Cala Acquaviva Marina di Marittima Lecce

Lecce is beautiful, with its Baroque style and a festive vibe that lasts year-round. In September, it still feels hot, so it's natural to mix city visits with beach trips. The sea isn't far.

We decided to head south, towards Marina di Marittima, about 50 km away, to try a cove we didn't know. We had already seen the closer ones.

The road is smooth, and if you leave early, around 9 AM, there's no traffic during the off-season.

Cala dell'Acquaviva is visually stunning, with sculpted, irregular rocks forming a unique, almost closed inlet. The water here is intensely colored. The shape invites diving, thanks to the deep water in a small area. That's its main attraction. But, during high season, space to lay down is limited.

The parking is close to the cove, so no long walks. During peak hours, you might need some patience. It's common to circle around or wait a bit. But people leaving means spots open up quickly.

The water isn't always clear near the surface. A slight haze can reduce visibility. To see the bottom better, dive below this layer. So, it's not the best for snorkeling. But the nearby depths are great for diving and enjoyable on hot days.

We visited in mid-September, with temperatures just over 20°C. Parking was free then. Above, at the parking level, there are paid public services. Or, use the bar's facilities with a purchase. There's also a bar at the cove level.

Water shoes are useful here. They help you move and climb without slipping. If the water is clear, fins and a mask let you explore the nearby depths. You can see more just a few meters from the shore.

In my opinion, during peak summer, especially in August, it's not ideal for relaxation. The space is limited, and crowds make it hard to fully relax. In that case, bigger beaches like Baia dei Turchi are better. But in the off-season, it's different. You can enjoy it more calmly, making it a recommended stop.