Torre Guaceto: natural oasis between land and sea
The starting point is the Torre Guaceto Natural Park, a protected area located near Brindisi. It is a vast territory between the land and the sea, which is why it is inhabited by two rich main ecosystems: one from the marine area and one from the marshy area.
The colors and smells of the Mediterranean scrubland hover in the 'air and offer themselves as a delightful invitation to discover nature.
Today the Torre Guaceto nature reserve is under the protection of the WWF so not all areas are swimmable. To stay up-to-date on visiting hours and scheduled activities, take a look at the reserve's official website.
Ostuni, the white city par excellence
Moving slightly inland, you come to Ostuni: a white town clinging to the hills, a symbol of tradition and good living in the Itria Valley. A treasure trove of local culture and gastronomy, it is a destination not to be missed during a trip to Puglia.
It is really worth getting lost among the beauty of the village's alleys and being enchanted by the urban glimpses that open between the buildings. The white lime covering the facades gives the view a new light under which to admire the town. The pretty little flowery and colorful balconies emerge from the whiteness and contribute to the fairy-tale atmosphere that envelops the ancient village almost everywhere.
Port of Brindisi: a bridge between west and east
Moving further south among the wonderful places that dot Puglia, the city of Brindisi deserves a place of honor.
One of the most evocative places to discover during a walk along its waterfront is surely the ancient port, which has always been the main meeting place and cultural hub between West and East. Rich in history and local identity imprint, from here it is possible to admire the remains of two ancient Roman columns that marked the end of the long Via Appia.
The historic center of the city of Brindisi, much of which is still enclosed within the Aragonese walls, preserves the ancient and picturesque S. Pietro degli Schiavoni district in which there is an archaeological area dating back to Roman times.
But the city's symbolic monument stands majestically on the island of Sant'Andrea: it is the castle built by Alfonso I of Aragon to protect the port. It is a complex fortified structure with reddish hues that overlooks the sea and for a time was also used as the site of a lighthouse.
Historic center of Mesagne between beauty and nobility
A noble and wealthy city that has always been linked with craftsmanship and commerce, Mesagne has an historic center that is a reflection of its bourgeoisie. In the Brindisi hinterland, the centerpiece of the city winds within the city walls that run along a truly unique heart-shaped perimeter.
Here a maze of cobbled lanes embroiders the urban layout, embellished with white stone buildings and elegant churches.
Regional nature park "rauccio forest and marshes"
Another small naturalistic gem of the region is Rauccio Park, a semi-unknown place and free for this reason from tourism and mundanity. An oasis of peace to be experienced.
The park stretches along the Adriatic coast north of Lecce. The surrounding area, designated for agricultural use, has immense expanses of olive groves and vineyards. The olive tree, in fact, is the predominant crop and the presence of centuries-old plants constitutes a real peculiarity that requires protection and enhancement.
Historical center of Lecce: in the heart of the baroque city
Last on the tour, the historic center of Lecce should not be told, it should be experienced. The city is a pearl of Baroque art and culture, the fulcrum of the Salento area and the cultural center of the entire province.
Its historic center, whose beauty is unanimously recognized internationally, is capable of enclosing enormous cultural and architectural heritages, in an incredible mixture of different styles and eras.
Any trip that includes even a one-day visit to Lecce cannot ignore a walk through the beauty of the historic center.
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