Lighthouse of Leuca
The Lighthouse of Leuca, a symbol of the town, rises over 100 meters above sea level and guides sailors between the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. Built in 1864 on a pre-existing tower, it is visible for miles and offers a breathtaking view of the Capo di Leuca and beyond, especially at sunset or on clear days.
From the lighthouse, you can continue your visit to other iconic sites of the town, such as the Basilica of Madonna de Finibus Terrae, the Monumental Waterfall, Punta Ristola, the 19th-century villas along the promenade, and the numerous sea caves, accessible only by boat.
The imposing lighthouse towers over the town at the eastern end of Leuca and is visible from afar. In the evening, it is illuminated with the colors of the Italian flag.
Next to the lighthouse is the Basilica of Santa Maria de Finibus Terrae, an ancient 18th-century stone church. The associated sanctuary and the large square are a popular spot for wedding couples.
From the lighthouse, a path leads to Punta Meliso, the point that marks the end of the bay. On clear days, you can see the mountains of Corfu and Albania from here.
THE WATERFALL OF SANTA MARIA DI LEUCA
The monumental waterfall of Santa Maria di Leuca is an impressive work, completed in 1939. It stretches over 250 meters with a drop of about 120 meters, carrying a flow of 1,000 liters per second that empties directly into the sea.
THE STAIRWAY OF SANTA MARIA DI LEUCA
The waterfall is flanked by two staircases, each with 300 steps, descending from the Japigian promontory to the port. The structure was commissioned by Mussolini to celebrate the completion of the Pugliese aqueduct, whose first project in 1868, designed by Engineer Camillo Rosalba, included the construction of tunnels on the Apennine side to channel the waters of the Sele River to Caposele in the province of Avellino. Despite challenges in completing the works, both economically and structurally, water reached Bari in 1915 and the following year reached Taranto.
PUNTA RISTOLA
Punta Ristola, with its wild cliffs and a promenade equipped with panoramic benches, is the perfect place to relax at the end of the day and enjoy a breathtaking sunset. Being the southernmost point of the Italian “heel” between the Adriatic and Ionian coasts, from this very spot it is possible to witness both sunrise and sunset.
Punta Ristola is also known as the access point to the so-called Devil’s Cave, a space stretching 40 meters in length and 17 meters in width, leading directly to the sea. Important artifacts found inside suggest human presence in this location dating back to the Neolithic.
What is the beach of Santa Maria di Leuca like?
The eastern coast along the Adriatic Sea towards Otranto is quite rocky and offers fantastic views of the deep blue sea. The coast along the Ionian Sea towards Taranto is dotted with countless fine sandy beaches. Inland, you will find beautiful villages offering excellent regional cuisine.
What to do in Santa Maria di Leuca?
Both on the Ionian and Adriatic coasts, there are countless caves where the water is crystal clear or deep blue when the sun shines at the right angle. The best way to visit the caves is by boat tour. The route lasts about three hours and departs from the port of Santa Maria di Leuca. First, you visit some narrow caves along the eastern coast, starting with the magnificent Grotta della Vora. Then you sail past Leuca to the western coast to reach the Grotta delle Tre Porte.
To book your boat tour in Santa Maria di Leuca, click here.
