Villages to visit in Salento: a journey through history and tradition
Historic villages
Salento is not just about crystal-clear seas and dramatic cliffs overlooking the blue. It is also a land dotted with timeless small towns—villages seemingly suspended between past and present, where life still follows the slow rhythm of tradition.
Behind every stone doorway, every blooming courtyard, and every cobbled street lie centuries-old stories, folk legends, ancient rites, and an architectural heritage that speaks to the deep soul of this region.
Exploring the villages of Salento means stepping into a world of winding alleys, baroque churches, noble palaces, and underground olive presses carved into rock—silent witnesses of an agricultural past deeply rooted in olive oil production. But it’s also a journey through the collective identity of a land proud of its roots, expressed in patron saint festivals, the music of pizzica, artisan markets, and the aromas of a traditional cuisine that is both simple and authentic.
This guide takes readers on a journey through some of the most fascinating villages to visit in Salento, selected for their ability to preserve the true essence of the region. It is an invitation to be led by the beauty of small details, the stillness of sunlit piazzas, and the genuine hospitality of the locals—for those who wish to experience the truest and most heartfelt side of the Salento peninsula, far from the beaten tourist paths.
In the heart of the Capo di Leuca lies Specchia, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy.
Perched on a small hill, it overlooks the horizon with a picturesque maze of whitewashed houses, stairways, and blooming courtyards. Its historic center, entirely paved in Lecce stone, is a flawless example of authentic Salento.
Among the must-see landmarks are the Protonobilissimo-Risolo Castle, the Mother Church of Santa Maria, and the ancient underground olive mills—testaments to the region’s long-standing olive oil tradition.
In summer, Specchia comes alive with festivals celebrating local products, featuring traditional music, pizzica dancing, and tastings of native wines.
Specchia is easy to reach via the SS275 road from Lecce or Gallipoli. For a truly charming stay, consider booking a renovated masseria in the countryside or a traditional B&B in the heart of the village.
Another gem of southern Salento is Presicce, now administratively united with Acquarica del Capo, yet still easily recognizable by its historic core, where the elegance of Lecce’s Baroque style is palpable.
Considered one of the most representative villages to visit in Salento, Presicce is renowned for its underground olive mills, hidden beneath noble residences and still open to visitors today.
The village is a feast of wrought iron balconies, carved stone portals, and inner courtyards that unexpectedly open up along its narrow streets.
In August, it hosts the Sagra del Pane, a festival that celebrates traditional breadmaking and the humble, authentic flavors of Salento’s culinary heritage.
Presicce is just a few minutes from Santa Maria di Leuca and is well connected by local roads. For an authentic experience, consider staying in one of the case a corte—traditional courtyard homes that have been lovingly transformed into guest accommodations.
Galatina, in the heart of central-eastern Salento, is a treasure trove of art, spirituality, and pastry traditions.
Among the must-visit towns in Salento, it stands out for the extraordinary Basilica of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, adorned with Giotto-style frescoes and considered one of the most beautiful churches in Italy.
But Galatina is also a symbolic place of tarantism: in the Chapel of Saint Paul, legend tells of women bitten by the taranta—a mythical spider—who were healed through rituals and therapeutic dances. This mystical atmosphere reaches its peak during the patron saint’s festival on June 29, with processions and traditional music.
Galatina is easily accessible from Lecce by train or car, and makes an excellent base for exploring authentic Salento, thanks to its traditional restaurants and pastry shops—perfect places to taste the original pasticciotto leccese.
Among the must-visit villages in Salento, Castro holds a place of honor thanks to its spectacular clifftop location and its history as a Messapian and Roman city.
The upper part of the village, Castro Antica, preserves megalithic walls, the remains of the Temple of Minerva, and the Aragonese Castle, now home to a museum.
From April to September, Castro hosts cultural events and religious celebrations, such as the Feast of the Madonna Annunziata, which draws both locals and visitors from across the region.
The lower part, Castro Marina, offers rocky coves and turquoise waters—perfect for a seaside break.
Castro can be reached by car via the scenic Otranto–Santa Maria di Leuca coastal road.
A lunch stop is highly recommended in one of the seafront restaurants, where you can enjoy traditional seafood dishes like octopus stewed in earthenware pots (polpi alla pignata) and stuffed cuttlefish.
Beyond the best-known towns, authentic Salento reveals a constellation of charming small villages.
Ruffano, with its rock-hewn church and 17th-century palaces; Alessano, birthplace of Bishop Don Tonino Bello; and Corigliano d’Otranto, where the Renaissance-style Castello de’ Monti stands proudly.
Each village preserves a piece of the identity that makes Salento a land of deep emotions: local craftsmanship—from papier-mâché to ceramics and wrought iron; traditional recipes passed down through generations; and the rhythmic sound of tambourines that fills Salento’s summer nights.
How to plan your trip through the villages of Salento
Those wishing to explore the villages of Salento can create a tailor-made itinerary, traveling by car to enjoy maximum freedom.
Many villages are connected by scenic roads that wind through centuries-old olive groves and dry-stone walls, making every journey part of the overall experience.
Summer is the liveliest season, thanks to numerous patron saint festivals, but spring and autumn also offer ideal temperatures and a more relaxed pace.
For those who love authentic atmospheres and living traces of the past, exploring the villages of Salento is much more than a simple trip: it’s an enriching and enchanting experience—an open door to the heart of true, authentic Salento.