Acaya Holidays 2024/2025
When you’re ready to abandon the nine-to-five, come and be enthralled with the charms of Acaya. Nestled among acres of olive trees and lush Mediterranean landscape, and on the doorstep of one of Italy’s most fascinating cities, lies this idyllic small town – a perfect setting for a holiday to Italy. With streets that date back to the 16th-century and just a few kilometres away from the warm, crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic Sea, Acaya is full of genuine Italian culture, reflecting its strong historical and artistic heritage.
Acaya Holiday Deals
Centuries of history
A highlight of an Acaya holiday is its rich history. In ancient times, the town was surrounded by walls and a wide moat which is now preserved in its impressive castle. Built to guard the small hamlet by the Knight Alfonso of Acaya around 1535, it is considered one of the finest examples of Renaissance-era defensive architecture. Today, the Castle of Acaya with its two tall towers, is accessible by a single bridge. Climb up the stairway where there are rooms displaying paintings, including one of the Spanish Kings’ coats of arms next to motifs carved in Lecce stone. Don’t forget to stroll around the village’s two lovely buildings, the Church of Santa Maria della Neve with its impressive neoclassical architecture, and the Chapel of San Paolo constructed in the 18th-century.
Peaceful Mediterranean coast
This region is home to some of Italy’s loveliest beaches and most dramatic rocky coastline. Just a few kilometres away from Acaya are white beaches and crystal-clear waters perfect for sunbathing, water sports and swimming. Being on the eastern side of Italy’s heel, the long and varied Adriatic coastline has many salt-water lagoons, rocky grottoes, chalk cliffs, with the warm water of the Adriatic sea lapping at your toes. Beach lovers should head straight to Frigole Beach and the nearby promenade is on hand for some refreshment at its many restaurants and beach bars. If you want to explore, there are exciting fishing trips and boat trips to some of Salento’s most beautiful caves and picturesque coves.
Explore Lecce and beyond
An Acaya holiday is also the perfect base from which to explore the real gem of this part of Italy. A 15-minute drive and you’ll arrive at the city of Lecce. Known as the ‘the Florence of the South’, Lecce welcomes you with magnificent baroque architecture in its many palaces and churches. Three ancient gates lead you to the heart of the city where you’ll see iconic facades made with local Lecce stone, an extremely soft and malleable stone, perfect for creating highly sophisticated stone embroidery. The Basilica of Santa Croce, the spectacular Piazza Duomo with its towering bell tower, and the lovely Palazzo del Seminario are among the many highlights. Not forgetting the Roman Amphitheatre next to the central Piazza Sant’Oronzo that offers an intriguing insight into the region’s history. Of course, Lecce isn’t the only place to visit. There are several other beautiful cities close by. Otranto, and Santa Maria di Leuca, the meeting place of the Adriatic and the Ionian Seas are worth visiting also.
Marina and golf and football
Of course there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy some real downtime in Acaya, Italy. The nearby Marina of San Foca is a welcoming focal point with lovely views and its Tower acting as the main attraction. Enjoy a round of golf on the 18-hole course at the Acaya Golf Club. Designed by renowned architects Hurdzan and Fry, it’s built to be environmentally sustainable and in keeping with the local area. You can let off some steam supporting your favourite game at the nearby Stadio Via del Mare, home of Italian team U.S. Lecce. The perfect place to catch the spirit of Italian football.
Nature
Surrounded by lush Mediterranean landscape, it’s no surprise Acuya is neighbour to important international Nature Reserve, Le Cesine. Managed by the World Wildlife Fund, there are nearly 400 acres of wetland, dunes and marshland that is home to many species of waterfowl and migrating birds. Herons, ibis, mullards, storks, cranes and coots are regular visitors. It is also an area full of natural beauty. You’ll find juniper, sea wallflowers, yellow iris and rare wild orchids, and in the centre grows the very rare kermes oak.
So, if you’re looking for a holiday destination with a great climate, dreamy beaches, beautiful historic towns, and outstanding nature, you can’t go wrong with a holiday to Acaya, Italy.