Melendugno between the Adriatic Coast and Cultural Heritage

The Melendugno area has a 17 km-long stretch of coastline on the Adriatic Sea. This landscape offers various options for planning your trip: you can admire coastal formations, explore archaeological remains or discover routes on foot and by bicycle. Nature, history and local character therefore stand side by side on an equal footing.

Coastline between sandy beaches and rock formations

The coastal towns of San Foca, Torre dell’Orso, Roca Vecchia and Torre Sant’Andrea in Melendugno are characterised by dunes, pine forests, faraglioni and white sandy beaches. The Faraglioni di Sant’Andrea are particularly striking. They consist of sea arches, monoliths and rocks rising from the sea. The coastline therefore displays both gentle landscape forms and impressive rock structures shaped by the sea.

Archaeological remains and historic sites

The archaeological site of Roca Vecchia contains superimposed cultural layers with evidence dating from the 17th century BCE to the 16th century BCE. Roca Vecchia served as a strategic link between Apulia and the Balkan and Aegean worlds. The Grotta della Poesia Piccola was also a maritime sanctuary. It was visited over several centuries, from the Messapian period until at least the early Christian era.

The Abbazia di San Niceta contains an interior with a barrel vault and frescoes. The vault and frescoes are among the surviving evidence from the 15th and 16th centuries. Roca Nuova conveys a different historical impression: the uninhabited historic village has remained almost unchanged for around 500 years. Both sites reveal different forms of preserved architectural and historical heritage.

Cycling and trekking routes along the coast

The 15 km-long cycling route connects Torre Specchia, San Foca, Grotta della Poesia and Torre dell’Orso. When planning your day, the route length can easily be taken into account together with breaks and a suitable timeframe. The trekking options in Melendugno, Borgagne and the coastal towns include rural and coastal paths suitable for family hikes and trekking. Along the trekking routes, you can observe plants and birds and visit ancient remains, monuments and natural areas. The “Grotte Costiere” route leads to the discovery of the caves located along the coast of the municipality of Melendugno.

Melendugno and the Città del Miele

Melendugno bears the designation “Città del Miele”. Honey production in Melendugno had been interrupted in the post-war period and has resumed in recent years. When choosing accommodation or a hotel in Melendugno, you can use these themes as decision-making aids: the coast and rock formations, archaeological sites, trekking and cycling routes, or honey production appeal to different travel interests.

Other destinations

For further travel planning, you can also view Torre Dell'orso, Squinzano, Posto Rosso, Casalabate, Punta Prosciutto, Torre Lapillo, Aradeo and San Pietro In Lama.

For the higher-level travel overview: Lecce.