The stunning seaside town with 'Maldives-like beaches' that's at the tip of Italy's 'Boot'

Boasting white-washed waterside buildings, sapphire-blue waters and mouthwatering local cuisine of fresh fish and pasta dishes, this stunning seaside city at the tip of "heel of the boot" should sit at the top of your travel bucket list. While a popular holiday destination for Italians, Santa Maria di Leuca in Puglia has remained under the radar for most , making it one of the very best of Italy's hidden gems.

Whether you're craving relaxing days, vibrant festivals or immersing yourself in historical sites, Santa Maria di Leuca has options for every type of traveller. Its name, 'Leuca' derives from the Greek "Leukos," meaning light or luminous, and refers to the religious sanctuary built on a site above the town's harbour. Since the early 1900s, it has been a popular resort for wealthy Puglians thanks to the eye-catching Art Nouveau villas that fringe its seafront.

Santa Maria di Leuca exudes historical charm, with many incredible sites begging to be explored. Visit the Basilica De Finibus Terrae, a significant religious sanctuary that has long been a place of pilgrimage. Nearby sits an impressive lighthouse, built in 1864, on the sight of a 16th-century watchtower.

Its white octagonal shape rises an impressive 47 metres (over 100 metres above sea level) and houses a winding staircase of 254 steps. While your legs will likely feel the burn once you reach the top, you will be rewarded with the most spectacular panoramic views of the seaside city and the water, where the Ionian and Adriatic seas meet in a kaleidoscope of blue and green hues.

Santa Maria di Leuca also hosts some of the most vibrant and exciting festivals in . For a chance to immerse yourself in local culture, head to the city around August 15, when locals celebrate the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Watch as the statue of the Virgin is paraded through the streets and taken out to sea, followed by fireworks and celebrations late into the night.

What's more, while the eastern coast of Salento is formed of grottos and inlets, the western coast of Capo di Leuca boasts some incredibly beautiful sandy beaches. One seaside village in particular - Pescoluse, tucked between Torre Vado and Torre Pali - has become known as the "Maldives of Salento" by , thanks to its picturesque blue waters.

Relax on the sandy beaches at Felloniche, Posto Vecchio, Torre Vado, and Pescoluse. These family-friendly beaches are well-equipped and perfect for a day by the sea.

If this does not scratch the itch of enjoying the warm Mediterranean waters, head out on a boat tour with talented local sailors to explore the dramatic surrounding coastline of rocky cliffs and dozens of grottoes. Among the must-see caves are the Devil's Grotto and Lovers Grotto.

The incredible monumental man-made waterfall must also not be missed. At the sight where the Puglia aqueduct ends, flanked by 300 steps and an impressive column.

After a full day of exploring, head to one of Santa Maria di Leuca's waterfront . While listening to the gentle crashing of the waves against the shore, eat your weight in fresh seafood and pasta dishes at unbeatable prices compared to elsewhere in Italy. At Ristorante Rizieri, for example, you can gorge on specialities like sea urchins, black grouper and seafood salads for around €10-€12 (£8-£10).

To get to Santa Maria di Leuca, you can fly direct from a number of London airports, including , Stansted and London City Airport to Papola Casale Airport (BDS) with at £272 return per person, or with a stop in Rome (FCO) with ITA Airways for as little as £174.

From here, rent a car and drive an hour and a half south to Santa Maria di Leuca for the ultimate seaside holiday amid jaw-dropping views of the tip of Italy.