End of summer at Ultima Spiaggia

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On the border of the nature reserve of the WWF “Le Cesine”, overlooking the Adriatic sea of Salento which here becomes an intense blue color crystal when the wind of the earth, south wind, blowing, there is the Ultima Spiaggia (www.ulitimaspiaggiadellecesine.it). It owes its name to the fact that the three brothers Epifani, Alessandro, Carlo e Giorgio, got the last available license from the Puglia Region for their beach of fine sand, which can be reached after crossing, walking on a linear walkway, the fragrant sea of dressed dunes of the Mediterranean woodlands.

Leave the car in the parking you can lose yourself among these effluvia that the essences of wild lilies, the rock rose, the savory, thyme, rosemary, myrtle, mastic tree and the privet shed in the air. The noise and stress seem to be miles apart. And the feeling of being surrounded by a nature still able to surprise us with its beauty is not lost at the beach, where the landscape changes and opens towards the changing shades of the sea.

Here, a few umbrellas nicely spaced protect from the sun during breaks between swims or along the beach promenade that features golden streaked with veins croakers: volcanic sediments that a running game led by the Ofanto river to the seacoasts – Alessandro explains us.

Another surprise throughout Puglia and unknown to most that adds charm to this beach with a dual personality, that wild of the surrounding nature and the kind and hospitable of the three brothers who provide impeccable service at umbrella as an alternative to an ice coffee or drink to be enjoyed on the airy terrace.

Where the young and talented chef Aldo Caricato also offers a menu appreciated by those looking for the perfect combination between tradition and the latest trends, with carpaccio, gourmet frise, salads and sandwiches from fresh ingredients and sometimes surprising, in an experience that involves all senses. Our have been kidnapped by delicate palettes of fish tartare and fragrant spaghetti to the smell of the sea on which we have combined a scented rosé Negramaro at the right temperature.

Time passes quickly between a chat, a coffee and the gusts of soft wind that caress the amber skin of late summer on the bright and minimalist terrace, a harmony and relaxation invite. A mention also to the Lido bathroom, which certainly do not expect on the beach: spacious and comfortable welcomes people with the explosion of iridescent blue of the mosaic tiles that covers the walls, with the feeling of living the sea inside and out.

It is not hard to imagine why right here, in this magical place, the Caretta Caretta turtles have chosen a cove not far to lay their own eggs and give birth to their young ones ready to leave for their long and adventurous journey free in open sea.