Today we achieved what we set out to do yesterday and this time drove straight to the most southerly point of the ‘heel’ of Italy and our most southerly point of this journey – Santa Maria di Leuca….
After parking up we walked towards the most southerly point and were greeted by the Scalinata Monumentale – a rather steep and beautiful double staircase to take us up to the highest point….
On special occasions a fountain feeds a waterfall down the centre stones, which I’m sure looks absolutely stunning, though it wasn’t to be today. In fairness, I rather think we deserved a display, having climbed up all those steps! Instead we had to make do with a spectacular view down over the harbour and historic town of Leuca….
Perched at the top is the Basilica Santa Maria di Leuca….
The Lighthouse stands taller still and you just cannot get enough of this view….
We did though and made our way back down to the harbour and van….
Our next stop was the allegedly ‘Maldives Beach’ of Italy or Spiaggia Pescoluse – not dog friendly and even though I have never been to the Maldives, I’m pretty sure they top this….
I can think of plenty nicer beaches that we have visited – but hey! A little further down the road we found the ‘Seychelles Beach’ – Spiaggia Marina di Pescoluse – dog friendly, deserted and nicer in my opinion, though I have been to the Seychelles and it is not a patch.
Anyhow, we are happy with our little find and after a wander a long to look at Spiaggia Torre Pali, the next little village along….
We popped back to the van to change and returned to spend a delightful couple of hours on the beach, swimming (me), chasing sticks (Tilly) and just being (both)….
A pleasant drive along the coastal road back to site with the added bonus of being able to get diesel, well limited to 100 euros worth as many garages down here are out of fuel following the truck driver and tractor protests (about the high prices of fuel) hampering supply. We at least have enough fuel now to take us further north.
Today’s stats:
- Miles driven – 66
- Miles walked – 6
- Fuel – £84.30
- Groceries – £45.18
- O/N – £16.00
