We left around 8am to make the journey from Corfu to Italy. We were anchored in Agios Stefanos on the north-east side of Corfu and the trip was to take us along the top of the island to the west side and then across the Ionian Sea to our destination of Santa Maria di Leuca at the very bottom of the heel of Italy.

It was smooth sailing to begin with, but about half-way across the Ionian Sea we hit an unexpected storm and consequent one metre swells. It was a rough passage and by the time we arrived late in the afternoon we were all a bit frazzled but relieved to have reached the marina. Our skipper then had to reverse the boat to the pier which was very difficult due to the strong winds driving us away. The marina staff came to the rescue with a small power boat to push us from the front as we reversed in. We were very relieved to be finally tied up to the marina pier, and in Italy.

Our first sighting of the town was the long concrete and stone breakwater and the lighthouse sitting high on the cliff facing the Ionian Sea. We later discovered that it is the second most important lighthouse in Italy with its height at 47 metres and sitting 102 metres above sea level.

There was a bit of a mess below deck due to items being thrown around in the storm. We also had water in some cabins as the unexpected storm meant we hadn’t closed all hatches tightly. Once we had everything back in order and drying we checked into the marina office and took a walk around the town to find somewhere for dinner. We were surprised by the many huge houses that lined the streets near the waterfront. This was no fishing village! We eventually settled on somewhere to eat and enjoyed our first meal together in Italy.

We spent most of the following morning checking in with the coast guard and getting our ‘constituto’, the Italian version of our Greek transit log. We are required to have it stamped at any town with a coast guard but have been told that many boats don’t bother and the authorities are fairly relaxed about it … as they were in Greece. That afternoon some of our party walked up the 250 stairs to the lighthouse and enjoyed an amazing view across the sea. Others wandered about the town, swam at the beach or relaxed on the boat, and of course there was the obligatory visit to the laundromat and stocking up with groceries. The cricket lovers spent the afternoon on the boat watching the first test on a laptop.

That night we had a delicious meal at a restaurant we’d discovered online that is run by a local family. The food was simple but very good and the excellent house wine at eight euro a litre was a too good to refuse. Fish is prominent on all menus around the town and my swordfish involtini was delicious.

It was still very windy and the forecast was for a few more days of the same so we paid the marina for a third night. The next morning we took the bus to the nearby town of Gallipoli to check out the old town centre located on an island just off the mainland. The one and half hour trip gave us an opportunity to look at the countryside and seaside towns along the way. As it was a Saturday and the weather was warm, the beaches were packed with local families. Between the towns the countryside was green and rocky. There were many stone fences and prickly pear and small round buildings dotted along the way. These buildings were around 2-3 metres in diameter and a similar height, and most had a door and pointy roof. We speculated on what they might be. We still have no idea.

Gallipoli did not disappoint. An ancient stone wall ran around the perimeter of the island with a large fort at the entrance. Inside the wall the old town was filled with tourists eating, shopping and taking in the sights. A beautiful baroque cathedral sat at the centre of the town. Below the town near the entrance was a fish market. We had lunch and strolled around for a few more hours before taking the bus back to our boat.

The forecast was for another day of wind so we booked for one last night. None of us were keen to make the next 12 hour crossing with strong winds. We all loved Santa Maria di Leuca and as we weren’t pushed for time were very happy to stay a bit longer. It was a Sunday and the weather was warm.

Early that morning a market had been set up along the water front promenade. There must have been around 100 stalls. We went for a wander and found it to be mostly shoes, bags and clothing … all reasonable quality. There was none of the crafty items we find at our own Sunday markets back home.

The marina was filled with families taking their boats out for the day to swim and picnic. Our boat was at the end of the pier so we had a front row seat to the many different vessels coming and going throughout the day. In the evening, local families strolled the promenade along the water front, stopping to chat with friends and enjoying the warm night.

Early the next morning we farewelled Santa Maria di Leuca to take the next long leg of our journey across the ‘ínstep’ of Italy’s boot.