Torre Pali 200

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.

Beach-lovers of the world will discover that a villa in Apulia is definitely in order as there is truly an astounding array of the most exceptional beaches and seaside beauties to be explored and enjoyed across the region. However, in particular, if you head to the province of Salento, to the very south of Apulia, you will find a rather impressive selection of some stunning naturally-occurring swimming pools that have been carved out of the cliff-sides and coastlines of the area by the sea and wind and geological phenomena. We have previously mentioned the impossibly lovely Grotta della Poesia, which was named among the most beautiful natural pools in the world by both National Geographic and CNN Travel, but another charming example is the Piscina Naturale di Marina Serra, or the Marina Serra Natural Pool.

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.

La Notte della Taranta is an annual music festival held in Salento, Apulia (or Puglia) and is the largest music festival in Italy. Established in 1998, it has grown and grown into the event it is today which has a fantastic international reputation and draws huge crowds each year.

Events take place in a variety of locations in the municipalities of the province of Lecce from the 5th of August culminating in a giant closing concert in Melpignano on August 22nd .

If you’re searching for an Italian holiday destination that lies off the beaten tourist track then why not book a gorgeous villa rental in Porto Selvaggio in Apulia for a week or two!

Water lovers will be in paradise here as the intimate beach of Porto Selvaggio is crystal clear and further out, full of colourful marine life to observe in a scuba diving or snorkelling expedition!

Porto Selvaggio is an ideal spot to visit any time of year, especially if you wish to escape into the midst of nature.