This Beautiful Beach Destination In Italy's 'Heel' Is Known As The Maldives Of Europe

Italy is shaped like a boot — once you see it, you can't unsee it — and in the "heel" of Italy's "boot," in the southernmost part of Puglia, is a hidden gem that has earned the name "the Maldives of Europe": The Salento Peninsula. Known for pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and small charming towns, Salento offers a compelling blend of beauty, history, and culture. While the Maldives receive nearly 2 million annual visitors, the only tourists in Salento are locals and fellow travelers who like to go off the beaten path.

Salento's quintessentially Mediterranean coastline boasts some of the most stunning and secluded Italian beaches. It offers a variety of experiences, from dramatic cliffs to karst grottoes and salt-water lagoons to pristine sandy coasts. The waters are particularly unique because the Adriatic and Ionian seas converge right at this peninsula's tip, resulting in two very distinct coasts. The Adriatic is rockier with vibrant blue-green waters, while the Ionian has clear turquoise waters and ivory shores, similar to the Maldives.

In a peninsula stretching 62 by 25 miles, there is no shortage of beaches to choose from. Among the most famous beaches in Salento is the Spiaggia di Pescoluse, often called the "Maldives of Salento," with fine, white sand and shallow light-blue waters. Other notable beaches include Torre Lapillo, with its powdery sand and calm waters, and Porto Selvaggio, a protected natural reserve with rugged cliffs and ideal snorkeling conditions. Don't miss Torre dell'Orso, Torre Sant'Andrea, and the Cave of Poetry.

Beyond its beaches, Salento is home to charming towns and historical sites that reflect its southern Italian heritage. Lecce, often called the "Florence of the South," is a Baroque masterpiece frozen in time with stunning buildings, piazzas, and landmarks built with pietre leccese, a locally sourced limestone. Pay a visit to the Basilica di Santa Croce, the Piazza del Duomo, and any (or all) of the city's four historic gates. Also, get some cartapesta souvenirs, Lecce's traditional art of papier-mâché. 

Ortanto is another must-visit destination known for its historic center and the 15th-century Aragonese castle. This coastal town does have a dark past: In 1480, a Turkish massacre led to death and destruction. To follow this string of macabre history, visit the 11th-century Ortanto's Cathedral, which houses a Cappela Mortiri (Chapel of the Dead), the resting place for the bones and skulls of 813 Ortanto martyrs. The cathedral also has a massive, well-preserved 12th-century mosaic depicting the Tree of Life. 

Gallipoli, meaning "beautiful city" in Greek, lives up to its name with its old town situated on an island connected to the mainland by a 16th-century bridge. Visit the Frantoio Ipogeo, an old underground olive press. Fun fact: Gallipoli was once the top producer of lamp oil in the 17th and 18th centuries. The narrow streets, whitewashed buildings, and bustling fish market make the port town of Gallipoli a delightful place to wander and soak in the local culture.

While you're headed for the magical region of Salento, you cannot miss some of its iconic festivals. The Night of the Taranta, or "La Notte della Taranta," held annually during the month of August in Melpignano, is one of the biggest festivals in Italy and one of the most important folk events in all of Europe. It celebrates the traditional folk music and dance of the region, known as pizzica (which is part of the tarantella dance family), with performances that attract visitors from all over the world.

Throughout the year, Salento also hosts numerous religious and cultural festivals, such as the Festa di San Rocco in Torrepaduli, the Festa di Sant'Oronzo in Lecce, and the Festa di Santa Domenica in Scorrano. These events feature colorful processions, traditional music, lots of dancing, and local delicacies, providing an authentic glimpse into the region's vibrant cultural life. Nearly all of Salento's most important events occur during the summer months, perfectly coinciding with the travel season.

Any mention of Salento, and southern Italy for that matter, must include food. Seafood is a staple, with dishes like frutti di mare (mixed seafood) and linguine alle vongole (linguine with clams) showcasing the bounty of the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. Other specialties include orecchiette pasta with garlic and turnips or pasticciotto and zeppolle, delicious pastries filled with cream. The region's olive oils and wines offer a perfect complement to the local cuisine.