Grotta della Poesia
Melendugno, Italy
A round natural pool in the limestone at Roca Vecchia, linked to the sea by an underwater passage, beside the ruins of an ancient settlement. Very busy on summer afternoons; parking is paid along the coast road.
The Grotta della Poesia is a natural pool shaped by the sea in the limestone of Roca Vecchia, a district of Melendugno, set in an amphitheatre of rock. Its name comes from a legend: a beautiful Messapian princess is said to have bathed here and inspired poets to write verses. Around it lies the Roca archaeological site, with remains of Messapian and Roman settlements; the smaller Grotta della Poesia Piccola bears more than 3,000 inscriptions in Messapian, Greek and Latin.
Access (as of October 2026): since 18 July 2026 a ticket has been required for the site including both caves, available online through the ArcheoRoca portal or at the ticket offices on site. This arrangement was announced for the summer season until the end of September; ask ArcheoRoca or the Comune di Melendugno whether and how it applies out of season. Swimming and diving are banned under a 2014 harbour authority order, and the ticket does not permit them. A visit in the morning or late afternoon is most pleasant, as the paths are mostly in the sun.
- Nearest town
- Melendugno, Italy
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 40.2887, 18.4318
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June, August and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Italy: Motorway tolls. Tolls on most autostrade; pay at the barrier by card or cash. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Parco camper La TorreMotorhome stopover2 km from Grotta della PoesiaMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Area Camper Gran PashàMotorhome stopover3 km from Grotta della PoesiaMotorhomesElectricityShowersWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Oasi del CamperistaMotorhome stopover4 km from Grotta della PoesiaMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterToiletsDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Agricampeggio MalapezzaCampsite4 km from Grotta della PoesiaTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDogs allowed
- Agriturismo FontanelleCampsite11 km from Grotta della PoesiaTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowed
- Baia dei MiceneiCampsite17 km from Grotta della Poesia · 10 pitchesCaravansMotorhomesElectricityShowersDogs allowedWi-Fi
All campsites in Italy · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Grotta della Poesia?
Grotta della Poesia is in Melendugno, Italy, at GPS 40.2887, 18.4318. It is about 17 km from Otranto.
Can you camp near Grotta della Poesia?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is La Zolfara Area Camper, about 1 km away; within 25 km there are 21 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Grotta della Poesia?
Grotta della Poesia is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Salento: sea pools and cliffs between two seas.
What is there to see near Grotta della Poesia?
Places worth a stop nearby: Torre dell'Orso (2 km), Otranto bauxite quarry (19 km), Basilica di Santa Croce (23 km) and Porto Selvaggio (42 km).
When is the best time to visit Grotta della Poesia?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in March, June, August and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)