Fjord del Ciolo at Leuca

Near the farthest tip of Puglia where the "land ends" is a geographic oddity, the Fjord of Ciolo. Located just a few miles from Santa Maria di Leuca (where the Adriatic Sea meets the Ionian Sea), a rocky inlet with marine grottos cut into the landscape and provide a surprising panorama. The 'fjord' canyon was carved out by the water over the course of time, marking the rugged coastline that is also known for its typical Mediterranean vegetation, including some indigenous rare varieties of orchids.

Ciolo is the local name for a type of bird. The fjord penetrates the rock for a good distance, and is spanned by a high bridge, which affords a good vantage point to view the unusual formation. The sea is truly crystal-clear and a turquoise blue that also appears bright green in the right light, that is impossible to duplicate accurately in photos. It is accessible by a staircase, or, for the more adventurous, via aerial dives! Down there you can swim among the grottos and enjoy the unique atmosphere of a marine canyon. Within one grotto, accessible only by sea, you'll find a small lake inside!

The fiordo di Ciolo is also known as the canale di Ciolo, and is on the Adriatic coast of Gagliano del Capo, between Novaglie and Santa Maria di Leuca.