7 Beaches of Marina di Novaglie - Alessano
Grotte Cipolliane
Salento, Marina di Novaglie - Alessano: The Salento is a land full of surprises waiting to be discovered. We are in the deep south, in the east, where you can admire the bright and colourful sunrise from the immensity of the sea. Here, the coastline tells centuries of history, and is characterised by high cliffs, countless hidden caves, and typical inlets that blend in with the surrounding vegetation of wild shrubs and expanses of Mediterranean scrub. This area is rich in nature trails to be contemplated. For those who love trekking or simply seek close contact with unspoilt nature, you will be spoilt for choice. One of the many paths leads down to the sea, through glimpses of land engulfed by the green of the wild vegetation, and with a wooden fence marking this steep path takes us straight to the Grotta delle Cipolliane, a suggestive cave located between Marina di Novaglie and the Ciolo, about 30 metres above sea level on an overhanging cliff. The Grotta delle Cipolliane presents itself to our eyes as a large cavity overlooking the crystal blue sea; from the top of the cave we can admire a panorama that has no equal, while emotions multiply as we scan the horizon of that faint line dividing the sky from the sea. The Grotta delle Cipolliane is quite deep and it is evident how atmospheric events have helped shape this fantastic example of a cave; different shades of colour characterise the rocky walls and range from white to grey, brown and bronze. Once you get to the bottom of the cavity, you can admire the beautiful view of the cave entrance that contrasts with the immense blue of the Adriatic; it is a bit of a struggle to reach it, but once you get there you will realise immediately that the effort has been repaid in full by the spectacle you can enjoy from inside this beautiful cave. This is the Salento, with all the richness of the territory and the charm of magical places like the Grotta delle Cipolliane... have a good summer.
Spiaggia Torre di Novaglie
Salento, Marina di Novaglie - Alessano: Marina di Novaglie is a hamlet in the municipality of Alessano, in the province of Lecce. We are just a few kilometres from Santa Maria di Leuca, the extreme tip of the Heel of Italy, where the land ends and the strong emotions begin, represented by the blue of a sea that mixes with the various currents, where it is hard to understand when the Ionian Sea ends and the Adriatic Sea begins, and where the wind never stops blowing softly, along our journey of discovery of a land full of surprises. The Torre di Novaglie beach stretches along a stretch of coastline characterised by steep cliffs, inlets with several caves all worth visiting, and the lush green of the Mediterranean maquis colouring a landscape that is magical in every way. In the past, these coves were the centre of intense trade between fishermen, a small harbour carved out of the heart of the rock bears witness to this. Today, this stretch of coastline is the pride and beauty of the entire Adriatic coastline. The sea, with its different shades of blue and turquoise, represents the real wealth of this area. For the most daring, you will be spoilt for choice in finding a spot from which to dive and feel the instantaneous freshness of these waters due to the presence of different freshwater currents. The area is quiet and you can enjoy the right amount of relaxation, far from the crowded and noisy beaches, perhaps not exactly suitable for families with children, but if you are looking for a corner of paradise surrounded by nature with a fabulous view then this is the place for you... enjoy the summer at Spiaggia Torre di Novaglie.
Il Porticciolo
Salento, Marina di Novaglie - Alessano: The Marina di Novaglie Marina has a very special charm, both because it was built by digging into the sandstone rock, and because in the past it was a highly respected commercial hub for local fishermen and traders arriving from all over Italy. We are south of the Adriatic coast, in the municipality of Alessano in the province of Lecce, a few kilometres from Santa Maria di Leuca. This stretch of coastline is characterised by the presence of wide cliffs and numerous caves and inlets, all worthy of a visit and representing the richness and beauty of Marina di Novaglie. The Porticciolo today may not live up to the splendour of the past, but it is undoubtedly a fantastic place, immersed in unspoilt nature with a sea that looks like an open-air swimming pool, such is the clarity and blue of its clear, cool waters. This sea is particularly rich in freshwater springs, which explains why, from the very first dives, you feel a rush of adrenalin running through your entire body for a regenerating swim, especially during the hot, sultry days of a Salento summer. The seabed is ideal for snorkelling, rich in fish and luminous sea cavities that are reflected in the sunlight in a spectacular play of light. The place is quiet and relaxing even at the height of the season, frequented by both families and young people looking for fun. There is easy access to the sea via a small wooden walkway, but there is no shortage of interesting opportunities to dive from the various stretches of the reef. The Porticciolo di Novaglie is an absolute pearl of this fantastic land called Salento, which in its complexity of territory always offers something interesting whether you love the beach or the cliffs, and it is always a surprise to look out and visit these beautiful coastlines... have a good summer from the Porticciolo di Novaglie.
Grotte di Novaglie
Salento, Marina di Novaglie - Alessano: Marina di Novaglie is a locality that is part of the territory of Alessano, in the province of Lecce. We are to the east of the deep south of this fantastic land called Salento, and Marina di Novaglie is that beautiful stretch of coastline characteristic for its countless karstic caves, all worth a visit. One of them is the Grotta Azzurra (Blue Cave), so called because of its blue reflection in the crystal-clear sea; the cave has two different entrances divided by a rocky wall, and the only way to visit it thoroughly is to equip oneself with a mask and flippers and cross the different rocky barriers. The Blue Cave of Novaglie is often confused with the more famous Blue Cave of the same name in Castro, but in reality they are two completely different caves. Another cave mentioned in the Marina di Novaglie is the Grotta del Diavolo (Devil"s Cave), bordering on the nearby Santa Maria di Leuca, for which I refer you to the Salentissimo page on Santa Maria di Leuca, as well as the Grotta del Presepe (Cave of the Crib) in the marina of Felloniche. Most of the time, it is a bit difficult to reach most of these caves. My advice would be to rent a small boat and sail along the coast one section at a time, in order to experience the sea in all its freshness and at the same time be caressed by the soft wind that often blows here in the summer. You can also, if necessary, find out about the various excursions that are often organised by the various associations linked to the area. In one way or another, this stretch of coast must be experienced in all its complexity, both for the beauty that the caves of Marina di Novaglie represent and for the panorama that can be enjoyed from any point of view... welcome to Salento and have a good summer.
Torre di Novaglie
Salento, Marina di Novaglie - Alessano: The Novaglie Tower, or Porto di Novaglie Tower, is located in the seaside resort of the same name that falls under the municipality of Alessano, in the province of Lecce. We are on the Adriatic coast, a little north of Santa Maria di Leuca, on a stretch of coastline characterised by impervious cliffs and a landscape rich in hidden inlets and a multitude of ravines and sea caves all worthy of note. The Novaglie Tower stood just over 10 metres from the sea and communicated to the south with Torre Montelungo, now completely disappeared, and to the north with Torre del Ricco in the municipality of Corsano. Today little remains of the Novaglie Tower, except for a pile of stones bearing witness to the splendour and memories of a time long gone. The tower was part of the complex defence system of watchtowers erected in the 16th century all along the Salento coast to defend against the constant raids of Saracen pirates who raged the coast at the time. In all likelihood, in addition to human neglect, the tower has been subjected to various atmospheric events such as sea storms and raging winds that have affected its very existence. From the top of this characteristic promontory there is a breathtaking view, with the blue of a wonderful sea and the warm summer wind caressing our emotions. The surrounding landscape is characterised by the typical Mediterranean maquis that colours this beautiful area with green right up to the ruins of the Novaglie Tower; beauties of the Salento waiting to be discovered... enjoy your holiday and have a good summer.
Grotta di Porto Vecchio
Salento, Marina di Novaglie - Alessano: Marina di Novaglie has retained its special charm over time due to the beauty of the area with its typical dry stone walls, small streets that lose themselves among fields of centuries-old olive trees and expanses of Mediterranean maquis that embrace a coastline characterised by low cliffs and inlets full of caves. Certainly the richness of this location has been preserved by the fact that Marina di Novaglie is still unknown in terms of popularity compared to other desirable destinations in the Salento such as nearby Santa Maria di Leuca, Otranto, Castro, or the beaches of Gallipoli to name but a few. At a time when the development of mass tourism, accelerated by tools such as the internet and social networks, has seen much of the Salento area involved, Marina di Novaglie has remained foreign to all the changes taking place, and visiting it in person one immediately realises how time seems to have stood still in this area to give precedence to the simpler and more genuine emotions of a land waiting to be discovered. Situated in an area that is said to have been inhabited since the Palaeolithic period, this area owes its tourist richness also to the presence of several caves, all worthy of a visit, and one of them is the Grotta del Porto Vecchio. This small cave is located in the area adjacent to the Porto Vecchio and the main chamber presents different shades of colours ranging from bronze, white, brown and grey; a green grassy shelf also dominates the upper part of the cave. All the inlets of this beautiful coastline can be easily visited by kayak or by renting a small boat... have a good summer from the blue Adriatic Sea.
Grotta dell Elefante
Salento, Marina di Novaglie - Alessano: The Grotta dell"Elefante (Elephant Cave), so called because of its characteristic rocky conformation that makes it resemble an elephant, is located in Marina di Novaglie, part of the municipality of Alessano in the province of Lecce. We are on the Adriatic coast of the deep south of Salento, and this area full of hidden inlets and karstic caves all worth visiting is the jewel in the crown of a Salento waiting to be discovered in terms of landscape, history and geology. The view from the top of one of the many promontories in Marina di Novaglie is unparalleled; from here one can admire the immensity of the Adriatic Sea that becomes almost one with the blue of a clean sky. This area is also famous for hosting the Salento Rally every year. Engines aside, the Grotta dell"Elefante is especially important for the fact that a pebble carved by a human hand dating back to the Palaeolithic era was found inside it and this find is now on display at the Museo Civico di Paleontologia e Paletnologia in Maglie, in the province of Lecce. This landscape also offers trekking enthusiasts many nature trails to cross in close contact with uncontaminated nature. The most recommended of all and reopened to the public a few years ago is the ancient sheep-track from Novaglie to Gagliano del Capo, right up to the gates of Santa Maria di Leuca. The Salento summer continues to amaze amid magic, history and an enchanting landscape... Happy holidays.