The best views in Salento

Where to go to discover breathtaking views in Salento

Otranto -The South Coast

It's easy to think that Salento lacks breathtaking views. However, this is merely an illusion created by a two-dimensional representation of geographical reality. In fact, Salento is considered an ideal land for observing extraordinary vistas. Although it lacks mountains, its modest elevations, the Serra Salentina, do not exceed two hundred meters in height. Its coastline, however, is so varied that it features high cliffs overlooking the sea.

The magic of Spring

The best time to explore these places is from April to June. During these months, nature offers a unique display of colors. The vermilion red of the plowed earth, the myriad colors of the flowers, and the dozens of shades of green of the countryside create a panorama that revitalizes the soul. A sea of ​​every hue, from silver to green, from turquoise to ultramarine blue, makes the experience even more captivating. It's essential to plan an itinerary to discover both well-known and lesser-known sights.

Otranto - Ex Cava di Bauxite

Discover the South Coast of Otranto

Just head to the southern coast of Otranto to witness the spectacle it offers in spring. Canale Scuro is a marvel to behold: the Baia dell'Orte is filled with colors ranging from pale green to the intense purple of prickly thistles. The yellow tufts of orange blossoms blend with the dark green of the scrub. Increasingly intense reds guide the gaze toward the Laghetto dell'ex miniera di bauxite, colored an unreal red.

Continuing, it's necessary to climb the Specchia Storlacina to enjoy the view of Torre Sant'Emiliano. Here, the red poppies in bloom, the green meadows, and the intense yellow of the rapeseed create an enchanting scene. On the other side, toward Uggiano, erosion has created a huge arch that encloses the Baia di Badisco

Le Grotte di San Giovanni

Heading inland, you'll encounter the Grotte di San Giovanni (Cave of San Giovanni). From here, Giuggianello, Maglie, and Poggiardo appear so beautiful they seem unreal. But there's no time to waste; you must rush to Santa Cesarea and climb the Torre di Belvedere. The deep green of the pine trees, the colors of the coast, the intense blue of the sea, and the dome of Palazzo Sticchi blend together in a breathtaking panorama.

Castro and his rocks

Before reaching Castro, you need to climb high up. Halfway up, claw-shaped caves reveal the presence of the Striare, the ancient sea witches. These blacken a high, colorful cliff of white, yellow, and green. Salvatore Toma, one of Puglia's greatest poets, describes the rocks in Castro Alta as resembling areas of Greece.

Coastal Towers

Many hills are marked by ancient coastal towers, such as Torre di Lupo in Andrano or the incredible Torre del Rio. The latter rises sheer above the sea, a full one hundred meters above sea level, overlooking the splendid Canale del Rio. Continuing towards Leuca, you'll find Corsano, and then descend further south to the incredible Vereto hill near Patù. It's difficult to say whether the ancient and enormous Messapian city actually stood here, but the view it offers is incredible.

La Costa delle Serre Ugentine

The Serre Ugentine boasts a coastline that slopes gently to the sea. Perhaps few people know it, but the best place to observe the entire coast all the way to Gallipoli is the Specchia degli Specchi in Racale. This ancient megalith, a huge pile of stones, is flanked by dozens of smaller specchie. The colors change towards sunset, offering a different hue every half hour.

Place of Meditation

These places, sometimes secret, are ideal for those seeking a moment of meditation. It was certainly for this reason that the Italo-Greek monks built the church of San Mauro on the heights of Sannicola. Be careful, though: don't stare at the sun as it dips into the sea. There have been cases of people hearing ancient monastic chants, smelling incense, or even seeing mermaids leaping into the red-orange sea.

Other places to discover

In the heart of Salento, there are other places, such as the Serre Centrali of Specchia and Collepasso, the Specchia Silva towards Leuca, and the Galugnano mountain range. The itinerary is extensive and easy to follow, such as the one from the Ostuni hill road to the "roundabout on the Itria Valley" in Cisternino. We recommend carefully examining maps. You might discover secret glimpses and completely unexpected panoramas.

AUTHOR: ELIO PAIANO, published in Quotidiano di Lecce