main railway line ends at Lecce. Other locations are served by regional railroads. Leisure ports are those of: Taranto, Brindisi, Campomarino di Maruggio's tourist and leisure Marina, Gallipoli, Santa Maria di Leuca, Otranto. Coastal towers The coastal towers in Salento are coastal watchtowers, as the peninsula's coast was long subject to maritime attacks by the Saracens. The first towers may have been built by Normans. The remaining historic towers are mostly from the 15th and 16th centuries. Many are now in ruins. Food and gastronomy Some of the popular dishes from the Salento area include: Orecchiette, 'ear-shaped' pasta, often cooked with tomato sauce and a strong creamy cheese called ricotta schianta, or with rapini Parmigiana di melanzane, made with aubergines, tomato sauce and cheese like mozzarella or other Pitta di patate, a savoury pie made with mashed potatoes Turcinieddhri, grilled lamb offal Purciaddruzzi, fried hand-made small cookies with honey, eaten during Christmas time Tourism In the province of Lecce, the Ciolo cave is one of the main tourist destinations. Sagre food festivals Salento’s sagre food festivals show off local cuisine, cooking traditions and local culture. These communal feasts are vibrant, welcoming occasions that provide an introduction to Salento’s cuisine. Gay culture Salento is a major holiday destination for the Italian gay population. Long hot summers, varied coastline and vibrant nightlife draw an international gay crowd. A sophisticated gay scene has developed around the southern Salento town of Gallipoli, the lidos at Baia Verde and nearby naturist beaches. Salento Pride is celebrated annually. Gallery See also Grecìa Salentina Salentino dialect Lecce Brindisi Gallipoli Otranto Magna Grecia Catepanate of Italy References Peninsulas of Italy Landforms of Apulia Province of Lecce Province of Brindisi Province of Taranto Adriatic Sea