The endless beach of Pescoluse Photo: stock.adobe.com/Alexandre ROSA
When you hear "Maldives", you spontaneously think of the Indian Ocean, white sand and crystal-clear water - probably very few people think of southern Italy.
A stretch of coastline in Apulia is known as the "Maldives of Salento". Visually, there is no difference to the original, almost 7,000 kilometres away, at first glance. What is now one of the most sought-after beach regions in Italy was a favourite meeting place for cigarette and coffee smugglers until a few decades ago. Here are the 10 most important questions:
1. what are the "Maldives of Apulia" - and where exactly are they located?
Photo: stock.adobe.com/Balate Dorin
The name refers to an approximately 8-kilometre stretch of coast on the Ionian side of Salento, between Torre Pali and Torre Vado, with the centre in Marina di Pescoluse. The beaches are famous for their fine, light-coloured sand and shallow, shimmering blue water. Caribbean feeling in Italian.
2. since when has it been called that - and who came up with the name?
The term "Maldives del Salento" was coined in the 1990s - not by historians, but by local tourism entrepreneurs who cleverly capitalised on the comparison with the distant lands. It can now also be found on town signs, souvenirs and in hotel names.
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3. what makes the beaches there so special?
It's the mixture: fine sand, clear water with a shallow entrance, hardly any stones, plenty of space - and in good light, a play of colours that really is reminiscent of tropical beaches. Plus a curved dune landscape with wild beach grass and - usually - a breeze.
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More Information4. how crowded is it really - and when is the best time to travel?
In the high season (July to mid-September), it gets very crowded, especially with Italian holidaymakers, but in recent years more and more foreigners have been coming too. If you like it quieter, travel in June or September: then the water is already or still warm, the prices are much more moderate and you can easily find space for a towel.
5. what does a holiday there cost?
A simple hotel or B&B costs just under 100 euros/night, while luxurious accommodation can cost 600 euros and more. Sun loungers in beach resorts cost around 30 euros/day for two loungers with umbrellas, but can also cost 100 euros or more depending on the facilities of the lido. At the fashionable Le Cinque Vele Beach Club in Pescoluse, you pay 510 euros for two sunbeds in the front row in high season and 1,140 euros for the exclusive area with lots of space. Outside the high season, the fun for two costs just 50 euros.
6. are there also quieter corners away from the crowds?
Yes, especially the sections between Torre Pali and Lido Marini are often less frequented. There are also some free stretches of beach between the stabilimenti, beach resorts. Tip: Come in the morning or at sunset, when it is magically quiet.
7. what is the best way to get there - and do I need a car?
The nearest airports are Brindisi (120 km) and Bari (200 km). From there you can continue by hire car. There are public transport connections, but they are rarely comfortable or punctual. Little is possible without a car.
Photo: stock.adobe.com/Alexandra
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8 Is it family-friendly - or more for influencers?
Both. The shallow beaches are ideal for children and the water is usually calm. But: Instagrammers love the "Maldives" just as much, there are beach bars, drones and selfie spots. If you like both, you'll be happy.
9. which places belong to it - and what can you experience around it?
The most important places: Pescoluse, Torre Vado, Lido Marini, Torre Pali. Surrounded by Leuca with its caves, the baroque town of Lecce (1 hour away) and local wineries, Olive groves and ancient dry stone walls. Boat trips to the caves of Leuca are also worthwhile.
10. were there really pirates or smugglers here?
Yes, indeed. The old coastal tower of Torre Vado dates back to the 16th century and was built to warn of attacks by Ottoman pirates. In the 20th century, the region was a centre for cigarette and coffee smuggling across the sea - with connections as far as Albania and Greece.
