(Translated by Google) The Cape of Santa Maria di Leuca, the most fascinating Cape in Italy. The lighthouse dominates it from its 142 m above sea level. Always swept by the Salento winds, it helps sailors struggling in the incessant struggle between the two seas. (Original) Il Capo di Santa Maria di Leuca, il Capo più affascinante d'Italia. Il faro lo domina dall'alto dei suoi 142 m dal livello del mare. Sempre spazzato dai venti salentini, aiuta i naviganti alle prese della lotta incessante tra i due mari.

(Translated by Google) When we talk about Capo Santa Maria di Leuca, we mean the extreme edge of the Salento peninsula, made up of the marina of Santa Maria di Leuca, a hamlet of the municipality of Castrignano del Capo, but which also identifies the entire area precisely defined as "Capo di Leuca". It is no coincidence that some municipalities, such as Castrignano or Gagliano, bear the suffix "del Capo". Characteristic is the lighthouse of Capo Santa Maria di Leuca, built in 1864, with a height of 47 m above the ground and 102 m above sea level. It is located in the square in front of the Basilica Sanctuary "Santa Maria de Finibus Terrae", on the Japigean promontory which constitutes the extreme edge of the Salento peninsula and the "heel" of Italy, the place where, according to tradition, the Ionian Sea and the Adriatic. Having become a minor basilica in 1990 by will of Saint John Paul II, this sanctuary was visited by Benedict XVI in 2008. The sanctuary was the object of several attacks by the Turks, which is why the external facade is similar to that of a civil building, and only after it is there a second facade more natural for a religious building. On this promontory there was originally a cult dedicated to the goddess Minerva, as evidenced by an altar placed to the right of those entering the church, but then, perhaps after the passage of Saint Peter, the entire surrounding population converted to Christianity. The cult of the Madonna of Leuca had a great boost already in the 5th century, when the Virgin protected the people from the consequences of a strong tsunami. It is also possible to admire an artificial waterfall, created as the final work of the Apulian aqueduct, located along the staircase below the square of the Basilica Santuario Santa Maria de Finibus Terrae. The waterfall is opened exceptionally, only on special occasions or events. Santa Maria di Leuca also has a tourist port and a pleasant seafront. (Original) Quando si parla di Capo Santa Maria di Leuca, si intende l'estremo lembo della penisola salentina, costituito dalla marina di Santa Maria di Leuca, frazione del comune di Castrignano del Capo, ma che pure identifica tutto il comprensorio definito appunto "Capo di Leuca". Non a caso alcuni comuni, come Castrignano o Gagliano, portano il suffisso "del Capo". Caratteristico è il faro di Capo Santa Maria di Leuca, realizzato nel 1864, con un'altezza di 47 m dal suolo e di 102 m sopra il livello del mare. È situato nella piazza antistante la Basilica Santuario "Santa Maria de Finibus Terrae", sul promontorio japigeo che costituisce l'estremo lembo della penisola salentina ed il "tacco" d'Italia, luogo dove secondo la tradizione si incontrano il mare Ionio ed il mare Adriatico. Divenuto Basilica minore nel 1990 per volontà di san Giovanni Paolo II, questo santuario è stato visitato da Benedetto XVI nel 2008. Il santuario fu oggetto di diversi attacchi da parte dei turchi, motivo per il quale la facciata esterna è simile a quella di un edificio civile, e solo dopo di essa vi è una seconda facciata più naturale per un edificio di culto. Su questo promontorio vi era in origine un culto dedicato alla dea Minerva, come testimonia un'ara collocata a destra di chi entra in chiesa, ma poi, forse dopo il passaggio di san Pietro, tutta la popolazione circostante si convertì al cristianesimo. Il culto alla Madonna di Leuca ebbe un grande impulso già nel V secolo, quando la Vergine protesse il popolo dalle conseguenze di un forte maremoto. È possibile ammirare anche una cascata di natura artificiale, realizzata come opera conclusiva dell'acquedotto pugliese, situata lungo la scalinata al di sotto del piazzale della Basilica Santuario Santa Maria de Finibus Terrae. La cascata viene aperta in via eccezionale, solo in occasioni o eventi particolari. Santa Maria di Leuca è dotata inoltre di un porto turistico e di un gradevole lungomare.

(Translated by Google) Very beautiful natural site. The heel of the boot. Stop to take photos and visit the caves (Original) Très beau site naturel. Le bojt du talon de la botte. S'arrêter pour faire des photos et visiter les grottes

(Translated by Google) Meeting of two seas. Big emotion (Original) Incontro di due mari. Grande emozione

(Translated by Google) Wonderful country and tip of ITALY, where looking out from the lighthouse terrace, you can see the imaginary line connecting the two seas, Adriatic and Ionian. Suggestive, unmissable. A thousand adjectives are not enough (Original) Meraviglioso paese e punta d'ITALIA, dove affacciandosi alla terrazza del faro, si vede la linea immaginaria di collegamento dei due mari, Adriatico e Ionio. Suggestivo, imperdibile. Mille aggettivi non bastano

(Translated by Google) Very panoramic and suggestive place, definitely worth seeing... (Original) Posto molto panoramico e suggestivo, sicuramente da vedere...

(Translated by Google) Suggestive landscape (Original) Paesaggio suggestivo

(Translated by Google) After the long journey, the heart rejoices (Original) Dopo il lungo cammino, il cuore esulta

Beautiful place, southest point of Itlay, beautiful caves worth a dive and great swim. Biked all over and saw most of the place. Had a coffee with a great view. Super recommended

Punta Ristola is a stunning scenic outlook located on the very tip of Italy's heel in the Puglia region. Perched high atop rocky cliffs overlooking the crystal blue waters where the Ionian and Adriatic Seas meet, the views from Punta Ristola are breathtaking. As you walk along the cliffs and grassy landscape, you're surrounded by the sound of waves crashing against the rocks below and seaside breezes that perfectly complement the Mediterranean sunshine. The water ranges from azure to deep sapphire and is so clear you can see to the sandy bottom below. The outlook points also provide panoramic views of Leuca, known as the “Cape of Otranto.” You can admire the picturesque port town from above, with its contrasting white buildings, ancient castle, and hillside homes dotted with olive groves. There are a few benches perfect for sitting and soaking in the idyllic scenery. The rugged natural splendor and seaside tranquility make Punta Ristola a must-visit lookout point for any traveler in Puglia wanting to experience the region’s breathtaking beauty. It’s one of those places where you can lose yourself in the moment and feel renewed admiration for the wonders of nature.

Sunset and sunrise here it's just magic.

It's just a rock, but it's very nice to know that you're stepping on the very southern point.

One o the most beautiful spots in the south of Italy.

Magnificent and energizing place. Beautiful colours of the seas on both sides. Slippers are not recommended.

Wonderful point of view to take some pictures of the sea and the sunset

Super mooi uitzicht (Translated by Google) Super nice view

Worth a stop. A wonderful point of view. Take some pictures here.

Prachtige uitzicht. En een mooie zonsondergang. (Translated by Google) Beautiful view. And a beautiful sunset.

(Translated by Google) We went on Sunday 24 September 2023, perhaps I was expecting something different but I was not impressed by the place or its beauties. Local people say that the tip was purchased by a private individual who built a villa, now no longer accessible to the public for this reason. If it were true (to be verified), it would be very serious as the position is a military strategic point and in my opinion, it should belong to the State, not to private individuals. I basically saw a few souvenir stalls, one worse than the other. Many items found in Chinese shops but hand-written with the name of the place. Thanks, no! The locals always say that the union of the two seas can be seen in Otranto but an agreement has been made to say that the union is there at the tip. Even in the various texts read, opinions are divided. (Original) Siamo andati di domenica 24 settembre 2023, forse mi aspettavo a qualcosa di diverso ma non sono rimasta colpita dal posto oppure dalle sue bellezze. Gente del posto racconta che la punta è stata acquistata da un privato che ha costruito una villa, ora non più accessibile al pubblico per questa ragione. Se fosse vero (da verificare), sarebbe molto grave in quanto la posizione è un punto strategico militare e secondo me, dovrebbe appartenere allo Stato, non ai privati. Praticamente ho visto qualche bancarella di souvenir, una peggiore dell'altra. Molti articoli che si trovano nei negozi cinesi ma con la scritta a mano col nome del posto. Grazie, no! Sempre la gente del posto dice che l'unione dei due mari si vede a Otranto ma è stata fatta una convenzione per dire che l'unione sia lì alla punta. Anche nei vari testi letti, i pareri sono divisi.

(Translated by Google) The extreme point at the foot of the promontory where the Basilica is located and the majestic Leuca lighthouse stands, is called Punta Meliso. A popular belief considers it the meeting point of the two seas of Leuca, where the deep waters of the Adriatic would embrace those of the Ionian. (Original) L’estrema punta ai piedi del promontorio dove si trova la Basilica e si innalza il maestoso faro di Leuca, si chiama Punta Meliso. Una credenza popolare la considera il punto di incontro dei due mari di Leuca, dove le acque profonde dell’Adriatico si abbraccerebbero con quelle dello Ionio.

(Translated by Google) Punta Meliso with Punta Ristola close the small port of Santa Maria di Leuca. In this place, the heel of the Italian boot, the sea divides. To the east the Adriatic Sea and to the west the Ionian Sea. The tip is dominated by three splendid monuments: the lighthouse, the basilica of Santa Maria de Finibus Terrae and the monumental staircase. (Original) La Punta Meliso con la Punta Ristola chiudono il piccolo porticciolo di Santa Maria di Leuca. In questo luogo, tacco dello stivale italiano, il mare si divide. Ad est il mar Adriatico e ad ovest il mar Ionio. La punta è dominata da tre splendidi monumenti: il faro la basilica di Santa Maria de Finibus Terrae e dalla scalinata monumentale.

(Translated by Google) #Step14 Punta Meliso, a rocky spur that conventionally divides the Adriatic Sea to the east, from the Ionian Sea (with the Gulf of Taranto) to the west. It seems, and the inhabitants firmly say it, that on some days, in particular conditions, you can see a dividing line, a meeting point between the two seas. Probably due to the temperature difference. Unfortunately today is not one of those days. Beautiful water but quite rough sea so access to the water is not for everyone. The inevitable legend tells that Meliso was a shepherd who, in order not to betray his beloved, did not give in to the song of a siren. Then Minerva, who saw the scene, moved by the great love between the two lovers, transformed them into two rocky spurs, namely Punta Meliso and Punta Ristola which close the southern "heel" of Italy. #stepbystep #Tour of Italy #inchepostiviporto (Original) #Step14 Punta Meliso, sperone roccioso che suddivide convenzionalmente il Mar Adriatico ad est, dallo Ionio ( con il golfo di Taranto) ad ovest. Sembra, e gli abitanti lo raccontano fermamente, che in alcuni giorni, in particolari condizioni, si possa vedere una linea di demarcazione punto di incontro fra i due mari. Probabilmente dovuta alla differenza di temperatura. Purtroppo oggi non è uno di quei giorni. Acqua bella ma mare abbastanza agitato per cui l'accesso in acqua non è per tutti. Narra l'immancabile leggenda che Meliso fosse un pastore che per non tradire la propria amata non cedette al canto di un a Sirena. Allora Minerva, che vide la scena, commossa dal grande amore fra i due amanti, li trasformò in due speroni rocciosi, ossia Punta Meliso e punta Ristola che chiudono meridionalmente il "tacco" D'Italia. #stepbystep #giroditalia #inchepostiviporto

(Translated by Google) Suggestive place, conventionally located between the Ionian and Adriatic seas. In the Adriatic part, a few meters from the coast there is a statue of the Madonna submerged at around -14m, also very suggestive (Original) Luogo suggestivo, convenzionalmente posto tra mar Ionio ed Adriatico. Nella parte adriatica, a pochi metri della costa c’è una statua della madonna sommersa a circa -14m, anch’essa molto suggestiva

(Translated by Google) Nice place. You can't go any further down. To recommend. Top 😎👍🏻 (Original) Toller ort. Weiter runter geht nicht mehr. Weiter zu empfehlen. Top 😎👍🏻

(Translated by Google) A stop not to be missed, the place is truly wonderful and offers a wonderful view of the sea and the surrounding panorama. (Original) Una tappa assolutamente da non perdere, il luogo è davvero stupendo e offre una vista meravigliosa del mare e del panorama intorno.

(Translated by Google) Punta Meliso which allowed the creation of the port of Leuca is one of the two most extreme points of Puglia, marks the border of the Gulf of Taranto and is the dividing point between the Ionian Sea and the Adriatic Sea. Worth seeing above all for the view. (Original) La Punta Meliso la quale ha permesso la realizzazione del porto di Leuca è una delle due punte più estreme della Puglia segna il confine del golfo di Taranto ed è il punto di divisione tra il mar Ionio e il mar Adriatico. Da vedere soprattutto per il panorama.

(Translated by Google) The heel of the boot on the map of Italy is an iconic geographical location, a scenic spot that was not on my trip. However, I came and left my footprints here. It is a good place worth sightseeing and you can enjoy the sea. Hug each other. (Original) 意大利地图靴子的鞋跟，是个有标志性地理位置，一个不在我这次旅行中的景点，然而我来了，在此留下了我的足迹，是很值得观光的好地方，可以享受与大海拥抱在一起。

This Basilica, named "The End of Land" is built at the southernmost tip of the Italian heel, at a place where the Adriatic meets the Ionian sea. The 18c Church with adjacent Monastery is on top of a hill above the town, imo a very average one, both outside and inside. Many souvenir stalls around further ruin the feeling, making it a very touristy place. From the Church terrace is really a great seas view, but that's it - a max 45 min visit including the time for finding parking which is really an issue in August peak season

Schöner Ort und tolle Aussicht auf die Stadt. (Translated by Google) Nice place and great view of the city.

Busy but still a sense of tranquility and spiritual calm. Easy to access all area even for the less able bodied. Massive car parking space . Small stall holders selling a wide variety of goods at fairly reasonable prices . Small but busy cafe selling a good selection of pasties and snacks busy but worthwhile. Take your time to unwind here and treat it all as a bit of a pilgrimage at the joining of the two seas?

I enjoyed this beautiful places during a daily cycling training excursion using the velocerental.com carbon road bike rental services provided with the delivery at accommodations in Salento area of Apulia region.

Toller Ausblick auf Santa Maria de Leuca und das Meer (Translated by Google) Great view of Santa Maria de Leuca and the sea

Worth the visit and the view

Beautiful views, free museum, and a lovely quiet basilica

The bottom of so called "italian shoe". Always wanted to visit it. Nice, touristical city, but not very crowdy though. Near the lighthouse is place for suvenirs, they are quiet expensive, magnet costs 2 euro. Can make nice pictures of it. I liked. There is great place to park a car, in a city seems is even place where you can rent an ebike. So, yes, must enjoy it!

Wirklich keine besondere Kirche, aber durchaus ein besonderer Platz zwischen Kirche und Leuchtturm, der mit Blicken über das Meer und diesen religiös aufgeladenen Ort schon eine besondere Stimmung zu verbreiten weiß. Finis Terrae eben - atmosphärisch ist da schon etwas in der Luft... (Translated by Google) Really not a special church, but definitely a special place between the church and the lighthouse, which knows how to spread a special atmosphere with views over the sea and this religiously charged place. Finis Terrae - there's something atmospheric in the air...

The sanctuary is very beautiful on the inside. It is strategically located on top of a hill that gives you a great panoramic view on the sea and the port.

You wont find this info in many guide books but there is amazing coastline road - SP358 with some superb views and at the end of this road there is this place. We took SP358 from Grotta Zinzulusa down south to Leuca. Superb views👌Well worth it!

Beutifull place,worth to visit any age

Nice experience, easy access.

Hidden cave, worth a visit even in winter.

Nice cave, good shoes required though

Beautiful view regardless the bad weather

Epic!

Natural beauty at the tip of the boot heel