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.
Last Updated: 13/02/2023, Tonio Viva
