Santa Maria di Leuca, Italy

Located on the southernmost tip of the Salento peninsula, the “heel” of Italy’s “boot,” Santa Maria di Leuca is home to an iconic lighthouse and Sanctuary of Leuca, a must-see for art enthusiasts. Built from the ruins of an ancient pagan temple, the Sanctuary has valuable works of art on display, including the 1625 Madonna with Child by Andrea Cunavi and the Sacred Family canvas donated by the Boroness Maria Serafini-Sauli in the 18th century. Perfect for exploring and hiking, the region is known for its impressive geological formations such as dozens of underwater caves and a seaside ravine with picturesque views of Fjord del Ciolo. At “the end of the world,” a nickname for Santa Maria di Leuca, the Adriatic and Ionian Seas meet. With proper sea conditions, it is often possible to see a line of separation between the two seas, resulting from the mixing of the currents coming from the Gulf of Taranto and the Strait of Otranto.