Why choose Salento for your summer holiday

Salento is one of the most fascinating  destinations in the whole of Italy: situated at the southern tip of Puglia, this region harmoniously blends history, culture and natural landscapes, creating a unique travel experience. 

Salento is the ideal destination for whatever sort of holiday you have in mind: it offers an incredibly wide variety of landscapes, sights and places to visit. There are beaches and crystal-clear waters, perfect for those who want to spend time by the sea, as well as cities of art and historic villages, where you can explore the local culture and protected natural reserves.

When is the best time to visit Salento?

Salento is a region worth visiting all year round, and the kind of experience you have depends on the sort of holiday you have in mind. Of course, during the summer, the most charming aspects of this area are the sea, the long days and a truly vibrant atmosphere. If you are interested in learning all about this destination and planning an unforgettable holiday in Salento, we have prepared a guide of the most essential things to see, the most beautiful beaches and a luxury hotel for your stay: the Posia Retreat & SPA | UNA Esperienze, which we will tell you more about further on.

The most beautiful beaches in Salento

With dozens of kilometres of coastline overlooking the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, Salento is home to world-famous beaches: long stretches of golden sand, hidden coves, natural swimming spots and spectacular cliffs abound along the coastline, offering a variety of landscapes that have one particular aspect in common: extraordinary beauty.

San Foca and its seafront

San Foca, with its sandy beaches, is one of the most popular seaside resorts on the Adriatic coast, and it has been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag. The marina and the crystal-clear waters make it ideal for both families and water-sport enthusiasts. If you are passing through the area, make sure you visit the famous Grotta degli Amanti, which, according to legend, was the setting for a tragic love story. 
Distance from our hotel: a 5-minute walk.

Grotta della Poesia

Regarded as one of the most spectacular natural pools in the Mediterranean, the Grotta della Poesia is a must-see: situated in the Melendugno area, it is a karst cave directly connected to the sea, characterised by crystal-clear waters with intense shades of turquoise and steep rock faces.

In addition to its extraordinary scenic value, the Grotta della Poesia is also of significant historical and archaeological interest: as a matter of fact, numerous inscriptions in Messapian, Latin and Greek have been discovered in the adjacent caves, bearing witness to human presence as far back as ancient times. As it tends to get quite busy during the summer months, we recommend arriving early in the morning so that you can enjoy a more peaceful visit.
Distance from our hotel: a 5-minute drive.

Torre dell’Orso and the Faraglioni delle Due Sorelle

One of the most famous beaches on the Adriatic coast, Torre dell’Orso offers a vast stretch of golden sand and a view of the sea with its turquoise hues: what makes it even more famous are the Faraglioni delle Due Sorelle (the Two Sisters sea stacks), a symbol of the Salento coastline. Perfect both for those looking for breathtaking scenery and for those who want to enjoy services and comfort, it can get very busy in the summer. 
Distance from our hotel: a 15-minute drive.

The Faraglioni of Sant’Andrea

No visit to Salento would be complete without seeing the Faraglioni di Sant’Andrea. These iconic rock formations create natural arches and offer an unforgettable sight to anyone passing through Torre di Sant’Andrea. The surrounding crystal-clear waters and the numerous coves also make this area a much-loved choice for anyone looking to enjoy boat trips and snorkelling.
Distance from our hotel: a 15-minute drive.

Baia dei Turchi

Nestled within a lush pine forest, and forming part of the Alimini Lakes oasis, the Baia dei Turchi is a little corner of paradise not to be missed. The name derives from an anecdote according to which Ottoman troops are said to have landed in this very spot during the 15th-century siege of Otranto. The pale sand and crystal-clear sea make it a popular destination for those seeking relaxation and unspoilt nature.
Distance from our hotel: a 20-minute drive.

Porto Badisco

The history of Porto Badisco is partially rooted in legend, as Aeneas is said to have landed here after fleeing Troy. This small, rocky cove is particularly popular with snorkelling enthusiasts and experienced swimmers due to the extraordinary clarity of its waters.
Distance from our hotel: a 40-minute drive.

What else to see in Salento as well as the sea

Salento’s beaches are among its most attractive features, but they are certainly not the only places worth exploring. With its Baroque towns, seaside villages, protected reserves and unique landscapes, Salento offers a wealth of attractions that allow you to explore this part of Puglia in even greater depth. Here are some of the places you should definitely see during your trip, all easily accessible from our hotel!

Le Cesine Nature Reserve

Managed by the WWF, the Le Cesine Nature Reserve is an ecosystem of extraordinary importance along the Apulian Adriatic coast. Here you can admire lagoons, reed beds, dunes and lush Mediterranean shrub, which provide a refuge for numerous species of migratory birds and are home to an incredible wealth of biodiversity. There are several well-marked trails along which you can explore the area and discover all its secrets.
Distance from our hotel: a 20-minute drive.

Otranto and the Bauxite Quarries

Otranto is situated at the easternmost point of Italy and is an essential sight when visiting Salento: its historic centre, surrounded by Aragonese walls, is home to two famous buildings: the Cathedral of Santa Maria Annunziata – with its mosaic floor – and the Aragonese Castle, which overlooks the harbour.

Furthermore, just a few minutes from the town centre lie the spectacular Bauxite Quarries. This is a former quarry site that has now become one of the most photographed spots: here, the contrast between the red earth, the emerald-green lake and the Mediterranean flora creates a unique and extraordinarily captivating scene.
Distance from our hotel: a 30-minute drive.

Lecce and its historic centre

The capital of Salento. Lecce is known the world over for its extraordinary Baroque heritage: among the sights worth seeing, we recommend the Basilica of Santa Croce, Piazza del Duomo and the Roman Amphitheatre, but these are just some of the main attractions in a city that boasts more than two thousand years of history. A stroll through its streets reveals buildings adorned with the characteristic Lecce stone, artisan workshops and a vibrant culinary scene.
Distance from our hotel: a 30-minute drive.

Galatina

One of the most elegant historic centres in Salento, Galatina is famous above all for the Basilica of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, one of the most important examples of Romanesque-Gothic art in the whole of Apulia: inside, it houses a series of frescoes of extraordinary artistic value, often compared to those of the Basilica of Assisi. As you stroll through the historic city centre, you will come across noble palaces, Baroque churches and traditional shops; in addition, a stop here is the perfect opportunity to sample the famous Lecce pasticciotto.
Distance from our hotel: a 40-minute drive.

Castro

Perched on a promontory overlooking the Adriatic Sea, Castro is a village in the Salento region, famous for the splendid sea views it offers and for the sea caves hidden along its coastline, including the famous and outstanding Grotta Zinzulusa, with its stalactites and stalagmites. Castro is divided into two parts: the historic centre, home to the Aragonese Castle, the Cathedral and the charming cobbled alleyways, and Castro Marina, which encompasses the entire coastal area.
Distance from our hotel: a 45-minute drive.

A week-long itinerary in Salento

So far, we have presented lots of places and sights, and so you are probably wondering how best to organise your Salento itinerary so that you don’t miss out on the main attractions. Here are a few tips.

The first few days on the Adriatic coast

You can spend the first few days of your holiday in Salento exploring the Adriatic coast, which is easily accessible from the Posia Retreat & SPA | UNA Esperienze hotel and boasts a wealth of iconic destinations: starting with San Foca, with its seafront promenade, marina and Blue Flag beaches, before heading to the spectacular Grotta della Poesia, one of the most beautiful natural pools in the Mediterranean.

Continuing southwards, you come to the beach of Torre dell’Orso and the Faraglioni delle Due Sorelle, a symbol of the Salento coastline, before reaching the spectacular Faraglioni di Sant’Andrea, where cliffs, natural arches and coves offer a sight of rare beauty.

The tour can continue through the unspoilt natural beauty of Baia dei Turchi and the untamed charm of Porto Badisco, before concluding with a stroll through the historic centre of Otranto, one of the most charming towns in Salento.

The villages and traditions of the hinterland

After exploring the sea and the landscapes of the Adriatic coast, it is time to discover the most authentic side of Salento, with its art cities, historic villages and natural areas of extraordinary value: one essential destination is Lecce, the Florence of the South; Galatina is also well worth a visit, with the Basilica of Saint Catherine of Alexandria and its historic centre rich in noble palaces and artisan workshops.

The itinerary can continue to Castro, overlooking the Adriatic Sea, or with a visit to the picturesque bauxite quarries of Otranto. Finally, for nature lovers, a visit to the Le Cesine Nature Reserve offers an opportunity to discover a unique ecosystem of lagoons, dunes and Mediterranean shrub – an ideal habitat for numerous species of migratory birds.

Where to stay when visiting Salento

Now that you know everything you need for your holiday in Salento, all that is left to do is book a room at Posia Retreat & SPA | UNA Esperienze. Situated in the village of San Foca, this five-star luxury hotel offers a stay that combines comfort and natural beauty, where the spacious rooms and wide range of services are set against a unique natural backdrop.

The building and its rooms are designed to make the most of the unique light of this area of Salento: that is why the 23 rooms and suites available feature large windows, as well as contemporary designer furnishings, whilst from the lobby you can admire the full panorama of the Salento coastline, with views stretching as far as the Balkans.

Among the various services that this seaside hotel in Salento offers its guests, the wellness centre and the spa deserve a special mention: a heated pool, a whirlpool, a Japanese-inspired open-air area with a private cabana and a relaxing waterfall are just some of the facilities designed to ensure you enjoy the utmost relaxation. There is no shortage of personalised treatments using natural products to provide you with an immediate sense of well-being, whilst the top floor is home to the sea-view infinity pool, which can be accessed by booking in advance.

And there is more, because the hotel offers direct access to Mora Mora Beach: a 150-metre-long private beach, a corner of paradise nestled amongst natural attractions such as the Grotta della Poesia and the Le Cesine nature reserve. Set against a backdrop of low rocks and Mediterranean vegetation, this beach also features a bistro where you can enjoy a meal and sip refreshing cocktails by the sea. The Posia Retreat & SPA | UNA Esperienze is the perfect choice for your holiday in Salento and for experiencing first-hand all the different facets of this region that never ceases to amaze.