Between menhirs and fascinating villages

On this tour, we'll accompany you on a discovery of the Grecìa Salentina, following a simple loop rich in history. Depart from the Galugnano train station and head south along the Lecce-Santa Maria di Leuca stretch. Reach Sternatia, one of the towns where the Griko dialect is still most alive. Cross the town and pass by the castle, a reminder of the strategic role it played between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, up until the Aragonese expedition against the Turkish siege of Otranto.

Continue along secondary roads and then take the provincial road towards Martano. Enter the historic center and stop at the Palazzo Baronale, originally an Aragonese castle and transformed over time into a noble residence. Observe the façade, the portal, and, if possible, visit the interior. Resume your ride toward Carpignano Salentino and continue north to Melendugno, where a stop in front of the 16th-century castle is a must, even though it cannot be visited inside.

Complete the loop by passing through Calimera. Cross Piazza del Sole, observe the Church of San Brizio and the courtyard houses that tell the story of the town's community life. Before returning to Galugnano, stop at the Curti Vecchi Menhir: it's one of the most evident signs of the cultural stratification of this area. A tour suitable for everyone, ideal for a leisurely ride and a true understanding of the territory you're traversing.