Salento – Where the Ionian Sea meets the Adriatic

Salento is the southern most part of Puglia (the heel of Italy) and comprises of 3 main administrative regions, the whole province of Lecce most of Brindisi and part of Taranto.
The origins of the name Salento are not clear. According to one legend it is derived from the mythical King Sale of the Messapi. Another possibility is that it comes from “salum”, understood as “land surrounded by the sea”. Many people will think if this region as Lecce and the beaches. It is in fact a region rich in traditions, towns and villages have their own patron saints and fiestas to go with it, specific food and a very strong wine producing culture and tradition. 

Where to visit

To say you have been to Salento you should at least in addition to Lecce visit the following towns and areas:
Otranto, the rugged coast line from Otranto to santa Maria di Leuca – a bit like the Amalfi  coast without the hordes of tourists and prices to match, the incredible beaches between Leuca and Porto Cesario, Gallipoli, Nardo.

Where to stay

This depends on which season you are coming, In the summer you may want to  be near the sea. Choose between the more rugged coast line  with small coves and caves, decking on the rocky areas are widely available at a fee. This is the coast between Otranto and Santa Maria di Leuca. If you prefer large sandy beaches and more children friendly beaches, then look at the coastline  between Santa Maria di Leuca and Porto Cesario including the heavenly Punta Prosciutto. There are of course nice beeches on the Adriatic side too, you can find out more in the Salento Beaches section on this site. Outside of the main season, September to May,  many seaside places are quite deserted. You will be better off in a town. You can go to Lecce, but if you prefer a place a little less touristy with a lovely old town and baroque architecture the try Nardo. Other possibilities are Otranto or Gallipoli.

Where to eat

A good idea is to ask your local contact or host for places to eat. Most places will offer good genuin food however and there are not realy many tourist traps around like those one may find in the center of big touristy cities. Off season all places have to rely on local custom as tourism is mainly concentrated to the summer. And even then it is mostly Italian tourists.
A good option for lunch which saves money and time could be to bring good sandwiches directly to the beach. In fact, several great beaches do not have facilities to eat or there may be a simple beach bar where one can get some basic food.