Purcidduzzi salentini and Cartellate

If you ask a Puglian what the typical Christmas dish of their land is, they will mostly indicate a dessert, most likely the Purcidduzzi from Salento and the Cartellate from Bari. These preparations bring with them a mix of aromas and flavors typical of that time of year, of one’s childhood, of one’s family.

The ancient Arab and Spanish contacts certainly influenced the Apulian confectionery production, but the elements used for the preparation came and come from our countryside. Almonds, honey, wheat, figs, quinces, ricotta, olive oil are the good raw materials used to prepare simple desserts such as cartallate and more elaborate and rich desserts such as almond paste fish from the ancient tradition of female Apulian monasteries. And so, despite the differences in forge and the slang variations, those preparations, so different from province to province, have the products of our land in common.

The purcidduzzi from Salento and the Cartellate from Bari, for example, are prepared with the same ingredients and according to a very similar procedure. Cartellate are the Christmas dessert par excellence of the popular tradition of Puglia. From a mixture of flour, oil and dry white wine, ribbons of pasta are obtained which are shaped to form a spiral, with a design reminiscent of a rose, full of small concavities and interstices which, after frying, must collect the wine ( or must) cooked or cooked figs. This last spraying and the final addition of finely chopped cinnamon and cloves, tiny sprinkles or toasted almonds, represent the personalizing element of the Cartellate, the aromas and flavors that lead back to our Christmas, to our family and to our tradition.

Below we show you the ingredients for a correct preparation of Purcidduzzi.
The recipe is a bit particular, but the result will be excellent!

The original recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 kg of flour,
• 200 ml of olive oil
• Freshly squeezed orange and mandarin juice
• 1 pinch of salt
• honey
• pine nuts

Method:

1. Knead the listed ingredients first and knead them for a long time.
2. Then slowly add the orange and mandarin juice, or just the orange is fine, together with a pinch of salt.
3. The quantity of juice needed is what ensures that the mixture is homogeneous.
4. When the dough is ready, cut it into small pieces and with the help of a grater, turn them inside out, crushing them and sliding them downwards.
5. These small pasta dumplings, the Purcidduzzi Salentini, heat them in oil in a pan and fry them. Take care that the oil temperature is not too high.
6. When the purcidduzzi are golden, drain them and let the oil absorb.

The sasanello gravinese is a typical dessert of the Apulian tradition, in particular of Gravina in Puglia. It is made with simple ingredients: flour, sugar, fig vincotto and chocolate which give it its particular dark colour. The pleasant scent is instead given by the orange peel and cinnamon. This dessert, with its unmistakable flavour, cheers up not only the Christmas holidays but any other period of the year, given that it is no longer enjoyed only at Christmas but every occasion is a good one to appreciate it, also because it is very easy to prepare in home.

In fact, even if it can be purchased in the bakeries or pastry shops of Gravina in Puglia and many other Apulian towns in the Murgia, the Gravina sasanello can be made in a short time at home.

The recipe

Ingredients

• 250 g of 00 flour
• 250 g of durum wheat semolina
• 150 g of sugar
• 100 ml of milk
• 50 g of bitter cocoa
• 300 g of fig vincotto
• 150 g of dark chocolate chopped into coarse pieces
• 50 g of extra virgin olive oil
• 10 g of ammonia for desserts
• zest of half an untreated lemon
• zest of half an orange
• a pinch of cinnamon

Method

1. Combine the two flours in a bowl and, after making a well in the centre, add the sugar, lemon and orange zest, cinnamon, cocoa and oil.
2. Separately, in a saucepan, heat a little milk to which add the ammonia for desserts so that it dissolves.
3. Add the milk to the other ingredients and mix with a spoon, then add the vincotto and knead with your hands.
4. Pour in the rest of the milk until the mixture is smooth and soft.
5. Add the chopped dark chocolate and continue kneading the mixture.
6. Form the sasanelli with the help of a spoon greased with oil: simply take a little dough and place it on a baking tray covered with baking paper and give it the typical rounded shape.
7. Bake the sasanelli in a hot oven at 180° for 10-15 minutes after sprinkling a little granulated sugar on their surface.

The spicy aroma and extraordinary flavor of this soft sweet make it perfect to accompany a coffee or herbal tea during snacks.

Curiosities about Sasanello gravinese

Originally, Sasanello gravinese was prepared during weddings or parties in middle-lower class families. Today it is prepared mainly for Christmas but it is possible to enjoy it throughout the year and, although it is typical of the Apulian Murgia, it is also prepared with small variations in other regions of the South, where it is also known by the name of “mustazzolo” .

In the splendid setting of the Otranto Canal with its crystal clear waters, stands an ancient village with a multifaceted charm: Santa Cesarea Terme.

50km from Lecce, located on the south-eastern coast of Salento, it represents one of the most popular Salento destinations for travelers seeking relaxation and well-being. This is also thanks to the beneficial thermal waters that flow from the subsoil which are, in fact, a true elixir of beauty and health.

Historic center of Santa Cesarea Terme

The beauty of the rocky coast overlooking the sea is combined with the suggestions of a town with an Art Nouveau atmosphere and renowned spa. In the intermediate area you discover the characteristic town lined with beautiful villas, including Villa Sticchi and Villa Raffaelli, while, in the upper part, with the surrounding countryside where you can admire numerous vineyards and olive groves, which houses some sites of high historical and landscape interest like the fourteenth-century Mother Church of the Sacred Heart.

Going further up the hill, you will reach a grove of Aleppo pines where there is also a small playground and the Belvedere. Here you will admire the entire coast up to Leuca at a glance and, on days when the sky is clearer, the high Albanian mountains are clearly visible from the other side of the sea.

History of Santa Cesarea Terme

Officially, Santa Cesarea Terme was born as an autonomously administered municipality only in 1913. This splendid municipality in Salento blossomed late, due to the numerous attacks by the Saracens along the coasts.

In the sixteenth century, continuous clashes distanced the population and made the creation of an urban center difficult. Only in the nineteenth century were the caves and sulphurous waters with healing properties rediscovered, transforming Santa Cesàrea Terme into a renowned hydrothermal town, adorned with splendid noble and bourgeois villas. Over time, between the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, the village grew so much that it became larger than the nearby towns and thus the need for adequate administration arose.

Popular legends

The beneficial waters are also the protagonists of some of the most fascinating legends of popular tradition.
Santa Cesarea Terme takes its name from its patron saint; popular tradition says that Cesaria Vinciguerra was born in the 14th century. The Saint lost her mother when she was still a teenager, and to escape the inappropriate attentions of her father she took refuge in a cave in the Castro marina, under a rocky hill near Otranto, around which the town was later born. Her father, in an attempt to kidnap her, was swallowed up by the waves, and since then a spring of sulphurous water has flowed from that very point. However, the young woman decided to continue her life in that cave, dedicated to total dedication to God. After her death, a church was built where pilgrims could go on pilgrimage.

According to another legend, the waters of Santa Cesarea have mythological origins linked to the defeat of the Leuterni on the Phlegraean Fields by Hercules. Some of these giants, who are said to have been tempered in fire and sulphur, managed to escape from the demigod and hide in the Salento caves in the Santa Cesarea area, inside which, from the dissolution in the water of the substances generated by their bodies in decomposition, sulfur springs were born.

Thermal baths of Santa Cesarea

If Santa Cesarea Terme has become, in a certain sense, the capital of Salento wellness, it is thanks to its beneficial salt-bromine-iodic-sulphurous-fluorinated waters that flow from four natural sea caves (called Fetida, Sulfurea, Gattulla and Solfatara) to a temperature of around 30 degrees.

This type of water is considered a real asset from a medical point of view as it boasts high therapeutic properties. They are particularly effective in the treatment of respiratory tract pathologies, they are able to relieve pain and disorders of the musculoskeletal system, treatments of epidermal pathologies, up to baths and massages, and thanks to the presence of bromine, they boast sedative effects useful in cases of stress, fatigue, agitation and insomnia and, for some years, they have also been used in the field of aesthetic medicine.
At the facility it is also possible to enjoy special treatments which, in addition to water and mud, also exploit other natural, zero-mile products. Try the oil and olive leaf scrub, the treatment based on honey and Negramaro wine or sea salt, and the thermal showers.

There are also bathing establishments:

• Il Caicco is a historic lido, terraced on several levels on a cliff overlooking the sea.
• The Sulfur Pool, with a 30° thermal water pool with a view and access to the sea by a staircase carved into the rock.

Events

• Among the events of Santa Cesarea Terme, the most important one, in the month of July, is the “Blue Night”. An alternative version of the traditional white nights, with shops and various museums open. Characterized in this case by the theme of energy saving, it is in fact celebrated on a full moon night, and therefore naturally brighter. The whole night is animated by a series of shows, plays, street artists, cabaret and tastings of typical dishes.
  
• The Patron Saint, who also gives her name to the city, is particularly loved. Every year on 11 and 12 September the Patronal Feast of Santa Cesarea Vergine is held. The celebration begins with a procession that winds through the streets of the city, and continues at sea, with the blessing of the waves and a procession of boats that reaches the cave where the Saint is said to have spent most of her life, dedicated to prayer.
  
• Don’t miss the Palio of Santa Cesarea, during which the best “Venetian rowing” is awarded. It consists of rowing standing to see if there is sufficient seabed for navigation). There is no shortage of spectacular fireworks, tastings and the traditional “pizzica salentina” (typical Salento dance).

On the Ionian coast, this small tourist center has great environmental and naturalistic value with many pine forests, natural caves and a crystal clear sea. Santa Caterina is bordered by two nearby towers: the Torre di Santa Caterina and the Torre dell’Alto; the latter marks the border with Porto Selvaggio.

The hamlet includes a coastal part with the seafront and a hilly area called “Le Cenate“. This residential area has many homes belonging to different eras and styles.

The coast is exclusively rocky and jagged with low cliffs where the bravest can dive. A small sandy stretch accompanies a beautiful blue sea that gradually becomes darker towards the deeper waters.

There are several caves that testify to the processes of rising and falling sea levels and where fossils of marine species have been found.

The small town also falls within the context of the Natural Park and Palude del Capitano among the 100 places to be saved by the FAI (Fondo per l’Ambiente Italiano).

In the summer season it becomes exponentially populated, especially the seafront full of lounge bars, pubs and ice cream parlors and small streets that flow into the main street and the lovely central square.

And in fact, it is thanks to tourism that many accommodation facilities such as B&Bs, villages and resorts have been created.

San Pietro in Bevagna is a seaside town that is part of the municipality of Manduria, in the province of Taranto. With its 15 km long coastline, in summer it hosts numerous tourists from all over the world. It is a beach characterized by several dunes, an ideal place to spend relaxing and fun holiday days. The waters are crystal clear and the equipped and free beaches meet the needs of different types of tourists, from the youngest to families with children. It is only 22 km from another very famous seaside resort, Porto Cesareo, and only 10 km from Punta Prosciutto, another beach very popular in summer.

The name of the town is linked to that of the apostle Saint Peter who, according to legend, landed in this location. Thus, one of the symbols of the city is the Church dedicated to Saint Peter, set in a splendid medieval tower, a few meters from the beach.

The church consists of a single nave while the external part is characterized by the presence of a papal coat of arms in bas-relief, placed above the lunette of the portal. On the side facade there is a small bell tower and another characteristic stained glass window.

What to see

• On the seabed of San Pietro in Bevagna there are some marble sarcophagi from the Roman era, the so-called King’s Sarcophagi, remains of the cargo of a Roman ship sunk in the 3rd century AD. There is no trace left of the ship but lovers of scuba diving will be able to admire the treasure that was lost. 23 sarcophagi belonging to different historical eras, the oldest dating back to 150 AD, which are located approximately 5 meters deep.
  
• The Chidro River Mouth Reserve is also important, a series of underground freshwater springs that extend for approximately 13 km. It is an underground river whose waters, mixing with those of the sea into which it flows, are very fresh, so that when swimming in it you can experience sudden changes in temperature.
  
• There is also the Salina dei Monaci, divided between San Pietro in Bevagna itself and Torre Colimena (also belonging to the Municipality of Manduria). It is characterized by a sandy beach with rocky sections and a salt pond where it is possible to observe some birds such as pink flamingos at certain times of the year.

How to reach the destination

By plane:

• If you arrive at Bari Airport, you can reach San Pietro in Bevagna by renting a car with which you can travel easily to discover the city and nearby places.
• Same thing if you arrive at Brindisi Airport: the car rental service is very convenient because you will avoid taking other means of transport which, especially in summer, can be very crowded.

From Brindisi:

You can reach San Pietro in Bevagna by public transport (bus line 500 to Erchie Stazione). Alternatively you can choose the transfer service to San Pietro in Bevagna.

From Bari:

Public transport allows you to reach the beautiful town of Taranto. For example you can take a bus to Avetrana and from here move to San Pietro in Bevagna.

No less useful are the shuttles to San Pietro in Bevagna from nearby cities. They represent a convenient and economical way to reach the destination without having to worry about where to park your car.

Curiosities about San Pietro in Bevagna

Not long ago we heard the news of an exceptional discovery made right here. In fact, a perfectly preserved skeleton of a “giant” with 199 centimeters of bones and decidedly long femurs for its time was found. It seems that the skeleton of the giant of San Pietro in Bevagna was found and dated a few years ago. The dating was made possible thanks to the furnishings found nearby and the coins that he and other skeletons kept in their mouths.

Immediately after that discovery, however, the giant’s remains were buried again and not recovered. Only one photo remains, taken on that occasion, but for now no one intends to delve into the matter further.

As seen, in San Pietro in Bevagna there is not only the sea but also many other riches to discover.

Porto Selvaggio or rather Regional Natural Park Porto Selvaggio and Palude del Capitano is located in the province of Lecce. Since 2007 it has been on the FAI (Fondo per l’Ambiente Italiano) list of “100 places to save”.

The park extends for 1000 hectares between Gallipoli and Porto Cesareo, and divided from Santa Caterina by the Torre dell’Alto. Sea and nature are the two “ingredients” by which you will immediately be surrounded and which blend together, making the scenery that presents itself before your eyes unforgettable.

To reach the bay there are several entrances, following a path full of vegetation for about 20 minutes. Welcoming you will be a stunning view with a blue sea, stones and rocks. This is the most important or rather “famous” part of Porto Selvaggio, a small inlet wedged in the woods and bordered on both sides by a low cliff which gradually becomes higher and where the more adventurous can dive. Furthermore, here there is a small spring of cold, sweet water.

The most beautiful view from the Torre Luzzo side is more difficult to reach, but not for the more sporty who will, among other things, be rewarded by the fantastic panorama. The bay of Luzzo is a Paleolithic site with artefacts and remains of large mammals. From here you can then reach various caves including the Grotta di Capelvenere up to the Torre dell’Alto. The spur on which it stands ends with a precipice called the Dirupo della Damnata.

How to get to Porto Selvaggio: by car

From Brindisi: SS7 for Mesagne; SP74 for San Pancrazio Salentino; SP109 for Torre Lapillo; SP359 for Porto Cesareo. Once you reach Porto Cesareo, take the SP286 towards Sant’Isidoro and go along the characteristic coastal road that leads to Gallipoli and up to Porto Selvaggio.

From Bari: SS16 for Brindisi, exit Mesagne; for Mesagne; SP74 towards San Pancrazio Salentino; SP109 for Torre Lapillo; SP359 for Porto Cesareo. Once in Porto Cesareo follow the directions above.

Porto Badisco is a seaside resort between Otranto, Santa Cesarea Terme and Castro and, according to the legend linked to Virgil’s narrative, Aeneas landed here together with his father and son.

An area of historical and landscape interest, among rocks, caves and crystal clear waters, the town is renowned above all for its sea full of sea urchins.

Furthermore, here is the Grotta dei Cervi, an underground complex that contains graffiti and paintings dating back to the Neolithic. Virgin beaches, silent coves and isolated shores: Porto Badisco does not offer sandy expanses but rather ravines and inlets. Since the Grotta dei Cervi has been closed to the public since 1970, the more famous Grotta della Zinzulusa, a cave of karst origin, can be reached in a very nearby location (Castro).

The beach

Surrounded by prickly pears and myrtle, the beach of Porto Badisco is a real small fjord in which sand and not very sharp rocks alternate. The water is crystal clear, almost like a spring, and the scenery is heavenly.

Access is easy, there is the possibility of parking and renting umbrellas, canoes and sunbeds: these are other aspects that mean that the beach is literally “stormed” during the summer season by tourists from all over the world .

What to do in Porto Badisco

In the surroundings of Porto Badisco, lovers of trekking and excursions can visit the Costa Otranto-Santa Maria di Leuca and Bosco di Tricase Regional Natural Park, rich in many species of plants and animals.

Also of extraordinary beauty is the boat excursion along the entire coast that can be done with organized tours: in this way you will be able to admire all the wonders near Porto Badisco such as the aforementioned Zinzulusa Cave, passing through Santa Cesarea Terme, the Punta Palascia lighthouse until you almost reach Otranto.

Immersing yourself in the crystal clear waters by taking a dip during the excursion will make the experience even more unforgettable.

Boat excursions also depart from the town of Porto Badisco for all diving lovers who will thus be able to appreciate the treasures of this sea even better.

What to eat

As in all of Salento, the typical cuisine is full of good fish, traditional Apulian first courses and mouth-watering desserts.

Sea urchins are a must, to be enjoyed with linguine, fried seafood and other fish, crustacean and mollusc dishes.

Here too you can find the tasty “pasticciotto leccese“, a shortcrust pastry dessert filled with cream but also available in many other flavors to satisfy everyone’s palates.

Or the rustico Leccese, a puff pastry filled with tomato sauce, bechamel and mozzarella, excellent to enjoy while walking through the streets of the town.

How to get to Porto Badisco

By plane:

• Brindisi airport: 100km
• Bari airport: 213km

By train:

The most convenient station is Lecce. Once you arrive, take the bus to Porto Badisco or book a rental car with driver service which will take you directly to your destination.

By car:

• From Brindisi: SS613 towards Lecce. Before entering the city, take the West Ring Road towards Maglie-Otranto; take exit 11B towards Maglie. Just before arriving in Maglie, take the SS16 for Otranto and take the exit for Giurdignano. Once you arrive in Giurdignano you will find the signs for Uggiano la Chiesa, crossing the city center follow the signs for Porto Badisco.
  
• From Bari: Take the SS16 towards Brindisi; without turning, continue towards Lecce. From here follow the directions above.

Let’s now talk about one of the most popular places in the entire province of Lecce: the Marina di Pescoluse.

Located in the lower Salento, on the Ionian coast in the province of Lecce, between Torre Pali and Torre Vado, the wide beach is protected by splendid dunes, thick vegetation and crystal clear sea.

Since 2009 the Pescoluse sea has been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag of the Fee – Foundation for Environmental Education. Blue Flag means water quality but also purification, waste management, services and safety on the beaches, organized car traffic.

The beach of Pescoluse

Since 2004 it has obtained the recognition of the 4 Sails of Legambiente with the name of the homonymous beach: the “Maldives of Salento“. Unique and enchanting, beautiful and inviting to leave a unique and unforgettable memory.
From relaxing walks along the beach to the most exciting water sports, from aerobic gymnastics to yoga on the beach at sunset or sunrise; from thirst-quenching drinks savored in the shade of the palm trees to refined cocktails spent on long moonlit nights.

With its long coastline of about 4 km, it represents a corner of paradise with crystal clear waters, very fine white sand, shallow waters and breathtaking sunsets.

The beach is very large but during the summer months it is very crowded due to the high number of tourists. That’s why you need to go there early or go to the private beaches.

Pescoluse is a very small town but welcomes thousands of tourists thanks to numerous structures such as B&Bs, holiday homes and farmhouses. The latter do not rise directly on the sea, but rather about 500 meters from the coast, respecting nature.

For those wishing to travel, it is well connected to the various larger centers of Salento such as Gallipoli or Leuca. For those who remain in the town there are numerous meeting places where it is possible to enjoy greater tranquility.

Torre San Giovanni in Salento is a town in the Ugento marina overlooking the Ionian Sea.

Among the most popular in the summer months, it owes its name to the tower built in the 16th century by Charles V to monitor the coast. Its appearance today is very particular, as it is covered with black and white checkered tiling, therefore easy to remember for tourists and to identify for sailors.

The lighthouse of the tower itself divides the coasts into two: towards the north with low cliffs and rather shallow waters in which real natural pools are created; on the southern side, however, long white beaches extend similar to earthly paradises with an immaculate turquoise sea, pine forests and dunes. Furthermore, Messapian walls were discovered around the tower.

Torre San Giovanni territory is very large and varied: there are areas of historical-archaeological interest (Contrada Pozze) and naturalistic interest (Pineta Comunale).

The sea and the beaches

The crystal clear waters of Torre San Giovanni have received the Blue Flag recognition several times: the shallow sandy seabed makes this place pleasant for family holidays but also for having fun with friends. Coves are wonderful to discover during snorkeling sessions or boat excursions but you can practice numerous other water sports to admire the breathtaking beauty of the seabed.

In addition to fun and sports, the Torre San Giovanni beach is perfect for relaxing and having fun in one of the many beaches equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas. Often in many establishments there are also excellent restaurants where you can enjoy delicious seafood specialties or fresh fruit and, for anyone who wants to keep fit, it is possible to try your hand at football or beach volleyball matches on one of the numerous pitches.

And in the afternoon and evening, the beaches are transformed into real open-air discos with live DJ sets where you can dance, have fun and socialize between one cocktail and another.

What to do in Torre San Giovanni

• There is not only the sea in Torre San Giovanni: in fact, for all walking lovers, there are trekking routes in uncontaminated nature to enjoy a bit of tranquility away from the confusion of the beaches. During the walks you will be able to admire the typical vegetation of the Mediterranean scrub, with olive trees and vineyards, such as that of the Valle degli Armeculi and the Gravine di Ugento.

• The city street is populated and cheerful: here there is no shortage of clubs and bars offering evening entertainment with live music and aperitifs but also foam parties and themed evenings.

• In Torre San Giovanni there is also a wide choice of restaurants that serve tasty dishes of typical Salento cuisine, seafood first courses and fried fish and octopus, accompanied by good Salento wine.

• During the summer there are various patronal celebrations and festivals that are organised. In July, for example, the Sagra della Puccia takes place, a typical Salento sandwich which is mixed with black olives and seasoned with tuna, cherry tomatoes and local vegetables. In August, however, there is the Sagra te li ciceri e tria, a typical handmade pasta seasoned with chickpeas and pieces of pasta fried in oil.

• Furthermore, for tourists who are here in August, a truly characteristic and fun experience is to participate in the celebrations in honor of the Madonna dell’Aiuto, which are held on the 10th and 11th of the month. The statue of the Virgin is taken by boat and transported to the sea followed by the faithful, the authorities and the musical band on boats or dinghies.

Everyone can organize their dream holiday in Torre San Giovanni, in fact here there are numerous accommodation facilities suitable for every budget: hotels, B&Bs and tourist villages, according to your needs.

How to get to Torre San Giovanni

By plane:

• Brindisi airport 110km
• Bari airport 230km

By train:

To get to Torre San Giovanni by train there are various alternatives:

• From Lecce station, take a regional train and from there continue with local connections.
• From Lecce station take the green line of the excellent Salento bus service.
• From Lecce station or any other station, use the rental with driver service which will take you directly to your destination.

By car:

• From Brindisi: SS613 towards Lecce. Before arriving in Lecce, take the SS694 Tangenziale Ovest junction. After a few km take the SS101 junction for Gallipoli. Continue on this road which from Gallipoli onwards becomes SS274 towards Santa Maria di Leuca, then take the Taurisano-Ugento exit and continue towards Ugento. Once in the town, follow the signs (5km) for Torre San Giovanni.
• From Bari: SS16 towards Brindisi and continue to Lecce without ever changing direction. Once you arrive on the SS613, follow the directions above.

The southernmost inhabited center of the entire province, Santa Maria di Leuca, has a precise origin.

The name “Leuca” was given by ancient Greek sailors who saw the place as illuminated by the sun and therefore leukos, white. Instead, another name with which it is associated was born from the Romans, namely “de finibus terrae“. The name “Santa Maria” was wanted by Saint Peter who, having landed here, dedicated it to the Virgin.

The Finis Terrae Sanctuary

It was born on an ancient temple dedicated to the goddess Minerva. The interior of the sanctuary has a single nave with six side altars; the facade of the church is divided in two by an entablature. The lower area, enriched with epigraphs and coats of arms, is divided into five compartments by four pilasters, two of which end with two statues. In the central part, the entrance portal opens, while two other, smaller ones are located at the two ends.

The lighthouse of Santa Maria di Leuca

Santa Maria di Leuca lighthouse is located on Punta Melisio. The octagonal tower is located 47 meters above ground level and 102 meters above sea level.

You can reach the top via a staircase made up of 254 steps and admire the breathtaking view of the two seas, with the mountains of Albania to the east, the mountains of Calabria to the west and the island of Corfù to the south.

Leuca’s coast presents a different characterization: that on the Adriatic (East) is high and jagged, that on the Ionian (West) lower and more homogeneous.

The caves

The eastern coast is home to numerous caves such as Cazzafri, Pozzo, Brigante, and finally the Ciolo inlet.

On the coast road that leads to Gallipoli near Punta Ristola, you come across the Porcinara Cave and finally the Punta del Diavolo, so called because of the dark rumbles; Neolithic finds have been discovered here.

On the western coast we find the Cave of the Giants, the Child and the Nativity Scene, so called due to the presence of stalactites that recall the Nativity.

The village festivals

Of course, the town’s festivals cannot be missed. Every 15th August the Madonna of Santa Maria di Leuca is celebrated with a procession through the streets of the town, up to the port where she is embarked on a fishing vessel.

The particular geographical position of Santa Maria has favored the contact of various Mediterranean populations and the creation of beautiful nineteenth-century houses and villas which are opened to the public on a Sunday in May. Here, inside each villa, the historical and architectural characteristics are illustrated. Furthermore, the guided tour includes the tasting of gastronomic specialties or architectural exhibitions. Usually, access is free or established by the owner.

How to get to Santa Maria di Leuca

By plane:

• Brindisi airport (130km)
• Bari airport (250km)

By train:

Arrive by train to Lecce, and from there use the local railway networks until you reach Gagliano del Capo (5km from Santa Maria di Leuca, another alternative, once in Lecce, can be the excellent Salento by Bus service present during the entire summer period.

By car:

• From Brindisi: SS613 towards Lecce. Before arriving in Lecce, take the SS694 Tangenziale Ovest junction, after a few km take the SS101 junction for Gallipoli. Continue on the SS101 and follow the signs for Santa Maria di Leuca
  
• From Bari: SS16 towards Brindisi and continue to Lecce without ever changing direction once you reach the SS613 follow the directions above.