Date published: 27-01-2023
Exploring the Hidden Gems of
Santa Maria di Leuca
Traveled Tales is a blog about photography, travel, and urbex, and today I want to share my recent adventure to the beautiful town of Santa Maria di Leuca in the Puglia region of Southern Italy. I am a 31-year-old woman and have been a photographer since I was 18, so this trip was a dream come true for me.
I'm about to take you on a journey to a little slice of paradise at the end down of Puglia, Italy. Santa Maria di Leuca, you might not have heard of it, but trust me, it's about to be your new favorite spot for some serious Instagram inspiration.
First things first, let me set the scene for you. Picture this: a winding coastal road lined with palm trees, leading down to a rocky coastline where the waves are crashing against the rocks so hard, you can feel the spray on your face. It's the ultimate spot for some sick coastal shots, and that's exactly why I made the trek down there. I'm a stock photographer and I was on a mission to snap some new shots for my Dreamstime portfolio.
Now, let's talk about the day itself. It was one of those days where the weather just couldn't make up its mind. It was raining on and off, but I didn't let that stop me from getting my shots. I walked for miles along the coast, taking in the sights and sounds of the sea. At one point, I stumbled upon this little wooden path that seemed like some kind of survival trail. It was really cool, but all the activities along the way were closed, like cave visits and a cute little cafe. The whole town was pretty quiet and pretty much deserted, but that just made it all the more eerie and atmospheric.
As I continued on my journey, I came across this really long staircase leading up to the lighthouse. It was a real workout, but the view from the top was worth it. I snapped some shots of the steps and the surrounding greenery and decorations (because, you know, it was close to Christmas). Along the way, I also came across some dead animals, which was kind of sad, but not really worth photographing. But when I finally made it to the lighthouse, the view was absolutely breathtaking. I've been to Santa Maria di Leuca once before, but this was my first time exploring this particular area, and it definitely did not disappoint.
Unfortunately, by the time I finished up, my camera was drenched (I forgot to bring a rain cover, rookie mistake) but I was able to salvage some of the shots. And as a cherry on top of an already amazing day, I caught the sunset over the water before my boyfriend came to pick me up. I was freezing by that point, but it was all worth it for those killer shots.
So there you have it, folks. Santa Maria di Leuca is a hidden gem that you need to add to your bucket list. The vibe is chill, the scenery is next level, and the photographic opportunities are endless. And if you're lucky, you might even catch a rainbow over the water! So grab your cameras, and let's hit the road. Peace out!
For more of my travel and photography adventures, check out my Instagram account, where I regularly post new photos and updates from my trips.
