Salento

Our suggestions

Points of interest in Salento

• Lecce: Known as the "Florence of the South," Lecce is a Baroque masterpiece with ornate architecture, historic churches, and elegant palaces. Points of interest in Lecce include:

  • Lecce Cathedral (Duomo di Lecce): A stunning Baroque cathedral with a façade adorned with intricate sculptures and reliefs.

  • Basilica of Santa Croce: A masterpiece of Baroque architecture, featuring a façade adorned with elaborate carvings and sculptures.

  • Roman Amphitheatre: An ancient Roman amphitheater dating back to the 2nd century AD, partially excavated and used for concerts and events.

  • Piazza del Duomo: The main square of Lecce, surrounded by historic buildings and outdoor cafés, perfect for people-watching.

• Gallipoli: A picturesque coastal town with a historic old town situated on a limestone island, connected to the mainland by a bridge. Highlights of Gallipoli include:

  • Gallipoli Old Town (Città Vecchia): A charming medieval old town with narrow streets, historic churches, and seaside promenades.

  • Gallipoli Castle (Castello di Gallipoli): A fortress dating back to the 13th century, offering panoramic views of the town and the Ionian Sea.

  • Purità Beach (Spiaggia della Purità): A picturesque beach near the old town, known for its crystal-clear waters and views of the historic buildings.

• Otranto: A historic coastal town known for its stunning seaside location and rich history. Points of interest in Otranto include:

  • Otranto Cathedral (Cattedrale di Santa Maria Annunziata): A beautiful cathedral with a stunning mosaic floor depicting the Tree of Life.

  • Castello Aragonese: A medieval fortress overlooking the sea, housing the Otranto Castle Archaeological Museum.

  • Port of Otranto: A picturesque harbor with colorful fishing boats and waterfront restaurants serving fresh seafood.

• Santa Maria di Leuca: The southernmost tip of the Salento peninsula, known for its dramatic coastal cliffs and panoramic views. Highlights of Santa Maria di Leuca include:

  • Basilica Sanctuary of Santa Maria de Finibus Terrae: A beautiful church overlooking the sea, marking the meeting point of the Ionian and Adriatic Seas.

  • Leuca Lighthouse (Faro di Santa Maria di Leuca): A historic lighthouse offering panoramic views of the coastline.

• Grotta della Poesia: A natural sea cave near Roca Vecchia, known for its crystal-clear waters and natural rock formations, popular for swimming and cliff jumping.

• Porto Cesareo: A coastal town known for its sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, ideal for snorkeling and diving. Porto Cesareo is also home to the Porto Cesareo Marine Protected Area, known for its rich marine biodiversity.

• Castro: A picturesque coastal town with a medieval old town, historic castle ruins, and a scenic harbor. Castro is also known for its grottoes, including the Grotta Zinzulusa and the Grotta Romanelli.

• Alberobello: While not directly on the coast, Alberobello is famous for its UNESCO World Heritage-listed trulli, traditional Apulian dry stone huts with conical roofs, offering a unique cultural experience.

• Torre dell'Orso: A coastal town known for its sandy beach and the towering limestone cliffs known as the Two Sisters (Due Sorelle), a popular spot for rock climbing and hiking.

• Local Cuisine: Salento is known for its delicious cuisine, including seafood dishes such as risotto ai frutti di mare (seafood risotto), pasta with sea urchins, and local specialties like puccia (a type of bread) and pasticciotto (a pastry filled with custard cream).