San Foca
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By Dion Protani
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Latest update: 30 December 2023
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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. |
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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.
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San Foca is a charming coastal town located in the Salento region of Puglia, Italy. Like many towns in this region, San Foca has a rich history that is intertwined with various civilizations. The area was inhabited by ancient Italic tribes, followed by Greek and Roman settlements. In medieval times, it was part of the Byzantine Empire and later came under the rule of the Normans and the Kingdom of Naples.
The town's name is believed to originate from the presence of "foci," or hearths, used by fishermen for cooking their catch. Over the centuries, San Foca developed into a fishing village and a seaside resort, attracting visitors with its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters.
The town's name is believed to originate from the presence of "foci," or hearths, used by fishermen for cooking their catch. Over the centuries, San Foca developed into a fishing village and a seaside resort, attracting visitors with its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters.
Highlights and nearby attractions
- San Foca Beach: The main attraction is, of course, the beautiful San Foca Beach, a long stretch of sandy shoreline lapped by the Adriatic Sea. The beach is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and various water activities.
- Torre dell'Orso: Just a short drive away is Torre dell'Orso, a popular seaside resort known for its magnificent beach and the famous "Due Sorelle" rock formations rising from the sea.
- Roca Vecchia: Nearby, visitors can explore Roca Vecchia, an archaeological site with ancient cave dwellings and ruins dating back to the Bronze Age and Messapian period.
- Otranto: A short distance from San Foca is the historic town of Otranto, with its impressive Otranto Cathedral, Aragonese Castle, and charming old town. Otranto is also known for its stunning coastline and clear waters.
- Lakes Alimini: Nature lovers can visit the nearby Alimini Lakes, two freshwater lakes surrounded by a picturesque landscape, offering opportunities for birdwatching and relaxation.
- Local Festivals: San Foca comes alive during various festivals and events, such as the Feast of San Foca on August 29th, when locals celebrate the patron saint of the town with processions and festivities.
- Local Cuisine: While in San Foca, visitors can savor traditional Apulian dishes, such as fresh seafood, orecchiette pasta, frisella (a local bread), and the region's famous olive oil.
San Foca - frazione di Melendugno
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Comune: Melendugno
Province: Lecce Region: Puglia Beaches: Mora Mora Beach, Spiaggia degli Aranci, Isola Briganti Water quality: Blue Flag Beach 2021 - 2022 Fly to: Brindisi Salento Airport - 1 hour 2 minutes by car (78 km) Recommended accommodation: Posia Luxury Retreat & Spa |
San Foca Gallery
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,
