SECRET SALENTO

Santa Maria di Leuca (commonly referred to as Leuca) derives it’s name from the Greek word for white (leukos), named so because of the gorgeous white cliffs of the village. It is also the cape of the peninsula, the most southern point in all of Italy. One might expect to find statues and arches commemorating this fact, but instead, you'll find rows and rows of bougainvillea-covered villas (owned by some of the wealthiest Italians of Lecce and other southern towns), and beaches much less interesting than those of the western and eastern coasts.

Santa Maria di Leuca was the first and last port of call for people traveling to and from the East, who used to stop and revere Zeus at a site that still exists today. From Santa Maria di Leuca you can reach the Greek Ionian Islands within one hour by boat.

Make sure to visit the lighthouse of Leuca (48 meters high at an altitude of 102 meters above sea level), which is one of the most important lighthouses of Italy. You should also take a boat trip along the coast to visit the numerous natural caves that surround Leuca.