Seven days in Salento, an itinerary for a low cost trip from north to south. Where to eat, where to sleep and where to swim to visit one of the most beautiful areas in Italy.
Il Salento it is a virgin land, genuine, not entirely damaged. Over the last few years it has experienced a very important tourist peak for its economy. Lecce with its baroque architecture, known as the Florence of the South. De Finibus terrae, where the lands end, that is Santa Maria di Leuca. Gallipoli, a popular summer destination among young people for its aperitifs on the beach. In the next article a list of the best places for aperitifs.
Who comes to Salento for the first time is forced to return. Its landscapes leave you speechless, the fresh flavors of sea and land, the engaging notes of its pizzica, the joyful atmosphere of the festivals, the hospitality and welcome of its people.
If you are still thinking about one summer destination that gives you amazement and vitality with an eye on your wallet, go to Salento. Salento is a peninsula, the heel of Puglia, washed to the east by the Adriatic and to the west by the Ionian, so you have the privilege of choosing which coast to head to every morning based on the wind. If it's scirocco, it is advisable to go on the Adriatic while when it is tramontana the Ionian will give you Caribbean views.
You are spoiled for choice on seats, based on your lifestyle and taste. The easiest way to appreciate this land is a road trip (public transport only connects major locations at certain times). In this way you will discover that it is not only beach and relaxation, but offers much more.
I recommend you spend at least 7 days and stay overnight in the surroundings of Lecce in order to be halfway between the two coasts. Here are three itineraries.
On the first day head to Porto Cesareo (on the Ionian coast) and have breakfast at Prince, in the center of the town next to the much discussed statue of Manuela Arcuri, because it was erected as a symbol of the fishermen's wife. Enjoy a cappuccino and croissant by the sea. Follow the coast road for about 15 km in the direction Gallipoli, you will have a unique glimpse of the coast.
Stop at Porto Selvaggio, Torre Uluzzo, for a dip in its crystalline waters: the surrounding landscape offers you cliffs overlooking the sea, defensive towers abandoned native vegetation. There are several slopes with access to the sea, choose the point you like best. Immediately after Porto Selvaggio you will find yourself in Santa Caterina. In front of the cliff there is a pine forest where you can shelter from the blinding sun and a staircase will lead you to the top of the tower.
From there you can enjoy an unparalleled view of the coast. Continue towards Gallipoli, crossing Santa Maria al Bagno: in the village you will find a bakery that fills sandwiches according to your tastes. Nothing better to eat by the sea. Finish your tour in Gallipoli with a walk in the historic center where you can admire the fishermen weaving their nets according to tradition.
Dedicate the second day to the medium - high Adriatic coast. Head to Santa Cesarea Terme, whose Palazzo Sticchi and atmosphere will take you back to the sixties. Stop at the Caffè delle Terme for a coffee on top of the cliff. Go up the coast road towards Otranto, with a stop at Torre Minervino (scenography of several spots). Just before Porto Badisco ask for the location Russian port and take a dip in this crystalline basin, source of fresh water.
Obligatory stop at tavern Le Taiate in Porto Badisco: with just under 15 euros each you will eat fresh fish and house wine at will. Then go down to the small beach of Porto Badisco, defined as the landing place of Aeneas based on an interpretation ofAeneid of Virgil that would see the hero, fleeing from Troy, take refuge here.
After just under 10 km you will reach the Palascía lighthouse, the easternmost point of Italy, the so-called "dawn of peoples". It is said that the Adriatic and Ionian seas meet at this point. Before the port of Otranto, you will find yourself at Le Orte, site of the Bauxite quarry: a basin of crystalline green water surrounded by red earth, the bauxite.
Take a sunset walk in Otranto, pearl of the Adriatic coast, and savor local dishes at “La Bella Idrusa”, at the entrance to the castle (at rush hour the waiting times for a table can be extended for more than an hour).
The third itinerary includes the lower Adriatic coast up to Leuca. We start from Castro where you can visit the castle, or for naturalists the Zinzulusa cave, with stalactites and stalagmites. Immediately after Castro, you will read about Marina di Andrano signs. Although the name does not sound a lot, you will be amazed in its Green Grotto, due to its crystalline color given by the sun's rays penetrating the water from the bottom of the rock. What can I say, inexplicable with words.
A few km away you can cool off in the cove of Acquaviva delle Fonti before continuing to Ciolo, the Salento “small fjord”, dominated by a 37 meter high flyover from where the more daring dive in front of the packed crowd. With the chills still in your body it's time to catch up Santa Maria di Leuca, the heel of Italy, and admire the sunset from the sanctuary overlooking the town.
