Many travelers want to visit sunny Italy. Life, culture and values of this people attract many tourists. Beautiful nature, mild climate, delicious food and untouched natural monuments - all this can be seen in Salento (Italy).
Here there are not only nature reserves, parks and biological stations, but also ancient sights. Medieval buildings, rock paintings and ruins of ancient structures can be seen on local lands.
About the peninsula
Commune in Italy is an administrative division. It consists of the city (it gives the name) and the surrounding areas. "Heel", or Salento Peninsula (Italy), is located in the southeastern part of the country. This is the region of Apulia, which is the link between the Adriatic and Ionian seas. On the lands of this peninsula is the province of Lecce, as well as the main part of Brindisi and Taranto.
This place, surrounded by seas, has many names. The ancient Greeks called it Messapia, and the Italians themselves speak of it as Terra d'Otranto. All thesethe names translated from different languages mean "among the waters". In ancient times, Messaps made up the majority of the island's population. It was they who initiated the development of this place.
Campania (Italy) is an area in the country. It extends along the Tyrrhenian Sea to Basilicata in the southwest. In the east, the region borders on Molise and Apulia. The capital of this administrative region is the ancient city of Naples. Campania is often confused with Campagna, a commune in this country. This is completely wrong. These two concepts have nothing in common.
Salento (Campaign)
Salento is a famous Italian commune located in the Campania region. This is a place in the southwest of the country in the province of Salerno, whose natural borders are: the Chilenko National Park and Vallo di Diano, as well as the Comunità Montana Zona del Gelbison e Cervati (an association of 10 municipalities).
This area includes mountains and communes. Its total area is over 250 square kilometers. Saint Barbara is the patroness of Salento. Celebrations in her honor are held on December 4 and July 29.
The city has a central street - Via Valante Marcello Scarpa. There are not many facilities on it: a medical center, a city hall and a snack bar La Dolce Vita. Salento has a little over 2,000 inhabitants. Since 2009, the mayor of the city is Angelo de Marco.
Climate
Italy is located in the zone of subtropical Mediterranean climate, an important role in the formation of which is played by the Alps. Mountains are a barrier to northern and westernwinds. Hot summers and harsh winters - that's how you can describe the weather in this area. The weather in Italy in March is not conducive to a beach holiday. The average temperature is 10 degrees. There is little rainfall this month. August is the warmest month of the year, while January is the coldest.
Local residents of Salento (Italy) say that they are very susceptible to the influence of winds. They divide them into three categories and always say: "I will go where the wind blows."
Transportation to the mainland
How to get to Italy, each tourist decides for himself. This can be done by plane, train or your own transport. It all depends on where in the world you need to get to this country. But movement on the mainland and its islands (peninsulas) is somewhat limited.
Outside the land of Salento (Italy) there is an airport - in Bari. On the peninsula itself, in Brindisi, there is also a point where planes depart from. Many tourists prefer to travel by car. To do this, there is a convenient highway that connects the "heel" with the main land.
The major railway station is located in Lecce. From here you can get by train or train to remote points in Italy, as well as to nearby cities.
The peninsula is surrounded on all sides by the sea. Therefore, there are many ports here. From Brindisi, Gallipoli, Campomarino di Maruggio, Taranto, Santa Maria di Leuca and Otranto.
Peninsula as a resort
Longtime Salento in Italy was a quiet, peaceful corner on the outskirts of the country. Here there was a way and foundations. A few tourists came to enjoy the local beauties.
In recent years, this peninsula has become in demand among travelers. Hotels and hotel complexes began to open on its territory. Tourists have recognized Salento as one of the best holiday destinations in Italy.
Important places
Alimini Lake is a local attraction. The landscape of the country does not have a lot of fresh water, so this beautiful and cozy corner on the Adriatic coast attracts locals and visiting guests.
Natural park "Portoselvaggio" was formed on the Ionian coast. Many different plants, flowers and shrubs can be found in this reserve. It should be noted that the soil on the peninsula is very fertile. Therefore, the best olives, grapes and other fruits are grown here. Then most of these products are exported to different parts of the world.
The land of this peninsula is literally dotted with historical and natural monuments. The oldest towers (from the 15th-16th centuries) have been preserved here. They were built to protect the territory back in Norman times. Many of them are in dilapidated condition and require renovation, local residents are trying to save them.
The most popular resorts of the Salento Peninsula: Otranto, Castro, Gallipoli, Santa Cesarea Terme, Santa Maria di Leuca, Portoselvaggio, Porto Cesareo, Melendugno, Lizzano, Pulsano, Ostuni, Casalabate andUgento. Some of them will be described below in the article.
Such different beaches
Salento in Italy is surrounded by several seas, so here you can find coasts with different landscapes. Rocky, sandy and pebble beaches pass one into another. They are united by clear, clean sea water, which is almost always warm.
Kitchen
Italian food is enjoyed by almost all tourists. Its main advantage is the combination of simple products. The result is delicious and satisfying meals.
In Salento, travelers will be offered seafood soup. It is best to try it in Gallipoli. It has mussels, shrimps, cuttlefish, gurnard and ruff. The signature dish is the capeche from Gallipoli. It is made from small fish fried in oil. Then rolled in breadcrumbs and stacked in layers (bread, fish) in a wooden container. Also worth trying are marinated eggplants with tomatoes, served with sheep cheese and basil. As an unusual dessert, you should choose purcheddruzzi. These are dough balls in honey sauce, which are prepared for Christmas.
Otranto Resort
The town of Otranto is located in the easternmost part of the "heel" of Italy. The place is located 45 kilometers from the city of Lecce, on a rocky steep coast. The historic center of Otranto is recognized as a UNESCO heritage.
A tour of this town must begin with the Embankment of Heroes - the most famous place in Oranto. This is where the old city begins.where the Aragonese castle and cathedral are located with an interesting mosaic floor and relics of the same eight hundred martyrs killed by the Saracens in 1480.
If you need to feel the spirit and culture of ancient Italy, then you should pay attention to Cape Punta Palacia, where the lighthouse still stands. Every day he meets and sees off the bright scorching sun of this country. The famous hills where bauxite used to be mined are also located here.
Those who are interested in rock art will be interested in the site of Porto Badisco, where, according to legend, Aeneas landed. These places seem to have remained untouched since ancient times.
Castro
The coast of the Adriatic Sea is fraught with many secrets, mysteries and legends. 48 kilometers from Lecce is the small town of Castro, which is completely shrouded in legends and historical mysteries.
This city's beach has been awarded the Blue Flag for its clean water and natural resources. There is a developed infrastructure and beautiful nature.
Deepening into history, I would like to note that Castro became the first city on the peninsula to be awarded the title of county. This place has ancient roots and is a direct "descendant" of the Roman Castrum Minervae. That is why there are so many unexplored and mysterious places here.
Aragonese castle is the heart of this town. It is located on the famous Piazza Armando Perotti, where almost all the festivities are now held. Here, in the old days, a statue of Athena Phrygian was found, which confirmed the existence of the temple of the goddessMinerva.
Tourists can admire not only the beauties of the local nature, but also walk along the old streets. You can visit the former cathedral of the 12th century, as well as the ruins of an old Byzantine church.
Melendugno
This is where the most famous Italian resorts are located. Many beaches of this town on the Adriatic Sea have received the Blue Flag. It has clean air, beautiful nature and an ideal place for swimming.
The city is located near Lecce, more precisely, 19 kilometers from it. There are good transport links here. Picturesque landscapes and developed infrastructure attract many tourists. The main attractions of Salento (Italy) are concentrated in its resort towns.
The old city is a historical monument. Medieval streets and even some buildings have been preserved here. Houses with large backyards and extensive farms evoke many pleasant emotions. Here you can feel the life and culture of the ancient Italian people.
For those who are fed up with a beach holiday, Melendugno offers many excursions. Guests of the resort are shown ancient olive presses, which are still used in some houses today. Palazzo d'Ameli, or, as the locals say, the castle, has the shape of a star (with a broken facade), is a famous building on this peninsula. Travelers are offered to see the Clock Tower and the Church of the Ascension of the Mother of God of the 16th century.
There is also something to see outside the city. The Abbey of San Nicheta is located right in the middle of a luxurious olive grove. It was builtancient Basilian monks. The local church in the Middle Ages was decorated with unusual frescoes. They were transferred to the chapel, which was built on the site of the temple.
Santa Cesarea Terme
This resort is known for its eastern outlines. It perfectly combines rocky steep shores with sandy beaches. The place is located 35 kilometers from Lecce, on the Adriatic coast. It has a very mild climate that many tourists like.
The symbol of the city is the Moorish dome of Villa Stikki (XIX century). This is a kind of mosque among the rocks. It is located a few steps from the sea. Majestic mansions are clearly visible on the horizon. Some of them hang right over the cliff.
The resort of Santa Cesarea Terme is also famous for its healing springs that gush directly from natural grottoes. The water in them is saturated with hydrogen sulfide, which is why this place of rest has become known to the whole world. Tourists are offered restorative procedures, as well as a course of massage and individual treatment.
Porto Cesareo
If you want to visit a quiet cozy place in the Italian province, then you - in Porto Cesareo. This small town belly exclusively on the rhythms of the sea. All houses are grouped around the main port on this coast. There is also a market where, in addition to seafood, you can find a wide variety of bright, colorful boats.
On the territory of this province is the largest natural and marine reserve Palude del Conte e Dune Costera. Tourists can visitoceanographic museum and marine biology station. And just wandering along the shaded paths of the park on a hot day is very pleasant. The variety of untouched nature immerses you in the world of reflections and your own thoughts.
Symbol of this coast - watchtowers. It should be noted that they are well preserved for their age. The population of Salento is trying to preserve all cultural sites in their original form. If you walk along the mainland, you can see abandoned ancient villages in its depths. There are houses here that are made of stone without special mortar. This area is an archaeological find. Scientists often find traces of ancient civilizations here.
Gallipoli
"Beautiful city" - this is how the name Gallipoli is translated. The resort is located on the Ionian coast, 40 kilometers from Lecce. Description of Salento as a resort always starts with this "beautiful city".
This ancient town is connected to the mainland through a rocky arch bridge. The building was erected in the 20th century. Currently, there is another modern bridge in the city, which was built several years ago. It is connected to the main port of Gallipoli.
From sea cataclysms, Gallipoli is protected by walls, towers and bastions, which once served to protect against enemies. This place is known not only for its attractive resort vacation. Here you can rest your body and soul. For example, on the way to the beach, you can look at the local fish market. Such an assortment of seafood is hardly to be found anywhere.something else. And if you consider that a couple of minutes ago all this marine life lived carelessly in the sea, then its value doubles.
The Church of Santa Maria del Canneto and the chapel of Saint Christina, patroness of the city and beloved saint of all sailors, are the main attractions of Gallipoli. They are also located in the old town, next to the coast.
Salento (Italy): reviews of tourists about holidays in these parts
Many travelers choose different resorts in Italy for their holidays. The climate of this country does not provide the possibility of a year-round beach holiday. Therefore, in the summer months, all the resort towns of Italy are overflowing with tourists. The weather in Italy in March is not conducive to rest, but at this time tourists are already starting to come.
In the reviews, travelers say that they have been vacationing on the Salento Peninsula for many years. No other corner of the world attracts them more than this Italian "heel". It has a wonderful climate and infrastructure, allowing not only to spend time on the beach under the scorching sun, but also to enjoy the ancient culture of this country. A large number of attractions and memorable places provide an opportunity to learn more about the history of this country.
Tourists are offered a variety of affordable accommodation. The food is varied and as close as possible to European cuisine. Lots of seafood and fruits. People who are just about to go to this corner of the globe are interested in how much money to take to Italy. Experienced travelersThey say in the reviews that the more money you have, the better. On average, food costs from 30 to 50 euros per day (2200-4000 rubles). You will also need to spend money on housing, which costs from 40-50 euros per day (4000 rubles) and transport. Travelers should expect to spend around €100 per day in Italy.
There are reviews in which tourists say that there are too many tourists in Campania (Italy). The beaches on the Salento peninsula are simply crowded with vacationers. Even in the early morning there is nowhere to stay. This upset the travelers. According to them, they had to spend most of their time by the pool.
Many people call Salento the Italian Maldives. Many tourists come here every year to enjoy their holidays and get acquainted with the culture of this country.
