The Grotta Grande del Ciolo or Bocca di Pozzo as it is called by the locals is a splendid example of a natural cave located a few hundred meters from the Ciolo bay. We are just a few kilometers from Santa Maria di Leuca and this stretch of coastline is characterized by high cliffs and large cliffs that end sheer directly into the sea, due to the characteristic geological conformation this stretch of coastline is rich in countless large and small caves all worthy of a visit. The Grotta Grande del Ciolo, easily visible for this entrance almost like a big mouth, overlooks the blue waters of a beautiful sea and can be visited inside, just equip yourself with mask and fins and reach it by the sound of strokes. Inside, the Grotta Grande del Ciolo guards a marvelous little lake with beautiful plays of light; the entrance to the cave is more than 30 meters high, and inside, several freshwater currents characterize this small lake illuminated by the shimmering glimpses that cross the inner walls. Here one breathes an air of absolute tranquility and relaxation, a sense of peace pervades our emotions and one has the impression of being out of the world in close contact with an almost unknown nature so much is the emotional impact felt inside this cave. The cave can also be reached through the outside from the main shoreline via a channel of the water drainage, only avoid venturing into unnecessary acrobatics if you are not an experienced rock wall climber with all the necessary equipment. On the left side of the narrow Ciolo inlet we find another cavity, again with access to the sea and it is the Grotta Piccola del Ciolo, the little sister of the Grotta Grande del Ciolo about 120 meters deep and flooded for its entire length. Unique beauties of a Salento all to be experienced between sun, sea and wind as the maxim goes ... good summer from the caves of Ciolo.
Last Updated: 24/10/2022, Tonio Viva
