Puglia · Salento · Capo di Leuca · Castrignano del Capo

Santa Maria di Leuca

At the southern end of Salento, among headlands, high cliffs, sea caves, Punta Ristola, the lighthouse and the Sanctuary of Santa Maria de Finibus Terrae.

The seaside resort of the Capo di Leuca

Santa Maria di Leuca is the seaside resort of the Municipality of Castrignano del Capo and occupies one of the southernmost stretches of the Salento peninsula. Along the coast it connects with Felloniche to the west and with Ciolo along the eastern side.

The coastline alternates high cliffs, inlets and numerous sea caves. Punta Ristola, Punta Meliso, the lighthouse, the basilica and the Monumental Waterfall are among the main landmarks of the locality.

Municipality Castrignano del Capo · Province of Lecce
Coast Ionian coast
Landscape Cliffs, sea caves, headlands and harbour

Discover Santa Maria di Leuca

The landscape of the Capo, the caves, Punta Ristola and the monuments overlooking the resort.

Punta Ristola and the Leuca coast

Punta Ristola lies on the western side and is one of Leuca’s best-known panoramic points. Grotta del Diavolo and Grotta Porcinara open nearby.

Both the western and eastern shores are characterised by numerous sea caves and rocky walls that in many places drop directly into the sea.

Grotta del Diavolo and Grotta Porcinara

The Municipality of Castrignano del Capo describes Grotta del Diavolo at Punta Ristola as a cave of archaeological interest, where excavations were already carried out in the 19th century.

Grotta Porcinara preserves inscriptions and other evidence documenting the importance of the headland in ancient routes and cults.

Lighthouse, Basilica and Monumental Waterfall

On the top of Punta Meliso stand the Basilica of Santa Maria de Finibus Terrae and the lighthouse, built in the 19th century and now one of the symbols of the Capo di Leuca.

The Monumental Waterfall is the terminal section of the Apulian Aqueduct and descends the great staircase towards the harbour. The Municipality periodically publishes its opening schedule.

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Where Santa Maria di Leuca is

In the Municipality of Castrignano del Capo, at the southern end of the Salento peninsula.

Santa Maria di Leuca Castrignano del Capo · Province of Lecce
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Approximate coordinates: 39.7978, 18.3576

Caves and places in Santa Maria di Leuca

The fourteen listed natural and historic places already have dedicated pages on Salentissimo.it.

Accommodation in Santa Maria di Leuca and nearby

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🚤 Tours and experiences

Boat trips, tours and useful activities to experience the area.

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🍽️ Where to eat

Restaurants and local venues: up to 7 recent listings plus claimed or featured businesses.

Mercato 24RE

Restaurant, bar and Mediterranean cuisine

Via Enea 4, Santa Maria di Leuca LE

+39 380 799 5908

Calura Leuca

Seafood, pizzeria, Italian and Mediterranean cuisine

Santa Maria di Leuca LE

Ristorante Loquita

Seafood, Italian and Mediterranean cuisine

Via A. Sciesa, Santa Maria di Leuca LE

+39 328 371 8687

Torreantigua

Salento, Italian and Mediterranean cuisine

Via Napoli, 11, Torre Vado LE

+39 347 694 1706
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🚗 Car, scooter and bike rental

Mobility services for exploring the coast and inland areas.

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Frequently asked questions about Santa Maria di Leuca

Essential answers about the location, caves, Punta Ristola, the lighthouse and the Monumental Waterfall.

Where is Santa Maria di Leuca?
Santa Maria di Leuca is the seaside locality of Castrignano del Capo, at the southern end of Salento.
What is Punta Ristola?
Punta Ristola is one of Leuca's best-known headlands, on the western side, near Grotta del Diavolo and Grotta Porcinara.
Are there sea caves at Santa Maria di Leuca?
Yes. Both the western and eastern stretches of coast contain numerous sea caves and cavities.
Where is the Santa Maria di Leuca lighthouse?
The lighthouse stands on the upper part of Leuca, beside the Basilica of Santa Maria de Finibus Terrae.
What is the Monumental Waterfall of Leuca?
It is the monumental terminal section of the Apulian Aqueduct, built along the large staircase descending towards the sea.
Are there beach clubs and sea access points in Santa Maria di Leuca?
Yes. The coast is mainly rocky, with coves and sea access points; the historical archive also lists several private beach businesses.

Nearby seaside resorts to discover

Continue along the coast towards Felloniche or Ciolo.