. Worthy of note also for the details: even the spicy oil, often requested in the South, is homemade, balanced and tasty — which is not at all a given. A place that combines quality, aesthetics and authenticity. I will definitely return. (Original) Tutto semplicemente perfetto. A partire dalla location, studiata con gusto e precisione: ambienti curatissimi; Le sedute e le lampade dal sapore anni ’60 si integrano perfettamente con la pietra leccese grezza delle pareti, valorizzata da tocchi moderni come il logo esterno retroilluminato. L’esterno è altrettanto piacevole, con tavolini ben disposti e due grandi vetrate armoniosamente inserite nella struttura. Ogni dettaglio è pensato con coerenza estetica: dai piatti personalizzati alla carta dei fritti con il logo del locale. Il personale è giovane, gentilissimo e molto attento: un team affiatato e motivato che rende l’esperienza ancora più piacevole. Il menu è ampio, con proposte davvero interessanti anche per chi è vegetariano — come me. La pizza ha un impasto perfetto, soffice, leggero e molto digeribile. I fritti riprendono la tradizione salentina, ma con una presentazione elegante e precisa. Anche i dolci sono curati e ottimi. Nota di merito anche per i dettagli: persino l’olio piccante, spesso richiesto al Sud, è homemade, equilibrato e saporito — cosa non affatto scontata. Un locale che unisce qualità, estetica e autenticità. Tornerò sicuramente.

(Translated by Google) We were there last night.. the room wasn't full.. on the contrary.. but for 9 pizzas we waited over an hour.. what can I say.. the quality was good.. even if one pizza was burnt and the other two (principle flavour) arrived lukewarm.. I'm sorry but my review can't be positive despite the staff's apologies. (Original) Siamo stati ieri sera.. la sala non era piena..anzi.. ma x 9 pizze abbiamo atteso oltre un'ora.. che dire.. la Qualità buona.. anche se una pizza era bruciata ed altre due ( gusto principino) sono arrivate tiepide.. mi dispiace ma la mia recensione non può essere positiva nonostante le scuse del personale

(Translated by Google) Nice place with a view of Tutino Castle, friendly staff especially the waitress, fast and efficient service. Wide choice of pizzas, focaccias and burgers. Good and well-seasoned pizza, good desserts too. (Original) Posto carino con vista Castello di Tutino, personale gentile in particolare la cameriera, servizio veloce ed efficiente. Ampia scelta di pizze, focacce e hamburger. Pizza buona e ben condita, buoni anche i dolci.

(Translated by Google) A very disappointing evening. We chose this place for its location in the small village of Tutino, but once inside, the place feels sterile, with the voices of guests at other tables echoing annoyingly, making it difficult to converse with others. The service, unfortunately, leaves much to be desired due to the inexperience of the waitresses, mostly very young and awkward. They forgot to bring us drinks, got one of the pizzas wrong, and were rudely presented and spoke incomprehensibly in a low voice. We asked one of them about the wait time, since there was a very large table to be served before us. The waitress laughed for no reason, replying, "I don't know." We were a little worried, as we had already anticipated how the evening would go, given her lack of professionalism. In fact, shortly afterward, we had to ask for drinks that weren't brought to our table, and one pizza arrived incorrectly, so while the others at the table ate, I was left waiting for my dish. It's a shame, because the pizzas are decent. Also, the cover charge on the menu is €1.50, while we paid €2.00 each at the register. Sorry, but we won't be back. :( (Original) Serata molto deludente. Abbiamo scelto questo posto per la location nel piccolo borgo di Tutino, ma una volta all’interno il locale si presenta come uno spazio asettico in cui le voci degli ospiti degli altri tavoli rimbombano fastidiosamente e si fa fatica a conversare tra commensali. Il sevizio purtroppo lascia molto a desiderare a causa dell’inesperienza delle cameriere, per lo più giovanissime ed impacciate le quali hanno dimenticato di portarci le bevande, hanno sbagliato una delle pizze al tavolo, si presentano in modo poco curato e parlano in modo incomprensibile a voce bassa. Ad una di esse abbiamo chiesto che tempi di attesa ci fossero poiché c’era un tavolo molto numeroso da servire prima di noi: la cameriera ci ha risposto ridendo senza motivo “non lo so”. Noi eravamo un po’ preoccupati poiché avevamo già previsto come sarebbe andata la serata vista la sua scarsa professionalità. In effetti poco dopo abbiamo dovuto sollecitare le bibite che non ci sono state portate al tavolo e una pizza è arrivata sbagliata quindi mentre gli altri componenti del tavolo mangiavano, io restavo in attesa del mio piatto. Peccato perché le pizze sono discrete. Inoltre, il prezzo del coperto sul menù risulta essere 1,50€ mentre abbiamo pagato 2,00€ ciascuno in cassa. Spiace, ma non torneremo. :(

(Translated by Google) Very nice pizzeria, in front of the Tutino Castle, Tricase (LE). Friendly and fast service even on Saturday evenings. Good pizzas, but I would improve the seasoning: the classic Margherita and Napoli seem a little unusual. Light and digestible dough. Usual problem, only 33 cl bottled beers. Correct prices. (Original) Pizzeria molto carina, di fronte al Castello di Tutino, Tricase (LE). Servizio gentile e veloce anche il sabato sera. Pizze buone, ma migliorerei il condimento: le classiche Margherita e Napoli sembrano un po’ scondite. Impasto leggero e digeribile. Solito problema, birre in bottiglia solo da 33 cl. Prezzi corretti.

We sat there with a drink for couple of hours Good vibes, view and music

Reggae bar with good food. Nothing fancy, just an honest bar and diner.

Pizzeria Jamao Is good place to eat when you visit the natural pools near Tricase Porto. Very casual, fun with fantastic views and I mean fantastic 😊!

Jamao is important for the village of Marina Serra as a place to meet. We ate pizza which was good and drank some beer. A lot of people took a drink there and ascosiated with each other.

Amazing place! Really good quality of food - pizza is a must! Perfect location , literally by the sea, long open hours and absolutely magnificent stuff!

We stopped for a lunch, with Kids. Had pucci, salads and beer. Good good, normal prices

Basic but good food. Mostly sandwiches, frise (typical Salento food) and salads. Nice view over the Adria Sea

Very welcoming place, friendly service and the entrecotê and angus beef were delicious

Hands down, this place has the best selection of aged beef, sausages, bombette, fried chicken, and they also make the best hamburger in town. Excellent service and a wide range of wine, beer, and spirits!

Everything about this place is great. My favorite meal so far in Italy. Friendly attentive service.

Beautiful beautiful restaurant to take a girl on a fancy dinner date the quality of the meat is amazing but don’t come here if you want to pay less than 70 dollars for two people

Quality steak. Came here with wife and kids. We are from Australia but my wife is from here, so we know a thing or two about good steak. I always said Italians can’t really do a good steak. I was finally proven wrong. Very tasty, cooked to perfection, cool venue, staff were friendly and attentive as were the owners. Will definitely be back when I feel like steak. Highly recommend when you want to change up the regular Italian dishes of seafood and pasta and feel like a quality cut of meat.

For who loves meat it's the ideal place to go for dinner. The crew was very friendly and helpful I got the impression they love what they are doing. The food was very good. We'll go again.

What an amazing find! The steak was exceptional and the service superb.