Free walking tours in Santa Maria di Leuca and what to see

Must-sees

Santa Maria di Leuca belongs to Castrignano del Capo and occupies the southern tip of the Salento, on the cape where the Adriatic and the Ionian meet. At the top stands the basilica of Santa Maria de finibus terrae, built on the site of a temple to Minerva and fortified against Turkish raids. On the large square in front there is a baroque Marian column and, beside it, the 19th-century lighthouse that dominates the whole promontory.

From the basilica a monumental stairway with a waterfall runs down, built in 1939 to celebrate the Apulian Aqueduct; the water flows only on a few occasions in summer. Below, the seafront has 19th-century holiday villas in eclectic styles, with domes, towers and Moorish touches, and by the water bathing huts painted to match. The coast is full of sea caves, such as the Grotta del Diavolo or the Porcinara, which can be seen from the sea between Punta Ristola and Punta Meliso.

Free tours and guided visits

There are no walking free tours in Leuca. What Civitatis offers revolves around the sea and the cape: boat trips along the coast to peek into the caves, a sunset boat trip and a bike tour of the promontory. The basilica, the lighthouse and the villa-lined promenade are easy to explore on your own.

How long to spend

In a day you can see the basilica, the lighthouse, the stairway and the villa promenade, with time left for a boat trip to the caves. If you come in summer to swim, two or three days let you alternate the sea with trips along the Salento coast, towards Otranto on the Adriatic side or to the beaches on the Ionian side.

Where to stay

The most practical choice is to stay in the marina, by the promenade and the harbour, where the boats leave and restaurants are close at hand. In the upper part, near the sanctuary, it is quieter and the views are wide. Castrignano del Capo and the inland villages have simpler B&Bs, and the neighbouring coast has plenty of apartments for longer stays.