Salento Day Trip: Santa Maria di Leuca, Specchia & Olive Press

Summary

Explore Puglia’s Southern Coast & Medieval Villages by Minivan

If you’re after real Salento—sea views, ancient legends, honest food, and hidden corners—this day trip covers it all without rushing you around. It’s self-guided but easygoing; perfect if you want freedom but don’t fancy driving yourself.

What’s the experience like?

The morning started with a quick pickup in Lecce—no fuss, just a friendly driver and a comfy minivan. We headed south, windows open to catch that salty breeze you only get near the sea. Santa Maria di Leuca popped up after about an hour or so. It’s right where the Adriatic meets the Ionian—locals call it “finibus terrae,” the end of the land. You can actually feel that edge-of-the-world vibe when you stand by the lighthouse and look out over all that blue.

I wandered into the cathedral (it’s hard to miss), and there’s this odd hush inside, even when it’s busy. On the right as you walk in, there’s a stone relic from when this spot was a temple to Minerva—our driver mentioned it before dropping us off. The town itself is full of little stories; apparently Aeneas landed here (so they say), and Saint Peter too. If you want to see those famous caves along the coast, you’ll need to hire one of the local sailors at the marina. They know every nook and cranny—plus, it’s really the only way to get close to those sea grottos.

Lunch was in Patù/San Gregorio at Bar del Moro—a simple place with plastic chairs outside and a view that makes you slow down whether you want to or not. I tried orecchiette with tomato sauce; honestly, it tasted like someone’s grandma made it. The cicadas were loud enough that we had to lean in to talk.

Specchia came next—a bit quieter than Leuca but packed with history. The old center is all winding alleys and staircases behind the castle; easy to get lost if you’re not paying attention (I did for five minutes). There are these old underground olive presses—four of them, carved right into soft tufa rock centuries ago. We ducked into one that’d just been restored; cool air hit my face as soon as I stepped down inside. You can almost smell old olive oil in the walls.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Salento Peninsula Highlights

• Visit Santa Maria di Leuca and cathedral
• Lunch at Patù/San Gregorio
• Explore Specchia and underground olive press

Top questions

Is lunch included in this tour?

No, lunch isn’t included—you’ll have time to eat at Bar del Moro or another local spot in Patù/San Gregorio at your own expense.

Are entry fees or boat trips covered?

Nope—any entry fees or boat tours are extra and paid directly on site if you choose to join them.

Is there a guide during the tour?

This is a self-guided experience; your driver handles transport but doesn’t provide guiding or commentary during stops.

How long does the whole trip take?

The tour lasts about 9 hours including travel time between locations and stops along the way.

What’s included

Your ride for the day is an air-conditioned minivan with a dedicated driver who’ll pick you up in Lecce and bring you back after exploring Santa Maria di Leuca, Patù/San Gregorio for lunch, and Specchia. Infant seats are available if needed—and everyone can join regardless of fitness level.