Santa  Maria  di  Leuca​

Latest page update: 13 June 2025
By: Dion Protani

Where to Stay

Where to Stay in Santa Maria di Leuca
Santa Maria di Leuca has a good range of established hotels, many of them positioned close to the seafront or overlooking the meeting point of the Adriatic and Ionian seas. Properties here are well reviewed for their location, sea views and convenient access to the town’s harbour and beaches.
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Hotel Terminal is a central seafront choice with a pool, private beach access and consistently strong guest feedback for both service and setting (€€). Above the town, Hotel Montirò offers a more peaceful environment with modern rooms, gardens and positive reviews for comfort and atmosphere (€€). A further option is Messapia Hotel & Resort, which combines hotel-standard accommodation with resort-style facilities including pools, entertainment and good ratings for family stays (€€).

Where is

Where is Santa Maria di Leuca?
​​The beach resort of Santa Maria di Leuca is situated within the Province of Lecce, at the point where the Ionian and Adriatic coasts meet. It's officially part of the comune of Castrignano del Capo, which is around 4 kilometres away.

Places of interest nearby include Torre Vado, Pescoluse, Marina Serra and Tricase Porto.
Santa Maria di Leuca is famous for the Santuario di Santa Maria de Finibus Terrae, a religious sanctuary that looks down on to the main town from its hilltop location. From here you can get some of the best coastal views in Puglia at the point where two seas meet. Another landmark is the Cascata Monumentale di Leuca, a man-made waterfall which flows down from the Sanctuary to the main town. The waterfall is sometimes lit at night creating a beautiful spectacle. ​
Santa Maria di Leuca - frazione di Castrignano del Capo
Comune: Castrignano del Capo

Province: Lecce

Region: Puglia

Highlights: lighthouse, Santuario di Santa Maria de Finibus Terrae​

​Close by: Torre Vado, Pescoluse, Marina Serra, Tricase Porto

Recommended accommodation: Montiro' Hotel

What People Ask About Santa Maria di Leuca, Puglia

Is Santa Maria di Leuca worth visiting?
Yes, Santa Maria di Leuca is worth visiting for its dramatic coastal scenery, elegant villas, and lighthouse marking the southern tip of Puglia. The town offers a mix of natural beauty, sea views, and historical landmarks.
What are the main attractions in Santa Maria di Leuca?
Main attractions include the lighthouse, the Basilica of Santa Maria de Finibus Terrae, and the 19th-century villas along the seafront. Boat tours to the sea caves and the stepped monumental staircase by the man-made waterfall are also popular.
How do I get to Santa Maria di Leuca?
Santa Maria di Leuca is accessible by car via the SS275 from Lecce, which is about 70 km away. The nearest train station is in Gagliano del Capo, with local buses or taxis connecting to the town. The closest airport is Brindisi, around 130 km away.
What is Santa Maria di Leuca known for?
Santa Maria di Leuca is known as the meeting point of the Ionian and Adriatic seas. It’s also famous for its lighthouse, religious pilgrimage site, and scenic sea grottoes which can be visited by boat.
When is the best time to visit Santa Maria di Leuca?
The best time to visit Santa Maria di Leuca is from June to September for swimming, boating, and coastal walks. May and October also offer pleasant weather without the peak season crowds.
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Discover

Discover Santa Maria di Leuca
Santa Maria di Leuca lies at the southernmost tip of the Salento Peninsula, where the Ionian Sea meets the Adriatic Sea. The town is set around a natural bay framed by cliffs, with a harbour filled with fishing boats and yachts. Elegant 19th-century villas line the seafront, while the surrounding landscape of olive groves and dry-stone terraces reflects the rural character of southern Apulia. Its position at Italy’s “heel” gives it a distinctive sense of place, marking the meeting point of two seas and cultures.
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The town’s most prominent landmark is the Basilica di Santa Maria de Finibus Terrae, built on a clifftop overlooking the sea beside a monumental lighthouse. Below, the Sanctuary Steps lead down to the harbour, where boat trips explore the coastal caves and grottoes carved into the limestone cliffs. Santa Maria di Leuca is also known for its scenic coastal drives and its connection to Castrignano del Capo, Gagliano del Capo, and Patù, placing it within one of the most striking and symbolic landscapes in southern Apulia.

Things to Do

Things to Do in Santa Maria di Leuca
  • Santuario di Santa Maria de Finibus Terrae stands on a clifftop above the sea and marks the southernmost point of Apulia. Built on the ruins of a Roman temple, the sanctuary has long been a place of pilgrimage. It includes a large square, colonnade, and lighthouse with views across the Ionian and Adriatic seas.
  • Faro di Leuca is one of the tallest lighthouses in Italy, rising 47 metres above the Punta Meliso promontory. It was completed in 1866 and is visible for many nautical miles. Although the interior is not usually open to visitors, the surrounding viewpoint is ideal for watching sunsets over the sea.
  • Villa Meridiana and other 19th-century villas reflect the town’s past as a fashionable seaside resort for noble families. Many villas feature Moorish, Gothic, and Liberty-style architecture with elaborate façades and private gardens. Several are located along the seafront promenade and can be admired from the outside.
  • Grotta del Soffio and other sea caves dot the coastline between Leuca and the surrounding cliffs, shaped by centuries of wave erosion. The Grotta del Soffio is known for the bubbles created as water rushes through its narrow opening. These caves can be reached by kayak, paddleboard, or small boat.
  • Boat tour of the Ionian and Adriatic caves from Leuca explores both sides of the promontory, passing through caves such as Grotta Porcinara and Grotta del Drago. Tours often include swimming stops and geological explanations. Departures are frequent in summer and showcase the area's unique coastal formations.

Tours and Activities

Santa Maria di Leuca Tours and Activities

Where to Eat

Where to Eat in Santa Maria di Leuca
  • Ristorante Lido Azzurro: Positioned on the seafront near the port, Lido Azzurro offers elegant seafood dining with views of the marina. The menu features refined dishes such as seafood linguine, amberjack tartare, and grilled prawns, all prepared with fresh local ingredients. Price guide: €€€ (Special occasion)
  • Osteria Del Leone: Tucked into a quiet street near the centre, this osteria focuses on traditional Salento dishes served in a cosy, stone-walled interior. Expect orecchiette with turnip tops, rustic meat stews, and local cheeses, all presented with care in a relaxed setting. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
  • Trattoria Hosteria del Pardo: Located close to the main promenade, this casual trattoria offers hearty portions of pasta, grilled fish, and fried seafood. The outdoor terrace is popular in summer, and the atmosphere is friendly and informal. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
  • Ristorante Santa Maria: Set along the cliffside, this restaurant combines modern decor with a menu that highlights Apulian flavours. Dishes include fresh fish carpaccio, stuffed courgette flowers, and handmade pasta, with sea views providing a picturesque backdrop. Price guide: €€€ (Special occasion)
  • Pizzeria Alle Bocce: A simple and budget-friendly spot on the edge of town, Alle Bocce serves wood-fired pizzas, focacce, and quick bites. It’s a good choice for an affordable, easy-going meal, especially for families or larger groups. Price guide: € (Budget-friendly)

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Places Close to [Place Name]

Places Close to Santa Maria di Leuca
  • Ristorante Lido Azzurro: Positioned on the seafront near the port, Lido Azzurro offers elegant seafood dining with views of the marina. The menu features refined dishes such as seafood linguine, amberjack tartare, and grilled prawns, all prepared with fresh local ingredients. Price guide: €€€ (Special occasion)
  • Osteria Del Leone: Tucked into a quiet street near the centre, this osteria focuses on traditional Salento dishes served in a cosy, stone-walled interior. Expect orecchiette with turnip tops, rustic meat stews, and local cheeses, all presented with care in a relaxed setting. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
  • Trattoria Hosteria del Pardo: Located close to the main promenade, this casual trattoria offers hearty portions of pasta, grilled fish, and fried seafood. The outdoor terrace is popular in summer, and the atmosphere is friendly and informal. Price guide: €€ (Mid-range)
  • Ristorante Santa Maria: Set along the cliffside, this restaurant combines modern decor with a menu that highlights Apulian flavours. Dishes include fresh fish carpaccio, stuffed courgette flowers, and handmade pasta, with sea views providing a picturesque backdrop. Price guide: €€€ (Special occasion)
  • Pizzeria Alle Bocce: A simple and budget-friendly spot on the edge of town, Alle Bocce serves wood-fired pizzas, focacce, and quick bites. It’s a good choice for an affordable, easy-going meal, especially for families or larger groups. Price guide: € (Budget-friendly)
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 Santa Maria di Leuca
By Rail: Santa Maria di Leuca does not have a Trenitalia station. The closest rail access is via the Ferrovie del Sud Est (FSE) line, with a terminal station in Gagliano del Capo, approximately 5 kilometres away. Trains connect Gagliano with Lecce and other towns in southern Puglia. Journey time from Lecce to Gagliano is around 2 hours. From Gagliano, Santa Maria di Leuca can be reached by taxi or local bus in about 10 minutes.

By Road: Santa Maria di Leuca is located at the southernmost tip of the Salento Peninsula, approximately 70 kilometres south of Lecce. It is accessible via the SS275 and SP214 roads, with a driving time of around 1 hour and 15 minutes from Lecce. The SS101 and SS274 dual carriageways provide faster access from Gallipoli and other towns in western Salento. Public parking is available near the seafront, marina, and lighthouse.

Nearest International Airports:
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  • Brindisi Airport (Aeroporto di Brindisi Papola Casale): Located approximately 130 kilometres north of Santa Maria di Leuca, the drive takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes. The airport serves both domestic and international destinations, with regular flights across Europe.
  • Bari Airport (Aeroporto di Bari Karol Wojtyła): Situated around 230 kilometres north-west, the journey by car takes approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes. It is the region’s largest airport, offering a wide range of flight connections.

Private Transfers

Santa Maria di Leuca Private Transfers
A private transfer provides a comfortable and flexible way to travel to or from Santa Maria di Leuca, offering a direct journey without the need to drive or organise public transport. You’ll be met by a professional local driver and taken straight to your destination in comfort.

Both Brindisi Airport and Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport are within reach by road, making private transfers a convenient choice for arrivals and departures. Transfers can also be arranged to nearby destinations such as Gagliano del Capo, Torre Vado, and Presicce, or to other coastal towns and villages throughout the Salento peninsula.
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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.

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