Salento like a local: 10+1 unmissable things to do

Salento is one of the most fascinating destinations in Puglia, a corner of paradise stretching to the heel of the boot of Italy, where the Ionian and Adriatic Seas meet. Known for its breathtaking coastline, ancient traditions and cuisine that mixes the flavours of the land and sea, Salento is not just a tourist destination, but a place to experience as if you were a local to discover its hidden gems.

This southern region of Apulia, which includes historic cities such as Lecce, Otranto and Gallipoli, is a veritable treasure trove of culture, history and nature. But to experience it like a local, you have to go beyond the most popular destinations, discovering the hidden corners, the still-alive traditions and the most authentic beauty of this land. Puglia deserves to be visited in its entirety, even in a week if you have the time, but in this guide, we reveal 10 special experiences not to be missed if you want to get to know the Salento in depth, through the eyes of those who live it.

Visiting Salento like a local means leaving behind postcard clichés and diving into the everyday fabric of a land that’s made of more than just crystal-clear sea and sunset aperitifs. It’s waking up to the scent of coffee with almond milk, listening to stories told by elders sitting on chairs outside their homes, getting lost in the narrow alleys of historic towns where every stone holds a memory.

It’s choosing the unmarked trattoria where food is served “by feeling,” joining a village festival with glowing lights and a marching band, learning the hypnotic rhythm of the pizzica under a sky full of stars. To live in Salento like a local means slowing down, observing, and tuning into the long, unhurried tempo of the South, where every encounter is an invitation and every road tells a story. It’s not just tourism—it’s an act of listening, respect, and immersion in a way of inhabiting space that still resists, far from the beaten path.

In the summer, Salento seems to pulsate to the rhythm of a tambourine. Every August, the Notte della Taranta gathers thousands of people in Melpignano: it is the most famous festival in Southern Italy, a spectacular event that has transformed the pizzica from a backyard dance to an international phenomenon. But for many Salentini, the real magic is elsewhere. It is in the tiny festivals, in the patronal feasts, where the band still plays under the lights and the plastic chairs form a circle around an improvised stage. It is in the inland villages, when at nightfall a spontaneous patrol forms and someone starts beating the rhythm with their hands on their legs, before a tambourine appears.

The pizzica, before being a stage phenomenon, was a form of healing, of trance, of liberation. In the dances of the taranta – the one that “bit” women and forced them to dance for days – there is a collective memory made of bodies, of sweat, of pain transformed into movement. It is no coincidence that today, in the villages, one sometimes feels the need to defend these practices from their sugar-coated version for tourists.

If you want to experience Salento like a local, ask where the dancing is tonight. Not where the event is, but where people go to hang out. You could find yourself in a forgotten square, among wooden tables and warm beers, watching two old men dancing as if it were still '78. That's where Salento sings.

The Salento is famous for its dream beaches, but one of the most authentic moments to enter the heart of local culture is undoubtedly the aperitif. It is not just a drink, but a real ritual that the people of Salento celebrate every day, especially at sunset. If you want to have a truly local experience, don't stop at the crowded bars in the tourist centres, but head for the small fishing villages, such as Porto Cesareo, Marina di Leuca or the tiny hamlet of San Foca, which is a marina in the municipality of Melendugno, located between Torre Specchia Ruggeri and Roca Vecchia.

These villages, which are quiet and peaceful during the day, come alive in the late afternoon when the inhabitants gather for an aperitif in the open air, perhaps just a few steps from the sea. Here, you can sip a good Negramaro or Primitivo, the two typical red wines of the area, while tasting the famous taralli, Salento olives and other local delicacies. The atmosphere is that of a gathering of friends, where time seems to slow down and the sound of the sea acts as a background to the conversation.

The aperitif in these villages is not just a break for the palate, but an opportunity to discover the daily life of the people of Salento, far from the hustle and bustle of tourists. It is a moment of sharing, of relaxation, where the warmth of Salento hospitality will immediately make you feel at home, but also a moment to discover the most uncontaminated nature of these places along the coast.

The beaches of Salento are world-famous, with their crystal-clear sea and expanses of golden sand. But for those who want a more authentic experience, away from the crowds, there are hidden corners that only the locals know about. Salento offers some of the most secret and unspoilt beaches in Italy, which are perfect for those seeking tranquillity and natural beauty.

One of the most beautiful is Torre Mozza, a small resort on the Ionian coast, where the white sand and transparent sea look like a postcard. Here, unlike the more crowded beaches, you can enjoy peace and solitude, immersed in a landscape that seems to stand still in time. A few kilometres away is another hidden beach, Lido Marini, a little corner of paradise with calm, crystal-clear waters, ideal for a relaxing day.

These beaches lack the services and infrastructure of the more touristy resorts, but are perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in the nature and tranquillity of Salento. If you want to avoid the crowds, try to visit these beaches on weekdays, when they are less crowded, and enjoy the sea in all its beauty. The wild beaches of the Salento are also perfect for those seeking a bit of adventure, with many coves that can only be reached on foot or by sea. If you are a nature lover, these beaches offer you the chance to experience the Salento in a more authentic way, away from tourist facilities and mass tourism.

Although Alberobello is not strictly part of Salento, it is one of the most fascinating destinations in Apulia and one you cannot miss if you are in the area. Its fame is linked to the trulli, the traditional stone constructions with conical roofs that characterise Puglia's rural landscape. If you want to experience Alberobello like a local, I recommend visiting early in the morning, when there are still few tourists and the village has a quieter and more intimate atmosphere.

Strolling through Rione Monti, the oldest quarter of Alberobello, you will feel like stepping back in time. The trulli, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are true symbols of a tradition rooted in Apulia's agricultural past. Many trulli today are private homes or shops, but to discover the true soul of Alberobello, it is best to avoid the overly touristy main streets and get lost in the less-travelled alleys, where the trulli are still inhabited by locals.

Alberobello is also a great starting point to explore the surrounding area, where you will find other small towns with the same magic, such as Locorotondo and Martina Franca, two enchanting villages that, although famous, are not overrun by mass tourism. Here, you can stop at a typical osteria to taste the traditional dishes of the Itria Valley, such as orecchiette with cime di rapa or capocollo of Martina Franca.

If there is one thing the people of Salento know how to do well, it is to take a break with sweets. There is nothing more typical than stopping at a café for a hot pasticciotto, the quintessential Salento dessert, along with a typical coffee with ice. These pastries, filled with custard, are a real treat for anyone visiting the Salento. The break is a sacred moment, where one takes time to enjoy the food and socialise, without hurrying.

One of the best places to taste pasticciotti is Nardò, a historical town with a centre rich in traditions. Here, you will find artisanal bakeries that prepare freshly baked pasticciotti, perfect to accompany a café leccese, an iced coffee with almond milk that is a real local speciality. If you're in Lecce, look for one of the many outdoor cafés in the city's squares, such as Piazza Sant'Oronzo or Piazza del Duomo. With a bit of luck, you will be able to enjoy your pasticciotto while watching the locals take an afternoon break. Here, everything seems slower and more relaxed, just the way the people of Salento like it.

A break like this is also a perfect way to get in touch with the rhythms of local life. The people of Salento don't just ‘have a coffee’; they do it quietly, enjoying every moment and every flavour. A true experience of conviviality!

One of the most beautiful and unspoilt places in the Salento is undoubtedly the Porto Selvaggio and Palude del Capitano Natural Park, a nature reserve stretching along the Ionian coast and one of the most evocative places for those who love nature and tranquillity. It is a protected area where the flora and fauna are luxuriant, and the landscape is dominated by centuries-old pine forests, sheer cliffs and crystal-clear waters. Unlike the more crowded and touristy beaches, here you can find corners of absolute tranquillity, far from the crowds. One of the park's main attractions is the Bay of Porto Selvaggio, which can be reached on foot via paths immersed in nature: the sea here is so clear that it feels like swimming in a pool, perfect for a refreshing swim.

If you like hiking, the park offers trekking trails of varying difficulty, some of which wind through Aleppo pine forests and along coastal paths with breathtaking views. The entire area is also a paradise for photography enthusiasts, with spectacular views of the cliffs and the sea, and for birdwatchers, who can observe numerous species of migratory birds.

In Porto Selvaggio, you can feel far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. If you decide to stop here, you will also find some small coves where you can relax, but remember to bring water and some snacks with you, because there are no tourist facilities 

One of the most extraordinary experiences you can have in Salento is exploring the Castro caves, an underground system that fascinates anyone who decides to visit. The caves are of limestone origin and host a series of extraordinary stalactite and stalagmite formations that seem to have come out of another era. The Grotte Zinzulusa, as they are called, are located right on the Adriatic coast, between Castro Marina and Marittima, in a breathtaking landscape overlooking the sea, but also the caves of Poesia di Roca Vecchia further north in the province of Lecce.

Continuing on Castro, besides being a geological site of great importance, these caves are also rich in history. Over the centuries, they are said to have been used as shelters by shepherds and fishermen, but also as sacred places.

Today, the caves are a major tourist attraction, but those who want a more intimate and authentic experience can walk one of the many paths leading to the site, enjoying the rural landscape that surrounds the area. Inside the caves, an experienced guide will take you on a journey through the limestone formations, telling you about the legends and history of these natural wonders. A stone's throw from the caves, the coast of Castro is equally fascinating, with small inlets and coves where the turquoise sea is ideal for a swim. If you are looking for a mix of culture, nature and history, this is one of the must-see places in Salento.

The Salento is not only sea and beaches, but like all of Puglia, it is also a land of ancient villages, where time seems to stand still. If you want to discover the true heart of the region, you have to immerse yourself in the daily life of villages such as Cursi and Specchia, which preserve their traditional souls and are perfect for a stroll through the quiet streets.

Specchia, in particular, is considered one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Here, among cobbled streets, stone houses and quiet little squares, you will feel like stepping back in time. Every corner is steeped in history, and walking through the centre of the town, you will find numerous noble palaces and historic churches. But what is most striking about Specchia is its authentic atmosphere, far from the busy tourist routes. These villages are a reflection of the most authentic and genuine Salento, one that thrives on centuries-old traditions and slow rhythms. If you want to discover the Salento away from the crowds, these villages will make you feel at home.

The Salento is an ideal region for cycling enthusiasts, with a well-developed network of cycle paths through some of the most beautiful countryside and coastline in Italy. If you love direct contact with nature and wish to explore the area more slowly and sustainably, a cycling trip is a good choice. The scenic roads winding through olive groves, wheat fields and historic masserias offer an authentic experience far off the beaten tourist track.

You can choose to cycle to Otranto, famous for its crystal-clear sea and charming historic centre, or head to Santa Cesarea Terme, known for its thermal waters and natural caves. Along the way, stop at one of the local agritourisms, where you can taste typical Salento dishes prepared with fresh and genuine ingredients. Along the way, you will also have the chance to admire breathtaking views and perhaps stop in one of the many rural villages, where you can discover the true spirit of Salento, an area rich in history, tradition and unspoilt nature.

A unique experience for those visiting Salento is discovering the art of ceramics in Grottaglie, a town with a centuries-old tradition in this craft. Located in the heart of the Murgia Salentina, Grottaglie is renowned for its craft kiln, where local ceramicists skilfully create vases, plates, and other decorative items that represent a true form of art. Here, the Ceramics District welcomes you with its workshops, where artisans work in full view, showcasing their skill in shaping clay and painting traditional motifs.

Visiting Grottaglie will allow you to get an up-close look at the Salento ceramic tradition, which has its roots in the 17th century. Every piece created by the master ceramists is a unique work of art, often painted with vibrant colours that evoke nature, the sea, and everyday life in the region. If you like the idea of taking a piece of Salento home, you can purchase one of the local products or, even better, join a ceramics workshop and try your hand at creating your masterpiece.

Grottaglie is a town that not only allows you to discover an important aspect of Salento’s culture but also offers the opportunity to experience something truly authentic, while learning the ancient artisanal techniques that have been passed down through generations. A handmade souvenir becomes a treasured memory and a tangible link to the land that produced it.

If you’re looking to immerse yourself in the peace and natural beauty of Salento, there is nothing more evocative than a walk among the centuries-old olive groves of Salve, a picturesque village located in the Salento hinterland. This green corner of Salento is known for its lush olive trees, which have witnessed generations of farmers. Walking among these ancient trees will make you feel connected to the agricultural tradition of Salento, which for centuries has been at the heart of producing one of Italy's finest olive oils.

During the walk, you can stop to discover how extra virgin olive oil is produced in the local mills, places where the scent of fresh oil will surround you. If you’re a food enthusiast, you may seize the opportunity to take part in an olive oil tasting, an experience that will allow you to appreciate the various flavour nuances this unique product offers. Each mill has its own history and production process, and here, you can savour the local tradition in every drop of oil. Finish your visit with a stroll through the historic centre of Salve, a village that retains a rustic and authentic charm, where narrow streets and whitewashed houses will further immerse you in the Salentine atmosphere.