The winds came as predicted, up to 25 mph from the north accompanied by a crisp spring chill. Happy that I’d decided against cycling to Otranto today, I lazed around most of the morning catching up on news, puzzles and the journal. By noon I was ready to explore Santa Maria di Leuca.
The first stop was a rocky bit of shore along the Adriatic Sea, accessed through archways supporting the road above.
My next destination the to the top of Punta Meliso, which together with Punta Ristola are the two promontories that flank and enclose the bay of Santa Maria di Leuce. The Faro di Santa Maria di Leuca, the second highest lighthouse in Europe, sits atop Punta Meliso. On the way, I was detoured by discovering a recommended restaurant was open for lunch. I’d wanted to eat there last night but couldn’t wait until it opened at 8 pm. I opted instead for pizza next door – it was good, but left me longing for the pie I savored in Napoli a few days back.
Lunch was terrific - fish ravioli with prawns and cherry tomatoes. I took a picture, but I'm not so good at that so you'll just have to imagine how good it looked and tasted. Once fed, I made my way along the promenade to a wooden walkway that circled the marina. Then it was up 250 steps to top of Punta Meliso and the Faro di Santa Maria di Leuca.
The promenade is nearly empty during lunchtime in the off-season
Jacquie GaudetTo Rich FrasierTo me too. I used to know what they are called from a project I worked on which was built on Montserrat in the Caribbean. No, I didn’t get to visit the site. We don’t use them in BC because appropriate large rock is available. Reply to this comment 2 years ago
Roman column donated by Mussolini on the completion of Apulian aqueduct in 1939. The column sits above a "monumental waterfall" which was not in operation today
Built in 1864, the Faro di Santa Maria di Leuca rises 47m above the ground and 102m from sea level. You can take a 254 step spiral staircase to the top, but not today
My third destination was a walk to the end of the breakwater. Despite the fact that my town map clearly showed a dotted line up and down the breakwater, there was no access point I could find. A bit disappointed, I headed back to the B&B along the row of fancy sea-facing villas and consoled myself with gelato.
Not sure if this is the best advert for bicycle rentals. Nice color though.
Scott AndersonA remarkable structure and location. If I had TB it’s where I’d want to be locked up. It makes me think of Vittorio de Sica’s film, A Brief Vacation. Reply to this comment 2 years ago
Weather predictions for tomorrow call for continued strong winds from the north. I prefer a more relaxing ride up the coast to Otranto so have booked another night here in Santa Maria di Leuca. My plan is a shorter loop into the interior of the southern Salento, a bit of a struggle to start but hopefully a nice tailwind to lift me home.
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Rachael AndersonSorry your getting such windy weather but it looks like you had a great walk around town. I hope the winds improve soon for you! Reply to this comment 2 years ago
2 years ago