THE CAVES OF SANTA MARIA DI LEUCA

Caves of Santa Maria di Leuca – LEVANTE SIDE

– Cazzafri cave

from the Greek “Casa di Spuma”, probably due to the sea foam that fills the three arches of the cave, the first to the west, just below Punta Meliso and the monumental waterfall.
Like dozens of chandeliers, the stalactites fill the imposing vault of this cave accessible only by sea.

– Terradico cave

Among the first caves visible to those arriving from the sea, it takes its name from the motto of the sailors
“Earth I see and earth I say!”. This cave has an elongated shape like an Indian tent and for this reason it is also called the “Fenditura di Terradico”.

– Verdusella cave

These are small caves, not very deep but characterized by a crystalline seabed and a thousand shades of blue.

– Ortocupo cave

It precedes the Grotta del Soffio by a few meters and is characterized by an external and a submerged part, hence the name of Ortocupo, the hidden, closed, dark garden that hides the
wonder of the Grotta del Soffio, reachable with a small dive.

– Cave of the Soffio

Its name originates from the “puffs” of the cave which, due to the remaining air
blocked inside the cavity, it comes out giving the impression of hearing the breath of the sea. The presence of fresh water and salt water often creates the optical illusion of the Morgana effect, caused by the particular distribution of the refractive index of sunlight.

– Cave of the Vora

Characterized by a hole in the upper part of the cave (a vora, in fact) ad
a height of about 50 meters. This cave is actually formed by two cavities that fall for over 60 meters. Sunlight penetrates through the hole creating plays of light and a Gothic cathedral atmosphere.

Caves of Santa Maria di Leuca – PONENTE SIDE

– Porcinara cave

Located 20 meters above sea level, it is a prehistoric cave not of natural origin but dug by man and dedicated to the cult of pagan divinities, as evidenced by the discovery of 30 tables with inscriptions in Greek and Latin. This cave of considerable prestige can be reached by land and looks like a sort of “altar on the sea” where not only the indigenous populations, but also the pilgrims or passing sailors, invoked the help and protection of the divinities during the crossings in sea.

– Diavolo Cave

Accessible by sea and by land, this cave takes its name from the lamentations it makes
population claimed to hear from the heart of the cavity, sounds and moans provoked
probably from the air / water flow in the crevices of the rocks. This cave, with its eerie and evocative appearance, is accessible from a cavity on the promontory of Punta Ristola and along a path that is not very accessible, you reach the opening to the sea where bones and shards of ancient pottery were found in the past.

– Fiume Cave

It takes its name from the stream of fresh water under the Sparascenti canal. The wonderful
crystalline inlet, it is one of the most suggestive corners for a swim under the coast.

– Grotto of the Natività

Characterized by stalactites and limestone structures reminiscent of the Nativity.

– Cave of the Tre Porte

Among the most famous and photographed, it takes its name from an almost monumental entrance consisting of 3 entrances. This majestic and large cave houses the Grotta del Bambino inside, a cave where in the past the remains of an elephant, a rhino, prehistoric tools and a human tooth, dating back to the Neanderthal era, were found.

– Cave of the Giganti

This cave takes its name from the legend of the place which tells that the remains of the ferocious animals killed by Hercules were buried here. In fact, they have also been found in this cave
several bones of non-marine animals, ceramics attributable to the Bronze Age (4300-3000 years ago) and a tomb from the early Middle Ages (9th century AD).

– Cave of the Stalla

The cave is located close to the Marchello Promontory and owes its name to the inspiration of the
fishermen and sailors who used this inlet to shelter boats from the inclement weather of the sea.

– Innamorati cave

Low and narrow like an alcove, this small cave can be reached by swimming.
Characterized by spring water, the cave houses a small portion of sand.

– Drago Cave

The cave has two large openings of about 30 meters and separated by a rock pillar, which
allow entry into a large room, where an imposing rock reminiscent of a dragon emerges.