39.80° N · 18.36° E · Salento
The cliffs at the tip of the Salento are full of caves that can only be seen from the sea. In three hours you cover those on both sides of the cape, with a skipper who tells you about each one and two stops for swimming.
Part of Salento
Who offers it
Independent companies: you book with them, on their terms. Prices are as they publish them and may change.
Santa Maria di Leuca is at the tip of the heel of Italy, where the Adriatic and the Ionian are said to meet. Its coast is limestone, high and full of cavities that the sea has gradually opened: there are dozens of caves, many accessible only by boat. The easiest way to see them is a guided excursion from the port.
It is organised by Blue Marine, from Molo I of the tourist harbour. It lasts three hours and covers both coasts of the cape. You set out towards the Punta Meliso lighthouse and round it to the Adriatic side, about 5.5 km of cliffs, with a first stop to swim at the Grotta dello Spruzzo, known for its play of light. Then the boat heads back towards the Ionian side, another 4 km, passing Punta Ristola, with a second stop for a swim.
Along the way, the skipper names the caves: the Terradico, triangular like a tent; the dei Gabbiani, with stalactites and gulls; the della Vora, more than 60 metres long, with a hole in the roof through which the sun enters at certain hours; the del Presepe, with shapes reminiscent of a nativity scene; the delle Tre Porte, with three mouths over the sea; the dei Giganti, where remains from the Middle Palaeolithic have been found; and the del Drago, about 60 metres deep, with rocks that look like a dragon's head.
It includes a guide, the swimming stops and music on board.
It leaves at 10:00 and 14:00. It costs from €30 per adult and from €20 per child aged 4 to 11; depending on the date, the price rises to €40 per adult in high season. Children under 3 do not pay. On its calendar, departures run from late March to late October.
Book on the Blue Marine website, choosing the date and time. If you prefer something shorter, they have a departure along the Adriatic coast only from €20.
Leuca is about 80 km from Lecce, around an hour and a quarter by car. Park near the seafront and walk to the tourist harbour with time to find the pier. Above, on the cape, are the De Finibus Terrae basilica and the lighthouse: climb up to them before or after the boat.
More to do
Itineraries
Tips
The stops are for swimming in and beside the caves; bring a towel and water shoes.
In the heat, the sea is usually calmer early.
With a rough sea on one side of the cape, the route depends on the forecast: confirm the day before.
Questions
The full excursion, about three hours.
From €30 per adult and €20 per child aged 4 to 11; under-3s do not pay.
Yes, there are two swimming stops.
From late March to late October.
Geocaliahttps://www.geocalia.com/en/italy/apulia/salento/things-to-do/leuca-sea-caves-boat
