EXPERIENCE SALENTO LIKE A LOCAL

Discover the beaches, villages and folklore of this magical land

paradise

Crystal clear waters beaches

Crystal clear waters, fine sand and enchanting bays: if you want to find paradise, just go to Salento. From the long stretches of golden sand of the Ionian coast, ideal for families with children due to its shallow water and the frequently calm sea, to the breathtaking beauty of the cliffs on the Adriatic coast, with the wonderful caves and coves that give access to a spectacular blue sea: the excellent position of Corte Cucciata allows you to experience all these views in a single day.

On the Ionian coast, you can easily reach Torre Vado, recognizable by the ancient Saracen tower overlooking the pretty tourist port, and the renowned Pescoluse, coast of Salve nicknamed “the Maldives del Salento” for its Caribbean landscapes. Right from the shore of Torre Vado, the coast begins to change: the cliffs embrace and frame some sickles of sand, slowly taking their place as you get closer to Santa Maria di Leuca and the neighboring shore towns such as San Gregorio and Punta Ristola. Here, where the two seas meet, there is the famous Grotta del Diavolo, full of evocative rocks and ravines that drop sheer into the crystal clear waters. The wild beauty of the cliffs continues on the Adriatic coast, where scuba diving enthusiasts can admire the spectacle of a seabed populated by native species. From Santa Maria di Leuca to Marina Serra, from Castro to Porto Badisco, passing through Marina di Andrano, the Acquaviva cove, the Grotta della Poesia and Le Due Sorelle… The Adriatic coast of the province of Lecce offers unique views of incredible beauty.

the hidden Apulia

Villages and Historical Centres

Next to the more touristy Puglia, with its beaches and oases known all over the world, there is a hidden but splendid Puglia to visit in all seasons: that of villages and historic centers, to be discovered slowly, staying in close contact with its inhabitants to enjoy a more authentic perspective on the region.

From the tiny Acaya, one of the very few fortified towns dating back to the 16th century, to the characteristic Santa Cesarea Terme with its caves and springs of hot sulphurous waters that have particular healing properties. From Castro, an old fishing village which, with its white houses placed almost one on top of the other, features an extraordinary visual impact, to Calimera which, as the name suggests, boasts the Greek heritage and identity of Salento, up to Santa Maria di Leuca, a hamlet of Castrignano del Capo which can be reached in a few minutes from Corte Cucciata. In the heart of the Salento peninsula, where activities based on traditional crafts are still widespread, the old villages stand out: Maglie, with its majestic Cathedral and the tall bell tower; Galatina, seat of the Palazzo Ducale; and Specchia, included in the list of the most beautiful villages in Italy.

popular culture

Folklore and Traditions

The folklore and popular traditions of Salento are among the liveliest and most original of Puglia and Southern Italy. The strong Hellenic influence is expressed above all in popular music: in the songs, in fairy tales, in the tales of witches, nymphs and elves that populate the magical Salento countryside. A tradition that becomes pure spectacle, especially if one thinks of the cult for the “pizzica”, a typical folk dance linked to a healing rite for the so-called “tarantate”.

But Salento is also worshipping of saints, the foundation of the popular religiosity of this area, so much so that every town venerates the statue of its patron and the sacred place that hosts it. Even today, great events and festivals are celebrated with grandiose parties, fireworks, spectacular lighting installations and cheerful bands that accompany the splendid statues made of papier-mâché. The most spectacular event is undoubtedly the Santa Domenica di Scorrano (considered the world capital of lights): in this small town every year, from 5 to 9 July, you can admire a dazzling spectacle of lights and fireworks. Even the Salento craftsmanship has been able to keep its traditions alive: from the aforementioned papier-mâché, created for religious reasons, to terracotta, whose processing is widespread throughout Salento due to the presence of clay; from Lecce stone, called “the gentle stone” for its malleability, to the production of fabric and embroidery, wicker baskets, objects in copper and wrought iron: ancient crafts that still live today, bearing witness to the strong will of the people to remain anchored to their own identity.