Today let’s discover the coast of Salento, and we do so from a particular perspective, getting closer to some of the most beautiful Italian beaches… from the sea! There are many must-see attractions and events that illuminate the evenings at the seaside for summer 2014… let’s find out some, along with our suggestions for a 100% natural stay at a farmhouse.

1) Torre San Giovanni
Famous for being the longest beach of Salento, in the province of Lecce: fine white sand, low cliffs and coves to discover. A series of small islands accessible only by sea. A unique view of the coastal tower of Torre San Giovanni of the sixteenth century, born as a lookout tower.

2) Pescoluse
Also known by the name “Maldives of Salento”, this beach is renowned for its calm water and gently sloping and sandy dunes surrounded by rich Mediterranean vegetation and white lilies.

Pescoluse

Pescoluse

3) Santa Maria di Leuca
Where the Adriatic and the Ionian Sea meet, we find Punta Capo di Leuca, which stands out for the beautiful color of water created by the intertwining of the currents. Do not miss the caves, including the famous Devil’s Cave, so called because of the loud noises that occasionally can be heard from it.

4) Ponte Ciolo
A few miles from Santa Maria di Leuca, there is a natural wonder, Ponte Ciolo, a rock over 40 meters high appreciated by lovers of extreme sports. Nearby you can admire the particular species of flowers along a natural gorge bordered by rocky cliffs, and a small pebble beach in which there are small caves famous for fossils.

5) Porto Selvaggio
The Natural Park of Porto Selvaggio includes a natural landscape with ancient coastal towers, freshwater springs, large pine forests as well as archaeological traces of ancient settlements. Do not miss the marine Cave of Corvine, rich in animal and plant species in an area coveted for scuba diving.

WHERE TO STAY
1) Masseria Limbitello
Hand made by skilled craftsmen in Salento, the Masseria Limbitello rooms are characteristic and welcoming: some are vaulted, others have wooden beams; some of the rooms have been created in the ancient tower. The property features a charming outdoor restaurant for a romantic dinner in green spaces; the cuisine makes extensive use of local olive oil obtained from cold milling.

Masseria Limbitello

Masseria Limbitello

2) Farmhouse Il Piccolo Lago
The Farmhouse Il Piccolo Lago offers independent cottage apartments only 3 km from the sea, with easy access to local services such as diving-center, boat trips, bike or car, golf, water sports, and wellness centers. The farm deals with the cultivation of typical products of the Mediterranean diet, like the yellow gold of Salento: extra virgin olive oil. There is also a large pine forest, and pets are welcome.

3) B&B Terra Serena
The B&B Terra Serena is located in the heart of Cerfignano, a charming village near Santa Cesarea Terme, full of small bars where you can enjoy superb breakfasts and discover the flavors of the local cuisine. The B&B offers a range of itineraries to discover the territory, nature,

Masseria Le Palme del Salento

Masseria Le Palme del Salento

culture, food and wine; and then there are routes to local farms to taste olive oil and cheese.

4) Masseria Le Palme del Salento

Farmhouse Masseria Le Palme del Salento combines the values ​​of times past with modern energy saving and technology in classic bungalows in tuff powered by solar energy panels. The wood oven and barbecue in the common area enable guests to enjoy the outdoors with the other guests of the farm. There is a beautiful swimming pool lit up at night, surrounded by green gardens in an area of ​​20,000 square meters.

5) Tenuta Stajano
Farmhouse Tenuta Stajano is about 6 km from Gallipoli, the pearl of the Ionian Sea. The apartments have been created from the renovation of the ancient buildings in full respect of the original architecture. The farm is mainly engaged in the cultivation of olive trees – 7,000 trees – on an area of ​​about 50 hectares in the context of a centuries-old family tradition of dedication to agriculture and the production of olive oil and wine.