This coastal town at Italy's southernmost tip has a 47-meter lighthouse, white limestone cliffs, and a basilica marking where the Ionian and Adriatic seas meet.
At Italy's southernmost point, Santa Maria di Leuca welcomes visitors with its 47-meter lighthouse, clear Mediterranean waters, and ancient coastal caves. You can take boat trips to explore hidden grottoes with prehistoric inscriptions, swim where the Adriatic meets the Ionian Sea, or walk among the 19th-century waterfront villas with their mix of Gothic and Moorish designs. The 254 steps up to the white Basilica De Finibus Terrae lead to views across both seas.
Where Two Seas Meet
At Punta Meliso promontory, you can see the meeting point of the Adriatic and Ionian seas, with their distinct water colors creating visible patterns. This southeastern tip of Italy's heel has become a popular spot for diving, with water visibility reaching 30 meters in good conditions. The waters contain several species of fish, including groupers and barracudas. Local diving centers operate from April to October, with guided dives starting at €60 per person.
The Historic Lighthouse and Basilica
The 1866 lighthouse rises 102 meters above sea level, with its beam reaching 50 kilometers into the sea. You can climb the spiral staircase to the circular terrace (open 9:00-18:00, April-October). The adjacent Basilica De Finibus Terrae, built between 1720 and 1755, houses religious artifacts including an iron cross with two keys. The church opens daily from 8:00-12:00 and 15:00-19:00.
Exploring the Coastal Caves
The 66 caves along the coast contain evidence of human habitation dating back to the Neolithic period. In Grotta Porcinara, you'll find Latin and Greek inscriptions carved into the walls. Grotta del Diavolo reveals chambers with stalactites and prehistoric remains. Local boats run cave tours from the main harbor (€25 per person, 2-3 hours, departing every two hours from 9:00-17:00 in summer). The best time to visit is early morning when the water is typically calmer.
The Waterfront Villas
The 43 villas along the waterfront date from the 1800s, when wealthy Italian families built summer homes here. Each building tells its own story through architectural details - look for the original sundial above Villa Meridiana's entrance, the Islamic-inspired arches of Villa Daniele, and the Renaissance columns of Villa Mellacqua. While most villas remain private residences, you can walk along the waterfront promenade to view their facades and gardens.
Getting Around and Transportation
The drive from Brindisi Airport takes 1.5 hours on the SS274 highway. Buses run from Lecce to Santa Maria di Leuca four times daily (€6.50 one-way, journey time 2 hours), with reduced service on Sundays. Within town, most sites lie within a 20-minute walk of each other. Taxis are available at the main square, but it's rarely necessary to use them given the compact size of the town center.
