Santa Maria di Leuca

What to see in Santa Maria di Leuca

The most extreme tip of Italy

Cape Leuca is the extreme tip of Italy , ending at the high cliff of Punta Meliso , where the waters of the Ionian Sea meet those of the Adriatic Sea . This is the perfect geographic spot to stop at sunset and admire the horizon.

From Santa Maria di Leuca, a dividing line is sometimes visible between the currents coming from the Gulf of Taranto and those from the Strait of Otranto: this feature has always suggested to popular imagination a physical border between the two seas, the Ionian and the Adriatic.

During a holiday, here's what to visit in Santa Maria di Leuca :

• the Monumental Waterfall;
• the lighthouse of Santa Maria di Leuca;
• the Santuario de Finibus Terrae;
• the natural caves along the coast;
• the Novaglie Marina with its natural harbour;
• the bridge over the Ciolo Fjord.

What to do on holiday in Santa Maria di Leuca

Reaching Santa Maria di Leuca from the coastal road is part of the holiday experience itself: miles of views over the brilliantly colored waters, the typical dry stone walls , a succession of pajare and trulli that camouflage the villas overlooking the sea in the rock, while on the plateau you can then glimpse the village of Gagliano del Capo with its bell tower.

And then, once you arrive at your destination, you can try out numerous water sports – such as kayaking, canoeing, parasailing, sailing – and beautiful boat excursions to admire the natural caves during which you can snorkel or dive.

Boat trips to the Santa Maria di Leuca Caves

The coast of Santa Maria di Leuca , right around the port, is full of evocative natural caves , which can be visited on a boat trip : the Grande del Ciolo cave and a whole series of coves along the entire cliff face up to Punta Meliso , which marks the final peak of southeastern Italy . Alternatively, scuba divers can go diving in Leuca to admire the rich seabed.

Santa Maria di Leuca is dotted with information points offering fun days at sea, including boat trips and the chance to enjoy delicious seafood lunches. Many hotels, resorts, residences, apartments, and villas organize excursions departing directly from their accommodations .

Furthermore, in the port of Marina di Leuca , in the hamlet of Castrignano del Capo , boats of holidaymakers arriving and dock along the various routes of the Mediterranean Sea and nearby Greece.

What to see in Santa Maria di Leuca

When you reach the end of the coastal road , you'll come across the Santa Maria di Leuca lighthouse , located 102 meters above sea level and one of the most important in Italy . The octagonal white tower stands on a high, rocky promontory, surrounded by the Sanctuary of Finibus Terrae , which legend has it is the terrestrial antechamber to Paradise, on the spot where the Temple of Minerva once stood. Looking out, you can see Punta Ristola, the geographically southernmost point of Puglia, which, together with Punta Malazzeddu, forms the bay that houses the port.

In Santa Maria di Leuca you'll find the famous Monumental Waterfall , open to the public several days a year: just follow the signs to enjoy one of the town's most beautiful views.

The well-maintained Santa Maria di Leuca seafront is a popular destination for strolling and cycling, and is home to the town's beaches and natural pools for safe swimming. Santa Maria di Leuca is also an excellent starting point for reaching the famous Maldives of Salento , just 15 km away.

Popular beaches and locations near Santa Maria di Leuca

1. A 5 km from Santa Maria di Leuca, There is Patù, famous for the archaeological remains of the Messapian city of Vereto, the Church of San Giovanni Battista, the Church of San Michele Arcangelo. From Patù it is easy to get to bay and beach of Felloniche, highly appreciated by those seeking tranquility and a sandy shore, with shallow waters and sheltered from the winds. After the beach, the rocky section begins, characterized by evocative caves: the Lovers' Cave, the Stalla Cave, the Tre Porte Cave, the Presepe Cave, the Fiume Cave, and the Caverna dei Giganti (Giants' Cave).
2. Among the famous places to visit in Head of Leuca we recommend the Novaglie Marina, 12 km from Santa Maria di Leuca, with its natural harbor.
3. Il fiord and Ciolo Bridge, within the Costa Otranto, Santa Maria di Leuca and Bosco di Tricase Regional Park. It is located in Gagliano del Capo, just 10 minutes by car from Leuca, famous for its spectacular location, for having been the location of numerous films, but also for the crazy dives of the local kids.

What to do in the evening in Leuca

During your holidays in Santa Maria di Leuca , for those who love the nightlife we ​​recommend Lido Azzurro , which during the day is a renowned beach resort , while at night it transforms into a small open-air disco just a few metres from the sea.

Among the beach resorts, clubs and restaurants by the sea not to be missed: the Samarinda , Lido Giulia , the Blanc , where you can spend fun evenings just a few steps from the Leuca cliff.

To end the day, treat yourself to an exclusive evening at the famous Gibò – Disco Club and Restaurant – and dinner in a restaurant nestled into the cliff.