Maruggio is situated approximately 25 miles (ca. 40 km) east of Taranto, within a natural depression between the inland and the coastline. Its beaches are known for being sandy, with occasional rocky stretches in the eastern part. The sea here is often referred to as the sea of seven colors, due to its varying hues and beauty.  

Its origins can be traced to a period between 870 and 963 AD, after the hamlets of Castigno, Olivaro, Civitecchia, and San Nicolò were unified. Initially under the jurisdiction of the Terra d’Otranto, around 1100 Maruggio came under the influence of the Knights Templar, who played a pivotal role in the area’s development, notably by draining the marshlands surrounding the village and initiating salt extraction activities from coastal ponds.