Danila's suggestions
Le Guide ai Quartieri
An obligatory stop in Salento is Lecce with its historic center, the facades of historic buildings and churches built with local stone. Lose yourself in the alleys where papier-mâché is worked and reach the monastery of the Olivetani, a former 12th century convent with two adjoining cloisters with a canopied well in the center with Solomonic columns and a dome. Today it is the seat of the Faculty of Cultural Heritage of the University of Salento.
1001 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Lecce
An obligatory stop in Salento is Lecce with its historic center, the facades of historic buildings and churches built with local stone. Lose yourself in the alleys where papier-mâché is worked and reach the monastery of the Olivetani, a former 12th century convent with two adjoining cloisters with a canopied well in the center with Solomonic columns and a dome. Today it is the seat of the Faculty of Cultural Heritage of the University of Salento.
It is impossible to leave Salento without a visit to the ancient city of Otranto. Otranto is perfect for admiring the sunrise or sunset. Being the easternmost place in Italy, the first lights of the day in Otranto represent the first dawns of Italy.
The village is surrounded by the defensive walls, between alleys and streets with the characteristic white houses. In the buildings you can admire the Greek, Byzantine and Aragonese dominations. We point out the Aragonese Castle and the Byzantine Church of San Pietro: according to the legend, San Pietro passed through here on his way from Palestine to Rome.
719 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Otranto
It is impossible to leave Salento without a visit to the ancient city of Otranto. Otranto is perfect for admiring the sunrise or sunset. Being the easternmost place in Italy, the first lights of the day in Otranto represent the first dawns of Italy.
The village is surrounded by the defensive walls, between alleys and streets with the characteristic white houses. In the buildings you can admire the Greek, Byzantine and Aragonese dominations. We point out the Aragonese Castle and the Byzantine Church of San Pietro: according to the legend, San Pietro passed through here on his way from Palestine to Rome.
Like Otranto, Gallipoli is also an obligatory stop in Salento because it is located on a fortified island, protected by the walls, the castle and the Rivellino tower. Its name means 'beautiful city' and is located about 40 km from Lecce. The ancient village, perched on an island of limestone origin, is connected to the mainland and the new city by an arched bridge from the twentieth century.
698 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Gallipoli
Like Otranto, Gallipoli is also an obligatory stop in Salento because it is located on a fortified island, protected by the walls, the castle and the Rivellino tower. Its name means 'beautiful city' and is located about 40 km from Lecce. The ancient village, perched on an island of limestone origin, is connected to the mainland and the new city by an arched bridge from the twentieth century.
Along the eastern coast of the Salento peninsula there is a fascinating medieval village: Castro. There are many elements that characterize this place, where you can breathe and experience an almost magical atmosphere. Even the landscape surrounding Castro leaves you breathless: it is in these places that the blue of the sea and the green of the vegetation come together to present the most varied possible settings. From its famous caves, to the rocky peaks, to the depths rich in fauna and flora, a paradise for divers. From the characteristic medieval village rich in history, to the port.
155 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Castro
Along the eastern coast of the Salento peninsula there is a fascinating medieval village: Castro. There are many elements that characterize this place, where you can breathe and experience an almost magical atmosphere. Even the landscape surrounding Castro leaves you breathless: it is in these places that the blue of the sea and the green of the vegetation come together to present the most varied possible settings. From its famous caves, to the rocky peaks, to the depths rich in fauna and flora, a paradise for divers. From the characteristic medieval village rich in history, to the port.
Specchia is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy.
The town owes its name to the piles of stones that can still be seen here and there, called precisely "specchia", used as a defense or as watchtowers against potential enemies.
This small village, which has just 5,000 souls, is one of the characteristic places that is worth visiting while discovering Salento
113 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Specchia
Specchia is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy.
The town owes its name to the piles of stones that can still be seen here and there, called precisely "specchia", used as a defense or as watchtowers against potential enemies.
This small village, which has just 5,000 souls, is one of the characteristic places that is worth visiting while discovering Salento
If you are passionate about history and archaeological findings, a visit to Giurdignano is a must, a town known to all for the high presence of dolmens and menhirs. There is also an ancient underground oil mill entirely dug into the rock, and a Byzantine crypt decorated with frescoes.
8 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Giurdignano
If you are passionate about history and archaeological findings, a visit to Giurdignano is a must, a town known to all for the high presence of dolmens and menhirs. There is also an ancient underground oil mill entirely dug into the rock, and a Byzantine crypt decorated with frescoes.
Offerta gastronomica
In Sante Le Muse it is possible to eat ancient foods and forgotten recipes. Sante Le Muse is organic. The fairytale setting and the friendly and attentive staff. The restaurant's raw materials are produced on the farm. Reservations are recommended well in advance. Sante Le Mese was awarded in November 2019 in the Campidoglio with the green flag, Agriwoman section
20 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Sante Le Muse
3 Strada Comunale Salve MorcianoIn Sante Le Muse it is possible to eat ancient foods and forgotten recipes. Sante Le Muse is organic. The fairytale setting and the friendly and attentive staff. The restaurant's raw materials are produced on the farm. Reservations are recommended well in advance. Sante Le Mese was awarded in November 2019 in the Campidoglio with the green flag, Agriwoman section
I recommend a rustic or a calzone from Martinucci, an ancient pastry chain in Salento. There are several points of the Cafeteria in the Salento area: Torre Vado, Leuca, Pescoluse, Lido Marini, just to name a few. Ice creams are also recommended.
41 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Martinucci Torre Vado
Corso VeneziaI recommend a rustic or a calzone from Martinucci, an ancient pastry chain in Salento. There are several points of the Cafeteria in the Salento area: Torre Vado, Leuca, Pescoluse, Lido Marini, just to name a few. Ice creams are also recommended.
Visite turistiche
It is impossible to leave Salento without a visit to the ancient city of Otranto. Otranto is perfect for admiring the sunrise or sunset. Being the easternmost place in Italy, the first lights of the day in Otranto represent the first dawns of Italy.
The village is surrounded by the defensive walls, between alleys and streets with the characteristic white houses. In the buildings you can admire the Greek, Byzantine and Aragonese dominations. We point out the Aragonese Castle and the Byzantine Church of San Pietro: according to the legend, San Pietro passed through here on his way from Palestine to Rome.
719 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Otranto
It is impossible to leave Salento without a visit to the ancient city of Otranto. Otranto is perfect for admiring the sunrise or sunset. Being the easternmost place in Italy, the first lights of the day in Otranto represent the first dawns of Italy.
The village is surrounded by the defensive walls, between alleys and streets with the characteristic white houses. In the buildings you can admire the Greek, Byzantine and Aragonese dominations. We point out the Aragonese Castle and the Byzantine Church of San Pietro: according to the legend, San Pietro passed through here on his way from Palestine to Rome.
The Zinzulusa cave is considered among the ten most important caves in the world.
The magnificent karst cave, discovered more than 150 years ago and open to the public since the 1950s, owes its name to the dialect word "zinzuli", to underline how the numerous stalactites and stalagmites recall the shreds of a worn-out dress. One hundred and sixty meters to be amazed and be guided by the thrill of discovering a real work of art of nature.
149 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Grotta Zinzulusa
Piazzale ZinzulusaThe Zinzulusa cave is considered among the ten most important caves in the world.
The magnificent karst cave, discovered more than 150 years ago and open to the public since the 1950s, owes its name to the dialect word "zinzuli", to underline how the numerous stalactites and stalagmites recall the shreds of a worn-out dress. One hundred and sixty meters to be amazed and be guided by the thrill of discovering a real work of art of nature.
Go before sunset to Punta Ristola. Park in the car parking and walk towards the sea enjoying the view over the cliff towards the Ionian and the Adriatic at sunset. On the left you will find the access to the devil's cave; it is not well indicated and it is not easy to find. If you pay attention in any case near the highest point of Punta Ristola you will see a gap in the rock, with wooden fences nearby.
It is the devil's cave that connects the land to the sea. Great athletic skills are not required, but comfortable shoes
33 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Punta Ristola
50 Via Toma G.Go before sunset to Punta Ristola. Park in the car parking and walk towards the sea enjoying the view over the cliff towards the Ionian and the Adriatic at sunset. On the left you will find the access to the devil's cave; it is not well indicated and it is not easy to find. If you pay attention in any case near the highest point of Punta Ristola you will see a gap in the rock, with wooden fences nearby.
It is the devil's cave that connects the land to the sea. Great athletic skills are not required, but comfortable shoes
Rocky inlet absolutely suggestive. We witness the most daring dives from the rocks or even from the bridge. It is possible to bathe in crystal clear water and swim to the nearby cave. It is important to arrive early in order to secure the best seats as there is not too much space for towels and bags
9 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Ponte del Ciòlo
SP358Rocky inlet absolutely suggestive. We witness the most daring dives from the rocks or even from the bridge. It is possible to bathe in crystal clear water and swim to the nearby cave. It is important to arrive early in order to secure the best seats as there is not too much space for towels and bags
There are some caves that can be visited with access from land despite being completely in the sea.
To bathe in the caves, park your car at the Tatanka restaurant in Leuca. Cross the road keeping your life steady between the sharp bend and the absence of pedestrian crossings. Follow the steep path (comfortable shoes are required, not flip flops) to the sea. From there a series of caves branch off that can be visited by swimming.
415 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Santa Maria di Leuca
There are some caves that can be visited with access from land despite being completely in the sea.
To bathe in the caves, park your car at the Tatanka restaurant in Leuca. Cross the road keeping your life steady between the sharp bend and the absence of pedestrian crossings. Follow the steep path (comfortable shoes are required, not flip flops) to the sea. From there a series of caves branch off that can be visited by swimming.
To admire a dream place even mentioned by National Geographic you have to go to Mendugno and visit the cave of Poetry. As the name suggests, these cavities were once caves. Over time, the impetuosity of the sea and the karst and atmospheric phenomena caused the collapse of the ceiling, transforming them into suggestive natural pools with emerald waters that leave anyone lucky enough to admire them speechless.
151 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Cave of Poetry
SP366To admire a dream place even mentioned by National Geographic you have to go to Mendugno and visit the cave of Poetry. As the name suggests, these cavities were once caves. Over time, the impetuosity of the sea and the karst and atmospheric phenomena caused the collapse of the ceiling, transforming them into suggestive natural pools with emerald waters that leave anyone lucky enough to admire them speechless.
Lake Bauxite is a naturally formed water deposit in a bauxite quarry. The visual impact is impressive: a lake ecosystem in which the acid green of the brackish waters meets the vegetation, while the red of the bauxite clashes with the blue of the sky.
54 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Laghetto Cave di Bauxite
Lake Bauxite is a naturally formed water deposit in a bauxite quarry. The visual impact is impressive: a lake ecosystem in which the acid green of the brackish waters meets the vegetation, while the red of the bauxite clashes with the blue of the sky.
Torre dell'Orso boasts a white beach and an extremely clear and crystalline sea, difficult to describe, but also easy to understand from the photos, often winner of the coveted "Blue Flag" award
Thanks to these elements, the town is considered one of the most beautiful seaside areas of Salento. The peculiarity of Torre dell'Orso is the combination of sea and pine forest, in fact, a few steps from the beach it is possible to enter a small area covered with vegetation typical of the Mediterranean scrub.
Torre dell'Orso also has a rocky coast: in the middle of the sea there are “Le Due Sorelle”, that is, the stacks of Torre dell'Orso. According to legend, two girls from the inland areas of Salento wanted to go to the coast to enjoy the beauty of the sea. When they saw such an enchanting scenery, one of the two had the idea of diving, but finding herself in difficulty she invoked the help of the other sister, who, however, was unable to save her. The gods then decided to transform the two sisters into imposing stacks, which would always remember them.
156 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Torre dell'Orso
Torre dell'Orso boasts a white beach and an extremely clear and crystalline sea, difficult to describe, but also easy to understand from the photos, often winner of the coveted "Blue Flag" award
Thanks to these elements, the town is considered one of the most beautiful seaside areas of Salento. The peculiarity of Torre dell'Orso is the combination of sea and pine forest, in fact, a few steps from the beach it is possible to enter a small area covered with vegetation typical of the Mediterranean scrub.
Torre dell'Orso also has a rocky coast: in the middle of the sea there are “Le Due Sorelle”, that is, the stacks of Torre dell'Orso. According to legend, two girls from the inland areas of Salento wanted to go to the coast to enjoy the beauty of the sea. When they saw such an enchanting scenery, one of the two had the idea of diving, but finding herself in difficulty she invoked the help of the other sister, who, however, was unable to save her. The gods then decided to transform the two sisters into imposing stacks, which would always remember them.
Clear, drinkable and fresh waters that swarm in the salty sea ... just like that, diving into the waters of the springs you notice how these have lower temperatures, a sweeter taste; precisely because of their underground origin. The springs of Torre Vado rise shortly after the end of the sandy shore and the beginning of the naturally low cliff, the water itself ends up directly in the sea where there is a strange combination of salty and drinkable spring water.
Sorgenti di acqua dolce di Torre Vado
13 Corso VeneziaClear, drinkable and fresh waters that swarm in the salty sea ... just like that, diving into the waters of the springs you notice how these have lower temperatures, a sweeter taste; precisely because of their underground origin. The springs of Torre Vado rise shortly after the end of the sandy shore and the beginning of the naturally low cliff, the water itself ends up directly in the sea where there is a strange combination of salty and drinkable spring water.
Archeologia
The Dolmen Li Scusi in Minervino di Lecce is one of the most particular and representative of Salento. It can be seen in a lush olive grove on the provincial road Minervino - Uggiano la Chiesa, with its large quadrangular stone slab supported by eight pillars made up of stacked stones
8 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Dolmen Li Scusi
SP56The Dolmen Li Scusi in Minervino di Lecce is one of the most particular and representative of Salento. It can be seen in a lush olive grove on the provincial road Minervino - Uggiano la Chiesa, with its large quadrangular stone slab supported by eight pillars made up of stacked stones
Discovered by Palumbo in 1909, the dolmen rests on an outcropping rock bank and is 85 cm high.
Dolmen Placa
Discovered by Palumbo in 1909, the dolmen rests on an outcropping rock bank and is 85 cm high.
At the entrance to Giurdignano stands a Menhir over two meters high. Its name derives from the underlying Byzantine cave dedicated to St. Paul, decorated with frescoes of Mary and the apostles Peter and Paul, an example of the Christianization of a pagan monument.
Menhir San Paolo
1 Via Enrico TotiAt the entrance to Giurdignano stands a Menhir over two meters high. Its name derives from the underlying Byzantine cave dedicated to St. Paul, decorated with frescoes of Mary and the apostles Peter and Paul, an example of the Christianization of a pagan monument.
It is located in the open countryside on the border between the municipalities of Giurdignano and Giuggianello. The covering slab is crossed by a large furrow that flows into a circular cavity; the function of collecting the blood of ritual animal sacrifices is hypothesized.
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Dolmen Stabile Giuggianello
It is located in the open countryside on the border between the municipalities of Giurdignano and Giuggianello. The covering slab is crossed by a large furrow that flows into a circular cavity; the function of collecting the blood of ritual animal sacrifices is hypothesized.
A large artificial mound of stones and earth with which the local people could control the surrounding territory. And in difficult times, it made a difference.
Scholars are divided on two interpretations. The first says that we are facing prehistoric buildings, the other places them in the Middle Ages.
Cosimo De Giorgi describes Specchia Silva during the 1800s over 20 meters high, with 35 meters in diameter, but it was probably higher, and in the centuries after its abandonment its stones were reused by farmers for dry stone walls
Specchia Silva Insediamento Rupestre
A large artificial mound of stones and earth with which the local people could control the surrounding territory. And in difficult times, it made a difference.
Scholars are divided on two interpretations. The first says that we are facing prehistoric buildings, the other places them in the Middle Ages.
Cosimo De Giorgi describes Specchia Silva during the 1800s over 20 meters high, with 35 meters in diameter, but it was probably higher, and in the centuries after its abandonment its stones were reused by farmers for dry stone walls
The historical-monumental complex of "Leuca Piccola", in Barbarano del Capo, is a small jewel built between 1685 and 1709.
It includes the small church called "Santa Maria del Belvedere": a splendid fusion of a room intended for worship with a more intimate back room intended as a sacristy, with a monumental body with large neoclassical arches, with a room on the first floor intended for more safe haven in case of Turkish raids. Precious are the frescoes that enrich the walls and the vault, which represent Eastern and Western saints who have always aroused great devotion among the people of the Cape.
Extraordinary the visit to the underground, which served as a hospital for pilgrims heading to the Sanctuary "De Finibus Terrae".
Via Leuca Piccola
Via Leuca PiccolaThe historical-monumental complex of "Leuca Piccola", in Barbarano del Capo, is a small jewel built between 1685 and 1709.
It includes the small church called "Santa Maria del Belvedere": a splendid fusion of a room intended for worship with a more intimate back room intended as a sacristy, with a monumental body with large neoclassical arches, with a room on the first floor intended for more safe haven in case of Turkish raids. Precious are the frescoes that enrich the walls and the vault, which represent Eastern and Western saints who have always aroused great devotion among the people of the Cape.
Extraordinary the visit to the underground, which served as a hospital for pilgrims heading to the Sanctuary "De Finibus Terrae".
Grotto closed to the public. The Grotta dei Cervi is located in Porto Badisco near Otranto at a depth of 26 meters below sea level and is not just any cave, it is in fact the most impressive Neolithic pictorial complex in Europe, so much so that it is also called the Sistine Chapel of prehistory. Grotto closed to the public
10 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Deer Cave
SP87Grotto closed to the public. The Grotta dei Cervi is located in Porto Badisco near Otranto at a depth of 26 meters below sea level and is not just any cave, it is in fact the most impressive Neolithic pictorial complex in Europe, so much so that it is also called the Sistine Chapel of prehistory. Grotto closed to the public