San  Foca​

Latest page update: 21 May 2025
By: Dion Protani
The beach resort of San Foca is situated within the Salento coastal region of Puglia, in the Province of Lecce. It belongs to the Comune of Melendugno which is a distance of 7 kilometres away.

The small resort offers a cluster of beaches including the Spiaggia degli Aranci, Mora Mora Beach and the Isola dei Briganti, while the area between the beaches is dominated by a large marina.
The beaches either side of the marina are sandy with crystalline, shallow waters which emit a bright blue colour. The area south of the marina is marked by dunes which provide a pleasant area to stroll around. All along the main road that runs alongside the beach, the Via Lungomare Matteotti, are a variety of restaurants, snack bars and a sprinkling of small shops. The most iconic building in San Foca (which translates as Saint Seal), is the Torre San Foca: a medieval watchtower that was built to protect the village from Saracen raiders. 

What People Ask About San Foca

Where is San Foca located?
San Foca is a small seaside town on the Adriatic coast of Puglia, about 25 km southeast of Lecce. It’s part of the Melendugno municipality and lies between Torre dell'Orso and Roca Vecchia.
Does San Foca have a beach?
Yes, San Foca has sandy beaches with shallow water, suitable for swimming and families. The main beach is near the harbour, while others extend north and south along the coastline with some lidos and free areas.
Is San Foca busy in summer?
Yes, San Foca is a popular summer destination with Italian holidaymakers. The town becomes lively in July and August, with beach activities, events, and open-air dining along the promenade.
How do you get to San Foca by public transport?
San Foca does not have a train station. The nearest major station is in Lecce, from where summer buses or taxis can be taken. A car is the most convenient way to reach San Foca and explore the Salento coastline.
What is near San Foca?
Nearby places include Torre dell'Orso, the Grotta della Poesia, and Roca Vecchia. These spots offer natural swimming areas and archaeological ruins, all within a short drive or bike ride from San Foca.
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Discover

Discover San Foca
Situated in the region of Puglia, San Foca is a picturesque seaside village on the Salento Peninsula, known for its charming coastline and relaxed atmosphere. Situated along the Adriatic Sea, San Foca offers a tranquil setting with its clear waters, sandy beaches, and vibrant town centre. The village is a perfect destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat with beautiful natural surroundings and easy access to the nearby cultural attractions of the Salento area.
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San Foca is renowned for its beaches, particularly Spiaggia di San Foca, a wide sandy beach with shallow waters, ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. The village is also known for its port, where visitors can enjoy a stroll along the seafront or dine in one of the local restaurants offering fresh seafood and traditional Apulian dishes. For those interested in outdoor activities, the nearby Riviera dei Trulli offers scenic walking and cycling routes, with stunning coastal views and natural landscapes. San Foca’s proximity to Lecce allows visitors to explore the historic city with its Baroque architecture, while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the seaside village.

Things to Do

Things to Do in San Foca
  • San Foca Beach: the main attraction of this seaside village, known for its soft sand and shallow, crystal-clear waters. It’s an ideal spot for swimming and relaxing, particularly popular with families due to its calm conditions. The beach is well-equipped with facilities, and the promenade is lined with cafés and gelaterie, creating a lively but relaxed atmosphere.
  • Porto di San Foca: The town’s small harbour is a working fishing port and marina, offering a glimpse into local life. Visitors can stroll along the harbour to watch the fishing boats come and go or dine at one of the seafood restaurants nearby. In summer, the port becomes a base for small boat rentals and local excursions.
  • Torre di San Foca: This 16th-century coastal tower was originally built to defend the area from pirate attacks. Though not open to the public, the tower remains an iconic feature of the seafront and offers a striking photo opportunity, especially at sunset. It stands as a reminder of the region’s historical need for coastal defences.
  • Excursion to Roca Vecchia and Grotta della Poesia: Just south of San Foca, the archaeological site of Roca Vecchia offers ancient ruins set along dramatic cliffs. Nearby, the Grotta della Poesia is a natural sea pool that attracts swimmers and cliff divers. The area is steeped in history and legend, making it a fascinating destination for both relaxation and exploration.
  • Day Trip to Otranto: A short drive down the coast, Otranto is a historic town known for its impressive cathedral with a vast medieval mosaic and its seafront castle. Visitors can stroll through the old town’s narrow lanes, enjoy local cuisine, or relax on one of Otranto’s beaches. It’s a perfect day trip for combining history, culture, and sea views.
San Foca Tours and Activities
San Foca - frazione di Melendugno
Comune: Melendugno

Province: Lecce

Region: Puglia

​Beaches: ​Mora Mora Beach, Spiaggia degli Aranci, Isola Briganti

​​​​​​​​​​​​​Water quality: Blue Flag Beach 2024 - 2025

Fly to: Brindisi Salento Airport - 1 hour 2 minutes by car (78 km)​

Where to Stay

Where to Stay in San Foca
  • Hotel Residence Marebello Located just a short walk from the beach, this modern hotel offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant serving regional dishes, and a private garden. Guests appreciate the clean, simple interiors, helpful staff, and proximity to the town centre and local beaches. €€ (mid-range)
  • B&B San Foca Positioned in the heart of the village, this friendly bed and breakfast offers air-conditioned rooms, a shaded outdoor patio, and breakfast made with local produce. Visitors enjoy the warm hospitality, convenient location, and short walk to the beach and seafront promenade. €€ (mid-range)
  • Agriturismo Masseria Le Fabriche Set a short distance inland, this agriturismo offers rustic rooms and apartments, a swimming pool, and a restaurant serving traditional Puglian dishes made with local ingredients. Guests appreciate the peaceful setting, natural surroundings, and access to both the coast and nearby nature reserves. €€€ (high-end)
  • Villa Scalo San Foca Located just outside the village, this self-catering villa offers spacious interiors, a fully equipped kitchen, a private garden, and easy access to the beach. Ideal for families or groups, guests enjoy the privacy, outdoor space, and proximity to both the beach and local amenities. €€ (mid-range)
  • Case Vacanza San Foca A collection of modern holiday apartments located near the beach, offering kitchenettes, private terraces, and air conditioning. Guests appreciate the flexibility for longer stays, comfortable accommodations, and walking distance to restaurants and shops. €€ (mid-range)

Where to Eat

Where to Eat in San Foca
  • Trattoria Concepita: Located near the seafront, this well-regarded trattoria offers a traditional Salento menu with a strong emphasis on seafood. Dishes include linguine with prawns, grilled octopus, and fresh fish of the day, served in a simple but welcoming setting. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
  • Ristorante L'altro Villaggio: Situated close to the harbour, this stylish restaurant serves a mix of local and Mediterranean cuisine, featuring dishes such as seafood risotto, swordfish steaks, and seasonal salads. The elegant interior and attentive service make it a good choice for a special meal. Price guide: €€€ (Special occasion)
  • Osteria Friggitoria San Foca: Found near the main promenade, this informal osteria focuses on fried seafood specialities such as calamari, prawns, and small fish, alongside a selection of pasta dishes. The lively, casual atmosphere is ideal for a relaxed evening. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
  • Ristorante da Gino: Located close to the beach, this family-run restaurant offers classic Italian dishes and fresh seafood, including pasta with clams and grilled fish platters. The laid-back setting and generous portions make it popular with both locals and visitors. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
  • Pizzeria Le Due Sorelle: A casual and budget-friendly option near the centre of San Foca, this pizzeria serves a wide range of wood-fired pizzas alongside simple salads and snacks. It’s a convenient choice for an informal dinner. Price guide: € (Budget-friendly)

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Places Close to [Place Name]

Places Close to San Foca

​The area around San Foca provides exactly what visitors to the Salento are hoping to find. This little stretch of shoreline on the Adriatic Coast north of Otranto is characterised by a landscape of jagged rocks throwing up some unlikely natural shapes, along with the brightest blue water which simply beg you to dive in. 

Immediately to the south of San Foca at a distance of two kilometres is the village of Roca, a smaller resort than San Foca without a marina but home to two notable sights. One of those is the little archaeological area known as Roca Vecchia, while the other is the much more popular Grotta della Poesia. The Cave of Poetry is like a large but shallow natural well where the locals love to bathe and particularly dive into its alluring water. The Grotta della Poesia is very much one of the iconic sights of the Salento. 

​Heading three kilometres north of San Foca brings you to another small beach resort called Torre Specchia Ruggeri, while back in the other direction, south beyond Roca, is one of the best places in the area to find accommodation: Torre dell'Orso. A slightly larger resort than San Foca, Torre dell'Orso has some good hotels to choose from, some of which overlook its beautiful beaches.

Continuing in that southerly direction away from Torre dell'Orso, you shortly arrive at the sprawling Torre Sant'Andrea. I've used the word "iconic" a few times already above but Torre Sant'Andrea is well-deserving of this adjective as it offers some of the most dramatic scenery and beautiful water in the Salento. 

Without a shadow of a doubt, the best way to enjoy the area around San Foca is with a car as public transport options are limited. The places described above cover just a fraction, around 12 kilometres or so, of the Salento coastline but this is a vast area with a great deal more to explore. With a car you can take one of the most scenic driving routes in Italy, from Otranto down to the southern tip of Puglia at the town of Santa Maria di Leuca, at which point the Adriatic Sea meets the Ionian Sea. You can then continue the course of the Ionian Coast as it heads north up to the beautiful seaside town of Gallipoli. The heart of the Salento is the city of Lecce which besides very much meriting a visit in its own right, is another great base from which to explore the local area. 

The best airport for the Salento is the one that carries its name: the Brindisi Salento Airport which is an hour's drive north from San Foca, just north of Brindisi city centre. The next best alternative is Bari Karol Wojtyla Airport which is roughly double the distance with a journey time of just over two hours from San Foca, 
Puglia Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations in Puglia

1. ​Lecce
2. Alberobello
3. Otranto
4. ​Gallipoli
5. Polignano a Mare
6. Monopoli
7. ​Vieste 
8. ​Trani
9. Giovinazzo
10. Castel del Monte

​👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Puglia

How to Get to [Place Name]

How to Get to San Foca
By Rail: San Foca does not have its own train station. The nearest major station is in Lecce, approximately 25 kilometres to the west. Lecce is served by Trenitalia’s regional and long-distance trains, including high-speed services from Bari, Rome, and Milan. From Lecce, San Foca can be reached by taxi or by local bus services, though these are more frequent during the summer season. The journey from Lecce to San Foca by road takes around 30 minutes.

By Road: San Foca is a coastal town on the Adriatic Sea, located in the province of Lecce within the Salento area of southern Puglia. It is about 25 kilometres east of Lecce and 80 kilometres south-east of Brindisi. The drive from Lecce takes around 30 minutes via the SP1 and SP145 provincial roads. From Brindisi, the journey takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Public parking is available in and around the town, including near the beachfront and marina.

Nearest International Airports:
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  • Brindisi Airport (Aeroporto di Brindisi-Papola Casale): Located approximately 75 kilometres north-west of San Foca, the drive takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Public transport options include a shuttle or taxi to Lecce and a bus or taxi onwards to San Foca.
  • Bari Airport (Aeroporto di Bari-Karol Wojtyła): Situated around 190 kilometres north-west of San Foca, the drive takes roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes. Train travel to Lecce followed by local transport is also possible.
  • Lecce (City station, not airport): While Lecce does not have an airport, it acts as the main transport hub for the area. High-speed and regional trains arrive here from across Italy, with onward road connections to San Foca.

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