On the Adriatic coast of Salento, between Torre dell’Orso and Otranto, there is a stretch of coast where the landscape changes appearance and large arches of rocks, small sandy coves and inlets carved by the waves appear. Salento Terra e Libertà (Salento, Land and Freedom): so says the mural painted in the small bay of Torre Sant’Andrea.
The stacks of Torre Sant’Andrea
Torre Sant’Andrea is a town in the marina of Melendugno, about 5 km from the more touristic Torre dell’Orso. It is a place much loved by the Salento people who frequent it all year round, even if just for a walk on beautiful sunny days. In the summer, when the houses are once again inhabited, Sant’Andrea becomes one of the most popular places in Salento. As soon as you enter the small seaside village, the first advice is to head north of the lighthouse to reach the point where the limestone stacks emerge from the expanse of clear and brilliant water. We are at the “Bastimento”, where nature and the waves have marked the coast so much that a suggestive bridge has been excavated in the rock. There are also steps carved into the stone that lead up to a natural platform jutting out into the sea.
On the other side, going down south from the lighthouse, we find the small town of Sant’Andrea. In the center of the town there is a small beach enclosed by a bay with several caves carved into the rock, once used as shelters by fishermen. It is the only beach in Sant'Andrea, often sheltered from the winds and manned by the "Tafaluru", the large rock in the sea that recalls the profile of the Sphinx. To the south of the beach a thick and luxuriant pine forest stretches up to the Alimini Lakes. The whole stretch is dotted with stacks and several accessible coves: some are a little hidden by the cliff, but continuing further, for about 1.5 km, you reach the cove of Conca Specchiulla.
What to do in Sant’Andrea?
What distinguishes Sant’Andrea is that, despite being so small, it is also incredibly lively. Close to the beach is the Babilonia, a place that has been active for more than thirty years. It is a historical landmark that reopens on Sunday afternoons in spring after the winter hibernation, while in the height of summer it is frequented from coffee time until late in the evening. A regular appointment is the concert of the Night of San Lorenzo and among all its qualities, Babilonia is highly appreciated for its informal welcome, for the tasty schiacciata, a white focaccia stuffed with cold cuts, and for live music.
