# Torre dell'Orso

> The beach at Torre dell'Orso, near Melendugno on the coast of the Salento, is about 800 m long, with pale sand and crystal-clear, turquoise water.

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/places/torre-dellorso/

A wide sandy bay on the Salento coast, guarded by a watchtower and by two limestone stacks known as the Two Sisters. Shallow, clear water makes it easy for families, though the car park fills early in high summer.

The beach at Torre dell'Orso, near Melendugno on the coast of the Salento, is about 800 m long, with pale sand and crystal-clear, turquoise water. A 16th-century tower rises above the shore; its name derives either from its bear-like shape or from the Urso family.

Out in the water stand the two sea stacks known as the "Due Sorelle" (Two Sisters), which resemble each other. According to legend, two sisters were turned into rock out of divine pity so that they would stay together for ever; the tellings differ on whether they drowned or threw themselves into the sea. Near the Grotta di San Cristoforo you can find ancient carvings.

- **Nearest town:** Melendugno, Italy
- **Category:** Nature & parks
- **GPS:** 40.2690, 18.4290

## Good to know

**Best time to go:** The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June, August and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

**Getting there:**

- **Italy: Motorway tolls.** Tolls on most autostrade; pay at the barrier by card or cash. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.

## Sources

- [Torre dell'Orso – Si Viaggia](https://siviaggia.it/idee-di-viaggio/torre-dell-orso-caraibi-salento/338380/)
- [Le Due Sorelle – FAI](https://fondoambiente.it/luoghi/le-due-sorelle)

## Nearby

- [Grotta della Poesia](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b11-grotta-poesia/) – 2 km
- [Otranto bauxite quarry](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b11-bauxite-quarry/) – 17 km
- [Basilica di Santa Croce](https://camping-spirit.com/places/lecce-santa-croce/) – 24 km
- [Porto Selvaggio](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b11-porto-selvaggio/) – 41 km

## FAQs

### Where is Torre dell'Orso?

Torre dell'Orso is in Melendugno, Italy, at GPS 40.2690, 18.4290. It is about 15 km from Otranto.

### Can you camp near Torre dell'Orso?

Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Parco camper La Torre, about 2 km away; within 25 km there are 21 campsites and motorhome stopovers.

### What is there to see near Torre dell'Orso?

Places worth a stop nearby: Grotta della Poesia (2 km), Otranto bauxite quarry (17 km), Basilica di Santa Croce (24 km) and Porto Selvaggio (41 km).

### When is the best time to visit Torre dell'Orso?

The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June, August and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)