A SUN that always shines brightly, a crystal-clear SEA that enchants and seduces who admires the breathtaking coastal landscape, a warm WIND that caresses the nature, touches lightly the faces of human beings and returns silently to the sky… these are the three elements that immediately come to mind when thinking about Salento. You will inevitably be fascinated by the charm of this solar, dynamic and ancient land.

The appeal is immediate. The astounding views offered by the rocks of the Adriatic coast alternating with the nature’s masterpiece represented by the splendid welcoming white and sandy beaches, a countryside whose colours are a feast for the eye, are the ingredients that make Salento one of the most visit-worthy region in Italy and the ideal place for a relaxing and fun-filled holiday.

The region of Salento offers a multitude of choices and is ready to share its fascinating treasures with the travellers.

You will be surprised to encounter the perfumes, the colours and the sounds of Salento. A concert of voices enlivens the pretty little piazzas of towns and villages.

It is a land that keeps its most remote secrets: mythology combines with legends, making the line between imagination and reality very slight. Ancient rituals are still alive in the folk culture and undoubtedly represent a primary reason for a visit. The folk tradition has been enriched by the traces left by the different civilisations that crossed the region through the centuries: Patron Saint’s celebrations and Tarantism are some expressions of the folklore of Salento. Don’t miss the opportunity to discover its passionate nature. You will be enthralled by the hypnotic magic of “pizzica”, the traditional dance whose sensual gaiety is combined with mystery. The rhythm will attract you magnetically. Your body and your soul will merge following the music of the guitars, the tambourines and the violins. You will be overwhelmed by a wave of strong and intense emotions.

Take the chance to make an unforgettable gastronomic tour. Your greed will be tempted by the delicious sea and land specialities of Salento. You will be delighted to taste the excellent strong and intense flavour of the local dishes made using the fresh and genuine products provided by the land: from the typical rustic ones that reflect the great rural tradition – like the well-known first courses consisting of hand-made pasta made solely with flour and water – to the most refined and sumptuous ones derived from the adaptation of the traditional cuisine to the modern palate. All the distinctive fragrances of the local specialities are matched with some exclusive and multi-faceted red and white wines which are produced here combining age-old techniques and passion. Furthermore the excellence of local flavours are enhanced and protected by the cult of conviviality that characterises Lecce and its province.

Salento boasts an extraordinary range of amenities that captivate and allure travellers with the most variegated interests. The province of Lecce is well-known for its unique and precious handicraft industry that has its roots in the past but is determined to preserve the heritage and the wisdom  held by the artisans in the future. The skilful hands of craftsmen work the wrought iron, create mosaics, develop innovative craft forms and works of artistic value matching different materials such as glass and leather. They also work terracotta, stone and papier-mâché with great mastery and precision.

Those who are attracted by the rural life of Salento, will have the chance to have a walk in the countryside among olive trees and across the vines, enjoying the silence, the peace and the fragrances of the clean open-air far from the noise of the town. It is possible to visit underground oil-mills but also the modern ones, as well as wine cellars to see how the vintage wines of Salento are produced and kept.

Salento is the perfect place for water sports lovers: it is possible to take part in windsurf, aqua-fitness and deep-fishing courses at all levels, from beginners to experts or beach volley competitions.