What to see in Salento
Castles, churches and crypts, museums, beaches and nature: photos, description, how to get there and the events on nearby.
69 places
Nature and gardensLitorale di Ugento Regional Nature ParkAn uncontaminated oasis of luxuriant nature, the “Litorale di Ugento”
Regional Nature Park boasts sandy beaches, stretches of water, “gravinelle”
(small ravines), and woody areas. Ugento
Nature and gardensRegional Nature Park Palude e Bosco di Rauccio - Sorgenti IdumeFrom Specchia della Milogna, to the thick holm oak forest, as far as the
short idume river, the Park of Rauccio discloses a lush and vivid nature. Lecce
Nature and gardensRegional Nature Park Porto Selvaggio e Palude del CapitanoA thick pine forest, a cliff overlooking the blue sea and a marsh riches
with “spunnulate”: here the wild nature is to be discovered. Nardò
Nature and gardensRegional Nature Park Salina di Punta della ContessaThe wetland Saline di Punta della Contessa, characterised by salt pans,
marshes and small lakes, houses large areas covered with glassworts and
several species of nesting birds. Brindisi
Nature and gardensParco Naturale Regionale Terra delle GravineSet againt a natural backdrop of the karst phenomena of Terra delle Gravine
Regional Nature Park, the enchanting rocky villages welcome visitors into
their cave houses, crypts and sanctuaries. Taranto
Nature and gardensRobinson ParkPine canopies provide coolness in Santa Cesarea's Robinson Park, from which
there is a magnificent view a short distance from the sea. Santa Cesarea Terme
Nature and gardensThe rural park of Lama D'Antico, San Giovanni and San LorenzoSurrounded by the maquis shrubland, the rural park of Lama d'Antico di
Fasano is one of the most important cave settlements in the whole of
Puglia. Fasano
Nature and gardensPiazza CapeceThe small square opens in a downtown area and features a perimeter of holm
oak trees. Maglie
Nature and gardensPiazza DuomoA treasure trove of Baroque art, it represents the heart of religious life
in Lecce. Lecce
Nature and gardensQuercia ValloneaThe Quercia Vallonea in Tricase is the most beautiful and important tree
in Puglia and, according to a legend, Frederik II took refuge under its
foliage, together with all the other soldiers, during a terrible storm. Tricase
Nature and gardensNature Reserve Oasi Gravina di LaterzaThe Oasis Gravina di Laterza, which better represents the karst phenomenon
at the European level, stretches for 12 kilometres, amid plants and animals
typical of the Mediterranean area. Laterza
Nature and gardensRegional Nature Reserve Palude del Conte e Duna CostieraThe reserve of Porto Cesareo, a complex mosaic of ecosystems, appears amid
“spunnulate”, watchtowers and cyclamens. Porto Cesareo
Nature and gardensBosco delle Pianelle Regional Controlled Nature ReserveBosco delle Pianelle, from being a shelter for bandits, has become a
natural unspoiled oasis, along the slopes of the namesake ravine, where one
can relax, surrounded by the green. Martina Franca
Nature and gardensBosco di Cerano Regional Controlled Nature ReserveThe Bosco di Cerano, the last area of an ancient forest, houses foxes,
nightingales and goldfinches in the shade of holm oaks, elms and hop
hornbeams. San Pietro Vernotico
Nature and gardensRegional Controlled Nature Reserve of the Eastern Taranto CoastThe Taranto Coast Reserves encompass broad stretches of aromatic
Mediterranean scrub alongside dense holm oak woods where clear, limpid
streams flow into the Ionian Sea. Manduria
Nature and gardensMurge Orientali Nature ReserveAmid forests of Macedonian oaks and calcareous outcropping rocks, the
Nature Reserve of the Murge Orientali has 150 ravines, which keep rocky
villages and a lush vegetation. Martina Franca
Nature and gardensState Nature Reserve of StornaraThe scents of Aleppo pines and the chirping cicadas surround the Stornara
Nature Reserve, whose name refers to the many starling (“storni” in
Italian) which migrate in winter. Castellaneta
Nature and gardensState Nature Reserve of Torre GuacetoThe Reserve of Torre Guaceto, amid hundred-years old olive trees, dunes and
marshes, await for visitors for educational activities and hikes or bike
tours through the paths surrounded by green. Carovigno
Nature and gardensSites of community interest Torre dell'Orso and Palude dei TamariHistory and nature coexist in the area of Melendugno with the ancient
settlements of Roca Vecchia, the caves and beaches of Torre dell’Orso and
the unspoiled landscape of Palude dei Tamari. Melendugno
Nature and gardensCommunal Villa “Achille Tamborino”Maglie's Minicipal Villa is the green heart of the city, and within it are
finely decorated artificial caves and long paths leading to the holm oak
forest. Maglie
Nature and gardensCommunal Villa “Giuseppe Garibaldi”In the heart of Lecce, the green lung of the Municipal Villa is a meeting
place for citizens and, for tourists, a perfect area for a stop for art and
nature. Lecce
Nature and gardensVilla comunale (Historic Botanical Garden)In the shadow of the Castle, Nardò's Villa Comunale is home to one of the
oldest botanical gardens in Salento, which boasts rare plants and offers
the chance for a pleasant restorative break. Nardò
Nature and gardensVilla Comunale di OriaThe Municipal Villa of Oria stands on the highest point of the city and is
characterized by terraces and slopes surrounded by greenery. Oria
Nature and gardensVilla comunale Giuseppe GaribaldiA rich, diverse and valuable green heritage in the heart of the city,
Martina Franca's Municipal Villa is a historic place of daily meeting and
relaxation that hosts initiatives and events. Martina Franca
Places and photos: Regione Puglia · viaggiareinpuglia.it (CC BY 4.0)