What to See in South Puglia: Seven Must-Visit Places

If you have decided to visit south Puglia for your next holiday there are a few places that you cannot miss! From historic town centres to areas of outstanding natural beauty, read all about what a holiday in this part of Puglia could be like, and be inspired to create your own personal itinerary. Get ready to discover the seven most beautiful places in south Puglia! 

Start in Lecce, a real treasure of Baroque art and architecture. With its beguiling small, cobbled streets, ancient piazzas, and palaces and churches with honey-coloured Lecce-stone decorated facades, Lecce is an open-air museum. Also known as the “Florence of the south”, Lecce has so much to see that you need to take your time when visiting. But, if you need to know the most important things to see in Lecce – perhaps if you’re short on time – you shouldn’t miss the famous Basilica di Santa Croce, Sant’Irene church, and the incredible Piazza del Duomo. These are all extraordinary examples of the Lecce Baroque style. You also should see the Roman Amphitheatre, dating from the Augustan period.

From Lecce you can easily go to the eastern coast where you will find Grotta della Poesia at Rocca Vecchia. This is a natural swimming pool – considered one of the most beautiful in the world – and is a real treat for the eyes thanks to its crystal-clear water and the surrounding countryside with Mediterranean scrub brush. 

Heading west from Lecce, in only 25 minutes you will reach Nardò, another beautiful Puglian town. Nardò is also famous for its Baroque buildings, with its incredibly elegant churches and palaces. Piazza Salandra really shines, and has often been picked as a filming location. The town is surrounded by lush greenery and is also close to the coast. 

From Nardò you can reach the coast in less than 30 minutes by car, where you will find a real paradise of natural beauty. This is the regional nature park, Porto Selvaggio. With its rocky, jagged coastline and beautiful marine caves, this is a great spot for anyone who loves snorkelling or diving. It’s impossible not to be enchanted by the colourful seabeds and the wide variety of marine animals when you are swimming in these emerald waters. You can also explore the park on foot, following the trails between prehistoric caves – like the Grotta del Cavallo – and cliff tops with extraordinary views and unspoilt nature.

A little further south from Porto Selvaggio is the Stanza dei Bagni in Santa Caterina, where man and nature came together to create one of the most charming places in Puglia. The Stanza is a hidden place where noble women went to swim, away from prying eyes and from the sun. The calm water reflects the light that streams through the windows, creating an unforgettable atmosphere with light playing on the cave’s ceiling. 

A beautiful town that overlooks the turquoise sea, Otranto is a maze of small cobbles streets and alleyways surrounded by typically Puglian white buildings, with vibrant small shops and artisanal workshops. There’s so much to see, but don’t miss the Santa Maria Annunziata cathedral with its mosaic flooring; it’s a real artistic masterpiece showing the Tree of Life and other scenes from the Old Testament. Otranto Castle should also be visited. This imposing Aragonese fort also inspired the gothic novel written by Horace Walpole. 

After visiting this town, head to Punta Palasica, or Capo d’Otranto, a beautiful promontory that’s the most easterly point in all of Italy. There’s a 32 metre lighthouse that rises up against the wide sea that has become a real symbol of Punta Palascia. The views from here are unforgettable, and many locals and tourists alike come here during New Year’s Eve to welcome the new year’s first dawn. 

Another must-visit stop along the coast is the incredible Baia dei Turchi. This strip of white sand and pebbles contrasts wonderfully with the green Mediterranean scrub brush and turquoise sea, creating an almost exotic natural scene. A refreshing dip in the transparent waters here in exactly what’s needed when visiting the area! 

Finally, the Bauxite caves should also be mentioned. These are close to Otranto and are so evocative, with the deep red walls juxtaposed with the surrounding greenery and the unusual geological forms that were created by nature over the course of millions of years. 

Going from the most easterly point in Italy, you can now visit the most southern point in Puglia. Santa Maria di Leuca stretches out from the promontory where you can find the Basilica as well as the famous 47 metre lighthouse. The Basilica di Santa Maria di Finibus Terrae (meaning the end of the world) is truly one of the most important things to see in Santa Maria di Leuca. The Basilica has ancient beginnings, and is shrouded in mystery, and is rich in legends and historic stories that flow through the ages. There’s an incredible silence here – interrupted only by the sound of the seagulls flying overhead. The church’s white colouring and austere architecture against the blue sky creates an unforgettable picture.

Below the imposing lighthouse that dominates the promontory two seas – The Adriatic and the Ionian – meet. These two seas coming together is a metaphor for when couples come here and admire the beautiful sunsets: it’s clear why Santa Maria di Leuca is considered one of the most romantic places in the world! 

What else to do in Santa Maria di Leuca? Challenge yourself with diving or snorkelling, relax on the beautiful white beaches, treat yourself to the local gastronomy, or explore the sea caves by boat. Grotta del Presepe, Grotta del Diavolo, and Grotta del Soffio are all unmissable. The first has incredible stalactites that almost create a nativity scene. The second is called the “Devil’s cave” due to the echo that the wind and waves create in the cave that used to be thought of as demonic voice. Grotta del Soffio is unusual as the wind in the cave gives the impression that the cave itself is breathing.

Gallipoli (the “Beautiful City” – from the Greek kale polis) is on an island that juts out into the Ionian Sea that is connected to the mainland via a narrow bridge. This ancient town is known for its typical Puglian architecture, the narrow streets full of artisanal shops and characteristic restaurants, and its fun night life. 

It’s easy to say what you should see in Gallipoli. Start by visiting the majestic Sant’Agata cathedral, one of the most important Salento Baroque buildings. Then head to the Castello Angioino which has the sea on two sides of the building. Built in the 18th Century, this was the city’s defense, with its three circular towers as well as the polygonal tower. Then take a stroll along the Riviera and admire the view of the Beautiful City from the shore.

There are so many beaches along the gulf of Gallipoli. The coastline is sandy and has shallow waters and many lidos. Baia Verde di Gallipoli, to the south of the city, is a lovely beach with fine sand, clear water, and is surrounded by cooling pine trees. Don’t miss Punta Suina either, a little corner of paradise with rocky and sandy areas alternate against the beautiful blue and green water.

Castro is a beautiful Medieval town on the Adriatic coast in south Puglia, found between Otranto and Santa Maria di Leuca. A walk around the historic town centre is a must, with its cobbled streets and old churches. It’s like a journey into the past and through local culture. 

The Castello Aragonese is one of the main attractions in this town built on the rocky coast. Built between the 12th and 13th Century, and then rebuilt in the 1500s as a fort, this castle in the centre of the town offers incredible views over the sea and is now the home to the Archaeological Museum where you can learn about the town’s long history from the Messapian era to the Romans.

Another unmissable sight is the Grotta Zinzulusa. This is one of Puglia’s most beautiful caves. You can reach the cave on foot, walking along the coast. There’s over 150 metres of cave to explore, full of stalactites and stalagmites that create a magical atmosphere. The water that laps the shore is particularly clear. 

Finally, among the most famous places in the area is the Maldives of Salento, an unmissable place during your holiday in south Puglia. The name already gives an idea of what this beach is like: it’s paradise, a dream destination for anyone who is looking for perfectly clear, bright water, fine sand, unspoilt nature, and incredible sunsets. 

Taking its name from the famous tropical islands known for their beauty, the Maldives of Salento coastline includes Torre Mozza, lido Marini, Torre Vado, Torre Pali, and Pescoluse. The crystalline water is shallow and perfect for families with children, and for those who want to enjoy relaxing in transparent waters. 

Sports-lovers can also enjoy various water activities organized in the area like diving, sailing, kitesurfing, or boat trips. 

It’s impossible to be disappointed by a holiday in south Puglia. This area charms visitors thanks to its beautiful beaches, bays and coves, and clear water of both the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, as well as its characteristic towns – most notably Baroque Lecce – and its delicious local food. 

 Enjoy an authentic Salento experience in one of our villas in South Puglia. Each villa has been picked with care, prioritizing its location, its comfort, and its beauty to ensure that your holiday will be a dream come true, from the first day to the last.