The Santa Maria di Leuca Caves are a series of sea caves located along the Salento coast in the deep south of Italy, in the province of Lecce. These beautiful manifestations of mother nature are famous for their white limestone cliffs that frame the crystal-clear blue of a crystal-clear sea. Taking a refreshing swim in these wonderful waters, especially when the sea is calm, enhances well-being and physical pleasure on hot summer days. Some of Santa Maria di Leuca"s caves are only accessible by sea and can be visited thanks to the various boat excursions organised locally. There are many caves to visit, each with its own unique characteristics. Grotta Terradico, for example, one of the first visible from the sea on the eastern side, owes its name to a curious and ancient sailor"s saying, Terra Vedo e Terra Dico, which in a contracted form spells the word Terradico. The cave is also called Fenditura di Terradico (Terradico"s cleft) because of its characteristic tent-shaped entrance, masterfully designed over the course of time by the constant and lasting action of the sea waves. These narrow crevices open up to a complex of three caves of varying sizes; the overall height of the cavities is about 35 metres, and the spectacle of light that is reproduced through the walls reflecting the different mineral formations rich in calcium salts creates fascinating shades of colour to which the emerald green of a beautiful sea is a counterpoint. Many greetings from Santa Maria di Leuca.
Last update: 27/03/2023, Tonio Viva
