Santa Caterina: small tourist center near Porto Selvaggio

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.

Santa Maria al Bagno in Salento is a tourist location in the municipality of Nardò.

Its name refers to the Torre del Fiume built in the 16th century by Charles V and of which only the four towers now remain. The purpose of this construction was to protect the population given that the locality was located in a very strategic position for the supply of water and often became prey to pirate raids.

Santa Maria al Bagno is a charming and lively town during the summer season, however pleasant trips can also be made on beautiful spring and autumn days.

The beach and the sea of Santa Maria al Bagno

The beach of Santa Maria al Bagno is characterized by sandy stretches, ideal for a holiday with children, and rockier coasts, perfect for those who love wild landscapes. Here you can find everything you need to spend a relaxing holiday: equipped beaches, bars, restaurants, etc. Also unmissable are boat excursions (which can be booked in one of the many agencies) to admire the beauty of the entire coast.

You will certainly notice the Montagna Spaccata, so called because it was split during the excavations carried out in the cliff to create the road connecting Santa Maria al Bagno and Lido Conchiglie. It is right here that all snorkeling lovers will be able to admire many colorful fish.

What to see

• Anyone who spends their holidays here will naturally be able to notice the remaining Four Columns of the ancient Torre del Fiume. It is a very suggestive place which, after the restoration which took place between the 60s and 70s, has become the main destination for tourists. Over time this has also become the location for important concerts such as those by Domenico Modugno, Adriano Celentano and Ray Charles.

• For all history lovers, a pleasant discovery is knowing that the Museum of Memory and Hospitality was inaugurated in the town in 2009 and houses evidence of World War II and the persecution of the Jews by the Nazis, such as the famous murals of Zivi Miller.

• Not far from the town, it’s possible to admire the eclectic Villas of the Cenate which are located along the road that leads to Nardò. These are 19th century villas in which it is possible to find architectural and artistic elements of different styles (hence the term Eclecticism).

• For a different day to spend with your children, the Salento Aquarium is unmissable to discover all the secrets of the underwater world.

Events

The favorable climate of Santa Maria al Bagno makes it a pleasant place to spend your September holidays and, if you happen to find yourself in the small village in this month, it will be very suggestive to take part in the Patronal Festivals in honor of Santa Maria on 12 September. On this occasion, a characteristic procession takes place at sea and festivals are organized to taste the typical dishes.

A few days later, from 16 to 19 September, the festival in honor of San Giuseppe da Copertino is held. During the celebrations the village lights up with splendid lights and fireworks.

How to get to Santa Maria al Bagno

• By car: take the A14 to Bari, then take the SS16 towards Lecce. Proceed for approximately 25 km along the SS101 until the Galatone exit. Take Santa Maria al Bagno and finally the SP90.
• By train: from any city in Italy take a train to Lecce. Once you arrive in the capital, simply take a bus to reach Santa Maria al Bagno (alternatively, you can take a train to Nardò).
• By plane: arrive at Brindisi Airport, then take a train or bus to Lecce and from there move towards Santa Maria al Bagno in one of the two ways seen above.

An irresistible combination of history and magic, palaces and churches, monasteries and convents will welcome you in Lecce also called the “Florence of the South“. The origins of the city date back to the age of the Messapians, but it developed in the Roman age. Famous for the baroque style as well as the gastronomic specialties that characterize it, it is a place loved by tourists who visit Puglia. In addition to its beauty, Lecce can count on its proximity to other very famous places in Salento. In fact, renowned beaches of inestimable beauty are found here where the protagonists are expanses of white sand, wild cliffs and crystal clear waters.

Historic center of Lecce

Accessing the historic center of Lecce is an experience that leaves you speechless: just cross one of the three “gates” that lead to the heart of the city and specifically Porta Napoli, Porta San Biagio or Porta Rudiae.
Walking in the historic center you will have the impression of walking in a museum: a succession of buildings, narrow streets, churches and monuments on whose facades Lecce stone stands out will make you fall in love with this city.
First of all, the Basilica of Santa Croce with its magnificent rose window is the most emblematic example of Lecce baroque. Next to this, the former Celestine Convent, continuing with countless Greek churches and various museums (“Sigismondo Castromediano”, the Cartapesta one and the Diocesan one).

Proceeding through the intricate streets, along Via Palmieri, you can admire the Paisiello Theater up to the entrance to Piazza Duomo. Here is the Cathedral dedicated to Maria SS. Assunta with its sumptuous interiors decorated in Baroque style with stucco, marble and beautiful paintings.

Leaving Piazza Duomo to the left, you can reach the other part of the city (Porta Rudiae) while on the right you enter Baroque Lecce.
Along the way you can appreciate the Church of Sant’Irene, bars, restaurants, souvenir shops and bookshops, until you reach the beautiful Piazza Sant’Oronzo, dedicated to the patron saint of Lecce.

In the center of the square the city symbol, the “Lupa” (She-Wolf) is depicted together with an holm oak tree. The toponym Lupiae recalls the she-wolf, from which Lecce was born, while in contemporary Lecce refers to the holm-oak tree, which would have offered shelter to the same she-wolf. The holm oak is, in fact, a characteristic tree of the Terra d’Otranto.
It is also impossible not to notice the magnificent Roman Amphitheater built in the 2nd century AD, where shows and games took place. The theater was destroyed at the beginning of the 20th century due to some earthquakes and today it’s only visible in part. However, it manages to give a very good idea of what it meant in the past for the citizens of Lecce who enjoyed the games here.

Shopping street

After Piazza Sant’Oronzo, Via Libertini and Corso Vittorio Emanuele, the main axes of the historic city that connect Porta Rudiae to Piazza S.Oronzo, find their natural continuation in Via Salvatore Trinchese, the walking and shopping street preferred by the people of Lecce.
In fact, numerous shops of the most well-known commercial distribution chains (Zara, Bershka, Calzedonia etc.) and more are found here. Along the road there are in fact numerous bars, ice cream parlors and pastry shops, among which the famous Natale pastry shop stands out, considered by many to be the best in the city.
The Ex Banco di Napoli, now home to the “Banco Lounge Bar” after the restoration, offers a restaurant area and a rooftop bar on the garden terrace, from which you can enjoy an unprecedented view of the city.
Along the shopping street there are also two important theaters: the “Politeama Greco” theater, where prose shows, musicals, ballets and concerts take place and further on the Apollo Theater, recently returned to quality shows after thirty years of oblivion.
You will immediately notice the end of this street once you reach Piazza Mazzini, famous for its fountain. Here, during holidays and festivals, the municipal administration usually sets up stands or rides for children. On normal days, it represents a place for meeting and socializing thanks to the presence of numerous benches where kids stop to chat.

Nightlife

The fulcrum of Lecce’s social life, however, is found in Piazza Sant’Oronzo and in the adjacent Piazzetta di Santa Chiara. It is precisely in this little square that there are, next to each other, numerous cocktail bars where kids love to hang out until late at night sipping drinks: the Alibi Creative Pub or the Urban Cafè are just a few examples. Another place that is super popular with residents but a little more “hidden”, is Quanto Basta. His presence, however, is well marked by the crowd of kids sitting outside the venue on the many steps of the surrounding houses.
Even in Piazza Sant’Oronzo the nightlife is felt thanks to the presence of Bar Martinucci and Caffé Alvino, considered the “kings of pasticciotto”. Despite the presence of numerous seats, many young people prefer to sip their drinks sitting on the steps of the Santa Maria delle Grazie Church next door and admire the view of the beautiful Roman amphitheatre.

Typical products

As anticipated, the “pasticciotto leccese” is a must in this city and you cannot fail to taste it in one of the many pastry shops in the city. According to certain sources, however, the pasticciotto was invented in Galatina, a small town not far from Lecce by the hands of the pastry chef Andrea Ascalone, way back in 1745, from whom the famous pastry shop takes its name.
In Lecce, the addresses worth mentioning are the aforementioned Bar Martinucci, Caffé Alvino, Pasticceria L’Incontro and Pasticceria Natale.
To accompany the famous dessert, you cannot miss the Caffè Leccese, a cold coffee with almond milk typical of the Salento areas.

Moving on to the “savoury”, some typical products are:

• puccia salentina, a typical bread from Puglia, crunchy on the outside and empty on the inside. It si ideal for stuffing with sausages, cheeses and condiments in oil (mushrooms, peppers, aubergines);
• rustico Leccese, a delicious disc of puff pastry filled with tomato, mozzarella and bechamel;
• the Salento frisa, a sort of rounded loaf of hard bread (indeed, very hard), cut horizontally into two discs. Each half is called “frisa” and before eating it you must immerse it in water for a few seconds to soften it and then season it with salt, cherry tomatoes and oregano;
• the maritati leccesi, union (hence “maritati”) of two famous typical Apulian pasta shapes: orecchiette and maccheroncini. These are very often prepared at home and seasoned with turnip tops, tomato sauce or with sausage and frierielli.

Events in Lecce

The festival par excellence in Lecce is undoubtedly the one dedicated to the Patron Saint: Sant’Oronzo (together with his co-patrons San Giusto and San Fortunato). Every year, on 24, 25 and 26 August, Lecce celebrates with shows, initiatives and events capable of involving the entire population and beyond.
The celebrations are officially inaugurated on the afternoon of August 24, with the faithful gathering in Piazza Duomo and starting the long procession. The procession ends with the musical band and fireworks, after which the big party begins. For three days in a row, a series of shows, concerts and theatrical performances as well as gastronomic celebrations take place.

This great event attracts many tourists who choose Puglia as a destination for their holidays in the summer period. Despite this, regardless of the period, Lecce will always have something to offer its visitors at any time of the year.

Torre dell’Orso is a seaside resort in the Melendugno marina, in the province of Lecce. Its beaches are sandy and the sea is crystal clear: the right place to spend your summer holidays.

The inlet of about 800 meters is bordered by two cliffs: in the southern area a watercourse called Brunese flows into it and there is the San Cristoforo cave in which ancient graffiti was found.

The two stacks that can be seen to the south of the bay are The Two Sisters, to which a legend is linked from which they take their name. It is said that two sisters stopped to dive from this cliff but were never able to re-emerge from the water. The Gods, moved with compassion, in memory of the sisters, transformed them into the two sea stacks.

The historic center

Known in the locality is the Church of SS. Guardian Angels, located in Piazza D’Acquisto, which was inaugurated on 24 July 1960 and 23 January 1990, at the behest of the Metropolitan Bishop of Lecce, Msgr. Cosmo Francesco Ruppi. Inside the Church there is the statue of the Madonna “Stella Maris”, whose feast falls on the first Sunday of August.

Seaside locations near Torre dell’Orso

• Nearby Torre dell’Orso there are other very famous towns and seaside locations in Salento such as San Foca. Here you can find different beaches that satisfy everyone’s tastes: those who want tranquility and peace can relax on the Torre Specchia Ruggeri beach or on the Orange beach or “Li Marangi“, or on the Brigantini beach, with its isolated sea stacks such as the rock of the eight” (so called because of its shape which resembles an 8 written horizontally). For the more adventurous, the best is the beach of the Asce islands, where you can go snorkelling, kitesurfing, rod fishing and so on.

• Also worth visiting is San Foca Tower of the same name, built in 1568 by the master Antonio Saponaro of Lecce, which had the function of a lookout against Turkish invasions.

• Another location close to Torre dell’Orso is Roca Vecchia, known above all for the two Poesia caves, karst caves whose roofs have collapsed, where you can swim or enjoy diving. In Roca Vecchia you can also visit the Sanctuary of Maria Santissima delle Grazie or crypt of Roca Vecchia, which has unknown origins. It was built on the site of an ancient rock hypogeum or an ancient Byzantine cave. The basement structure has 3 naves, each with three columns. Below it there is a cave of karst origin.

• Again, not very far from Torre dell’Orso there is Torre Sant’Andrea, a small corner of paradise where there are no bathing establishments. The surrounding water is crystal clear and the scenery that extends all around is spectacular: to the right and left of the beach, there are white rocks overlooking the sea which take the name of “Faraglioni di Sant’Andrea”.

Other nearby locations: Lecce

You cannot miss a visit to Lecce, the baroque city in Southern Italy with many beauties to discover. The beating heart of the city, however, is Piazza Sant’Oronzo, near which stands the Castle commissioned by King Charles V in 1539. Then there is the city’s Cathedral which stands in the square of the same name, and is the fulcrum of the religious life of the city with the Cathedral dedicated to Maria SS. Assunta which was built in 1144 and renovated in 1230. Not to be missed, another symbol of religiosity, is the Basilica of Santa Croce with the adjacent Convent of the Celestines.

Lecce is the city not to be missed during your stay in Salento, with all its history, its art, its religiosity. Also worth visiting to get away from the sea and become “tourists”. And for lunch or dinner, there is nothing better than trying all the delicacies that the city has to offer such as rustico Leccese, pasticciotto or simply drinking a famous coffee with ice.

How to reach Torre dell’Orso

To reach the beautiful location of the Melendugno marina you can consider using your own vehicle (car or motorbike) or public transport.

But certainly the fastest way to reach it is a transfer to Torre dell’Orso, which eliminates the worry of having to find parking or being subject to public transport timetables.

A shuttle to Torre dell’Orso is also the ideal way to return to your accommodation (b&b, hotel, holiday home) after a visit to Lecce or one of the beautiful beaches in the surrounding towns.

Although Torre dell’Orso is not a large town, in summer it becomes a very lively town with a nightlife that also attracts many young people but which also does not displease families or older people. You can therefore stay here without a car, even without having to worry about where to park it.