Archive for 'On the Coast'

The town of Gallipoli on the Apulia coastline literally translates as ‘Beautiful City’ from its original Greek name.

If you come to visit, you’ll see why it’s so deserving of this description! Situated on the west coast of the Salento peninsula, Gallipoli is divided into two parts; the old town centre and the more modern developed section.

Gallipoli is actually built on an island which is connected to the mainland by a 16th century bridge. Historic sites in Gallipoli include the 14th century walls built by the Spaniards which were once reinforced by twelve lookout towers.

Santa Cesarea Terme is a stunning coastal town situated in the province of Lecce in Apulia. Also part of the Salento tourist area, Santa Cesarea Terme is a famous spa town which has four sea caves filled with pools of hot sea water!

They’re called Gattulla, Solfurea, Fetida and Solfatara. Sink into this cosy 30 degree heat and feel any aches or pains ebbing away. You’re guaranteed to feel revitalised after a few hours of this relaxing activity!

Santa Cesarea Terme is home to some majestic villas which overlook the glittering coast.

The picturesque town of Santa Maria di Leuca is situated on the promontory region of Apulia which separates the Adriatic from the Tyrrhennian Sea. It is actually a frazioni of Castrignano del Capo.

Begin your day in the town centre at the stunning Basilica of Santa Maria de Finibus Terae and gradually weave your way through the pretty flower adorned streets of Santa Maria di Leuca.

A visible landmark of the town is the white 157ft tall lighthouse which overlooks the glittering sea. Set sail from the port here on a guided tour of some of the popular sea caves, carved out by the forces of the sea over many centuries.

The most popular of these includes the Grotto dei Giganti, Grotta del Drago and Grotto del Diavolo. The last one was named so because of an eerie legend describing it as the home of demons that made the chilling noise that rumbled from it! The noise in fact came from when the tide came into the cave and rapidly pushed air through the eroded holes in the rock.

If you’ve booked a sunny holiday to the southern Italian region of Calabria then be sure to make a fun day trip to the town of Lamezia Terme!

Situated between the cliffs of the Tyrrenhian coast and the Ionic coast, Lamezia Terme is actually a combination of three towns brought under the one title in the sixties.

They’re called Nicastro, Sambiase and Sant‘Eufemia Lamezia and are wonderful areas of Lamezia Terme worth visiting in their own right. Come and soak in the famous baths of Sambiase to take away all the aches and pains of a busy touring itinerary of Calabria.

La Spezia in Liguria is the second largest town of the region and is a common stop off for tourists on their way to see the famous UNESCO awarded Cinque Terre. Here are five attractions in La Spezia that are also worth a visit during your holiday experience here.

La Spezia is home to no less than eight wonderful museums but if you have time to visit just one then make it the ‘Ubaldo Formentini’ Civic Museum. Situated in the Castle of San Giorgio, this collection holds some fascinating archaeological pieces.