4 reasons to visit Santa Maria di Leuca, Puglia

When it comes to summer vacations, Apulia, or Puglia, is one of the most popular destination not only among Italians. Surrounded by the sea, this region offers beautiful views, a welcoming atmosphere and great food! And one of the many places that deserve a visit is definitely Santa Maria di Leuca.

Brief history of Santa Maria di Leuca

The origins of the town goes back to ancient times. First, it was part of Magna Graecia, that is the colonies that Greek established along the southern coast of Italy. And the Greeks referred to the area as “Leukos,” meaning “white,” due to the white cliffs that characterize the coastline.

Then, during the Roman period, the region was an important trading hub and a popular destination for wealthy people. In the 6th century AD, the are went under the rule of the Byzantines, who constructed numerous defensive towers along the coastline to protect against pirate raids. Later, the Normans conquered the area and incorporated it into the Kingdom of Sicily.
During the Byzantine and Norman periods, Santa Maria di Leuca became an important religious site and over time the town came to be known as Santa Maria de Finibus Terrae, referring to the end of the land and the edge of the known world. Indeed, the town is known as the “end of the land” since it marks the point where the Adriatic Sea meets the Ionian Sea.

Today, the town maintain its cultural heritage, but it is also able to attract visitors from around the world who come to admire the natural beauty of the Salento Peninsula.

What to see and do in Santa Maria di Leuca

In our opinion, there are at least 5 reasons why it is worth spending a vacation in Santa Maria di Leuca. Here they are!

1) The natural beauty of Santa Maria di Leuca

The area is renowned for its stunning natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking coastal landscapes, picturesque cliffs, and crystal-clear turquoise waters. The scenic beauty of the region attracts tourists who seek relaxation and the chance to experience unspoiled nature.
The area is home to the Costa Otranto-Santa Maria di Leuca and Bosco di Tricase regional nature park, a protected natural area of Puglia established in 2006. To protect the habitat, any activity that may damage the landscape is prohibited on the entire territory of the protected area.

The nature park is home to numerous animal and plant species and there are several karst caves.
Speaking of caves, some of the most famous ones to see near Santa Maria di Leuca are:

• On the east coast: the Grotta delle Cazzafre, the Grotta del Pozzo,and the Grotta del Brigante.
• On the west coast: the Grotta dei Giganti and the Grotta del Bambino, the Grotta degli Innamorati and the Grotta del Drago, so called because of the presence of a rock that resembles the head of a dragon.

Also, the Porcinara Cave and the Devil’s Cave, so named because of the mysterious rumblings that people hear inside.

2) Beaches and Seaside Activities

Some of the best beaches in Puglia are in the area of Santa Maria di Leuca. The coastline around the town boasts numerous beautiful sandy beaches and hidden coves. Tourists flock to the area to enjoy sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities. The combination of pristine beaches and clear waters makes the town an ideal destination for beach lovers.
Some of the most beautiful beaches around Santa Maria di Leuca are:

• Lido Azzurro: is a well-equipped beach with shallow waters, also good for families with children, here you will also find restaurants and discos
• Canale del Ciolo: is a small canyon with a tiny sandy beach. To get there you have to go down a rather steep flight of steps. In the surrounding area there are several caves. There are no services. In short, it is definitely a wild beach!
• Felloniche Beach: This beach is reminiscent of the Maldives because of the bright colors and clear water. There are services and restaurants.
  

3) Salento Gastronomy

The Salento region is known for its delicious cuisine. Visitors can savor a wide variety of fresh seafood dishes, locally produced olive oil, wines, and traditional dishes.
You must definitely try the risotto “alla pescatora“, seafood linguine, fish soup, “scapece,” octopus “alla pignata,” and marinated anchovies.

4) Historical and Cultural Heritage

Due to the rich historical and cultural heritage, the town is home to several architectural gems, including the Basilica Santuario Santa Maria de Finibus Terrae, which is a notable pilgrimage site. The lighthouse, known as “Faro di Leuca“, is another prominent landmark that offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Overall, the combination of its unique geographical location and historical heritage contribute to the popularity of Santa Maria di Leuca as a sought-after tourist destination in Italy. Moreover, during a vacation in town you can then visit other charming cities in Puglia, such as Otranto, as well as several uncommon natural attractions, for example, the bauxite quarry in Spinazzola.