Maldives of Salento is an internationally known location in Apulia for the distinctive colours of its sand and sea, enough to be compared to the “real” Maldives.
In fact, however, it has nothing to envy the world’s best-known beaches.
Maldives of Salento is actually nothing more than a well-deserved nickname given to Pescoluse, (Salve marina), awarded the Blue Flag and 3 Sails by Legambiente.
It will not be difficult to understand why: a long stretch of fine, golden sand is caressed by the crystal-clear waters of the Ionian Sea, with a shallow seabed dotted with a few rocks.
Where are the Maldives of the Salento?
Many people wonder but where are the Maldives of Salento?
Well, here’s the answer: Maldives of Salento, also known as Pescoluse, are located on the stretch of Ionian coast from Torre Vado to Torre Mozza, a few kilometres from Santa Maria di Leuca and not far from Gallipoli.
Maldives of Salento, Apulia
As we were saying, Maldives of Salento is a heavenly place, one of the most beautiful coastal stretches in Apulia. In addition to the golden sand and crystal blue sea, the Maldives are characterised by a wild landscape of dunes, wild lilies, ferns and red earth.
In summer, however, this area becomes anything but wild. In fact, the beach fills up with beach clubs and beach resorts that host locals and tourists, who spend their holidays in Pescoluse or in Salento in general. Fortunately, however, this coastal stretch also has beaches that retain their natural, wild appearance. If you are not a beach club lover, in fact, you will also find stretches of free and less crowded beach.
Which beaches are part of the Maldives of Salento?
The beaches that are part of the area known as the Maldives of Salento are Torre Pali, Lido Marini, Pescoluse, Torre Vado and Torre Mozza. Actually, however, the real beach that is part of the Maldives of Salento is the one where the famous beach club is located, which then gave its name to the entire area.
In fact, thanks to the beauty of the area where the beach club Le Maldive del Salento is located, it has earned this nickname.
Maldives of Salento: beach clubs
There are numerous beach clubs and beach resorts in this area. Let us see which ones are the best:
- Lido Maldive del Salento in Marina di Pescoluse, which offers numerous high-level services;
- Lido Le 5 vele Maldive del Salento, also in Pescoluse, overlooking a garden with an area suitable for children;
- Lido Sunrise I-Beach in Pescoluse, superbly equipped;
- Lido Venere in Torre Vado with a wide range of services.
What to see near the Maldives of Salento?
Will you be spending your holidays at the Maldives of Salento? Then follow our tips for what to see and do near the Maldives of Salento:
Archaeological sites in Salve
The Salve area is a treasure trove for archaeology enthusiasts, among the most important in southern Italy: prehistoric caves, megalithic monuments, necropolis and ancient human settlements. In particular, the contrada Fani is rich in history and legend, with a past of some 70,000 years and numerous archaeological gems, such as the Argentina and Cosi dolmens. If archaeology fascinates you, here are the archaeological sites to see in Salve:
- Chiusa dei Fani, a Messapian settlement inhabited in the years between 1550 B.C. and 470 B.C.
- Spigolizzi, Middle Bronze Age village (16th-15th century BC)
- Grotta Montani and Grotta Febbraro
- Tumuli in the ‘Don Cesare’ locality and Megalithic Tomb in the “Montani” locality
Astronomical Park
One of the unusual things to do in Salento is to visit the San Lorenzo Astronomical Park in Casarano. This wonderful park is the most important in Apulia and consists of several areas:
- 3D Digital Planetarium with a simulator of the sky’s appearances;
- Astronomical Observatory with powerful telescopes to observe the constellations;
- Cosmonaut Museum (of Astronautics) housing historical material dedicated to space exploration;
- Outdoor plazas for the Park activities
For more information visit the Astronomical Park website.
Underground oil mills
Among the things to do in Salento, we also recommend visiting the numerous underground oil mills hidden in the Salento underground. Among the various oil mills, also called “trappit”’, here are the ones we recommend you visit near the Maldives of Salento:
- Gallipoli oil mill in the basement of Palazzo Granafei;
- Oil mills in Presicce;
- Oil mill in Morciano di Leuca;
- Oil mill in Noha.
Trekking
Nature abounds in Salento, making it possible to do many outdoor activities and enjoy the benefits. As a matter of fact, you can take walks immersed in unspoilt landscapes or choose Salento’s special trekking routes. Here are the ones we recommend near Marina di Pescoluse:
- From Torre Vado to Marina di Pescoluse;
- From Torre Vado to Marina San Gregorio;
- From Torre Vado to Torre Mozza.
Boat tours
What is the best way to discover the coast of Pescoluse if not to go on a boat tour to Pescoluse? There are numerous companies that offer boat tours in Salento, here are the ones we suggest:
- www.maldivebeachescursioni.it
- www.rosadeiventiescursioni.it
- www.salentoblu.it
Restaurants
The cuisine in Salento is a triumph of taste, abundant and flavoursome, wherever you go. But if you are looking for restaurants near the Maldive del Salento, here are the ones we have selected for you:
Le Cinque Vele;
Corte degli Aranci….Locanda by the sea;
Boteguita Beach Pub;
Lido Venere;
Torre Antigua;
Le Scalelle Restaurant;
In the surroundings:
Do you want to stay near the Maldives of Salento? Excellent choice! Here you will have the opportunity to see some of the most beautiful beaches in Salento, enjoy nature and visit the villages.
You will be able to move easily between places so that you don’t miss the most important things in Salento. Here, then, is what to see around Pescoluse Maldive del Salento:
- Santa Maria di Leuca 15 km away;
- Castrignano del Capo 14.5 km away;
- Gagliano del Capo 18 km away;
- Ponte Ciolo 19 km away;
- Presicce 10.8 km away;
- Specchia 17 km away;
- Gallipoli 41 km away;
- Torre San Giovanni 15 km away;
- Tricase 19 km away;
- Ruffano 26 km away;
- Lecce 78 km away;
- Ugento 21 km away;
- Matino 34.6 km away;
- Parabita 37 km away;
- Otranto 56 km away;
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