The Maldives of Salento stretch across the southernmost part of Puglia. Theenchanting Ionian coast, in the stretch between Gallipoli and Santa Maria di Leuca within the small town of Salve, is named the Maldives of Salento for its fine white beach, crystal clear and clean sea, shallow waters and unspoiled nature. A little corner of paradise that is very popular with tourists from all over the world. A magical and fascinating place where ancient flavors mix with the scent of the sea and the typical Salento dances. The perfect place to spend a relaxing vacation with your family or friends.
How to get to the Maldives of Salento: Pescoluse has never been closer
Unless you prefer to rely directly on a GPS navigator and follow audio directions to get to your destination, the Maldives of Salento are accessible via two different routes:
- if you are coming from the North you need to take theA14 Bologna-Bari, and once you get to the end of Bari and exit the highway continue along the ring road and take the freeway that leads first to Brindisi and then to Lecce and then continue to Gallipoli on the state highway 101. Once on the coast take state road 274 until you reach the exit for Salve, which will allow you to reach Marina di Pescoluse.
- If you are coming from the south, instead, you have to take the E90 highway to Taranto, continue along the road that connects to Manduria, then to Nardò and finally to Gallipoli. Once on the coast take state road 274 until you get to the exit for Salve, which will take you straight to Marina di Pescoluse.
Salento’s culinary tradition
The cuisine of Salento is definitely a typically Mediterranean cuisine , with strong and spicy flavors. A triumph of fish, vegetables of various kinds, the ever-present extra virgin olive oil and legumes are the absolute protagonists in the culinary tradition of Salento. A journey through the rich and full-bodied flavors of this land that is sure to leave its mark on all those who have spent or will decide to spend a vacation in the Maldives of Salento.
Among the customs of the place there is definitely the use of the wood-burning oven, built in stone and a separate mention deserves the famous tomato of Morciano di Leuca, which has made Puglia known throughout the world.
Among the typical dishes, it is necessary to mention pasta alla pescatora, fried fish, pitta di patate, pasta tirata a sfoglia, friselle, ciceri e tra (or massa e ciceri) and many other specialties.
Also not to be forgotten is the unfailingly good Salento wine (negramaro or primitivo, just to mention the best known). In short, a simple and healthy cuisine but rich in taste: this is what one of the best Italian culinary traditions offers.
Where to eat in the Maldives of Salento
In this beautiful area there are numerous lidos, restaurants and trattorias offering a wide range of typical and high quality dishes. We propose below a short list, a sort of vedecum on where to eat in the Maldives of Salento.
Restaurant-pizzeria Ikarus in Marina di Pescoluse
Restaurant-pizzeria Ikarus in Marina di Pescoluse offers menus and typical fish or meat dishes, lots of appetizers, side dishes and pizzas also take-away. Theexcellent quality/price ratio makes it a favorite destination for many gourmets who with only 20 euros can enjoy a full menu made up of appetizer, first course, second course and side dish. One can choose to have lunch or dinner in the restaurant hall or on the outdoor terrace that offers a wonderful view, thanks to its strategic location just a few meters from the sea.
Eden Restaurant and Bar: Italy’s first agribeach
Bar-Restaurant Eden is the first agribeach in Italy. A real vegetable garden overlooking the beautiful beaches of the Maldives of Salento. All the dishes offered by the Eden bar-restaurant are rigorously prepared with genuine and organic ingredients, coming directly from the owner’s farm. The establishment, which is particularly attentive to the needs of its customers, also offers vegan and vegetarian cuisine, and animals are safely allowed.
A place where you can taste the traditional dishes of Salento, cooked with local and zero-kilometer products, in complete relaxation and without giving up the company of your four-legged friends.
Pub Boteguita: one of the most exclusive places in the Maldives of Salento in Pescoluse
Pub Boteguita is one of the most exclusive places in Pescoluse. The wooden kiosk nestled among the green nature and the gazebos with tables overlooking the beautiful beach make it a charming place where you can enjoy high quality dishes prepared with excellent raw materials.
Le cinque vele restaurant: directly on the sea of the Maldives of Salento
Le cinque vele Restaurant faces directly onto the seaand offering breathtaking views. The Mediterranean cuisine takes center stage, offering typical Salento dishes and traditional dishes carefully revisited to offer unique and high-level dishes for even the most demanding palates.
The excellent cuisine andexclusive ambience make it one of the most popular local venues.
Jameson: the ristopub just a few kilometers from Marina di Pescoluse and the Maldives of Salento
If we then move just a few kilometers away from Marina di Pescoluse we find the Jameson Pub-Ristornate, which welcomes its guests in a cozy and characteristic environment. The wide offer of typical Salento dishes rather than meat, fish and legume courses at affordable prices make it one of the most frequented places, especially by young people and young couples. The ideal place to enjoy excellent cuisine without being forced to spend a fortune.
