The Ciolo Bridge is located in the municipality of Gagliano del Capo and can be reached along the stretch of coast that connects Santa Maria di Leuca to Marina di Novaglie; in practice we are talking about that strip of land that the Latins called Finibus Terrae, that is, the point where the land precisely ended. Since 2006 the Ciolo has become part of the Regional Natural Park Costa di Otranto - Santa Maria di Leuca - Bosco di Tricase, as well as being known as an archaeological site because of the presence of numerous caves, a typical feature of this jagged coastline. The name Ciolo would derive from the local dialect and refers to magpies or crows, beyond that this place has over the years become a popular destination for many young thrill-seeking tourists precisely because of the height of the bridge from which they decide to dive into the blue waters below, although, it must be said, it remains a practice to be forbidden because of the high coefficient of danger. Nonetheless, the Ciolo Bridge remains a spectacle of nature, built in the 1960s precisely to join the marina of Leuca with that of Novaglie, today the bridge represents to all intents and purposes a respectable tourist destination, well embedded in the marvelous landscape that this land provides. A further and no less important emphasis, however, in addition to the suggestive height of the bridge, should also be given to the part below; in addition to the crystal blue sea this area is also known as the Canyon of Salento because of the characteristic coastline consisting of rocky ridges, impervious rocks in addition to the presence of numerous caves. Here one can admire the whims of nature by walking along an ancient path of the local fishermen who used to move from the center of town to reach the small beach. Along this stretch, where today several excursions are organized for trekking lovers, the vegetation opens wildly to our eyes in a mixture of Mediterranean scrub with the presence of myrtle, lentisk, the Leuca carnation and other typical species of native vegetation. The place as a whole remains a wonder of nature so if you come to Salento do not forget to make a fixed stop at Ponte del Ciolo the show is guaranteed.
Last Updated: 04/09/2022, Tonio Viva
