The caves of Santa Maria di Leuca
At the far tip of the Salento the coast is full of sea caves, such as the Grotta del Diavolo and the Porcinara: by kayak you explore hollows where the water changes colour with the light.
The story
At Punta Meliso, below the sanctuary and the lighthouse, tradition has it that the Adriatic and the Ionian meet. The sanctuary of Santa Maria de Finibus Terrae, at the end of the land, was the last stop for pilgrims bound for the Holy Land.
Why go
Because the cape of Leuca, between two seas, is one of the most beautiful journey's ends in Italy.
Which wind
Good with Calm sea, light winds
Avoid with Strong Scirocco and Tramontana
Practical information
- Activities
- Kayaking, Snorkelling
- Level
- Intermediate
- Seabed
- Limestone cliffs with dozens of caves
- Best time
- June–September
- Seasons
- Summer
- Getting there
- Guided kayak and boat trips from the harbour at Leuca.
Get directions ↗Marine reserve rules
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Weather and sea forecast
The forecast for the next 7 days at this spot: sky, temperatures, rain and wind, wave height and sea temperature.
Forecast by Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), from the models of national weather services. Your browser downloads it directly from Open-Meteo, and only when you ask. In the mountains and at sea the weather changes quickly: check the official forecast as well before you set off.
Getting there
- By train. The nearest station is Gagliano-Leuca station, 6 km away. Alternatively: Morciano-Barbarano-Castrignano-Giuliano station, 7.3 km away. From the station you need a bus, a taxi or a car.
- By air. The nearest airport is Brindisi Airport (BDS), about 102 km away.
- Parking. There are 10 signposted car parks within a kilometre; the nearest is 50 m away, paid.
Stations, ports, airports and car parks from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL); distances as the crow flies. Timetables and connections change: check them before you travel.
Climate and sea month by month
The most pleasant months for weather are from May to July and from September to November, with average highs between 18 and 29 °C. The wettest month is November (about 122 mm), the driest July. The sea is above 22 °C from June to October, peaking at 27 °C in August.
| Month | Temperature | High / low | Rain mm | Sea |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | from 10 to 14 °C | 14° 10° | 73 | 15° |
| Feb | from 11 to 14 °C | 14° 11° | 63 | 14° |
| Mar | from 12 to 15 °C | 15° 12° | 66 | 14° |
| Apr | from 13 to 17 °C | 17° 13° | 44 | 16° |
| May | from 17 to 21 °C | 21° 17° | 39 | 18° |
| Jun | from 22 to 25 °C | 25° 22° | 18 | 22° |
| Jul | from 25 to 29 °C | 29° 25° | 11 | 26° |
| Aug | from 26 to 30 °C | 30° 26° | 25 | 27° |
| Sep | from 23 to 26 °C | 26° 23° | 57 | 25° |
| Oct | from 19 to 23 °C | 23° 19° | 87 | 22° |
| Nov | from 16 to 19 °C | 19° 16° | 122 | 19° |
| Dec | from 12 to 15 °C | 15° 12° | 62 | 16° |
Averages for 2015–2024, estimated for an altitude of 0 m. Air: NASA POWER (MERRA-2 reanalysis), corrected for the altitude of the place; rain: average monthly total; sea: surface temperature from NOAA OISST. These are indicative values: the weather on any given day can be very different, so always check the forecast before you go.
In the guide
Nearby hikes
Other spots nearby
- ★ Porto Cesareo and the Isola dei ConigliKayaking, SUP, Snorkelling · 65 km
- Torre GuacetoSnorkelling, Kayaking · 113 km
- Kayaking the caves of Polignano a MareKayaking, SUP, Snorkelling · 165 km
- The sea caves of the GarganoKayaking, SUP, Snorkelling · 295 km
Sea conditions can change within hours: before going in, check the marine forecast and the local harbour office (Capitaneria di porto) rules. Emergencies at sea: 1530.