Top 14 things to do and attractions in Santa Maria di Leuca

Amazing turquoise water , beautiful views of the tip of Italy …

Cape Punta Meliso is the southeastern tip of Italy — traditionally considered the lowest point of the geographical "heel" of the Italian peninsula, as well as the meeting point of the waters of the Adriatic Sea and the Ionian Sea.

The feeling of being at the southernmost tip of the heel is amazing!

Great spot for photos, worth the visit

Nice place and view. Locals say that one should go at 7 in the morning to see how the Ionian meets the Adriatic. Didn.t manage to make it that early but enjoyed it as well!!

Free access and parking.

Unfortunately the weather was not so good, so it was closed. But still worth the visit.

History embedded. Love how simplistic the church is inside without all the extravaganza.

This Basilica, named "The End of Land" is built at the southernmost tip of the Italian heel, at a place where the Adriatic meets the Ionian sea. The 18c Church with adjacent Monastery is on top of a hill above the town, imo a very average one, both outside and inside. Many souvenir stalls around further ruin the feeling, making it a very touristy place. From the Church terrace is really a great seas view, but that's it - a max 45 min visit including the time for finding parking which is really an issue in August peak season

Busy but still a sense of tranquility and spiritual calm. Easy to access all area even for the less able bodied. Massive car parking space . Small stall holders selling a wide variety of goods at fairly reasonable prices . Small but busy cafe selling a good selection of pasties and snacks busy but worthwhile. Take your time to unwind here and treat it all as a bit of a pilgrimage at the joining of the two seas?

The place is nice, especially 280 steps to come up from port. There is a wsterfall that is oprated with water from roman acqudotto. (Occasionally)

Amazing to visit the End of the World!

You wont find this info in many guide books but there is amazing coastline road - SP358 with some superb views and at the end of this road there is this place. We took SP358 from Grotta Zinzulusa down south to Leuca. Superb views👌Well worth it!

Very nice place , large parking place , you can visit the church and soraundings , even the stone with inscription "DE FINIBUS TERRAE km0"

Worth a stop. A wonderful point of view. Take some pictures here.

cool and i have nothing more to say about it. ciao🍝☝️

Spectacular

mega

According to a popular legend, Punta Meliso is a shepherd who, in ancient times, refused the courtship of a mermaid so as not to betray his beloved.There are gates and barbed wire and a private property. Punta Meliso promontory (the ancient Promontorium lapygium or Sallentinum) is the southeastern extremity of Italy — traditionally considered the lowest point of the geographical "heel" of Italian peninsula, as well as the meeting point of the waters from the Adriatic Sea and the Ionian Sea.

(Translated by Google) Reaching the tip of Italy, where the two seas meet, isn't easy unless you're equipped with sneakers/hiking shoes: the rocks are dangerous and sharp. But it's a great satisfaction to be at the tip of our boot. After some local information, I correct myself: Punta Ristola, just a little further west, is the true extreme point of the boot. A "battle" of just a few meters... (Original) Non semplice raggiungere la punta d’Italia, dove si incontrano i due mari, se non muniti di scarpe da ginnastica/trekking: scogli pericolosi e taglienti. Ma una bella soddisfazione essere alla punta del nostro Stivale. Dopo un pò di informazioni del luogo, mi correggo: Punta Ristola, appena poco più a ovest, è il vero punto più estremo dello Stivale. Una "battaglia" di pochi metri...

Absolutely beautiful. The most south point of Italy. I was there in March and it was already gorgeous, I can't even imagine it in the summer. Perfect for fishing, and for exploring.

(Translated by Google) Doesn't really live up to its name: no water in this waterfall when we went. However it is worth the detour and the architecture is impressive. For our part, we went down one side to come up the other. The views are different (Original) Ne porte pas vraiment son nom : pas d'eau dans cette cascade lorsque nous y sommes allés. Cependant ça vaut le détour et l'architecture est impressionnante. Pour notre part, nous sommes descendus d'un côté pour remonter de l'autre. Les vues sont différentes

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(Translated by Google) Day and night panorama of the town and port of Santa Maria di Leuca (Original) Panorama diurno e notturno sul paese e il porto di Santa Maria di Leuca

(Translated by Google) Very nice place with great view, unfortunately no water (Original) Sehr schöner Ort mit toller Aussicht, leider kein Wasser

(Translated by Google) There used to be water there – now only the imposing structure with stairs on the right and left remains to be admired. If you don't want to climb up, there's a parking lot at the top. (Original) Da gab es mal Wasser - jetzt ist nur noch das imposante Bauwerk mit Treppen re/li zu bestaunen. Wer nicht hochgehen mag: oben hat es einen Parkplatz

(Translated by Google) The monumental waterfall of the Apulian aqueduct is located in Santa Maria di Leuca, right at the foot of the Sanctuary of Finibus Terrae. It marks the end of the grand aqueduct built in the 1930s to bring water to southern Salento. Two stone staircases descend symmetrically down the hillside to the port. On the day of my visit, the waterfall wasn't flowing, but the trail left by the water was clearly visible, allowing one to imagine its effect when activated. The place is peaceful and offers a beautiful view of the sea and the port of Leuca. (Original) La cascade monumentale de l’aqueduc des Pouilles se trouve à Santa Maria di Leuca, juste au pied du sanctuaire de Finibus Terrae. Elle marque la fin du grand aqueduc construit dans les années 1930 pour apporter l’eau jusqu’au sud du Salento. Deux escaliers en pierre descendent symétriquement le long de la colline jusqu’au port. Le jour de ma visite, la cascade ne coulait pas, mais on voyait très bien la trace laissée par l’eau, ce qui permet d’imaginer son effet quand elle est activée. L’endroit est calme et offre une belle vue sur la mer et sur le port de Leuca.

(Translated by Google) A picturesque area, definitely worth a visit. The view from above is breathtaking, and the connection between the two seas is fascinating. As for the waterfall, it's a shame we didn't see it illuminated! (Original) Area caratteristica, sicuramente da visitare. Vista mozzafiato dall'alto e affascinante l'unione tra i due mari. In merito alla cascata, peccato non averla vista illuminata!

(Translated by Google) Stupendous (Original) Stupenda

Great place to enjoy the view and take some beautiful pictures.

(Translated by Google) A wonderful position for filming and photography at the very end of the Italian boot with a view of the bathers on the rocks. (Original) Predivna pozicija za snimanje i fotografiranje na samom kraju talijanske čizme s pogledom na kupalista koja se nalaze na stijenama.

(Translated by Google) A hope to do as a family, beautiful place, I recommend it to everyone. (Original) Una speranza da fare in famiglia belissimo posto velo consiglio a tutti .

(Translated by Google) Stunning bathroom on the rocks. Only possible with little current (Original) Bagno su scogli stupendo. Possibile solo con poca corrente

(Translated by Google) The Monumental Aqueduct of Santa Maria di Leuca ends in an artificial waterfall, built in the 1930s. The work represents the final part of the Apulian Aqueduct and commemorates the completion of the works begun several decades earlier. It features two flights of stairs on the sides of the waterfall, stairways that cover a difference in height of one hundred and twenty meters and end in the famous Roman Column, placed there at the behest of the Duce to celebrate the works of the Regime. (Original) L'Acquedotto Monumentale di Santa Maria di Leuca termina in una cascata artificiale, realizzata negli anni Trenta. L’opera rappresenta la parte finale dell'Acquedotto Pugliese e ricorda il completamento dei lavori cominciati alcuni decenni prima. Essa si presenta con due rampe di scale ai lati della cascata, scalinate che coprono un dislivello di centoventi metri e terminano nella famosa Colonna romana, lì posta per volere del Duce per celebrare le opere del Regime.

(Translated by Google) A beautiful monument in a stunning location. We went here to see the waterfall on the date and time listed on the municipal and local tourist board websites, but the event was canceled without any communication. Terrible organization! All the tourists waiting, who like us had traveled a long way to see the spectacle, were angry. Also, don't complain that tourism is moving elsewhere! Learn to communicate! (Original) Monumento bellissimo in un posto stupendo. Ci siamo recati qui per vedere la cascata nella data e ora indicate nel sito del comune e della proloco ma l’evento è stato annullato senza nessuna comunicazione. Organizzazione pessima! Tutti i turisti in attesa, che avevano come noi fatto parecchia strada per vedere lo spettacolo arrabbiati. Poi non lamentatevi che il turismo si sposta verso altri lidi! Imparate a comunicare!

(Translated by Google) A beautiful monument of some historical importance. I went there to see the flooding, which only happens once a year, but it was horrifying to see how full it was of garbage. Even more so to see the water carrying it away and flowing into the SEA! I'm showing you the video and photos. (Original) Monumento bellissimo, di una certa importanza storica. Mi sono recata sul posto per vedere l'accessione delle acque, che accade poche volte all'anno, ma è stato raccapricciante vedere la quanto era piena di spazzatura, Ancor di più vedere l'acqua che la portava via e sfociava nel MARE! Mostro video e foto.

(Translated by Google) Beautiful, but unfortunately not enough water. I think we should find a way to recycle the water used for the waterfall. So that we can present it in all its splendor (Original) Bella, ma purtroppo poca acqua. Penso che si dovrebbe trovare il sistema per riciclare l'acqua usata per la cascata. Così da poterla presentare in tutto il suo splendore

(Translated by Google) This is the terminal part of the Apulian aqueduct. From information on site it seems that this is opened only occasionally in order to clean the residues that inevitably settle on the bottom of the enormous pipes. When this happens it should be a beautiful sight, unfortunately when we were there it was dry. (Original) Si tratta della parte terminale dell'acquedotto pugliese. Da informazioni sul posto sembra che questo viene aperto solo saltuariamente allo scopo di ripulire i residui che inevitabilmente si depositano sul fondo delle enormi tubature. Quando ciò avviene dovrebbe essere un bello spettacolo, purtroppo quando siamo stati noi era in secca.

(Translated by Google) I visited on a day when the waterfall was not scheduled to open, I can only think it would have been a beautiful sight. (Original) Lo visitato in un giorno in cui non era prevista la apertura della cascata, posso solo pensare che sarebbe stata una bella vista.

(Translated by Google) An imposing work of art, striking both for its beauty and its symbolic function, commemorating the completion of Puglia's aqueduct network, consisting of elevators, reservoirs, and distribution pipes. The waterfall is supplied with water only briefly and sporadically. It must be stunning with flowing water; it is a magnificent monument worthy of admiration. (Original) Opera imponente che colpisce sia per la bellezza, che per la funzione simbolica che ricorda il completamento della rete di acquedotti pugliesi, composta di impianti elevatori, serbatoi, condotte di distribuzione. La cascata viene alimentata con acqua soltanto per poco tempo e sporadicamente. Dev'essere meravigliosa con l'acqua che scorre, è un magnifico monumento da apprezzare.

(Translated by Google) Beautiful views of two seas (Original) Piękne widoki na dwa morza

(Translated by Google) A beautiful glimpse of the meeting of the two seas. Unfortunately, the phenomenon can only be seen on the right days, when there are no clouds and the sun reflects off the sea at just the right angles: in short, you need a little luck. However, even without this detail, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the sea that is nothing short of fantastic. (Original) Un bellissimo scorcio sull’incontro dei due mari. Purtroppo, il fenomeno si può vedere solo nelle giornate giuste, in cui non ci sono nuvole e il sole riflette sul mare con le giuste angolazioni: insomma, bisogna essere un po’ fortunati. Tuttavia, anche senza questo dettaglio, si può godere di una vista panoramica sul mare a dir poco fantastica

(Translated by Google) Beautiful view overlooking the Adriatic, shame about the rubbish over the low wall. (Original) Bellissima vista che dà sull’Adriatico, peccato per la spazzatura oltre al muretto.

We went to this grotta with kayaks, booked via AirBnb. It was our best excursion of 1 week Puglia. An active day on the water. And that cave was just magical.

We swam there (arrived by car). It was lovely but a bit too many boats around…

Not worth 3€, bath is forbiden, little cave closed, not so beatiful, too many people, recomentd to avoid

When on a boat, you go where the boat goes. Great color of clear water!

pretty sure the visit inside is fantastic like to swim outside

It's worth! We did a great hike, there were nearly no torusim boats when we arrived. Such a great view. On the southwest are some "cliffs". The Italian go swim there, jump into the water, etc. We spent some hours here during our hike. We left at afternoon, about 3pm - the boat tours arrived (see pic attached)

With a clear water it amazing 🤩

The area is known for its natural beauty and is a popular destination for outdoor activities. The spot is little bit risky, but possible. The spot is worth a visit. Very suggestive and large cave has a rock formation inside which acts as a supporting column of the enormous cliff of the natural "roof" of the cave. There are many boatmen. Continuing the lovers' cave you can swim by entering onto a small beach. Its name derives from its resemblance to the head of a dragon which can be seen when entering the boat on the left wall.The series of caves and ravines leaves you speechless. The cave is so called because the rock inside vaguely resembled the shape of a lying dragon, with its tail on the left and its head on the right. Furthermore. Dragon's Cave, very beautiful like the others to visit on a boat excursion, evaluate carefully and find out about the caves that make you visit .

Such a nice spot! We found durin our hike a platform directly at the water. Swimming possible, getting out the water little bit risky, but possible. The spot is worth a visit.

Excellent tour! Went with Alexanders with the nicest boatsman. The tour took well over the estimated 1 hour, and swimming into the cave was allowed. € well spent!

great views positive vibe 🤟👌👍

So amazing, words cannot explain

Good landscape

Very good

Old watch tower, currently almost in ruins

Next.

(Translated by Google) Ancient stone watchtower, partly ruined. It owes its name to the discovery of human bone remains inside it. It is also called the old tower, because it was the first tower in Leuca, built in 1500. It cannot be visited, given its structural instability. (Original) Antica torre d'avvistamento in pietra, in parte diroccata. Deve il nome al ritrovamento al suo interno di resti ossei umani. È detta anche torre vecchia, perché fu la prima torre di Leuca, costruita nel 1500. Non è visitabile ,data la sua instabilità strutturale.

(Translated by Google) On the seafront of Leuca stands this beautiful watchtower from around 1500, also called Torre dell'Omo morta, which owes its name to the findings of bone remains inside it. Kept in a semi-degraded state and it is impossible to visit it but a photo can be taken from the street. (Original) Sul lungomare di Leuca sorge questa bella torre di avvistamento del 1500 circa, anche detta Torre dell'Omo morto, che deve il suo nome a ritrovamenti di resti ossei al suo interno. Tenuta in stato di semi degrado ed e'impossibile visitarla ma una foto dalla strada si può fare.

(Translated by Google) Nice to look at, driving past is enough. You can just walk along the street (Original) Schön zum anschauen, vorbei fahren reicht auch. Man kann nur die Straße entlang gehen

(Translated by Google) Punta Ristola. Not to be missed, breathtaking views, spectacular sunsets. Small statue of Padre Pio observing the sea. Must see. (Original) Punta Ristola. Da nn perdere, panorama mozzafiato, tramonti spettacolari. Piccola statua di Padre Pio ad osservare il mare . Da vedere .

(Translated by Google) Watchtower from around 1500 which owes its name to the findings of bone remains inside it. The monument has its own reason, it's a shame that it isn't valorised at all, in fact underneath it, despite the sharp bend on which it stands, there is wild parking in the summer, plus it's left in a state of decay, it's a shame that the municipality doesn't valorise it (Original) Torre di avvistamento del 1500 circa che deve il suo nome a ritrovamenti di resti ossei al suo interno. Il monumento ha un suo perché peccato che non sia per nulla valorizzato, infatti sotto di esso nonostante la curva a gomito su cui sorge d'estate vige il parcheggio selvaggio, in più è lasciato in stato di degrado peccato che il comune non la valorizzi

Amazing time, I definitely recommend the boat excursion, we went to see all of the caves, and went to swim in a very dark little cave for 20 minutes!!!

Nice atmosphere with a refreshing sea breeze. Great place for an evening walk!

We stayed here aboard our sailboat. Marina staff were friendly and approachable. Not much in terms of facilities (basic toilets and showers). Easy to access the town and walk along coast. Must walk along wooden walkway hugging coastline and up the 300 steps to the church and lighthouse at the top.

Well, it's a tourist port. Don't know why you could be interested in it, anyway it's well done and prepared, organized. The landscape is good, one side Leuca, the other the monumental waterfall with the lighthouse and the Cathedral. Like boats? Go there; like landscapes, sea, swimming and eating? Go around :)

Go visit the guy and girls at Gnu Diving. Very friendly and helpful. They were excellent with me and my son on our first ever scuba dive, couldn't have been better.

Marina was expensive for what it was. Left much to be desired but it's in key passage making location. The town itself is a delight. Very charming.

Great fun! We got to swim through some beautiful caves and enjoyed the sight from sea.

(Translated by Google) A truly beautiful and unexpected experience! The managers Antonio and Annapaola, with great passion and expertise, accompanied us on a surprising journey to discover shells and white coral. What struck us in particular was Annapaola's story: with her engaging narration she managed to immerse us in a universe we did not know, transforming each case into a story to listen to and each shell into a discovery. A place not to be missed, especially for those who love to be surprised by nature and the stories of those who guard it with love. (Original) Un'esperienza davvero bellissima e inaspettata! I gestori Antonio e Annapaola, con grande passione e competenza, ci hanno accompagnati in un percorso sorprendente alla scoperta delle conchiglie e del corallo bianco. A colpirci, in modo particolare è stato il racconto di Annapaola: con la sua narrazione coinvolgente è riuscita a farci immergere in un universo che non conoscevamo, trasformando ogni teca in una storia da ascoltare e ogni conchiglia in una scoperta. Un luogo da non perdere, soprattutto per chi ama lasciarsi sorprendere dalla natura e dalle storie di chi la custodisce con amore.

(Translated by Google) This museum is truly beautiful, a pleasant walk to discover the sea and the wonders it contains. Unfortunately, many tourists may not notice or care about this cultural gem of Leuca, but I think that certain places should be visited, encouraged, experienced. Very kind Mr. Antonio, owner of the museum, who offered himself as a guide to explain all the natural riches he collected. Protecting and enhancing local products is important, also and above all when it comes to culture and nature! (Original) Questo museo è veramente bello, una piacevole passeggiata alla scoperta del mare e delle meraviglie che esso contiene. Purtroppo, molti turisti potrebbero non notare o non curarsi di questa chicca culturale di Leuca, ma io penso che certi luoghi vadano visitati, incentivati, vissuti. Gentilissimo il sig. Antonio, proprietario del museo, che si è offerto da guida per spiegare tutte le ricchezze naturali da lui collezionate. Tutelare e valorizzare i prodotti locali è importante, anche e soprattutto per quanto riguarda la cultura e la natura!

(Translated by Google) I recommend everyone visit this museum at least once. The staff and guide are very kind and knowledgeable. I personally immersed myself in a journey inspired by some of the world's marine beauties. (Original) Consiglio a tutti di visitare almeno una volta questo museo, il personale e la guida sono molto gentili e preparati. Personalmente mi sono immersa in un viaggio dettato da alcune delle bellezze marine, di tutto il mondo.

(Translated by Google) There are two different rooms, one with fossils and shells. It's nice and can be explored in 15 minutes. If you need to go to the restroom, you'd better leave and find a café. (Original) Ci sono 2 sale diverse, con fossili e conchiglie, carino, si visita in 15 minuti tranquillamente. Se avete bisogno di andare ai servizi è meglio che uscite e vi cercate un bar...