Welcome to Salento, the pearl of southern Puglia. Salento is a land of sun, wind, and sea. Located in the heel of Italy's boot, this region encompasses the provinces of Lecce, Brindisi, and Taranto, offering breathtaking views, Caribbean-like beaches, ancient villages, and a warm welcome. If you stay at Dril Host, you can easily reach Salento's most fascinating destinations with just a short drive.
Must-see places in Salento
1. Punta Prosciutto and Porto Cesareo (30–40 minutes from Brindisi)
White sandy beaches, clear water, and shallow waters perfect for children. This area is perfect for relaxing by the sea or snorkeling.
2. Torre Lapillo
Adjacent to Porto Cesareo, it is famous for its turquoise waters and public beaches. Ideal for a relaxing day of sun and sea.
3. Lecce (20 minutes from Brindisi)
The "Florence of the South," the capital of Lecce's Baroque architecture, will amaze you with its monumental churches, historic buildings, elegant squares, and traditional restaurants. Don't miss: the Duomo, Piazza Sant'Oronzo, and the Basilica of Santa Croce.
4. Otranto (1 hour and 15 minutes)
A village overlooking the Adriatic Sea, with an enchanting historic center, the Aragonese Castle, the Cathedral with its mosaic floor, and the spectacular Baia dei Turchi just outside the center.
5. Santa Maria di Leuca (1 hour and 40 minutes)
Where the Adriatic meets the Ionian, Leuca is famous for its lighthouse, the Basilica, and boat trips to the sea caves. A romantic and evocative place.
6. Gallipoli (1 hour and 15 minutes)
The "Pearl of the Ionian," a lively and colorful city with a historic center on an island connected to the mainland. Beaches like Baia Verde and Punta della Suina make it a highly sought-after destination.
7. Grotta della Poesia and Roca Vecchia
One of the most photographed places in Salento, a natural open-air pool nestled between the cliffs. Just a few kilometers from Torre dell'Orso.
8. Specchia, Presicce, and other inland villages
In the heart of lower Salento, authentic villages like Specchia and Presicce (both among the "Most Beautiful Villages in Italy") offer a journey back in time among noble palaces, underground olive oil mills, and cobblestone streets.
Experiences to enjoy in Salento
Beyond the sea and culture, Salento also offers authentic experiences:
Traditional Salento cuisine: orecchiette, pasticciotto, ciceri e tria, pittule, and Negroamaro wine.
Patron saint festivals and fairs in every town, with fireworks, lights, and traditional music.
The pizzica, an engaging and ancestral folk dance.
Boat tours, horseback riding, snorkeling, and visits to farmhouses.
Tips for your Salento itinerary
If you have a week, plan days dedicated to each area (Ionian, Adriatic, inland).
In summer, leave early in the morning to avoid traffic on the way to the beaches.
Always bring water, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes to explore the historic centers.
Book restaurants and beach clubs in advance in July and August.
Dril Host: your starting point for exploring Salento
Staying in our apartments, Dril Host #1 and Dril Host #2, allows you to enjoy comfortable accommodations in Brindisi, a city well connected to all destinations in Salento:
Nearby airport and train station
Car rental available at a special rate
Evening return to a modern, air-conditioned, and quiet apartment
Conclusion
Salento is a journey into the heart of authentic Puglia. A land capable of combining sea, culture, spirituality, and flavors with authentic simplicity.
Dril Host awaits you in Brindisi to help you experience all this in complete freedom, relaxation, and comfort. Book your stay and set off every day toward a new Salento wonder.
