Salento history, culture and natural beauty

Salento is the extreme point of Italy called “heel of Italy”, a land about 55 km wide and 120 km long.

Its exposure to the sea and being the eastern most part of the Italian territory, have always made it an open ground for migrant peoples. This is still today the reason for that evident mix of cultures, traditions and dialects so varied that they meet in this vast territory.

Salento is characterized by a mild temperature and sunny days for most of the year; this makes it an ideal tourist destination for tourism not only seaside.

Although known as a favorite destination for summer beach tourism, little is known yet and enhances the wonderful Salento countryside. An area rich in food and wine culture and popular traditions, still strong and rooted in the territory.

The awards to the Salento area continue to arrive and grow every year: from National Geographic, to Forbes, to Lonely Planet (just to name a few) everyone wants to tell a bit of the charm of this territory.

The sea of Salento

The sea is among the best known in the world, especially after having been called “Maldives” of Italy. The Salento with its 250 km of coastline touches the Adriatic Sea and the Ionian Sea.

This means that, as well know the Salento, in summer you can decide to go to the sea on one or the other coast depending on the direction of the wind. So you do not even miss a day at sea during the precious holidays.

The Salento coast is characterized by wide beaches and cliffs, satisfying the various tastes within short distances. On the Adriatic side from Ostuni downwards continuing towards Otranto, the Salento counts many km of beautiful beaches. Many villages with exclusive access to the sea, equipped beaches but also a lot of free beach. From Otranto to Santa Maria di Leuca we have, instead, a coastline characterized by rocks with beautiful coves and very particular shores.

On the Ionian side it is repeated, from Taranto to Ugento beautiful beaches and, proceeding further, we find the rocky coast that accompanies us to Santa Maria di Leuca.

Culture, history and folklore of Salento

A territory rich in history by the presence that has occurred over the centuries, from the Messapian and then Roman, Byzantine, Norman, Sicilian, Bourbon Arabian and Spanish. Every small town preserves beautiful churches and noble palaces that enchant with its astonishing architecture. While the historical fabrics of the small villages still contain ancient houses, of inestimable charm, kept between small lanes and white walls.

Architecturally Salento is a cradle of art. Distinguished by the presence of numerous medieval castles, coastal watch towers, fortified farmhouses, small pajare for the management of the countryside. The churches show lavishly embroidered rosettes from a unique Baroque style in Italy, the flowery Baroque that gave the city of Lecce the nickname of “Florence of the South“.

An importantthing in the slow and relaxing life of this territory is characterized by its still rooted culture of folk traditions.

The summer festivals called “Sagra” cheer every evening of Salento summer, characterized by local dishes adapted to become the street-food of the territory. Each event is accompanied by music, banquets with the sale of typical sweets or local crafts. Finally, the typically Salento show of lit illuminations and fireworks for every self-respecting patronal feast.

Discover Salento with us

Our mission is to enhance the less known routes of Salento. We accompany you in the less known and more genuine Salento, among centuries-old traditions that still stand the test of time. You will bring home the memory of a holiday and a way of living that is still sustainable and peaceful. We do it starting from the earth and our roots, from enology and food and wine, from the stone that has built the beautiful villages of Salento.

Discover Salento wine culture through our WINE TOUR or visit our cities and villages with our art visits.

If you prefer personalized visits  CONTACTS. We will offer you an exclusive tour tailored to provide you with a unique and unforgettable experience.