9 Beaches of Sant Andrea - Melendugno
I Faraglioni di Sant Andrea
Salento, Sant Andrea - Melendugno: Travelling through the Salento countryside, to the east where the sun rises, when the vegetation begins to show its closeness to the sea, amidst the wild rosemary, rushes and expanses of feathery fairy flax, we come to a quiet little fishing community, we are in Torre Sant"Andrea in the municipality of Melendugno, 30 kilometres from Lecce and 15 kilometres from Otranto. This locality, which takes its name from an ancient 16th-century coastal tower, in addition to the small town, the presence of a beautiful inlet with a small golden beach and the crystal-clear blue sea, is famous above all for its Faraglioni, these characteristic rock formations that emerge from the sea and seem to have been artfully designed by a famous architect are instead the result of a natural process through centuries of geological evolutions and changes. The Faraglioni di Sant"Andrea rise out of the sea just a few metres from the shore and are a spectacle of nature in a variety of forms; some look like huge columns, others like unusual geometric shapes covered in the green Mediterranean maquis, but the most popular of all, the absolute princess, is the one in the shape of a round arch, looking like the entrance to a Romanesque church, a beauty of nature called the Arco degli Innamorati, and there must be a reason for this. Going for a swim under this marvellous arch in the cool, transparent waters of this corner of paradise is perhaps the highlight of your holiday in Salento. Access to the sea is guaranteed in complete safety by a concrete staircase just a few steps away from this splendid rock, the so-called Scala de lu Bastimentu: legend has it that a shipload of grain ran aground between these inlets and the locals opened a passage through the rocks to recover the precious cargo. Several other accesses to the sea can be found at different points, and the path above the coast, among the fragrant vegetation and unspoilt nature, will allow you to admire this splendid landscape in all its complexity. The Faraglioni di Sant"Andrea are a unique spectacle, experiencing these enchanted places live is like travelling first class in the most luxurious of private jets, a free wonder of nature an enchantment for your holiday and your spirit.
Grotta di Mafar
Salento, Sant Andrea - Melendugno: 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.
Spiaggia della Punticeddha
Salento, Sant Andrea - Melendugno: If you are planning your next summer holiday and have already decided to take a trip to Apulia and specifically want to visit that wonderful heel of the boot called Salento, memorise this name: Baia di Sant"Andrea. This location falls under the municipality of Melendugno, several times awarded with the prestigious Blue Flag recognition, issued by an international organisation that rewards beaches, marinas and all operators of sustainable tourism. The bay of Sant"Andrea is a small fishing community that during the summer is populated by tourists arriving from all over the world to admire the unique beauty of this area made up of coves, cliffs, golden beaches hidden by small rocky inlets, sheer cliffs, characteristic stacks and a whole surrounding natural landscape of rare beauty. The Punticeddha beach is a true piece of paradise, here the sea is reflected transparently in the sun"s rays so that you can count every single stone and rock from the top of a breathtaking panorama. The walk along the rocky ridge before arriving at the small beach is a unique spectacle, we find ourselves immersed in a natural landscape with all the typical scents of the Mediterranean maquis among the aleppo pines and the native vegetation that accompanies us along our route. These places are a spectacle for the eyes and the spirit, a sense of infinity pervades the traveller"s soul when he arrives at the edge of the ridge and his gaze scans the horizon while he breathes in that intense perfume of blue sea mixed with the green of the surrounding nature. Rock shoes are recommended; a narrow natural staircase leads down to the beach and here the sensations, as often happens when visiting enchanting places, are different; spread out your beach towel, get comfortable and relax, let yourself be warmed by the hot sun of a Salento summer to remember, and then take advantage of this crystal-clear sea for a dip in the cool blue and transparent waters. The depth of the water remains shallow for long stretches, the seabed, mostly sandy, also has some rocks from time to time, and small caves and inlets are all waiting to be discovered, perhaps to be immortalised with a selfie to send to friends who couldn"t go on holiday, just to be nice. The Punticeddha beach is a unique pearl to be discovered. There are no words to describe these places so full of charm where the hands of time seem to stand still to convey that sense of wild and solitary nature to the lucky guests who decide to visit. Take care of the place, take your rubbish bags back with you, nature will thank you. Have a great summer!
Grotta dello Mbruficu
Salento, Sant Andrea - Melendugno: The Bay of Sant"Andrea is an inlet overlooking the Adriatic Sea, amid steep cliffs, sea caves, and characteristic grottos, all worthy of a visit both for their beauty and for the charm they hold. We are in the heart of the Salento, on the eastern coast, where the dawn rises and manifests itself in an explosion of colours and hopes for a land full of surprises that offers glimpses of a land waiting to be discovered. Glimpses of impervious terrain accompany us on our walk before we reach the end of the coastline, where nature unfolds in all its beauty, through the green of the dense Mediterranean scrub, nature trails, juniper, wild rosemary and other plants typical of the area; until we reach the edge of this immense white rocky ridge, when a heavenly panorama opens up before our eyes, with the clear blue sea encompassing every single rock, large or small, in its immensity. Real natural pools colour this beautiful stretch of coastline. Looking around, people seem as if surprised and amazed, perhaps enraptured by so much beauty that only the Salento so generously knows how to offer. A dive where the water is bluest, Battisti sang a few years ago, but here in Sant"Andrea we are spoilt for choice. Fresh, clear water invites us to dive into these beautiful waters, which have been awarded Blue Flags several times for their clarity. One among many is the Mbruficu Cave, an enormous rock with an unusual rectangular shape, with an immense green beard due to the wind that has carried the typical Mediterranean vegetation up to the top of this rock, and which preserves a beautiful cave that looks like the mouth of a large fish; It is not very deep as a cave, but it holds a charm and beauty that are manifested through a series of colours ranging from green, yellow, white and brown and draw a marvellous place; take the opportunity to take a selfie to immortalise a magical moment of your holiday. These places are corners of paradise, and it is difficult to find the words to describe a spectacle of nature of these proportions; you have to experience them live, feel the freshness of the sea, the transparency of the seabed, and grasp all the whims of a nature that has had fun creating the Bay of Sant"Andrea... Have a good summer.
Scoglio il Tafaluro
Salento, Sant Andrea - Melendugno: The Adriatic coast of Salento has many surprises waiting to be discovered; let us first dispel the cliché that the most beautiful beaches are on the side of the Ionian Sea while on the side of the Adriatic Sea they are all cliffs. The Adriatic coast also offers stretches of soft, golden beaches, but if we widen the horizon and analyse this particular stretch of coastline, we realise how wonderfully beautiful and rich this land is in its complexity, both from a naturalistic point of view, and for its hidden coves including the impervious cliffs. Undoubtedly the most interesting area in terms of unspoilt nature and the deep blue represented by the immensity of the Adriatic Sea is to be found in the territory of Melendugno, a marina that has been awarded several times by the Blue Flags for the clarity of its waters and the quality of sustainable tourism. Off the bay of Sant"Andrea, a small hamlet in the municipality of Melendugno, we find the Tafaluro rock, the so-called Sphinx of Salento. As we approach this beautiful rock, we immediately realise that no master stonemason could have sculpted this spectacle of nature. The Tafaluro rock rises in a crystal-clear blue sea. Take advantage of it for a regenerating swim and, equipped with fins and masks, you will discover a seabed rich in fish, hidden coves, and small caves that are crossed by beautiful beams of light, in a play of wonderful effects and colours. The beauty of this land is that it is able to offer the traveller who decides to visit it different points of interest, and one never ceases to discover and be amazed by the spectacle of nature with its manifestations and scents that characterise much of Salento. If you are passing through this area, don"t forget to take a refreshing dip and pay your respects to the Tafaluro rock... Happy holidays.
Spiaggia di Sant Andrea
Salento, Sant Andrea - Melendugno: Sant"Andrea beach is a small beach located within a characteristic bay, on a stretch of coastline typical for the beautiful inlets, caves and stacks that emerge from these crystal-clear blue waters. The sea maintains a shallow depth for long stretches, which is why the beach is also frequented by families with children in the height of summer, but also by groups of young people who choose this place to spend a day at the beach relaxing and having fun. Access is easy via a stairway that descends directly onto the beach. Once you arrive, all you have to do is plant your beach umbrella and stretch out under the warm Salento sun for a perfect tan to make your colleagues envious when they return to work. Take advantage of this for a refreshing swim in these beautiful waters, suitable for snorkelling but also for a healthy regenerating swim. The environment is nice, you can breathe in a peaceful holiday atmosphere, it is not at all chaotic and noisy, in short, the right place to relax with a good book and enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds us. This is the Salento summer... happy holidays at Sant"Andrea beach.
Grotta del Pepe
Salento, Sant Andrea - Melendugno: Sant"Andrea is an enchanting place, a shimmering pearl that illuminates this wonderful corner of Salento made up of small coves, sea caves and rocky inlets all waiting to be discovered. We are in the territory of Melendugno, a municipality in the province of Lecce that has been awarded the prestigious Blue Flag for several years, for the clarity of its waters, sustainable tourism and the various beauties of its coastline. One of them is the Grotta del Pepe, a characteristic sea cave located just below the Torre di Sant"Andrea and very close to the Grotta del Canale, most often confused; you can find parking either near the lighthouse or along the road down after the roundabout for Torre Sant"Andrea, after which you should equip yourself with sneakers, rock shoes, mask and fins. The surrounding landscape that accompanies us before we descend below the coast is marvellous: from the top of the rocky ridge you can admire all the beauties of Sant"Andrea at a glance, from the Faraglioni to the small beaches and all the inlets of a coast full of charm and magic. The sea appears blue and limpid to our eyes, and the scent of the surrounding nature accompanies us along our route with wide expanses of Mediterranean scrub and typical indigenous vegetation. Through a small concrete staircase we come down to find a natural platform with access to the sea, here all you have to do is choose a place to spread your towel and relax under the warmth of the Salento sun. After that, as you dive into this crystal-clear sea, you will feel an adrenalin rush from the singular freshness of these waters. First let yourself be massaged by the relaxing wave motion of the sea and then, equipped with mask and snorkel, continue to discover this beautiful cave. Carved out by the passage of time, this sea cave is one of the many caves in Sant"Andrea, and all of them are worth a visit both for their beauty and for the peace and tranquillity within; In close contact with nature, as in this case, you can feel those sensations and emotions that become precious during a holiday, which is why the Salento is now a fixed destination for thousands of tourists who decide to visit every summer, taking advantage of beautiful places such as the Grotta del Pepe and other glimpses of an area that never ceases to amaze. Enjoy your summer at the Grotta del Pepe.
Spiaggia del Pepe
Salento, Sant Andrea - Melendugno: Pepe Beach is located in Sant"Andrea, a hamlet in the municipality of Melendugno in the province of Lecce. We are on the beautiful Adriatic Sea, and this small beach lies within a typical natural inlet, just opposite the Faraglioni of Sant"Andrea. The clear blue water retains an unusual freshness, perhaps due to the presence of several freshwater springs, and from the very first dive you immediately feel this rush of adrenalin that goes through your whole body; here you experience the true essence of the Salento summer, we are in front of a real natural swimming pool, the surrounding landscape is a spectacle for the eyes, with the green of the Mediterranean maquis climbing up to the striking stacks. Equip yourself with rock shoes but, above all, with a mask and flippers to discover a seabed that is rich in all respects but also just for a regenerating swim. If you are planning your summer in the Salento, I highly recommend Sant"Andrea with all its natural beauty... happy holidays.
Grotta del Canale
Salento, Sant Andrea - Melendugno: The Grotta del Canale, so called because it looks like a canal masterfully designed by the hand of nature, is a spectacular place, one of the many natural beauties that this small fishing community called Sant"Andrea offers to the eyes and spirit of those who, every summer, come here even if only for a refreshing swim. We are in the municipality of Melendugno, in the province of Lecce, and the Adriatic coast of Salento presents all the typical characteristics of the place: the dense vegetation of the Mediterranean maquis can be found almost everywhere, even on the most famous Faraglioni of Sant"Andrea, a clear blue sea, but above all we are far from the confusion of noisy beaches. A contagious relaxation reigns in these places. As you discover the small coves, you will be surprised at the first dive by the freshness of these waters, perhaps due to the various freshwater springs in these areas. The Grotta del Canale is located along this rocky ridge, clearly visible from above when along the path we have to take before reaching the sea we can admire the beauty of a breathtaking panorama. We can count every single rock by the transparency of a sea that leaves no doubt as to its cleanliness and clarity. On days when the tramontana wind blows you can even see your reflection in these marvellous waters, and you will certainly not regret having preferred the cliffs to the beach. Once you get down there all you have to do is choose an inviting rock, spread your towel and let the Salento sun warm you up for a perfect tan. For diving enthusiasts in search of an adrenalin rush, you can choose from several spots to dive into the sea, but don"t forget your flippers and mask to discover the richness of these marvellous seabeds. At the end of this natural gorge we arrive at the Grotta del Canale and you will be amazed by the glimpses of light filtering through these natural fissures, a spectacle that cannot be described in words but you have to experience it first-hand through the emotions and surprises that these places transmit. The Grotta del Canale is one of the many caves and rocky inlets in Sant"Andrea, this beautiful bay with its singular white rocks reflected in the Adriatic Sea reflects its brilliance and encapsulates all the beauty of the surrounding area. Summer is just around the corner, if you love rocks and tranquillity Sant"Andrea is for you.