We depart from the "Old Harbor" of Santa Maria di Leuca to reach the most fascinating caves on the Adriatic side, skirting Punta Meliso, which is home to the Basilica of Santa Maria De Finibus Terrae, the Leuca Lighthouse and the Monumental Staircase.
After a short stop at Grotta Cazzafri, we continue on to Grotta Terradico, Grotta delle Verduselle, Grotta del Soffio and Grotta della Vora. To get a closer look at the beauty of these inlets, we will make a short stop for a swim under the cliff and the entrance to the caves. At this point, we reverse course to reach the Ionian side, passing through the marina of Leuca enclosed between Punta Meliso and Punta Ristola, the southernmost landmass in Puglia.
The first cave encountered on the western side, close to Punta Ristola, is the Porcinara Cave, immediately followed by the Devil's Cave. The excursion continues with the Grotta del Fiume, the Grotta delle Tre Porte, the Caverna dei Giganti, the Grotta della Stalla, and the majestic Grotta del Drago. There is also a stop on the Ionian side to dive in and discover the most evocative views that have inspired myths and legends. After the stop, La Barca del Porto sets off again towards the wharf, crossing the bay once more with its spectacular 19th-century villas and the so-called "bagnarole", masonry dressing rooms that ensured privacy for ladies while they bathed in the sea.
The first cave encountered on the western side, close to Punta Ristola, is Grotta Porcinara, immediately followed by Grotta del Diavolo. The excursion continues with the Grotta del Fiume, the Grotta delle Tre Porte, the Caverna dei Giganti, the Grotta della Stalla, and the majestic Grotta del Drago. We drop anchor and take a swim in the reddish colors of the sunset. We go back on board to pop open a bottle of bubbly and enjoy an aperitif before turning, crossing the bay again, and reaching the wharf.
