Roca, also known as Rocavecchia or Roca Vecchia, is an archaeological site and area along the Adriatic Sea in Salento, between San Foca and Torre dell’Orso, that is known as one of the most beautiful stretches of coast in Italy. It is made up of a rocky coastline marked by a series of coves and little beaches, underwater canals, swimming holes, and more, with some of the most picturesque and unique geological features and stunning spots you'll want to hang out at all day, as well as plenty of fascinating leftovers of human activities from throughout the centuries. If you have found a vacation rental in Apulia and are looking for places to swim, explore, and have fun and impossibly beautiful settings, you'll find plenty of options here.
Being able to boast a Blue Flag and a 5 Sails, which is flag awarded to the most beautiful beaches by the Italian environment protection agency of Legambiente, means you have some pretty excellent beaches but these aren't just your cookie-cutter pleasant and clean strands. These magical inlets are special and unlike anything you have seen before.
Being able to boast a Blue Flag and a 5 Sails, which is flag awarded to the most beautiful beaches by the Italian environment protection agency of Legambiente, means you have some pretty excellent beaches but these aren't just your cookie-cutter pleasant and clean strands. These magical inlets are special and unlike anything you have seen before.
For the more traditional dreamy beach experience, just head to Torre dell'Orso, which boasts perfect white sandy beaches, clear azure waters, and impressive rock formations that frame it all and jut up from beneath the waves. Considered among the prettiest beaches in Puglia, it is also well-equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas that can be rented, bars and restaurants nearby, and various water sports facilities that can be enjoyed. However, expect plenty of company as this is a very popular spot bordered by resorts that are flooded with Italians and international tourists in the summer and, in particular, during August.
If you're interested in something a little more unique, the crowning glory of the area is, without a doubt, the Grotta della Poesia (“Cave of Poetry”). Listed among the “10 Most Beautiful Natural Pools in the World” by National Geographic, it is said to have been the favourite swimming spot of an ancient princess who inspired poets that caught a glimpse of her enjoying the waters, thus granting it its name. This amazing circular-shaped, naturally occurring pool has been hewn from the karst cove over time by the sea and has a rock-hewn staircase to one side that allows visitors to descend the four metres down into the pool. The more intrepid swimmers, however, choose to jump down into the turquoise waters, made seem even more impossibly blue by the pale stone that frames the body of water.
Like the beach at Torre dell'Orso, it is an incredibly popular spot, even more so for its unique and striking appearance, which attracts both those there simply to swim and those to experience the magical pool, so you can expect to find crowds here in the summer months as well. However, if you set out early in the day, before 10am, you're more likely to find it less full of other visitors. By noon, it becomes crowded and offers a different kind of experience, a free show watching the adrenaline junkies who arrive to show off by taking daring leaps into the waters, often drawing quite the crowd of spectators, which only eggs them on further in their exploits.
While in the area, there are other sights and sites to take in: the various caves, canals, and rock formations, the sixteenth century watchtower, the smaller sink hole called the Poesia Piccola (“Little Poetry”) - which was once a temple dedicated to the Messapic God Thator Andirahas - and the medieval village abandoned because of pirates invasions. If you are thinking of finding a holiday rental in Apulia and spending time in this part of Italy, the whole area around Roca abounds with things to see and do.
If you're interested in something a little more unique, the crowning glory of the area is, without a doubt, the Grotta della Poesia (“Cave of Poetry”). Listed among the “10 Most Beautiful Natural Pools in the World” by National Geographic, it is said to have been the favourite swimming spot of an ancient princess who inspired poets that caught a glimpse of her enjoying the waters, thus granting it its name. This amazing circular-shaped, naturally occurring pool has been hewn from the karst cove over time by the sea and has a rock-hewn staircase to one side that allows visitors to descend the four metres down into the pool. The more intrepid swimmers, however, choose to jump down into the turquoise waters, made seem even more impossibly blue by the pale stone that frames the body of water.
Like the beach at Torre dell'Orso, it is an incredibly popular spot, even more so for its unique and striking appearance, which attracts both those there simply to swim and those to experience the magical pool, so you can expect to find crowds here in the summer months as well. However, if you set out early in the day, before 10am, you're more likely to find it less full of other visitors. By noon, it becomes crowded and offers a different kind of experience, a free show watching the adrenaline junkies who arrive to show off by taking daring leaps into the waters, often drawing quite the crowd of spectators, which only eggs them on further in their exploits.
While in the area, there are other sights and sites to take in: the various caves, canals, and rock formations, the sixteenth century watchtower, the smaller sink hole called the Poesia Piccola (“Little Poetry”) - which was once a temple dedicated to the Messapic God Thator Andirahas - and the medieval village abandoned because of pirates invasions. If you are thinking of finding a holiday rental in Apulia and spending time in this part of Italy, the whole area around Roca abounds with things to see and do.
Photo credit: Palickap / CC BY-SA 4.0