The caves of Leuca
Adriatic Side
The Ionian side of Leuca is referred to in the local dialect as “Mare Spunnatu,” or deep sea. This is due to its unique sheer cliffs and deep seabed. Leaving the port of Santa Maria di Leuca and sailing with an easterly course, one reaches the Cazzafri cave located below the monumental staircase. Proceeding further Punta Meliso, the point separating the two seas, we will find the Terradico cave also known as the “Indian tent” because of its appearance, which is reminiscent, precisely, of an Indian encampment. Past this cave we will come
near a large inlet, where we will find the Orto Cupo cave and the Soffio cave. The first one is so called because of the scarcity of light inside, while the second one being semi-submerged, owes its name to the effect of the waves that, compressing the air inside it, create real blows of water from the mouth; among other things, it is possible to access it by swimming and once you enter, you will find yourself in a cavity where the sunlight filtering only from the water, will create unimaginable plays of light. Continuing on, you reach the striking Vora cave, so called because of the hole (in Salento dialect “vora”) found in its vault. This hole allows sunlight to filter through, creating a fascinating ray
that illuminates the crystal clear water inside. We continue on to discover other natural wonders, such as the Cave of the Rushes, characterized by a wide entrance resembling a bunch of rushes, or the striking Gobbelle cave (also called “Pesco del Diavolo”), with the nearby Mannute cave, a mid-coast cavity adorned with magnificent stalactites and stalagmites. After a few minutes of navigation, before reaching the Ciolo channel, is the Laghetto cave. With its large and bright entrance, it houses a natural pool
connected to the sea by a small underwater tunnel, which is swimmable. The experience of this cave is breathtaking, but to get to the inner lake you have to walk a winding path through the rocks. A little bit of effort, but it will definitely be worth it !
Ionian Side
On the Ionian side of Salento, there are numerous caves of great historical and archaeological importance. Proceeding westward, before Punta Ristola, is Porcinara cave, an ancient pagan sanctuary. Just beyond, on the rock, opens the Devil’s cave, accessible only by land. Continuing on, one encounters the Mesciu Scianni cave, famous for the colorations of the rock that reflect extraordinary plays of light. Further on is the Cave of the River, with a freshwater spring, followed by the Cave of the Crib, characterized by calcaneous formations resembling crib figures. The Three Gates Cave, the most important in the area, leads to the Child’s Cave, where a fossilized molar of a Neanderthal child was found. Just beyond it is the
Cave of the Giants, famous for pachyderm fossils and the legend about the giants killed by Hercules. The Stalla cave and the Rimesa cave are the last of the large inlet of the Three Gates, known for its blue reflections and for being a refuge for fishermen. Proceeding toward Punta Marchiello, there is Elefante cave, a cave with prehistoric artifacts, and Iced cave, due to the presence of a freshwater spring. Finally, the Dragon Cave, with a large mouth and a stalactite resembling a dragon’s head, completes the tour of the Ionian caves.
