Messapia (from Greek Μεσσαπία) was the ancient name of a region of Italy largely corresponding to modern Salento. It was inhabited chiefly by the Messapii in classical times. Pokorny derives the toponym from … See more

The Salento peninsula is composed of limestone, dividing the Gulf of Taranto to the west from the Strait of Otranto on the east, with the See more

The nearest international airports are those of Brindisi and Bari (the latter is out of Salento but not far).
A 2-lane freeway connects Salento to Bari. The main railway line ends at Lecce. Other locations are served by regional railroads. See more

Some of the popular dishes from the Salento area include:
• Orecchiette, 'ear-shaped' pasta, often cooked with tomato … See more

In Salentino, the Salentino dialect of Extreme Southern Italian is predominantly spoken, although an old Hellenic dialect (known as Griko) is also spoken in a few inland towns. See more

The coastal towers in Salento are coastal watchtowers, as the peninsula's coast was long subject to maritime attacks by the Saracens. … See more

In the province of Lecce, the Ciolo cave is one of the main tourist destinations.
Festivals
Salento's See more