Drenched in the rocky coast of Salento, the Grotta della Poesia opens like a hidden treasure, a natural paradise that conquers heart and mind. Not just a simple sea cave, but a real sanctuary of emotions, a perfect refuge for true emotions.
Its turquoise waters, illuminated by the sun’s rays, create an atmosphere of surreal charm. In front of its priceless beauty, time seems to stand still, leaving room only for admiration and serenity.
General information
Grotta della Poesia, a natural masterpiece, reveals its beauty in two distinct forms: the Grotta della Poesia Grande and the The Grotta della Poesia Piccola. This karst complex, shaped over the millennia by the incessant work of water erosion, offers a spectacular view of the connection between land and sea. The largest pool, with an elliptical shape about 30 by 18 meters, is located a short distance from the coast, and is the known. On the other side, the Grotta della Poesia Piccola, more intimate, with boards of about 15 by 9 meters, is a jewel separated from the open sea by about 70 meters. Here, among its rock walls, ancient graffiti have been discovered, testimonies of sailors who carved their thoughts on stone before crossing the waves to distant lands like Greece and Albania.
The legend of the Grotta della Poesia
The legend envelops the Grotta della Poesia with a cloak of mystery and millennial charm. It is told of a princess, wrapped in her timeless beauty, who once drank from the clear waters of the cave, becoming a source of inspiration for the poets of the time. This ancient natural sanctuary, once part of the Parco Archeologico Roca Vecchia, preserves indelible traces of past eras: Messapic inscriptions, Greek and Latin that sailors would engrave before embarking on their journeys to the remote Greek and Albanian coasts. But the name of the cave itself has a deep meaning: “posìa” from ancient Greek, evokes the presence of a fresh water spring, which once flowed into this place. Today, the Grotta della Poesia continues to be a magnetic attraction for visitors, both for its history steeped in legend and for the romantic atmosphere that surrounds it, Becoming a refuge for young couples who decide to exchange promises of love in an enchanted environment.
How to access the Grotta della Poesia?
Accessing the Grotta della Poesia is very simple. After reaching Roca Vecchia and parking your car in the spacious car park on the coastal road, you proceed past the suggestive Santuario di Maria Santissima delle Grazie and you access the cliff that winds along the coast through the large gate that guards it. Continuing on the cliff, a few meters from the road, you will find the charming natural pool. It is important to keep in mind that this is a protected area, so it is essential to respect the surrounding nature and the rules established to preserve this natural jewel for future generations.
Rules of the Grotta della Poesia
The Regulation of the Grotta della Poesia, established to preserve these enchanted lands, includes several provisions issued by the Mayor of Melendugno:
- No approach to the rocky ridge overlooking the sea due to danger of cliff collapse.
- bathing ban
- no food or drink
- No umbrellas and sunbeds
- ban on the practice of street trade
- no waste disposal
- no digging
- no access to tunnels
Opening hours and prices of the Grotta della Poesia
To ensure the protection and conservation of the area, ‘access to the Grotta della Poesia has been regulated and an entrance ticket, required only during the summer period.
The ticket price is around 3 euros for adults and 2 euros for children under 16, over 75 years old and groups of more than 10 people. Admission is free for people with disabilities and residents in the province of Lecce. In addition to the entrance to the area, the ticket also includes a short guided tour, thus enriching the visitor experience. During the summer period, which runs from 1 May to 15 October, the cave is open every day from 9:00 to 19:00. In addition, from 16:00 to 20:00 you can explore the archaeological area of Roca Vecchia. Those who wish to visit the cave during other periods of the year, can agree on days and times for a guided tour, thus guaranteeing a tailor-made and unforgettable experience.
Where it is and how to get there
The Grotta della Poesia is located along the Adriatic coast of Salento, in the province of Lecce, in south-eastern Italy. It is located in the locality of Roca Vecchia, in the municipality of Melendugno.
To reach the Grotta della Poesia in Roca Vecchia you can take a bus from Lecce or other towns of Salento or travel by car.
In particular, you can take advantage of the Salento bus service by taking the line 101 direction Torre dell’Orso and get off at the Roca Vecchia stop. From the bus stop you have to walk 5/10 minutes to reach the cave.
Alternatively, if you can drive, you must follow the Lecce-Melendugno state, from here take the road to “Roca Vecchia” and then follow the signs for Grotta della Poesia. Once you arrive on the spot, you will find a parking lot and can walk along the rocky coast.
Remember to go early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid crowds of tourists.
