Welcome to "Bottom" To Italy!

Parking in the streets of Porto Selvaggio is a bit of a drama, the upside is that it is very small and everything is within easy walking distance. Leave the car here and start our walk.

The first stop is undoubtedly the Santa Caterina pine forest, from which there are breathtaking views by day and night.
Follow the main road, you will find it blocked off at some point for cars although it will continue with asphalt. At one point you will find steps with a path on the right, follow it and start climbing. There are, however, several paths that all lead to the top of the rock, climb to the top and then go in the direction of the sea where the tower is and voila, there you are!
Once at the top you will find signs for several walks in the forest that characterises the flora of Porto Selvaggio. There are quite a few climbs and descents compared to the low, sandy coastline we were getting used to, but nothing too tough. You can go down to the caves or into the heart of the forest, the choice is yours!

Back from our walk we head downtown for lunch and stop for fried fish, because it is not acceptable to leave without tasting it! Another equally succulent option is spaghetti with urchins, just a word of caution: check that it is the season when their fishing is allowed.
Also notable are the desserts in the jar, in case you still have some room in your belly.
It is open daily from 12:30 to 16:00 and 19:30 to 00:30.

We pick up the car and drive back to Gallipoli.

Most of these coastal towns are characterized by a historic center enclosed by protective walls that are now almost always pedestrian areas. This means that the wisest option is to park in large, organized facilities to avoid investing hours in searching for parking along the streets.

The castle of Gallipoli will remind you of the one you visited the previous day in Taranto and traces the beginning of the ancient city. Walk all the way through its narrow alleys and I recommend returning to the road that traces the outer perimeter on the right: you will enjoy a beautiful view of the lighthouse and the harbor.

Martinucci is something of an institution in Puglia (although they have now opened a location in Milan): it is a historic pastry shop where you can enjoy a good pasticciotto before resuming your journey.
Pasticciotto is a pastry made of short pastry with a cream filling: pastry, chocolate, black cherry or pistachio. Very good and very intense together.
It is open daily from 07:00 to 00:00, here the official website.

We take the car back and continue our journey.

The plus side of this establishment is the large parking lot and its location at the end of the large sandy beach of Pescoluse.
Bring a bathing suit and towel to enjoy a nice all in these waters that have nothing to envy to those of the Maldives, before enjoying a cool beer on the lido's terrace.
There are also coin-operated showers here so you can wash off the salt and change for dinner.
Here the website of the lido, open daily from 07:00 to 22:00.

We finally arrive in Santa Maria di Leuca and can't help but dine at Boccaccio: delightful little restaurant with the tables placed inside its woods, complete with lighting hooked to the tree branches.
Here you can enjoy typical Apulian cuisine, and I recommend starting with the charcuterie and cheese boards. Apulian burrata and mozzarella taste incomparable to those normally found in supermarkets. Try them and tell me if I wasn't right.
Also not to be missed are the pork bombette with a heart of cheese or bacon.
Desserts here are also served in jars and delicious.
Open every evening from 19:30 to 00:00, make reservations by calling +39 3773459014.

Stop for one last cocktail a stone's throw from the sea at the lounge bar on the rocks of Lido Azzurro accompanied by great jazz, blouse and soul music.
Here the official website of the lido, open daily from 08:00 to 02:00.

I chose the Villa Ines B&B because it was completely themed to the first activity awaiting us in the aftermath: the boat tour.
The rooms are decorated, in fact, with a marine theme and are little gems.