I wish I could write a much bigger list of places to visit in Salento, Italy’s stunning southern peninsula, but it’s impossible to see every nook and cranny of it in one or even two trips because there’s always another town, beach, or experience awaiting.
I know it’ll leave you wanting more, but I’m certain these spots will absolutely fill your soul with joy.
*I try to keep the information on this blog as updated as possible, but I still recommend consulting the latest prices, opening hours, and other details on the official website of each site, hotel, and tour, as well as checking the updated public transport routes and timetables. I share my personal experience and cannot guarantee yours.
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A Quick Introduction to the Salento Peninsula, Puglia, Italy
The entire region of Puglia is often referred to as “Italy’s heel,” but a closer look at the map reveals that it is actually the Salento Peninsula, aka southern Puglia, that forms this part of the boot.
Ruled by the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Normans, Austrians, and the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, amongst others, it’s a historically and culturally fascinating area to explore in terms of landmarks, food, and more.
There are even some towns here that still speak in a Greek dialect called Salentino Griko.
For me, Salento’s magic comes to life when you allow yourself to enjoy the different sides of it; cities and towns with intriguing history, beautiful architecture, and adorable alleys; limestone coves and a turquoise coastline that feels unreal; olive groves and vineyards (try Primitivo and Negroamaro), simple yet delicious local delicacies; unique traditions.
These were some of my favorite spots to explore, mostly located in the Province of Lecce.
Places to Visit in Salento, Italy
Lecce
No words will be enough to describe how much I fell in love with Lecce, known as ‘The Florence of the South’ due to its rich culture, history, and architecture.
It’s the kind of place that’s authentic, beautiful, inviting, and fascinating all at the same time, and I’m not exaggerating when I say it has become one of my favorite Italian cities.
Once you step inside its historic center through one of three city gates, you’re enveloped by the charm of its alleys and wowed by the beauty and intricacy of its countless Baroque landmarks from the 16th-18th centuries when the Kingdom of Sicily ruled the city.
Admiring the Duomo, the Church of the Holy Cross, the city gate Porta San Biagio, and other awe-inspiring spots like the Roman Amphitheatre and the Jewish Museum, sightseeing in Lecce is just as worth it as wandering freely through the narrow streets.
You should also try some local goods like Caffe Leccese (espresso, ice, and almond milk/syrup), Rustico Leccese (puff pastry filled with bechamel, tomato sauce, and mozzarella), and Ciceri e tria (pasta with chickpeas, different than pasta e ceci).
I recommend staying in Lecce for a few nights, but you can also visit it as a day trip from Bari.
Gallipoli
It is debatable whether Gallipoli was founded by the Messapians or the Greeks, but its name originates from the Greek word ‘Kallipolis’, meaning ‘beautiful city’.
This famous port city boasts an enchanting old town situated on a little island connected to the mainland, earning it the nickname ‘Pearl of the Ionian Sea’.
It is quite small, and it’s not the kind of place that’s packed with sights (apart from its castle/fortress and a couple of other spots), but I loved exploring its alleys and the entire seafront promenade surrounding it, passing by its harbor and beach (Spiaggia della Purità).
And while there’s no shortage of places to eat fish and seafood in Puglia (well, it has the longest coastline in mainland Italy), Gallipoli is considered one of the best (my personal restaurant recommendation – Dimora Muzio).
Cave of Poetry (Grotta della Poesia)
If there’s one place in Salento you’ve probably heard of, it’s this famous natural swimming pool with crystal-clear turquoise water.
It has become extremely popular, especially in the peak season, so visit early in the day to beat the crowds.
To get to the cave itself, head just a few meters south of Santuario della Madonna di Roca Vecchia, where you’ll see a sign welcoming you to the Area Archeologica Grotta della Poesia, and you’ll have a couple of hundred meters to walk (carefully because it’s rocky).
I admit that the cave wasn’t the highlight of this area for me because the coastline around it (inside the Area Archeologica Grotta della Poesia) was so much more impressive, mesmerizing, and magical, but it was still very beautiful.
Torre dell’Orso Beach
Only a few minutes away, the stunning sandy 1-km-long Spiaggia di Torre dell’Orso awaits.
Just like in other places along this coastline, the water color is utterly dreamy and is well worth appreciating, whether you’re here for a lazy day under the sun or just passing by and enjoying the viewpoints overlooking the beach.
On the southern part, you’ll also find the Due Sorelle (Two Sisters) rock formations.
According to the legend, two sisters wanted to enjoy the waters and went for a swim, one starting to drown and the other trying to save her without luck, ending with both of them dead, so the Gods turned them into two adjacent rocks.
Faraglioni di Sant’Andrea
Less than 2 km away, this unique coastal spot has to be one of my favorites here.
I was ready to move to Lecce, not only to live in such a charming city but also to have this kind of place only a short drive/bus ride away.
These unique natural cliffs and limestone formations, surrounded by some of the most intensely turquoise water I’ve ever seen, are, without a doubt, one of the most soul-cleansing & photogenic places in Puglia and the Adriatic Sea.
Just be very careful, as this is a rocky area and not an ordinary beach. I accidentally slammed my knee on one of the stairs there, and it wasn’t a pleasant experience.
The scenery was worth it, though. I could sit there for hours just staring at the sea or wander around to find more angles to relish.
Santa Cesarea Terme
While this is a seaside town known for its thermal springs, what I loved about Santa Cesarea Terme was entirely different.
I enjoyed its coastal views seen from Via Roma, the Moorish-style pastel-colored Palazzo Sticchi (it’s a private property, but you can admire its exteriors), and a unique “beach” (called Cala Porticciolo) where the cliffs and old ruins create “natural swimming pools” and unusual access points to the sea.
Castro Marina
Around 8 km away is one of the cutest seaside towns in this area of the Salento Peninsula and quite a hidden gems in Puglia.
Castro has a tiny historic center you can wander, with a restored castle that houses an archeological museum and viewpoints over the coastline.
Next is the charming little harbor, where you can take boat tours to nearby caves (like the famous Grotta Zinzulusa) or simply savor the water color and sea breeze.
Cala dell’Acquaviva
One of the best things to do in Salento is discovering tiny hidden beaches, and I just know this one will be right up your alley.
With crystal clear waters and picturesque cliffs surrounding it, it’s a scenic spot to soak up the sun and take a refreshing dip in the sea, although it’s important to note that this is a rocky beach (in terms of accessibility, it also requires walking down quite a few stairs).
It’s still super tranquil at the beginning of the tourist season, but it wouldn’t take a lot of people for it to feel crowded.
Otranto
I merely passed through Otranto, but it was enough to see that it’s a port city I need to go back to and take the time to enjoy, especially having such a rich history (it was ruled by the Messapians, Romans, Ottomans, and Napoleonic Kingdom of Naples, to name a few).
Between the Aragonese castle and walls, the medieval cathedral with famous mosaics, the vast harbor, and beaches & caves in and around the city, it’s definitely an intriguing area to explore.
Still on My Bucket List
There’s only so much you can see in a few days in Salento (it wasn’t the only area I explored on my Puglia trip), so here are some of the places I would love to go back and visit: Vincent City, Santa Maria al Bagno, Marina Serra, Baia dei Turchi, Galatina, and the villages of Grecìa Salentina.
“Puglia Without a Car” Digital Guide
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Related Posts
Apart from this Salento travel guide, here are some more posts about Puglia:
- Is Bari worth visiting?
- 2 days in Bari
- Things to do in Bari
- Where to stay in Bari
- Puglia in March
- Puglia in May
- What to eat in Puglia
- Is Martina Franca worth visiting
- Hidden gems in southern Italy
Other Italy guides:
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