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Roca Vecchia - Melendugno

Roca Vecchia, nestled along the Adriatic coast of Salento, is one of the most fascinating locations in the province of Lecce. Located between San Foca to the south and Torre dell"Orso to the north, this Melendugno marina is a place where nature, history and legend intertwine in a breathtaking panorama. Here the crystal clear sea meets sheer cliffs and ancient ruins that tell centuries of history, making Roca Vecchia a must-see destination for anyone visiting Salento. The castle, now in ruins, stands on a cliff like a silent guardian of the past. Once imposing and strategic, the manor dominated the sea routes, protecting the coast from enemy attacks. Not far away, the 16th-century Coastal Tower, built to defend the territory from Ottoman raids, is further evidence of Roca Vecchia"s strategic importance in centuries past. Although both structures are now partly consumed by time, their charm remains intact, evoking images of battles, conquests and legends. One of the most iconic and visited sites is undoubtedly the Poetry Caves. These natural pools, carved by the sea into the limestone rock, are considered among the most beautiful in the world. The Great Poetry Cave, with its elliptical shape and turquoise waters, is a place that enchants anyone who dives into it. Next to it, the Lesser Poetry Cave, lesser known but equally impressive, preserves rock inscriptions that testify to the veneration of this place since ancient times. The name Poetry comes from an ancient legend that has spanned the centuries, increasing the charm of this place. It is said that a princess of rare beauty loved to bathe in the waters of the cave. Her presence attracted poets and storytellers from all corners of the region, inspired by the young girl"s grace and the magic of the surrounding landscape. According to other versions, the princess, pursued by suitors, found refuge in the cave, and the sea, enamored of her purity, enveloped her to protect her, transforming her into an immortal entity that still seems to watch over these waters today. This legend, intertwined with the natural beauty of the place, makes the Caves of Poetry not only a scenic wonder, but also a sacred place for imagination and inspiration. Roca Vecchia, however, is not only nature and myth. It is also one of the most important archaeological sites in the Mediterranean. Excavations have unearthed the remains of a fortified city dating back to the Bronze Age, mighty walls, tombs and an ancient sanctuary linked to the cult of water. The inscriptions found in the Grotta della Poesia Piccola, as well as the Messapic graffiti, represent valuable evidence of how this place was revered and frequented by ancient peoples. Visiting Roca Vecchia means taking a trip back in time, immersing yourself in a unique atmosphere where every element, from the ruins to the caves, from the sea to the legends, contributes to creating an unforgettable experience. Those who go here never return home empty-handed: they bring with them emotions, stories and the feeling of having discovered a truly magical place, capable of speaking to the heart and imagination.

15 Beaches of Roca Vecchia - Melendugno

Salentissimo.it: Grotta della Poesia - Roca Vecchia - Melendugno, beaches of Salento

Grotta della Poesia

Salento, Roca Vecchia - Melendugno: In Salento in Roca Vecchia a few kilometers from Melendugno on the wonderful and mighty Adriatic Sea is the Grotta della Poesia, here the cliff collapsing on itself has formed a real natural pool, about thirty meters away from the sea and known worldwide. To reach the Cave of Poetry the path in front of you is fantastic, an impressive panorama made of high cliffs overlooking the sea. The area, closed to the public due to danger of collapse and archaeological work, is continually stormed by the many tourists. To experience the thrill of diving from the Cave of Poetry is a bit like feeling part of and merging into the same nature, between the cliffs that surround you and the infinite beauty of this stupendous landscape. Above all, the Grotto of Poetry is about capturing the moment through a photo, watching other people dive from prohibitive heights, climbing back up the cliff after a dive with just the strength of your fingers, having fun with friends, drinking a beer on an absolutely relaxing day, little things and big emotions that make you feel fulfilled and satisfied to the point that you wish the summer would really never end. Poetry Cave actually has a smaller circular sister and is connected to it by an underwater passage. A little further back you can see a column supporting the statue of Santa Maria di Roca.

Salentissimo.it: Torre di Roca Vecchia - Roca Vecchia - Melendugno, beaches of Salento

Torre di Roca Vecchia

Salento, Roca Vecchia - Melendugno: Going up the coast that leads north from Otranto to the beautiful marina of Melendugno we come across a tiny urban center, insignificant perhaps in terms of demographics but rich in history and natural beauty that is the envy of the most renowned international tourist spots. We are in Roca Vecchia in the province of Lecce, and this corner of Puglia represents a perfect blend of culture, crystal clear sea and an enchanting landscape surrounded by the scents of the omnipresent Mediterranean scrub and the greenery of unspoiled nature. Roca Vecchia is the site of an important archaeological area that has been attentively studied in the past by various scholars who have discovered Messapic writings within a series of sea caves present along the entire coastline affected by this small town; also worthy of note are the remains of a castle dating back even to the late Middle Ages with the involvement of a lookout tower now reduced to a ruin and a testimony to a now distant past. The Tower of Roca Vecchia soars unchallenged on a small islet adjacent to the remains of fortifications and archaeological excavations; the stretch of coastline in question is characterized by wide cliffs that fall sheer to the sea, although there is no shortage of spots to try your hand at an easy descent and locate an inviting rock where you can lay down your towel and let the warm rays of the sun warm you up for a perfect tan. All in all, the whole environment adjacent to the Roca Vecchia Tower turns out to be quite busy in the middle of the summer by both families and young people looking for a spot where they can dive into the sea and feel those thrills of being thrown into the water in a split second. The sea is transparent and clean and has an unusual freshness due to the presence of several freshwater currents, the depth and beauty of these seabeds are ideal for those who like to snorkel and explore the most interesting coves or the various caves present. Craving summer and relaxation, welcome to Roca Vecchia.

Salentissimo.it: Grotta della Madonnina - Roca Vecchia - Melendugno, beaches of Salento

Grotta della Madonnina

Salento, Roca Vecchia - Melendugno: The Grotta della Madonnina is located in Roca Vecchia a beautiful locality that is part of the marina of Melendugno, in the province of Lecce. Along this characteristic stretch of coastline made of cliffs that are mixed with the spontaneous colors of the typical Mediterranean scrub, among the various wild plants that perfume the whole surrounding environment here is the Grotta della Madonnina, a karst cavity, among the many present in the area, which houses a small statue of the Madonna, hence the name of the cave. Here you can breathe an air of absolute relaxation, far from the streetcar streetcar of the most famous tourist centers this glimpse of Salento represents the ideal place to get lost among the various nature trails as well as to take advantage of the freshness of a blue and transparent sea, several times awarded in the past with the prestigious Blue Flags recognition. The whole area adjacent to the Grotta della Madonnina is a spectacle for the eye and the senses, as it conveys real emotions; the high cliffs do not make access to the sea very easy, but by inspecting the whole area thoroughly, it will not be difficult to locate a path from which to access the sea. Roca Vecchia is a place that fills up with tourists at the height of summer as the village is located halfway between the famous marinas of Otranto and Melendugno; as the coast is particularly fascinating and full of beautiful coves, the ideal would be to rent a small boat to visit every single ravine in depth. Pleasant and true vacation sensations from the Grotta della Madonnina, welcome to Salento.

Salentissimo.it: Nfoca Ciucci - Roca Vecchia - Melendugno, beaches of Salento

Nfoca Ciucci

Salento, Roca Vecchia - Melendugno: Roca Vecchia is a place that encompasses some natural beauty and a fairy-tale landscape in a few square kilometers. Small inlets alternate with some sea caves and high cliffs that fall sheer to the sea. A series of tiny islets to characterize the landscape specificity of this territory surrounded by the unchallenged blue of the Adriatic Sea. We are in the province of Lecce, along a beautiful stretch of coastline between the marina of Melendugno and Torre dell"Orso, and this wonderful bay called Nfoca Ciucci summarizes in a few small aspects all the genuine beauty of Roca Vecchia. The whole area in question has a wide reef with several points from which to savor that singular thrill of a breathtaking dive; the environment is wild and natural many families with children, the sea for a few stretches maintains an all in all shallow depth, after which it opens in its immensity in an enthralling embrace. The bay of Nfoca Ciucci is quite famous in Roca Vecchia, in case you are not sure just ask a local and he will know how to point you to this wonderful place. Within a few swim strokes you can easily reach the famous Grotta della Poesia and many other wonderful coves all worth visiting. Happy vacations from Roca Vecchia.

Salentissimo.it: Portulignu - Roca Vecchia - Melendugno, beaches of Salento

Portulignu

Salento, Roca Vecchia - Melendugno: Portulignu is a beautiful bay that is part of the territory of Roca Vecchia, a few kilometers south of Melendugno in the province of Lecce. This glimpse of Salento is characterized by several inlets and cliffs that end in the sea and crystal blue water with stretches of sandy seabed to color these enchanting places in summer. Portulignu Bay is a free reef, there is only a small kiosk nearby should you need to refresh yourself from the summer heat, otherwise the place maintains those classic standards of a wild and quiet stretch of coastline, several natural steps carved in the stone facilitate access to the water; recommended of course are rock shoes and a little care given all the impervious and capricious surroundings. Portulignu Bay is a magnificent example of a natural inlet with a sea that in some places represents real natural open-air pools; for lovers of rocks and unspoiled nature, it is the ideal place to spend a few hours relaxing under the warm Salento sun for a perfect tan. Take advantage of it also for a refreshing bath as in some places you can feel that unusual freshness of the sea due to the presence of some freshwater springs typical of some cliffs. So for a sparkling summer and relaxing at the same time Portulignu in Roca Vecchia is the right solution, happy vacations.

Salentissimo.it: Punta Sapone - Roca Vecchia - Melendugno, beaches of Salento

Punta Sapone

Salento, Roca Vecchia - Melendugno: The beach of Punta Sapone is located not far from the port of Roca Vecchia and is characterized by a beautiful inlet with high cliffs that end in the sea, but above all by the clarity of these waters that have been awarded several times in the past with the prestigious Blue Flag recognition. We are on the eastern coast of Salento along a stretch of coast bathed by the Adriatic Sea and surrounded by the green of the ubiquitous Mediterranean scrub that grows wild a bit "everywhere almost to mark as a distinctive sign all the surrounding area. The beach of Punta Sapone beyond its name has very few sandy stretches and rocks instead dominate; easily accessible being in a central location of this beautiful village that is Roca Vecchia, Punta Sapone represents a meeting point for many families and young people who every summer choose to spend a few hours of refreshment along this characteristic bay. It is certainly not recommended for those who are looking for an equipped lido and prefer expanses of soft sand, but otherwise Punta Sapone is a true piece of paradise where to relax and enjoy a wonderful sea that lends itself very well to those who love snorkeling so as to go to the discovery of all the remote corners of this inlet with its caves in tow, such as the Grotta dello Zingaro easily reachable from Punta Sapone beach. Nothing more to add except to wish you a well-deserved relaxation.

Salentissimo.it: Rokamel - Roca Vecchia - Melendugno, beaches of Salento

Rokamel

Salento, Roca Vecchia - Melendugno: Lido Rokamel is a bathing establishment located in Roca Vecchia on the eastern side of the Salento coast a few kilometers from the marina of Melendugno in the province of Lecce. The Rokamel lido rises along a beautiful stretch of coastline made up of fine white sand mixed with easily practicable cliffs; the facility has everything you need to ensure that your day at the beach is one of relaxation and tranquility. Well-spaced umbrellas and sunbeds, a corner bar for your favorite drinks to sip comfortably under the umbrella and a sea-view restaurant with the best courses of traditional Salento cuisine. The facility also has ample parking and a recreation area for the little ones. The place is nice and you can breathe a familiar air, the clean and transparent sea maintains a shallow depth for long stretches and a few meters from the lido you can admire the famous Grotta della Poesia; what more can you ask for, if by chance you pass by Roca Vecchia this summer, feel free to drop by Rokamel, have a good vacation.

Salentissimo.it: Kum Beach Club Roca - Roca Vecchia - Melendugno, beaches of Salento

Kum Beach Club Roca

Salento, Roca Vecchia - Melendugno: The Kum Beach Club in Roca Vecchia in the province of Lecce turns out to be permanently closed and replaced by the Playa Pequeña lido; for any information about the beach, I invite you to visit the Playa Pequeña page on Salentissimo.it.

Salentissimo.it: Lido Coiba - Roca Vecchia - Melendugno, beaches of Salento

Lido Coiba

Salento, Roca Vecchia - Melendugno: The Coiba Lido is a bathing establishment located in Roca Vecchia, immersed in the green of the typical Mediterranean maquis among stretches of golden sand and a clear, transparent sea. We are on the eastern side of Salento, about 30 kilometers from Lecce along a characteristic stretch of coastline that alternates between wide cliffs and small sandy inlets where you can relax and enjoy a beautiful panorama. The Coiba Lido is equipped with everything you need to make you spend a wonderful day of sun and sea; umbrellas and sunbeds of a beautiful blue color that perfectly match the blue of this wonderful sea, a corner bar for your favorite drinks and possible snacks and the kitchen ready to offer you the best courses of the Salento tradition. The facility is also pet-friendly and welcomes your four-legged friends with all the necessary care; nice and comfortable environment, the sea maintains an all in all shallow depth for long stretches ideal therefore for families with children. Scent of true summer at Coiba, welcome to Salento.

Salentissimo.it: Spiaggia canale Zzuccatu - Roca Vecchia - Melendugno, beaches of Salento

Spiaggia canale Zzuccatu

Salento, Roca Vecchia - Melendugno: Between the marinas of San Foca and Torre dell"Orso, along a beautiful stretch of coast characterized by the unmistakable colors of a land that offers so much in terms of landscape, immersed in the green of the Mediterranean scrub here is a beautiful inlet, the Beach of Canale Zzuccatu. We are on the Adriatic Sea side of the Salento coast, and just a few kilometers separate us from the provincial capital of Lecce, and along this coast we can say that Mother Nature has been really benevolent drawing a landscape that encloses in a few square kilometers all the essential beauties to spend hours of leisure and relaxation in the company of a crystal clear blue sea but above all a warm sun ready to warm us with emotions for a tan so perfect to make our colleagues envious once we return to work. The Beach of Canale Zzuccatu, beyond its name, is mostly characterized by low cliffs that are easily practicable, suggestive are the vast reed beds that accompany us through the green native vegetation from the nearby parking lot to the bay; the sandy stretch at the same time is really tiny, the water becomes deep after a few strokes and in some places maintains an unusual freshness due to the different currents of fresh water present along this coast. The Canale Zzuccatu Beach is a lost corner of paradise, this glimpse of Puglia represents the ideal place to relax away from the crowded and noisy beaches and for those who seek only moments of tranquility surrounded by unspoiled nature. Positive feelings from Roca Vecchia, have a good summer.

Castello di Roca Vecchia

Salento, Roca Vecchia - Melendugno: Around here Melendugno usually rhymes with summer, scents of a Salento all to be experienced and crystal blue sea. Awarded several times with the prestigious Blue Flag recognition, this town in the province of Lecce encompasses much of the beauty of Salento, and one never stops discovering more aspects and typical features of this corner of Puglia. Driving up and down the coast road that connects San Foca to Torre dell"Orso, we cannot help but notice the remains of the ancient town of Roca with its imposing castle now reduced to ruins, which was dismantled following the continuous raids of Saracen pirates during the mid-16th century. The origins of Roca Vecchia Castle date back to the late Middle Ages when it was built along with the fortified town of Roca. Roca Vecchia Castle was surrounded by an imposing moat and for the time represented an impregnable fortress built with all the criteria aimed at defending the native population. Today this beautiful and evocative castle has almost merged with the surrounding territory to form a single block with the cliffs that end directly in the sea and the green of the typical Mediterranean scrub covering most of these ruins that once far away meant defense and survival. The panorama one enjoys when observing these ruins from any perspective, combined with such a fascinating horizon that links the turquoise of the sky to the deep blue of the Adriatic represent a glimpse of rare beauty. Living certain experiences that link the history of an area to the unspoiled nature of the surrounding landscape fully repays the decision to spend part of our time discovering these wonderful places. Beauties of Salento and one color above all, the blue that only the marinas of Melendugno can render as far as it really can count. Have a great summer from the Castle of Roca Vecchia.

Grotta dello Zingaro

Salento, Roca Vecchia - Melendugno: Among the many caves of Salento, present for the most part along the entire southeastern coast of this fantastic territory a special mention goes to the Grotta dello Zingaro in Roca Vecchia. This beautiful example of cave is characterized by two main entrances that communicate with each other through a small man-made tunnel that starts from the mainland and ends in the sea; the place adjacent to the Grotta dello Zingaro stands out for its scenic beauty from which you can admire in a beautiful glance the whole surrounding landscape. The cave is easily reached from the sea on the other side of the entrance, which remains completely flooded, however, with some smooth rocks surfacing just about everywhere. The sea is an infectious blue, these waters have been awarded the prestigious Blue Flags in the past and maintain a unique transparency. The Zingaro Cave is often visited at the height of summer and is well known and sought after in the area. So many beauties that this wonderful land offers to the many visitors who each year decide to spend part of their vacations along these coasts in search of moments of relaxation and well-being, all this is the magic of Salento, greetings from the Grotta dello Zingaro.

Insenatura della Zolfara

Salento, Roca Vecchia - Melendugno: The Insenatura della Zolfara is located in Roca Vecchia and is an interesting stretch of reef with sea that immediately becomes deep ideal, therefore, for diving lovers and for those who prefer snorkeling going to discover the beautiful stretches of coastline and with the most beautiful seabed in Salento. We are located on the Adriatic side of this wonderful land, about 30 kilometers from Lecce and along a stretch of coastline that stands out for the quality of its waters and unspoiled nature; the Insenatura della Zolfara represents a small corner of paradise, in the middle of summer this place still maintains intact that lonely and lost in time aspect, far from the crowded and noisy beaches that put loud music, here you can breathe an air of absolute relaxation, and despite the cliff is the master the place is also frequented by families with children in tow and lots of kids. Access to the sea is provided safely by ladders carved into the rock that facilitate entry and return from the water. Nearby parking is quite convenient and once you arrive at this characteristic bay you will immediately realize that you have happened upon an unspoiled place with real natural pools under the open sky. Vibrant sensations and longing for summer, many greetings from the Zolfara Inlet.

Pascariello Grande e Piccolo

Salento, Roca Vecchia - Melendugno: Salento offers multiple solutions both from a landscape point of view and as far as the beauty of the coast is concerned, and it satisfies a little bit all visitors" tastes; this is the strong point of a land that never ceases to amaze for the surrounding landscape and for a whole series of natural inlets that draw some of the most evocative coastal stretches worth visiting. Among the many wonders that the coast offers a special mention deserves the bay of Pascariello Grande and Piccolo, real natural pools with clear and clean sea formed over time and today an undisputed destination for young and old who every year take advantage of it to cool off from the summer heat by diving into the inviting blue of this fantastic sea. Pascariello Grande and Piccolo are small inlets located right in the center of Roca Vecchia, a tiny village in the province of Lecce that in the summer fills up with vacationers and offers a whole range of natural beauty with a sea so transparent that it has been awarded Blue Flags several times in the past; since these natural pools are sheltered in some way from the open sea, the water remains all in all calm even when the sea is a tad rough, which is why many families with children prefer to spend a few hours of their day along this characteristic stretch of coastline. Being in the center of town, it will not be difficult to locate a nearby bar to refresh yourself with some snacks or cool drinks. Scent of true summer at Pascariello Grande and Piccolo di Roca Vecchia, happy vacations.

Playa Pequena

Salento, Roca Vecchia - Melendugno: Playa Pequeña is a bathing establishment located in Roca Vecchia on the eastern coast of Salento washed by the Adriatic Sea about 30 kilometers from Lecce. This lido lies along a beautiful stretch of coastline characterized by the crystal blue sea and expanses of fine white sand. The facility is developed, with umbrellas and sunbeds, along the entire sandy stretch and with some wooden platforms that also facilitate access to the sea from the cliff side. The Playa Pequeña lido has all the necessary standards to ensure that you have a peaceful and relaxing day at the beach in all respects. The sea pleases a little of everyone, both lovers of rocks and those who prefer the soft golden sand; the facility also has a large and comfortable terrace from which to admire a wonderful panorama. The bar offers a wide range of drinks to sip comfortably lying on a sun lounger, and the kitchen will delight you with the best dishes of Salento cuisine. Cute and well-kept environment, here you can breathe a real vacation air and relaxation is guaranteed, have a good summer.

32 Hotels and restaurants near Roca Vecchia - Melendugno

Hotel Belvedere Salento

Via Alessandro Volta, 37 Torre dell"Orso - Lecce
+39 0832 84 12 44

Agriturismo Costarella

Provinciale Borgagne – S. Andrea Contrada Costarella,73026, Borgagne (Le)
+39 380 4927948

Hotel Mare Blu

Litoranea Torre dell"Orso - San Foca, Via Gaetano Donizetti, 73026 Roca Vecchia (Le)
+39 0832 841708

Barone di Mare

SP 366, 73026 - Torre Dell"Orso (Le)
+39 0832/402530

Petra del Sol

Via delle Acace, San Foca (Le)
+39 333.620.5018

Tenuta Pozzello

Prov.le Torre dell"Orso - Roca, Marina di Melendugno (Le)
+39 347 3607044

The View b&b, Terrace & More

Via Venticinque Aprile, 73026 San Foca (Le)
+39 349 652 1865

Masseria Stali

Via Vicinale Cisterna Vecchia, 8 - 73010 Caprarica di Lecce (LE)
+39 349.743.9463

Oasi Park Hotel

SP 366 Litoranea S. Cataldo - Otranto 73026 Roca di Melendugno (Le)
+39 0832 842 633 - Cell: +39 320 382 6877

Posia Retreat & SPA UNA Esperienze

Via Lungomare Matteotti, 157, 73026 San Foca (Le)
+39 0832 700 433

Masseria La Millenaria

SP Melendugno - San Foca, 73026 San Foca (Le)
+39 389 177 3933

Antares Agriturismo

S.P. Melendugno – San Foca km 3, 73026 Melendugno (Le)
+39 377 323 5826

Direzione Salento - Villa La Cisterna

Via delle Ginestre, 73026 San Foca (Le)
+39 320 084 6414

Hotel Morini

Piazza Fiume, 8A, 73026 San Foca (Le)
+39 0832 881 008

Sairon Village

Via Prov. per Melendugno, Torre Dell"orso, Melendugno (Le)
+39 0832 842 000

Agriturismo Tenuta Kyrios

SP147 Borgagne-Martano km 1,3, 73026 Borgagne (Le)
+39 334 171 7972

Borgo Segine - Tenuta del Falcone

Via Euterpe, Km 2,7 - Torre Specchia,Melendugno (Le)
+39 337 826617

Masseria Carrozzi

Contrada Carrozzi, 73026 Melendugno (Le)
+39 0832 881 003

Giardino dei Suoni B&B

Via Sant"Agostino, 22 73026 Melendugno (Le)
+39 329 40 54 410 (Claudia)

Resort Leonardo

Via del Canneto, 2, 73026 San Foca (Le)
+39 351 512 5249

Casa vacanze Il Tramaglio

Via Padova, 14, 73026 San Foca (Le)
+39 333 724 9391

La Zolfara

Via Giuseppe Parini 4, 73027 Roca Vecchia - Marina di Melendugno (Le)
+39 327 173 0845

Residence Vaìa

Contrada Sentinella, 73026 Torre dell"Orso (Le)
+39 388 447 5050

Agriturismo Tenuta Don Giovanni

SP Melendugno-San Foca km 0.5, 73026 Melendugno (Le)
+39 0832 178 5255

Villa Rosa Candida

Via delle Gardenie, 73026 Melendugno (Le)
+39 320 769 6620

Regina Isabella Rooms

Via Mediterraneo 1/11, 73026 Roca Vecchia (Le)
+39 329 061 3963

B&B Blu San Foca

Via Tevere, 15, 73026 San Foca (Le)
+39 349 848 1237

Resort Punta Cassano

Litorale Lecce-Otranto, 73026 San Foca (Le)
+39 333 949 0037

Radici B&B

Via Filippo Turati, 26, 73026 Melendugno (Le)
+39 340 468 4730

Suite Petrelli

Via Zeno, 73026 Roca Vecchia (Le)
+39 377 023 0785

B&B Pietramare

Via Roma, 26, 73026 Melendugno (Le)
+39 320 966 9789

Hotel Blue Sky

Via Malta, 73026 San Foca (Le)
+39 0832 402 649

The names of beaches, lidos, natural swimming pools, caves, coastal towers, nature parks and reserves, along with the names of accommodations such as hotels, bed and breakfasts, farmhouses, vacation homes, resorts, hostels and campgrounds, are deliberately left in their original language to respect the culture, historical identity and authenticity of the area.

Last Updated, 06/01/2025