Santa Cesarea Terme
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Latest page update: 3 September 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Santa Cesarea Terme
Santa Cesarea Terme offers a modest but established choice of hotels, shaped by its coastal cliffs, spa tradition and proximity to sea caves and bathing platforms along the Adriatic. The best-reviewed options focus on comfort, wellness facilities and convenient access to the seafront and thermal sites.
Est Hotel is one of the most highly regarded choices, appreciated for its modern interiors, panoramic terraces and practical position close to the centre and coastline (€€€). 19Resort provides a larger alternative with pools, outdoor areas and a relaxed atmosphere, making it a popular option for summer stays near the sea (€€€). For those seeking a hotel with thermal facilities, Grand Hotel Mediterraneo offers comfortable rooms, spa access and an excellent location for enjoying both the wellness treatments and the coastal surroundings (€€).
Est Hotel is one of the most highly regarded choices, appreciated for its modern interiors, panoramic terraces and practical position close to the centre and coastline (€€€). 19Resort provides a larger alternative with pools, outdoor areas and a relaxed atmosphere, making it a popular option for summer stays near the sea (€€€). For those seeking a hotel with thermal facilities, Grand Hotel Mediterraneo offers comfortable rooms, spa access and an excellent location for enjoying both the wellness treatments and the coastal surroundings (€€).
Where is
Where is Santa Cesarea Terme?
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The seaside town of Santa Cesarea Terme is situated on the Adriatic Coast, in the Province of Lecce. It has a population of around 3,000 residents while the main highlights are the thermal baths, the Grotta Sulfurea and the Torre di Santa Cesarea.
Nearby places of interest include Porto Badisco, Castro, Andrano, Tricase Porto and Otranto. |
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Comune di Santa Cesarea Terme
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Province: Lecce
Region: Puglia Population: 2,812 (in 2024 - source) Size: 26 km² Highlights: hot springs, Grotta Sulfurea, Torre di Santa Cesarea Close by: Porto Badisco, Castro, Andrano, Tricase Porto, Otranto |
What People Ask About Santa Cesarea Terme
Where is Santa Cesarea Terme located?
What is Santa Cesarea Terme known for?
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Discover
Discover Santa Cesarea Terme
Santa Cesarea Terme is a coastal spa town in the Province of Lecce, set on the southeastern edge of Puglia along the Adriatic Sea. It stands on high limestone cliffs with terraces, elegant villas, and spa buildings overlooking rocky coves and clear blue water. The landscape around the town is shaped by coastal plateaus, Mediterranean vegetation, and sea-cut inlets, creating one of the most distinctive seafront settings in the lower Salento.
The town is known for its thermal springs, rich in sulphur and active since the 16th century, which flow into a series of coastal grottoes and supply the historic spa establishments. Moorish-style architecture, including the iconic Villa Sticchi, reflects the town’s development as a fashionable thermal destination. Positioned between Castro and the coastal road leading towards Otranto, Santa Cesarea Terme forms part of a scenic stretch of Adriatic coastline, combining spa heritage, dramatic cliffs, and easy access to the wider Salento region.
The town is known for its thermal springs, rich in sulphur and active since the 16th century, which flow into a series of coastal grottoes and supply the historic spa establishments. Moorish-style architecture, including the iconic Villa Sticchi, reflects the town’s development as a fashionable thermal destination. Positioned between Castro and the coastal road leading towards Otranto, Santa Cesarea Terme forms part of a scenic stretch of Adriatic coastline, combining spa heritage, dramatic cliffs, and easy access to the wider Salento region.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Santa Cesarea Terme
- Thermal Caves: Santa Cesarea Terme is known for its sulphurous thermal caves, which have been used for therapeutic purposes since Roman times. These caves, including Grotta Gattulla, Grotta Fetida, and Grotta Solfurea, offer visitors the chance to bathe in natural thermal waters, known for their healing properties. The baths are accessible in a serene and historic setting, providing relaxation and rejuvenation.
- Villa Sticchi: This historic villa, built in the early 20th century, is an excellent example of Moorish-style architecture. Villa Sticchi features a distinctive façade with a large portico and intricate stone carvings. The villa’s unique architectural style makes it an interesting spot for visitors to explore, offering a glimpse into the region's rich cultural history.
- Porto Miggiano Beach: A picturesque inlet with crystal-clear waters and a small sandy beach, Porto Miggiano offers a tranquil place to relax and enjoy the Mediterranean sea. Surrounded by cliffs, the beach is ideal for swimming and sunbathing, offering a peaceful seaside retreat. It is a perfect spot for those seeking a quiet day by the sea.
Tours and Activities
Santa Cesarea Terme Tours and Activities
Where to Eat
Where to Eat in Santa Cesarea Terme
Eating out in Santa Cesarea Terme is centred on a small number of trattorie and restaurants where seafood plays a leading role. Menus often feature freshly caught fish, pasta with shellfish, and other Salentine specialities, complemented by local wines. Snack bars and cafés along the seafront provide simpler choices, from light meals to drinks with a view.
For a broader range, Castro nearby offers additional trattorie and pizzerias with a focus on seafood, while the town of Otranto has a much wider dining scene. There visitors can choose from traditional restaurants serving regional dishes to more contemporary venues with varied menus.
For a broader range, Castro nearby offers additional trattorie and pizzerias with a focus on seafood, while the town of Otranto has a much wider dining scene. There visitors can choose from traditional restaurants serving regional dishes to more contemporary venues with varied menus.
Photo Gallery
Santa Cesarea Terme Photo Gallery
Places Close to [Place Name]
Places Close to Santa Cesarea Terme
- Porto Miggiano (approx. 3 km north of Santa Cesarea Terme): A small coastal hamlet, Porto Miggiano is known for its rocky bay with crystal-clear waters and a historic coastal watchtower. It is a popular spot for swimming and snorkelling in summer.
- Castro (approx. 5 km south of Santa Cesarea Terme): Perched on a cliff above the Adriatic, Castro has an old town with medieval walls and a castle. Nearby attractions include the Grotta Zinzulusa, one of the most famous sea caves in Puglia.
- Ortelle (approx. 8 km west of Santa Cesarea Terme): A traditional inland village, Ortelle has narrow streets, old stone houses, and historic churches. It is representative of rural Salento and often hosts local fairs and cultural events.
- Otranto (approx. 15 km north of Santa Cesarea Terme): A historic port city, Otranto is known for its Aragonese Castle, the Cathedral with its mosaic floor, and a charming seafront. It also has beaches and a lively atmosphere during the summer months.
- Andrano (approx. 10 km south of Santa Cesarea Terme): A small town near the coast, Andrano is noted for its medieval castle and proximity to the Grotta Verde, a cave illuminated by green light reflections in the sea. The town also has a quiet historic centre.
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
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 Casciana Terme
By Rail: Santa Cesarea Terme does not have its own train station. The nearest railway station is Poggiardo, located approximately 12 kilometres away, on the Lecce–Maglie–Gagliano del Capo line operated by Ferrovie del Sud Est. Trains connect Poggiardo with Lecce in about 1 hour and 20 minutes. From the station, onward travel is by taxi or local bus, taking around 20 minutes.
By Road: The town is situated along the Adriatic coast in the southern part of Puglia. From Lecce, the drive is approximately 50 kilometres and takes about 1 hour via the SS16 and SP358. From Otranto, the journey is around 25 kilometres and takes 35 minutes. There is public parking available near the thermal spas and seafront area.
Nearest International Airports:
By Road: The town is situated along the Adriatic coast in the southern part of Puglia. From Lecce, the drive is approximately 50 kilometres and takes about 1 hour via the SS16 and SP358. From Otranto, the journey is around 25 kilometres and takes 35 minutes. There is public parking available near the thermal spas and seafront area.
Nearest International Airports:
- Brindisi Salento Airport: Located about 95 kilometres away, the drive to Santa Cesarea Terme takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes via the SS613 and SS16.
- Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport: Approximately 210 kilometres to the north, with a driving time of roughly 2 hours and 45 minutes.
Private Transfers
Santa Cesarea Terme Private Transfers
A private transfer is the most direct and comfortable way to travel to or from Santa Cesarea Terme, especially when heading to or from major towns or airports in Puglia. You’ll be collected from your preferred location and driven by a professional, local driver—no waiting, no changes, and no need to hire a car.
The journey from Brindisi Airport to Santa Cesarea Terme takes around 1 hour 30 minutes (approx. 100 kilometres), while from Lecce it’s about 1 hour (approx. 55 kilometres). If you're travelling from Bari Airport, the journey takes approximately 2 hours 30 minutes (around 215 kilometres). Transfers can also be arranged to nearby destinations such as Otranto, Gallipoli, or Castro, with journey times typically ranging from 20 to 45 minutes.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
The journey from Brindisi Airport to Santa Cesarea Terme takes around 1 hour 30 minutes (approx. 100 kilometres), while from Lecce it’s about 1 hour (approx. 55 kilometres). If you're travelling from Bari Airport, the journey takes approximately 2 hours 30 minutes (around 215 kilometres). Transfers can also be arranged to nearby destinations such as Otranto, Gallipoli, or Castro, with journey times typically ranging from 20 to 45 minutes.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
