Explore diverse sea caves
Take advantage of the sea winds with kitesurfing
A free climber’s paradise
Hike to the Basilica-Santuario “Sta Maria de Finibus Terrae” in Santa Maria di Leuca
This part of Puglia is known for its sea caves. Zinzulusa is a huge cave that is accessible from the sea facing side via a walkway. It is the most famous Karst cave along the Puglian coastline because of the quantity of stalactites and stalagmites hanging from the ceiling that look like rags – so stunning that the entrance is called the Corridoio delle Meraviglie (Corridor of Marvels). There is also a small lake inside that is home to endemic species like a rare shrimp that has no eyes.
The Romanelli caves are famous for the paleolithic art that was only recently found there -more than 100 years after the cave itself was first discovered. Excavations have determined the occupation period of the cave to be from 14,000 to 11,000 years ago, so exploring this cave gives an interesting historical perspective.
Salento has earned the nickname “Maldives of Italy” thanks to its gorgeous waters. The Salento Peninsula shares the coast of both the Adriatic and Ionian Sea, making it a prime location for spectacular beaches and grottos. If you prefer to snorkel or dive where there are not a lot of people, try around the cliffs of Torre dell’Orso. Porto Cesareo is part of a marine reserve that is very interesting to explore, as its seabed has sub-tropical features and animals that are usually seen in waters this warm.
Want something even more relaxing? Take a dip in the Cave of the Poetry in Roca Vecchia. The cave has collapsed to become a beautiful natural pool filled with clear sea water.
In the local dialect you will often hear “Salentu: Lu sule, Lu mare, Lu ientu” which means “Salento: the Sun, the Sea, the Wind”. To take advantage of the Tramontana wind, the best areas for kitesurfing are San Foca, Frassanito and Alimini. For the Scirocco wind, check out the Ionian Sea and make sure not to miss Baia Verde in the south and Padula Bianca in the north. Don’t leave without checking out Porto Cesareo – it’s legendary among kitesurfers for its crystal clear, shallow waters.
Many travelers head to Rocca del Garagnone to observe bird species. This archaeological site is the home to medieval castle ruins (partly destroyed by an earthquake in 1731) and it’s unlikely you’ll encounter many other people while exploring. Larks, red kites and many species of hawks and owls call this place home, but one of the most important birds in the area is the lesser kestrel, a small falcon.
A coastal paradise at the southern point of Puglia, most activities here revolve around the gorgeous water. Whether you want to explore world famous sea caves, scuba, snorkel, kite surf or cliff climb, every day here is a fabulous day for the beach.
This untouched inland destination of gentle undulating countryside has immense natural biodiversity to explore year round. Because of how the park is positioned, visitors are rewarded with incredible landscapes at sunrise and sunset. The area is known for its archaeological finds of great importance, such as the well preserved fossil skeleton of the “Man from Altamura”, who lived here 150 thousand years ago.
This destination in southern Puglia is a natural paradise with the Mediterranean bush and a marine protected area of sandy coves and translucent water ideal for scuba and snorkel. There is even a beach which has been awarded 3 Sails by Legambiente (an Italian environment protection association) – an honor given only to the most beautiful beaches.
This coastal destination in the north is just 1 hour drive from Bari and rewards visitors with some of the oldest trees in Italy (Aleppo pines) and islands surrounded by crystal-clear Mediterranean waters. Covering over 120,000 hectares, there are endless options to explore on land and water.
This coastal destination in the north is just 1 hour drive from Bari and rewards visitors with some of the oldest trees in Italy (Aleppo pines) and islands surrounded by crystal-clear Mediterranean waters. Covering over 120,000 hectares, there are endless options to explore on land and water.
