Holidays at Santa Maria di Leuca - between the Adriatic and Ionian Seas

At Capo Santa Maria di Leuca the Adriatic and Ionian Seas meet. Italians decide on which beach to go to, either on the Ionian side or on the Adriatic side, according to where the winds blow from. 

Between beach and stately villas

Bathing cabins made of brick and dating back to between the 19th and 20th centuries show that 'cultivated' bathing holidays have got a long tradition in this place.

At the time, rich city dwellers had decorative houses built at the seaside for their summer retreat. Even today, the oriental-fanciful art nouveau villas are ornaments to the town and make for its individual flair.

Aeneas and Saint Peter

Santa Maria di Leuca is a place rich in history: according to legend, it was along this coastal section that Aeneas, the founding father of the Roman people, set foot on land. And from this area Saint Peter is said to have started on his missionary work in Italy.

Witness to the settlement of the place since the 13th century BC is borne by the remains of a fortified village of huts which have been excavated near the “faro”, the lighthouse.

Santa Maria di Leuca owes its name to the late Baroque basilica Santa Maria de Finibus Terrae, which was erected on the site of a former temple consecrated to Minerva.

Marina di Pescoluse and the "Maldives of the Salento"

Only about 10 km north of Santa Maria di Leuca and the impressive steep and rocky coast there lie the "Maldives of the Salento" near Marina di Pescoluse. The fine and gently sloping sandy beaches on the Ionian Sea do remind you of the holiday paradise in the Indian Ocean.

In July and August, in particular, this coastal section is very popular with vacationers from Italy. The normally rather tranquil coastal town is then roused from its slumber and turns into a lively and colorful seaside holiday resort.