Salento is a land full of surprises, both for the lone traveller who finds himself in close contact with unspoilt nature for the first time, and for families who change their destination every summer, deciding to spend their holidays discovering as yet unknown places, as well as for groups of young people in search of fun and at the same time the right relaxation. So let us continue our interactive tour to discover those corners of Apulia completely forgotten by time and light years away from those frenetic rhythms with which we are accustomed to dealing on a daily basis. We are in Sant"Andrea, a small hamlet in the municipality of Melendugno, several times awarded Blue Flags for the clarity of its marvellous waters. Already on arrival in the car we can breathe in that serene and relaxing air, not at all noisy if we think of the crowded beaches of a Salento summer; crossing the path that leads from the car park to the sea we find ourselves immersed in a riot of scents that only intense Mediterranean scrub conveys, with its various wild species, dry stone walls and a breathtaking panorama. A long rocky ridge overlooks the beautiful Adriatic Sea and opens up to our eyes all the beauty of crystal-clear blue water. As we descend down a narrow, impassable flight of steps that leads right down to the water, all we have to do is take off our shoes, choose a rock to lay our towel on, and dive into the water without thinking twice about discovering the various caves and inlets along this stretch of coastline. The Grotta di Mafar, also known as the Grotta della Prima Spiaggia (Cave of the First Beach) is a small rocky cavity among the white rocks surrounding this enchanting place, and is a popular destination for many tourists who decide to visit it every summer with mask and snorkel in tow. This beautiful sea cave has all the appearance of a small chapel with different shades of colour intertwining in a succession of white, bronze, brown, and with the ends of the rocky sedimentations testifying to the passage of time and the continuous flow of the sea waves to design every single centimetre of this characteristic cave. Take advantage of the opportunity to snorkel to discover a seabed rich in fish and glimpses typical of this marvellous bay, or even for a simple regenerating swim; these waters transmit a freshness and a sense of well-being that is rarely felt in other places. This is the summer of Salento, as the saying goes... sun, sea and wind... happy holidays.
Last update: 07/10/2022, Tonio Viva
