Boat Trips Santa Maria di Leuca: Experience the Magic of Salento
Updated at: 01-05-2025
If you're looking for a unique way to experience Salento authentically and unforgettable, boat excursions in Santa Maria di Leuca are the perfect choice. Get ready to discover sea caves, crystal-clear waters and breathtaking views in an evocative setting where the Ionian Sea meets the Adriatic.
Let yourself be captivated by the charm of Santa Maria di Leuca
Santa Maria di Leuca is a jewel of Salento, located at the southern tip of Apulia, where the land ends and dives into the sea. You'll be welcomed by a picturesque harbour, watchtowers and sea caves steeped in history and legend. Sailing these waters means immersing yourself in a true natural paradise, amid unmistakable colours and scents.
Historical notes
Also known as “De Finibus Terrae” (at the ends of the earth), Santa Maria di Leuca boasts a past rich in traditions. Greeks, Romans, Saracens and Byzantines all left their marks here. In the 19th century it became a destination for nobles and aristocrats who built their majestic villas in eclectic style. Today, visitors can soak up millennia of history simply by strolling along the seafront or exploring the nearby coastal towers.
Must-see landmarks
- The Lighthouse and the Sanctuary of Santa Maria de Finibus Terrae: symbols of the town, they offer a breathtaking panoramic view over the entire inlet.
- Punta Ristola and Punta Meliso: the two strips of land that mark the junction of the Ionian and Adriatic Seas.
- The 19th-century Villas: testimony to an aristocratic past, perfect for a walk among beauty and historic architecture.
Why book our boat excursions in Santa Maria di Leuca
Taking part in a guided boat tour means going beyond a simple sightseeing trip. It’s a chance to:
- Admire spectacular sea caves such as the Grotta del Drago, Grotta degli Innamorati, Grotta del Presepe or Grotta dei Giganti.
- Swim in waters so clear they look like a painting, with swimming stops at the most transparent and evocative spots.
- Relax without a rush, savouring the scent of the sea and the tranquillity of a landscape “suspended in time”.
- Discover every hidden cove and picturesque rock, guided by professional skippers who know every secret of the coast.
Whether you choose the Western side (Ponente) or the Eastern side (Levante), you’ll be greeted by turquoise waters and enchanting scenery. Our tours allow you to:
- Depart from the harbour of Santa Maria di Leuca and sail towards Punta Ristola or Punta Meliso.
- Admire Leuca’s lighthouse from the sea, an imposing and evocative landmark.
- Visit the Grotte di Ponente or the Grotte di Levante, each distinct in geological formation and legend.
Recommended itineraries and travel tips
Choose the itinerary that best matches your desire for adventure, relaxation and discovery:
Western itinerary: Caves and fiery sunsets
- Grotta del Drago: famous for rock formations that resemble a dragon’s head.
- Grotta degli Innamorati: a romantic spot where the rocks draw close like two hearts kissing.
- Punta Ristola: where the Ionian kisses the Adriatic, perfect for a refreshing dive.
An afternoon excursion lets you admire the sunset over the sea, when colours ignite into warm shades and the landscape turns into poetry.
Eastern itinerary: Crystal-clear waters and Levante caves
- Grotta del Presepe: stalagmite formations reminiscent of the Nativity scene.
- Grotta dei Giganti: imposing interior spaces and legends of gigantic creatures.
- Punta Meliso: viewpoint over the Lighthouse and Sanctuary, a place that is both mystical and panoramic.
How to get to Santa Maria di Leuca
- By car: take the SS275 from Lecce southwards to the very tip of Apulia.
- By plane: the airports of Brindisi and Bari are about 130 km and 220 km away respectively; from there you can rent a car or take shuttle services.
- By train: arrive at Lecce station, then continue by bus or private transfer.
Pack your backpack with a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen and camera to capture every detail of this experience. If you love snorkeling, don’t forget mask and snorkel: beneath the sea’s surface lie wonders still waiting to be discovered.
Book your boat excursion in Santa Maria di Leuca now
There’s no better way to fall in love with Santa Maria di Leuca than by seeing its coasts from the sea. With our boat excursions you’ll have the chance to:
- Enjoy a personalised journey among caves and unique swimming spots.
- Rely on professional skippers who will guide you in total safety and comfort.
- Share laughter, moments of joy and adventure with the people you love.
Now is the time to act! Book your boat excursion in Santa Maria di Leuca right away and treat yourself to an unforgettable memory in the heart of Salento. Sail with us and let yourself be guided by the beauty of the coasts, the clarity of the sea and the allure of caves steeped in history and mystery.
€ 39
€ 45.5
Conclusions
Santa Maria di Leuca is the ideal destination for anyone wishing to explore the most authentic Puglia. Between sea and legends, history and traditions, every corner and every cave tells the past and present of this magical land. Our boat excursions take you straight to the heart of this experience, giving you moments of peace, fun and wonder.
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