Isola dei Conigli Porto Cesareo – How to get there



Isola dei Conigli (Rabbit Isalnd) in Porto Cesareo is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Salento, particularly during the summer season. It is located a few hundred metres off the coast of the Salento municipality and can be reached by private boat or simply by swimming.

It is so called because of the colony of rabbits in the wild that have been bred there since the 1950s, where in the early 1900s it was common to breed cattle.

Below is a complete guide to the Isola dei Conigli in Porto Cesareo.

Isola dei conigli Porto Cesareo

The fascinating nature park of the Isola dei Conigli – Porto Cesareo

The Isola dei Conigli is a beautiful nature park near the renowned Salento town of Porto Cesareo. It stretches more than 2 km in length, with a width of just under 500 metres; there are numerous cypresses, acacias and Aleppo pines here, making the island an ideal destination for trekking enthusiasts.

Their presence is due to the intelligent reforestation work carried out by the Forest Guard a few years after the end of World War II. The aim was to keep intact the quality of the area, which today can be counted as a symbol of the Mediterranean area.

Given the total absence of accommodation facilities, the Isola dei Conigli can be experienced for a whole day like a modern Robinson Crusoe, with a view of the picturesque bay of Porto Cesareo.

Diving in a transparent sea of rare beauty

What is most striking during a visit to the Isola dei Conigli is the colour of the sea, which is literally transparent. Another important feature is the shallow seabed, which makes the small beaches on the island perfect for families on holiday with children.

Also not to be overlooked is the presence of a rich marine fauna, including lobsters and octopuses. The biggest surprise is the presence of some coral agglomerates, which is more unique than rare in the Mediterranean Sea. This is another reason why the Isola dei Conigli in Porto Cesareo is a special place.

It can also happen that, during a brief dive in the underwater depths of the island, you can come across one or more wrecks of old boats, as well as the remains of amphorae and vases. All this because in the past, the Isola dei Conigli off Porto Cesareo was an important trading post.

Beneath the surface of the water in the sea stretch connecting the Isola dei Conigli with the Strea peninsula, south of Porto Cesareo, remains can be seen that form a path with rocks that fit perfectly together.

Isola dei Conigli Porto Cesareo

How to get to the Isola dei Conigli Porto Cesareo

The Isola dei Conigli can be easily reached by taking one of the boats of the Porto Cesareo fishermen, who offer to accompany visitors to the island in exchange for a few euros.

Experienced swimmers can seriously consider swimming the stretch of sea between Porto Cesareo and the Isola dei Conigli. The sea conditions are almost always favourable, especially during the high season, not to mention the fact that it is still a more than pleasant workout

Video Isola dei Conigli Apuli

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User reviews

3
Based on 2 verified reviews

Delusione!!!!!

August 17, 2025

Siamo stati da poco in Agosto sull’isola dei conigli, partendo da Porto Cesareo con la barchetta con guidatore a pagamento, l’isolotto e’ tenuto male, sporcizia dei visitatori incivili che non viene rimossa da chi di dovere, visto che il guadagno non manca, la parte dove ci sbarcano ha l’;acqua torbida per il carburante delle barche che vi si fermano ( non solo da quelle che ci accompagnano )

e non capisco perche’ lo lascino fare da tutti trattandosi di isola ecologica.

Per trovare l’acqua pulita si deve attraversare l’isolotto a piedi, tra sterpaglie e sporcizia ovunque, dalla parte opposta, ma, ci sono gli scogli e per i bambini e’ difficile farsi il bagno.

Io non ci tornerei di sicuro

Loredana

Bellissima, da vedere!

January 10, 2025

Noi siamo andatina Settembre, periodo perfetto. Posto stupendo!!!!

Giordano Tonelli

Frequently asked questions

What’s on Rabbit Island Porto Cesareo?

Rabbit Island is a paradise of uncontaminated nature with a white beach and crystal clear waters. There is no tourist infrastructure, so it is essential to bring water, food and everything you need for the day. It is a perfect place to relax, swim, snorkel and trek, immersed in the beauty of Salento.

How do you reach Rabbit Island from Porto Cesareo?

The island is accessible only by sea. You can reach it by renting a private boat, a pedalo, taking part in an organized tour or taking a boat from the small port of Porto Cesareo. Furthermore, being close to the coast, it is also possible to get there by swimming.

Where is the Isola dei Conigli in Puglia located?

It is located off the coast of Porto Cesareo, on the Ionian coast of Salento, in the province of Lecce.

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