Nicoletta Merlusca

Describe the perfect day in your destination?

Waking up in Salento means starting the day with breakfast overlooking the shimmering sea, perhaps accompanied by a traditional pasticciotto di Galatina. Days here unfold at an unhurried pace: stroll through unspoilt natural parks, explore on horseback, or take a boat trip to discover the magnificent caves along both the Adriatic and Ionian coasts. Wander through historic towns rich with Baroque architecture, where the air is filled with the enticing aromas of local cuisine, before ending the day with an aperitif on the cliffs as the sun sets over the sea – a sight that makes Salento truly unforgettable..

What are your top travel tips for your destination?

I highly recommend exploring the whole of Salento, a region full of hidden treasures. Each city and village reveals its own cultural and culinary character, often just a few kilometres apart.

What local cuisine would you recommend to people staying in your destination?

I recommend sampling Salento’s traditional dishes, from orecchiette con le cime di rapa (pasta with turnip tops) and parmigiana di melanzane (baked aubergine with tomato and cheese) to pittule (fried dough balls), turnips ‘nfucate (slow-cooked with garlic and chilli) and turcinieddrhi (grilled rolls of lamb offal). To finish, indulge in the region’s irresistible sweets such as the famous pasticciotto di Galatina (shortcrust pastry filled with custard), fruttone (almond paste with jam and chocolate) and zeppole (fried or baked pastries topped with cream and cherries).

What experiences would you recommend to our customers in your destination?

Take time to explore both the Adriatic and Ionian coasts, where every stretch of shoreline has its own charm. Join in the sagre — lively festivals celebrating local food — as well as traditional patronal feasts and cultural events that bring each town to life. Nature lovers will enjoy the protected parks, from Porto Selvaggio with its spectacular beach to Rauccio Park, or the thermal springs of Santa Cesarea. At the southern tip of Salento, the Sanctuary of Leuca marks the meeting point of the two seas. History and architecture enthusiasts should not miss the Basilica of Santa Caterina in Galatina, nor the region’s many historic centres, beginning with Lecce, Galatina, Nardò, Acaya and Specchia, alongside countless lesser-known but equally picturesque villages.