Things To Do
in Sava
Nestled in the Salento hinterland of Apulia, Sava is a tranquil town framed by olive groves and sunlit piazzas. Its historic center unfolds along narrow lanes lined with whitewashed houses and centuries-old churches. Local life revolves around seasonal markets, pastoral hospitality, and a slow-paced rhythm that invites long lunches and strolls at dusk.
Sava makes a convenient base for exploring both inland countryside and nearby Adriatic beaches.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Sava and get settled in your charming accommodation. Take a leisurely stroll through the quaint streets to soak in the local atmosphere and admire the traditional architecture. Stop by a local café for a refreshing Italian espresso to kick off your adventure.
Visit the nearby historical sites, including the ancient Castello di Sava, and explore its rich architecture and storied past. Enjoy lunch at a local trattoria, sampling regional dishes made from fresh, local ingredients. Afterward, wander through local artisan shops to find unique handmade souvenirs.
As the sun sets, join the locals at a vibrant piazza for a taste of the evening vibe. Indulge in a delicious dinner at a seaside restaurant, savoring fresh seafood paired with local wines. End your night with gelato as you stroll under the stars, listening to the sounds of live music from nearby cafés.
Begin your day with an invigorating hike through the picturesque countryside surrounding Sava. The trails offer stunning views of vineyards and olive groves, perfect for immersive photography. Pack a light breakfast to enjoy amidst nature's beauty.
Visit a local vineyard for a guided tour and tasting session to learn about the region's famous wines. Enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch made from local specialties surrounded by verdant vines. This immersive experience will deepen your appreciation for Italian wine culture.
Return to Sava and dine in a rustic pizzeria that boasts a wood-fired oven. Try the traditional pizza, renowned for its thin crust and fresh ingredients. Cap off the evening with a nightcap at a cozy bar, mingling with locals and sharing stories of your day's adventures.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| 🍝Pasta dish at mid-range restaurant | $15-25 |
| ☕Coffee in town | $2-4 |
| 🍷Glass of local wine | $5-10 |
| 🏨1 night in a mid-range hotel | $90-150 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Pleasant pace of life and authentic regional cuisine
- Good base for day trips to the coast and countryside
- Limited nightlife and fewer large-scale attractions
- Public transport connections can be less frequent than in bigger cities
- "Buongiorno" - Good morning
- "Per favore" - Please
- "Grazie" - Thank you
- "Dove si trova la stazione?" - Where is the station?
- "Quanto costa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Un tavolo per due, per favore" - A table for two, please
Places to Visit in Sava
Visit one of these nice places.
A lively central square framed by the church and clock tower, ideal for portraits and street photography as the light softens.
The whitewashed façade and stone portal provide classic light and texture for architectural shots.
Narrow lanes with pale stucco walls and climbing vines create intimate compositions and play of shadows.
Rolling groves with gnarled trees offer moody landscapes and silhouettes against the warm Salento sky.
A quaint bridge in the historic center crossing a canal, perfect for tranquil, reflective scenes.
Food in Sava
Sava Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A classic Salentino pasta dish featuring ear-shaped pasta tossed with rapini greens and garlic, often found in trattorie around the town center.
Must-Try!
Frisella bread topped with ripe tomatoes and a drizzle of local olive oil—perfect for a light lunch or snack in cafes.
A rustic, soft sandwich on a local loaf, typically filled with tomatoes, mozzarella, and olive oil; widely available from street vendors and casual eateries.
A traditional mix of pasta and chickpeas in a hearty, comforting sauce often served in rural eateries.
A beloved lemony custard-filled pastry from nearby Lecce, commonly found in pastry shops and cafes.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly market in the town center offering fresh produce, cheeses, bread, and regional specialties; great for tasting and picking ingredients for a meal.
Farmers' market offering locally grown fruit, vegetables, olive oil, and homemade preserves; ideal for authentic ingredients.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a simple 'Buongiorno' or 'Buonasera' and make eye contact.
Modest attire is appreciated in churches and religious sites.
Respect quieter afternoons in residential areas; keep voices moderate and be mindful of local nap times.
Safety
Tipping in Sava
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% for good service is common in restaurants.
Cash is widely accepted in small places; cards and contactless payments are common in larger establishments; ATMs are available in town.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot, dry days with sea breezes; mornings are best for sightseeing and late afternoons for the beach or terrace dining.
Mild days with harvest activity; great light for photography, winery visits, and outdoor markets.
Mild and occasionally rainy; crowds thin, offering peaceful museum visits and cozy trattorias.
Greens return, wildflowers bloom, and temperatures are very comfortable for long walks and outdoor tastings.
Sava at Night
Hiking in Sava
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
An easy 2–3 hour walk through rolling olive groves with scenic viewpoints.
A moderate day hike along the coastline near the area; combines beach and cliff views.
Gentle uphill trail through vineyards, ideal for sunset photography.
Airports
How to reach Sava by plane.
About 60-80 minutes by car to Sava, with regular domestic flights and some seasonal international connections.
Smaller airport about 60-90 minutes away by road, useful for domestic flights and regional connections.
A larger international hub approx. 2–2.5 hours by car or rail, with frequent flights to Europe.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Mostly native Italian residents, with a small but growing presence of international visitors and seasonal workers.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport; local clubs and informal matches are common on weekends.
Rural roads and quiet lanes invite easy cycling trips around the Salento hinterland.
Nearby Adriatic coast offers sailing, windsurfing, and fishing opportunities.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Sava.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Venues often offer vegetarian versions of local staples; ask for vegetarian versions of pasta dishes, or enjoy friselle with fresh vegetables and burrata.