Lessons learned in (Santa Maria di) Leuca

Getting out of the water for women of all ages is, without fail, accompanied by bathing suit adjustment. 

It is possible to reserve your preferred chaises at the Lido for your planned return the next day. Just ask. 

There’s a fairly constant breeze moving the air about. It doesn’t carry the scent of the water because the Adriatic (at least here) doesn’t seem to have any smell. It’s certainly not North Atlantic briny. 

Finally had my first pasticchiotti and it was worth the wait. It came from Martinucci, along with a croissant/cornetto* and a yeasty donut, and I selected a lemon cream filling from the variety available. It was a delectable treat. Shortbread crust encased a dense, almost pudding like lemon filling. Wonderful – as were the other items purchased. 

Maintaining hydration is vital and involves a personal balance between water and wine. For me, it’s 3 liters of water a day (half of which is fortified with added electrolytes) and maybe .75 L of local wine, either white or rosé.

The sunsets are epic.

The heat is no joke, but quite tolerable if you hydrate, find some shade and slow down. Fortunately, I’m adept at all of these.

The beaches are mostly rocky and occupied by bathers, a word I selected with thought, from early morning to night, as I observed.

Eat the fava beans with chicory. Thank me later.

The pizza was excellent also. Both came from Sacresita, a place we went to twice for dinner. Go – and tell Paola that Silvia sent you.

Leuca is a lively town at night. Take a decent siesta – at home or at the Lido, and reserve some vigor for after dark. There might even be some dancing.