Pick up your Vespa from Maglie, set in the heart of Salento, and start your Salento itinerary. Exploring Maglie, you will capture its strong cultural and rural identity; it has a history intertwined with this land, offering visitors a mix of culture, nature, and food and wine, far from mass tourism.
Reach Otranto, also known as the easternmost city in Italy, a jewel overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Its historic center, surrounded by ancient walls and dominated by the Aragonese Castle, tells thousand-year-old stories, while the Cathedral of Sant’Agata houses the famous Mosaic of the Tree of Life, a testament to Byzantine art. Walking along the Lungomare degli Eroi, you will see a succession of crystalline beaches and breathtaking cliffs.
A short distance away, near Otranto, you will find the Bauxite Quarry: a fascinating former mining site. This place offers an almost surreal panorama, characterized by the strong color contrast between the bright red rock, the lush green vegetation, and a central emerald green lake. Explore the site and immerse yourself in its beauty and colors.
Next, you will arrive at the Punta Palascìa Lighthouse: the easternmost point of Italy and the site of the peninsula's first sunrise. It offers a spectacular view of the meeting point between the Ionian and Adriatic Seas and is just 70 km from the coast of Albania. Take a moment to admire the immense horizon, colored an intense blue.
Santa Cesarea Terme is a charming town perched on a plateau overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Famous for its sulfurous thermal waters that flow from natural caves at 30°C, it combines wellness tourism with a wild coastal landscape, characterized by rocky cliffs, sea stacks, and crystalline coves. The town of Santa Cesarea Terme is also known for its glittering noble villas dating back over a hundred years. A refreshing swim stop at one of its beautiful beaches is a must.
The final stop of the itinerary is the renowned Castro Marina, a pearl of the Adriatic Salento, divided between the ancient medieval village perched above the sea and its marina. The latter is famous for its crystal-clear waters and history that recalls the myth of Aeneas and the ancient Castrum Minervae. Enjoy one last swim before concluding this evocative Salento experience.
Return to Maglie in the late afternoon to drop off the Vespa.
