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!
Last update: 03/10/2022, Tonio Viva
