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Why choose the hinterland?

City of art and expanses of olive trees

Inland, Salento 's pace changes. The expanses of centuries-old olive trees rooted in the red earth, the dry-stone walls, and the stone farmhouses tell the story of the traditional landscape. In Salento's hinterland, every road leads to a small village, where the smiles and courtesy of the locals make you feel a warm welcome.

The artisanal workmanship and quality of the local products enrich the experience of those holidaying in Salento : observing skilled hands weaving rushes, shaping olive wood, embroidering, producing cheeses, excellent olive oil, or kneading and rolling out sagne 'ncannulate – a typical fresh Salento pasta – enriches the trip with authenticity and flavours.

Among the inland art cities , Lecce is the cultural heart of Salento , where Baroque finds its maximum expression among the noble palaces, the Cathedral of Maria Santissima Assunta, the basilicas of Santa Croce and San Giovanni Battista. The artisan workshops, the cafes of the historic center, and the lively city atmosphere make it an essential stop in any season. Galatina , on the other hand, captivates with its historic center , the Basilica of Santa Caterina d'Alessandria , and the pastry shops where you can taste the famous pasticciotto.

The beaches closest to the hinterland

A vacation in the Salento hinterland combines the uniqueness of an experience deeply rooted in the land and its traditions with relaxation on the beach. The sea is just a few kilometers away : the Adriatic and Ionian coasts are a 20-minute to 1-hour drive away , depending on the destination.

From Lecce

If you prefer long, sandy beaches, you can reach Torre Chianca, Torre Rinalda, and Frigole on the Adriatic coast in about 20 minutes by car . Moving south , about 40 minutes by car, you'll find Torre dell'Orso, Sant'Andrea, and the spectacular Grotta della Poesia, perfect for those who love combining sea and picturesque landscapes.

If you want to spend a day on the Ionian coast , Porto Cesareo and Torre Lapillo can be easily reached in about 50 minutes.

From Galatina

In about 30 minutes you can reach the Ionian coast and Gallipoli, with the beaches of Baia Verde, Rivabella and Lido Conchiglie.

If you choose the Adriatic Coast , you can reach Otranto and Sant'Andrea, with its sea stacks, in about 40 minutes . If you prefer a quieter setting, you can opt for Castro (about 50 minutes), Marina Serra (about 1 hour), or Tricase Porto (about 1 hour).