Description of the attraction
The Salento Peninsula is located at the southeastern tip of the Italian region of Apulia and is known as the "heel" of the Italian "boot" that separates the Adriatic and Ionian seas. On its territory are the province of Lecce, most of Brindisi and part of Taranto. The peninsula is also known as Terra d'Otranto, and the ancient Greeks called it Messapia - from the Proto-Indo-European language this name can be translated as “in the water”. In the days of antiquity, it was the Messapa who formed the basis of the population of the peninsula.
The nearest international airports are located in Brindisi and Bari (the latter lies outside Salento, but not far). In addition, Salento and Bari are connected by a highway, and there is a large railway station in Lecce. There are numerous ports on the peninsula - in Taranto, Brindisi, Gallipoli, Santa Maria di Leuca, Otranto, Campomarino di Marugio.
In recent years, Salento has gained recognition as a holiday destination. On its territory there are numerous resorts, primarily on the coast, as well as interesting landscapes, for example, the Alimini Lake on the Adriatic coast or the Portoselvaggio Natural Park on the Ionian. The soil here is very fertile - olives and grapes are grown on the peninsula, the products of which are then exported all over the world.
The beaches of Salento are incredibly diverse - from sandy to rocky. But all are distinguished by their cleanliness and crystal sea with warm water. Among the most popular resorts are Ostuni, Casalabate, Oria, Ugento, Manduria, Porto Cesareo, Gallipoli, Torre del Orso, Otranto, Santa Maria di Leuca, Lizzano, Pulsano, Santa Cesaria Terme.
In addition to this coast, Salento is literally dotted with observation towers, the first of which were built by the Normans to protect against pirate raids. Most of the surviving towers belong mainly to the 15-16th centuries and, unfortunately, are in a deplorable state.
Despite this, Salento remains a land full of monuments of history, culture and architecture, which, together with the beautiful sea, attract millions of tourists here.
