Magna Grecia, or Greater Greece in Southern Italy, evokes the lost past of the Greek people. The Greek colonies of Southern Italy grew to surpass their Motherland, Greece, in influence and prosperity. In the summer of 2025, I had the unique experience of visiting Southern Italy through a Greek perspective. What unfolded was a vivid remnant of the ancient world: Magna Grecia.
On our six-day tour, we visited Otranto, located at the easternmost point of Italy’s ‘boot’ in the Salentine Peninsula of the Puglia (Apulia) region. Known as a ‘Gateway to the East,’ Otranto has long been a crossroads of cultures. In ancient times, it served as a port connecting Italy with Greece. The Greek settlement was called Hydrus, meaning ‘river.’ Remarkably, Otranto preserved its Greek language and culture until the 11th century. The Adriatic Sea still laps at its historic shores.
After a day of sightseeing in Otranto, I walked east toward the seashore and came across a breathtaking view of the Adriatic. There, overlooking the water, was a café called Santa Marea. Food represents a culture’s identity.
Santa Marea’s specialty dessert is Spumone Artigianale, my waiter, José Silvestre, told me. “It’s homemade every morning, just like all our ice cream. Spumone is made with chocolate.” Taking his advice, I enjoyed a spumone with an espresso. Energizing!
José then shared his story in English. “I’m from Miami, America. The owner, a good friend from Miami, convinced me about ten years ago to come live here. It was a drastic change from life in the States, definitely—but I’m enjoying the quality of life, the food, and the culture. Italian culture is so rich, and it’s very nice. I think this is going to be my home for a very long time.” The owner is Paolo Menicocci. If you’re in Otranto, stop by Santa Marea at Largo Cavour 4—it’s more than a café, it’s an experience.
I visited Southern Italy with Tsioros Travel Agency of Tripoli, Greece, operated by Kostas Tsioros and his wife, retired educator Maria Papalou. In the summer of 2024, our cousin Christo Makarounis recommended that we contact Konstandina, a former tenant and travel agent. I worked closely with Maria, Konstandina, and Panagiota for a year to arrange my participation in a tour of the Greek-speaking villages of Southern Italy.
The tour took place from June 26 to July 3 and included visits to the villages of Puglia, Salentina, Bari, Calabria, and the Amalfi Coast. We stayed in excellent hotels, with several meals included. The cost from Greece, with extras, was about €1,000 per person.
Love Puglia | Otranto City Guide – the Puglia Guys
Santamanaarea2021@gmail or visit Santa Marea Otranto on Facebook
View of the sea from Otranto.
Santa Marea.
Waiter Jose.
Spumone Artigianale..
View of Adriatic Sea from Santa Marea bar.