Salento, Apulia
The heel of Italy’s boot, between the Adriatic and Ionian seas
Salento is the southernmost peninsula of Apulia — Italy’s “heel” — bordered by the Adriatic Sea to the east and the Ionian Sea to the west. A land of ancient olive groves, crystal-clear waters, baroque architecture and authentic cuisine.
The Beaches
Adriatic Coast
To the east, the Adriatic coast offers turquoise waters, white limestone cliffs and rocky coves. Must-see spots: San Foca, Torre dell’Orso, Torre Sant’Andrea and Otranto with its castle and Norman cathedral.
Ionian Coast
To the west, the Ionian sea is warmer with sandy shores. Porto Cesareo, Gallipoli and Santa Maria di Leuca — the southernmost tip of Salento — are the most popular destinations.
Lecce
Just 7 km from the villa, Lecce is the baroque capital of Salento. Its palaces, churches and squares carved from golden limestone make it unique in Italy. The historic centre is entirely pedestrian — perfect for an evening stroll followed by a pasticciotto.
Food & Wine
Salentine cuisine is simple and authentic: ciceri e tria (pasta with chickpeas), pittule (fried dough fritters), puccia (durum wheat bread rolls), friselle with tomato and olive oil, and the unmissable pasticciotto for breakfast. Local wines — Primitivo, Negroamaro, Salice Salentino — accompany every meal.
Getting There
- Brindisi airport (BDS) — ~35 km, 30–40 minutes by car
- Bari airport (BRI) — ~95 km, approximately 1 hour by car
- A car is recommended for exploring the peninsula freely
La Notte della Taranta
Every August in Melpignano, Salento hosts La Notte della Taranta — the world’s largest folk music festival, drawing over 100,000 visitors.
Stay in the heart of Salento
Villa della Cupa is in Lizzanello, 7 km from Lecce and 20 minutes from the Adriatic coast.