Isola di Sant'Andrea is the only known nesting site for Audouin's gulls in the entire Apulia region.
The island is entirely flat and features a lighthouse built in 1866 that remains active.
The 'Li Foggi' marshland area is a rare remnant of the wetlands that historically surrounded the Gallipoli coastline.
The park contains archaeological evidence of prehistoric human activity, including stone tools found near the shoreline.
The local vegetation includes specialized halophytic plants capable of surviving in the high-salinity environment of the rocky coast.
The Parco Naturale Regionale Isola di Sant'Andrea e litorale di Punta Pizzo is a protected coastal reserve stretching over 700 hectares south of Gallipoli. The park encompasses the rocky Isola di Sant'Andrea, a low-lying island famous for its nesting population of Audouin's gulls. The mainland section features a diverse landscape of Mediterranean scrub, pine forests, and marshlands known as 'Li Foggi'. Coastal access consists of both rocky limestone cliffs and sandy stretches at Punta Pizzo. The area is a protected habitat for rare orchids and endemic Mediterranean flora. It serves as a vital ecological corridor for migratory birds moving across the Ionian Sea. The park is managed to preserve the balance between its fragile ecosystems and seasonal recreational use.
The limestone cliffs at Punta Pizzo during the hour before sunset.
Bring sturdy water shoes, as the coastline transitions abruptly from sand to sharp, uneven limestone.
The park lacks extensive artificial shade; bring a portable beach umbrella or sun protection for full-day visits.
Stick strictly to marked trails to avoid damaging protected endemic plant species.
Do not attempt to swim to the Isola di Sant'Andrea, as the surrounding waters are protected and currents can be unpredictable.
The park is accessible year-round, but specific sections may have restricted access during peak nesting seasons for migratory birds.
Use of sunscreen should be limited to mineral-based, ocean-safe varieties to protect the marine environment; pack out all trash.
