The Adriatic coast is characterized both by long stretches of sand and cliffs, sometimes high cliffs dropping sheer down into the sea or small sandy bays enclosed by cliffs.
Along the coastline towards Otranto the coast is very jagged and it hides cozy little coves among the rocks, up to the beautiful large beaches in the area of Laghi Alimini, near Otranto.
From Otranto to the very south of the region the conformation of the coast abruptly changes: rocky cliffs offer breathtaking views on the sea or on the coasts of the nearby famous seaside villages, like Santa Cesarea Terme, Castro, Tricase, Novaglie and Santa Maria di Leuca.
The other side of the region, the Ionic coast of Salento, is a flat coast with long and white sandy beaches, sometimes dotted with low rocks.
The most beautiful sandy beaches of the area are those near Porto Cesareo, Gallipoli and Santa Maria di Leuca.
