Castrignano del Capo
Hi everyone! I introduce you to Castrignano del Capo, the beauty of Southern Italy
If you come to Puglia, you can't miss Castrignano del Capo. This municipality, located in the province of Lecce, is the southernmost in Puglia. Its territory includes small fractions, such as Giuliano di Lecce and Salignano, but above all the famous Santa Maria di Leuca, an enchanting tourist resort. Since 2016, Castrignano del Capo is a member of the association "Authentic Villages of Italy".
Physical geography
The territory of Castrignano del Capo has an area of 20.27 km² and is inhabited by about 5120 people. The village stands on a tuff cliff that slopes towards the sea and extends between the Salento Serre and the Adriatic coast. The town's planimetry is very confusing, but don't worry, you will find many locals ready to help you get your bearings.
In Castrignano del Capo there are three important fractions: Giuliano di Lecce to the northwest, Salignano to the east, and Santa Maria di Leuca to the south. The latter, known for its charming beaches, was awarded three sails in the Blue Guide of Legambiente and was a Blue Flag of Beaches in 2005.
The territory is covered with Mediterranean scrub, pine forests, and olive groves and is bordered by Patù to the west, Morciano di Leuca and Alessano to the north, Gagliano del Capo to the east, and the Ionian Sea to the southwest and the Adriatic Sea to the southeast.
Climate
The climate of Castrignano del Capo is semiarid and has a temperature similar to that of the northern coasts of the Persian Gulf during the winter. During the summer, however, the village is characterized by intense and humid heat. The average temperature in the coldest month, January, is about +16.8 °C, while in the warmest month, August, it is around +28.5 °C. Annual average precipitation is about 321 mm and is mainly recorded in the autumn and winter.
Due to the protection offered by the Salento Serre, western winds arrive weakly on the territory of Castrignano del Capo, while southeast winds bring an increase in precipitation during autumn and winter.
The Beauty of Castrignano del Capo
Castrignano del Capo is a small pearl of Salento, a place where you can enjoy the nature, history, and traditions of Southern Italy.
Santa Maria di Leuca
One of the reasons why I recommend visiting Castrignano del Capo is Santa Maria di Leuca. This fraction is particularly famous for its crystalline sea and splendid beaches. The beaches of Santa Maria di Leuca have been awarded the Blue Flag and the Blue Guide of Legambiente. If you love the sea, here you will find fine sandy beaches and hidden coves that will make you fall in love with Salento.
Historical heritage
But Castrignano del Capo is not just the sea. Here you will also find a very interesting historical and cultural heritage. The Civic Museum, housed in the Palazzo dei Principi Gallone, collects works of art of remarkable value and offers a historical overview of Salento.
If you like churches, you cannot miss the Church of Santa Maria degli Angeli, which is located in the Ristola area and dates back to 1721. Inside the church, you can admire a wooden altar from the seventeenth century and a pipe organ from 1752.
Nature
The territory of Castrignano del Capo is rich in wild and uncontaminated nature. You can take beautiful walks among the Mediterranean scrub and olive groves that surround the town. Take some time to discover the Otranto Coast Park - Santa Maria di Leuca and Bosco di Tricase, established by the Puglia region to protect the eastern coast of Salento.
Conclusions
Castrignano del Capo is a village full of surprises, where you can discover the beauty of crystalline sea, the history and culture of Southern Italy, and wild nature. If you come to Puglia, do not miss this little gem of Salento!
