Santa Maria di Leuca
Viaggiare Salento > Santa Maria di Leuca
Have you ever dreamed of a place where history intertwines with legend, and the crystal-clear sea gently kisses enchanting coasts? This place exists and it is Santa Maria di Leuca, a hidden treasure in the heart of Salento. Known as the “Finibus Terrae”, the end of the earth, Leuca welcomes you with its timeless charm, telling stories of sailors and pilgrims who here have found a refuge, a hope, or simply a moment of peace in front of the immensity of the sea.
The history
Santa Maria di Leuca is the point where the Ionian Sea and the Adriatic Sea come together in an embrace that seems to whisper ancient legends to those who know how to listen. This land offers a unique coastline that alternates between sand and cliffs, enriched by beautiful natural caves.
Its strategic position has attracted Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, and many other peoples over the centuries, leaving traces of their passage and making Leuca a melting pot of cultures.
The history of Santa Maria di Leuca is a blend of myths and reality. The origin of this fascinating town is tied to the legend of the mermaid Leucasia who, having fallen in love with the shepherd Melisso, tried to enchant him with her song near the coast. But the young man, faithful to his sweet beloved Aristula, did not return her love, inciting her wrath. The mermaid, in pain of rejection, unleashed a storm that ran over the two lovers and threw their bodies away from each other. They transformed into the two promontories that enclose Leuca, Punta Meliso and Punta Ristola. Leucasia herself was petrified, forming the white coast of Leuca, reminiscent of the mermaid’s pale skin.
The beaches of Santa Maria di Leuca
Saying that the waters of Santa Maria di Leuca are crystal-clear is reductive. At sunrise, the sea lights up with an emerald green that seems to evoke ancient Phoenician legends, offering a natural spectacle of rare beauty. The beaches of Santa Maria di Leuca, nestled between towering cliffs, are a hidden treasure: among them, a stretch of sand known locally as “rena ranne,” or large beach. Although its extension is modest, especially when compared to the wide beaches that characterize the Ionian coast up to Gallipoli, its charm is indisputable.
Nearby, do not miss Felloniche Beach, a corner of paradise if you are looking for relaxation away from the crowd, or the picturesque Ciardo Bay, an untouched corner characterized by pebbles, where the sunset turns into intense and vivid colors.
In Santa Maria di Leuca, you can explore the coast from a different perspective, experiencing the thrill of a boat excursion. The marine caves, accessible only by sea, will leave you breathless with their stalactites and crystal-clear waters. And if you are looking for the ultimate relaxation, the equipped beaches offer every comfort, from sunbeds and umbrellas to small restaurants where you can savor typical Salento dishes while admiring the sea.
What to see in Santa Maria di Leuca
The history of Santa Maria di Leuca is woven with golden threads of mythologies, legends and historical facts that intertwine to create a living fresco. Let’s discover some of the most symbolic and fascinating places in Leuca, silent witnesses of a glorious past.
Basilica Santuario Santa Maria De Finibus Terrae
The spiritual heart of Leuca beats in the Basilica Santuario of Santa Maria De Finibus Terrae. This sacred place, whose name recalls the ancient belief that the known land ended here, is a pilgrimage site that fascinates believers and non-believers alike. Its architectural beauty, combined with its panoramic position, offers a moment of reflection and inner peace, as well as a breathtaking view of the meeting point between the Ionian and Adriatic seas.
It is said that Saint Peter landed here on his journey of evangelization to Rome, and on the ancient sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Minerva, now stands an important symbol of Christian faith.
The Lighthouse of Leuca: the second tallest in Europe
The lighthouse of Santa Maria di Leuca, with its 47 meters height, is the second tallest in Europe and offers a spectacular view over the infinite maritime horizon. It is a real symbol not only of Leuca but also of the entire Salento. In collaboration with the Navy, the Pro Loco Leuca organizes free tours on fixed days, which can be booked.
The Monumental Waterfall and the Promenade
Another experience not to be missed is the visit to the Monumental Waterfall of Leuca, the terminal work of the Apulian Aqueduct. This work, inaugurated during the fascist period with a Roman column donated by Mussolini, is particularly impressive during the celebrations of important anniversaries, when the water flows freely creating a fascinating spectacle.
The promenade of Leuca is the ideal place for an evening stroll, where you can experience the magical atmosphere of a sunset over the sea, perhaps enjoying an artisan ice cream or dining in one of the restaurants overlooking the small port. During the walk, it is impossible not to be enchanted by the myriad colors and styles of the 19th-century villas that constituted the first settlement of Leuca.