“Salentu: lu sule, lu mare, lu ientu” or “Salento: the sun, the sea, the wind.” With this popular saying in Puglia, the beautiful Salento region is often described. The sea, the sun, and the wind are three essential ingredients of this land that attracts numerous tourists, especially in the summer, with its clear waters, sunny days, and wind that not only helps alleviate the heat but also allows for sports like kite-surfing and surfing. Situated in the southernmost part of Puglia, in the so-called “heel of the boot,” Salento is bordered by the Adriatic Sea to the east and the Ionian Sea to the west. Internationally renowned for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters, Salento is a truly spectacular area of Puglia that captivates all its visitors. Here, you can explore charming characteristic villages, ancient cities of Magna Graecia, and traditional farms that produce excellent local products. Moreover, the Salento coastline is not only adorned with beautiful beaches but also extraordinary marine caves. Lastly, the culinary tradition of Salento is highly acclaimed, boasting products such as olive oil and fine DOC wines, as well as delicious pastries like the “pasticciotto leccese,” “spumone salentino,” “bocche di dama,” and almond-based sweets.
Beaches of Salento
Some of the most beautiful beaches on the Italian peninsula are found in the Salento peninsula, known as the “land of two seas.” The sea here can easily rival the Maldivian or exotic shores. Along the Salento coast, you will find medieval watchtowers and fortresses constructed for defensive purposes. The Adriatic coastline features cliffs plunging into the sea, coves, sandy beaches, and rocky shores, all with incredibly clear waters. Some famous rocky areas include Santa Cesarea Terme, Cala dell’Acquaviva, Porto Badisco, and Castro, which is renowned for numerous caves that can be explored by boat, such as the Grotta Zinzulusa. Recommended sandy beaches include Torre dell’Orso, Laghi Alimini, and Baia dei Turchi in Otranto. Along the Ionian coast, you will find wide sandy beaches and clear, transparent waters. Notable destinations in this region include Santa Maria di Leuca, Porto Cesareo (with its famous Punta Prosciutto), Pescoluse (known as the “Maldive del Salento”), and the well-known town of Gallipoli, which is also famous for its nightlife. When choosing a beach in Salento, consider the direction of the wind. The Adriatic coast is preferable when the Sirocco wind blows, while the Ionian coast is more enjoyable during the Tramontana wind.
Places to Visit in Salento
Lecce:The main city of Salento, Lecce is known for its captivating historic center, one of Italy’s most beautiful, earning it the nickname “The Florence of the South.” The narrow streets wind through a maze of honey-colored buildings made from typical local stone. The baroque architecture and the city’s history are evident throughout, offering enchanting corners to discover. The historic center comes alive at night with cafes, bars, and restaurants, often accompanied by music.
Gallipoli: A town overlooking the Ionian Sea, Gallipoli is famous for its historical center and enchanting beaches. Key attractions include the Angevin Castle, the Cathedral of Sant’Agata, and the Purità Beach. A favorite spot for the young and the young-at-heart, Gallipoli is renowned for its vibrant nightlife. It also serves as an excellent starting point to explore other beautiful nearby beaches, such as Punta della Suina and Pescoluse (Maldive del Salento).
Otranto: Known for its strategic location on the Adriatic coast and its historic center, Otranto offers numerous shops, bars, and restaurants, as well as an ancient harbor and charming coves along the coast. Notable places to visit include the Castle of Otranto, the lake with the Bauxite quarry, and a trip to Torre dell’Orso, just a few kilometers to the north, famous for the “Due Sorelle” rocks and the nearby Sant’Andrea cliffs.
Santa Maria di Leuca: Located at the southernmost tip of Salento, Santa Maria di Leuca is famous for its imposing lighthouse and the artificial waterfall marking the end of the Apulian Aqueduct. Sandy beaches and rocky cliffs characterize the landscape of this town, making it an ideal destination for family outings or exploring fascinating karstic caves by boat. The stretch of sea from Punta Mèliso to Punta Ristola marks the boundary between the two seas that bathe Salento, the Ionian Sea, and the Adriatic Sea.
Porto Cesareo: A seaside resort on the Ionian Sea, Porto Cesareo is renowned for the beauty of its beaches. The protected marine area of Porto Cesareo, one of three marine reserves in Puglia, offers an unforgettable experience for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. The town center, with its shops, restaurants, and bars, is an ideal place for an evening stroll or enjoying an aperitif at sunset. Nearby, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Regional Natural Reserve “Palude del Conte e Duna Costiera,” a protected area home to numerous flora and fauna typical of Salento.
Pescoluse (Maldive del Salento): Also known as the “Maldive del Salento,” Pescoluse is one of the most famous beaches in Salento, located in the municipality of Salve. Its fine silver-colored sand and crystal-clear sea earned it the prestigious Blue Flag from the Foundation for Environmental Education in 2009. The beach is ideal for families with children, thanks to its shallow waters near the shore, amenities, and lifeguards for safety. In the vicinity, you can find gelato shops, pizzerias, and bars for an aperitif, as well as spaces dedicated to water sports and relaxation. Pescoluse is a relaxing and safe vacation destination, perfect for spending unforgettable days by the sea in the heart of Salento.
Exploring the Salento’s Hinterland: History and Traditions
Salento is not only about its beaches and shores; its hinterland is rich in hidden treasures, historic villages, and unique traditions. During your vacation in Salento, you can visit characteristic villages such as Specchia, Presicce, and Tricase, explore ancient farms, discover ancient olive groves, and visit the underground oil mills, which are witnesses to the agricultural history and the importance of olive oil in Salento’s tradition. Puglian olive oil is, in fact, a foundation of Salento’s cuisine, which includes a range of dishes based on fish and traditional products like “orecchiette,” “taralli,” and “pasticciotti.” The Salento vineyards also produce a large number of Puglian wines, such as “Negramaro” and “Salice Salentino.” The main event of the Salentine summers is undoubtedly “La Notte della Taranta,” an unmissable festival that
