Italy’s “heel”: sun, sea and ancient traditions
Salentu, lu sole, lu mare, lu ientu. This old saying – Salento: the sun, the sea and the wind – identifies the “heel” of Italy in few but meaningful words. This magnificent land, stretching between the Ionian and the Adriatic sea, will offer you a summer of tradition, but also lots of relax in wild bays or golden beaches reminiscent of the Maldives.
The most important city of this destination is undoubtedly Lecce, the Baroque capital of Apulia, with its imposing Duomo. Its historic centre is teeming with beautiful buildings and churches, built using only local stone. Among the alleys, you will also find characteristic papier-mâché workshops, a centuries-old local custom. We also recommend to visit Otranto and Gallipoli, symbolic towns where Greek, Byzantine and Aragonese art coexist. But Salento also means wonderful sea: Santa Maria di Leuca, Torre dell’Orso, Porto Badisco and Punta della Suina are some of the most beautiful inlets where you can swim and discover a rich and unspoilt nature.
Summer in Salento is full of festivals and village feasts to the rhythm of the pizzica and taranta; an excellent opportunity to enjoy local food and wine: try the frise, tajeddha, and puccia salentina.
Festivals in Apulia
Apulia is rich in ancient traditions, which are expressed in all their glory, especially during end-of-year festivities. Discover all our tips on how to spend your Christmas holidays in Apulia and make your trip unforgettable!