Salento Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Salento in Southern Italy with our comprehensive guide. From natural attractions and outdoor adventures to food and cultural experiences, we've got you covered.


Salento is a charming region in the southern part of Italy, located in the Apulia region. Known for its beautiful beaches, rich culture, and mouth-watering cuisine, Salento is an ideal destination for travelers who want to experience the best of Italy. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will cover everything you need to know about Salento, from the top attractions to the best places to stay and eat.

Introduction to Salento

Salento is a unique region in Italy, characterized by its stunning coastline, pristine beaches, and rich cultural heritage. Located in the southernmost part of Puglia, Salento has been shaped by centuries of history and is home to a diverse array of communities and customs. Whether you want to experience the region’s natural beauty, learn about its fascinating history, or simply savor its delicious food, Salento has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Salento

Salento is home to a treasure trove of attractions, ranging from cultural landmarks to natural wonders. Here’s a list of must-visit places during your stay:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Lecce’s Baroque Architecture
  • Gallipoli’s “Citta Vecchia”
  • Otranto Cathedral and Historic Centre
  • Taranto’s Archaeological Museum
  • Castello Aragonese

Natural Attractions of Salento: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Grotta Zinzulusa Caves
  • Parco Naturale Regionale Costa Otranto - Santa Maria di Leuca e Bosco di Tricase
  • Porto Selvaggio Natural Park
  • Punta Ristola
  • Torre dell’Orso Beach

Hiking/Biking Routes of Salento

Salento boasts a range of scenic paths and cycling routes that offer stunning views of the region’s natural beauty. Here are some popular options:

  • Acquarica del Capo to Santa Maria di Leuca
  • Morciano di Leuca to Marina di Torre Vado
  • Castrignano del Capo to Santa Maria di Leuca
  • Presicce to Specchia
  • Lido Marini to Torre Pali

Best Things to Do in Salento: Activities and Tours

From cooking classes to wine tastings, Salento offers a range of engaging activities and tours for travelers. Here are some top-rated options:

  • Olive oil tasting
  • Wine tours
  • Cooking classes
  • Bike tours
  • Boat rides

Week-Long Itinerary for Salento

Here’s a seven-day itinerary that covers some of Salento’s top attractions:

Day Itinerary
1 Lecce and its Baroque Architecture
2 Otranto’s Cathedral and Historic Centre
3 Grotta Zinzulusa Caves and Porto Selvaggio Natural Park
4 Gallipoli’s Old Town and Beaches
5 Taranto’s Archaeological Museum and Castello Aragonese
6 Torre dell’Orso Beach and Punta Ristola
7 Leisurely day in Santa Maria di Leuca and Specchia

Food and Drink Scene of Salento

Salento is renowned for its delicious cuisine, made with fresh local ingredients and traditional cooking methods. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Orecchiette with tomato sauce and ricotta cheese
  • Fave e Cicoria (Fava beans with chicory)
  • Pasticciotto Leccese (pastry with custard cream)

Local Beverages

  • Primitivo di Manduria wine
  • Negramaro wine
  • Salice Salentino wine
  • Pizzica (a traditional music and dance)

Where to Stay in Salento: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Salento offers a variety of accommodation options, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. Here are some top-rated choices:

  • B&B La Naca Della Taranta in Lecce
  • Hotel Palazzo del Corso in Gallipoli
  • Le Sere in Saint Tropez in Santa Maria di Leuca
  • Masseria Montelauro in Otranto

What to Buy in Salento: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

From handmade ceramics to olive oil, Salento is home to a range of locally produced artisanal products. Here are some top picks:

  • Handmade ceramics from Grottaglie
  • Olive oil from local cooperatives
  • Caffe Leone roasted coffee beans
  • Pasticciotto Leccese

Local Culture and Customs of Salento

Salento has a strong cultural heritage that is shaped by its history as a crossroads of maritime trade and political power. Here are some customs and traditions to know:

  • Tarantella (a traditional dance)
  • San Giovanni festival in Lecce in June
  • Festa di Santo Oronzo in August
  • Feast of the Dead in November

Best Time to Visit Salento

The best time to visit Salento is during the springtime (March to May) or fall (September to November) when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. Summer (June to August) is peak tourist season, and prices can be higher.

Do’s and Don’ts of Salento

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions
  • Try local cuisine and drinks
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking tours
  • Take care of the environment and avoid littering

Don’t:

  • Wear inappropriate clothing in religious sites
  • Forget to bring sunscreen and insect repellent
  • Be disrespectful to locals or cultural norms
  • Swim in restricted areas

Safety and Health

Safety in Salento

Salento is a relatively safe region, but it is always a good idea to take precautions when traveling. Here are some tips:

  • Be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas
  • Avoid unlit streets at night
  • Use a licensed taxi or public transportation

Health in Salento

Italy has a well-developed healthcare system, and Salento is no exception. However, it is always a good idea to have travel insurance and take necessary precautions:

  • Drink bottled water
  • Keep insect repellent on hand
  • Take any necessary medications with you

Getting to Salento: Transportation Options and Logistics

Salento is well-connected to major cities in Puglia and the rest of Italy. Here are some transportation options:

Airports Near Salento

  • Brindisi Airport (BDS)
  • Bari Airport (BRI)

Bus Stations Near Salento

  • Lecce Bus Station
  • Taranto Bus Station

Other Options

  • Trains from major cities in Italy (Milan, Florence, Rome)
  • Car rental options available at airports and major cities

How to Get Around in Salento

Salento is easy to navigate by public transportation or car. Here are some options:

  • Local buses (SALENTOINBUS)
  • Taxis
  • Car rental options

Where to Go Next from Salento: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Salento is well-located for exploring other destinations in Puglia and beyond. Here are some options:

  • Visit the UNESCO sites in Alberobello and Matera
  • Explore the Itria Valley and Martina Franca
  • Head north to explore the Amalfi Coast and Naples

Conclusion

Salento is an enchanting region in the southern part of Italy that offers an array of unique experiences and attractions. From sampling delicious cuisine to exploring pristine beaches and rich cultural landmarks, Salento is a must-visit destination for any traveler seeking to immerse themselves in the best of Southern Italy.

Salento in Apulia Salento in Apulia