Unmissable Southern Puglia
Our Guide to the local secret gems...
Towns & Villages
CASTRO
One of the prettiest towns on the Adriatic coast. It has a small marina and a beautiful 16th Century castle on the hill in the old town.
OTRANTO
The Cathedral of Otranto dates back to 1088 and is a heritage site with a unique mosaic flooring - totally worth seeing, despite the crowds. Cobbled streets, sea front promenades, delicious fish restaurants and it’s very own white sandy beach.
LECCE
Often called the Florence of the South, the residents love their siestas and the whole
city goes to sleep daily from 2-5pm, bursting into life in the evening. Lecce is the largest city in Salento and has an array of wonderful bars, restaurants. It also has great shopping for local art, antiques and pottery.
TRICASE PORTO
Join the loals swimming in the marina then head into the nearby town centre for lunch or to the port for supper at one of the informal restaurants serving fritto misto on trestle tables. Helen Mirren’s husband runs a wonderful bar called Farmacia Balboa which is amazing for cocktails but do check they’re open.
SANTA MARIA DI LEUCA
Leuca is famous for its lighthouse and Basilica overlooking the main town and marina below, there are lots of nice lidos and restaurants on the front by the Marina, and there are plenty more at Felloniche, Posto Vecchio, Torre Vado and Pescoluse.
GALLIPOLI
Gallipoli is made up of the ugly new town, and the achingly pretty old town situated on its own island. Sandy beaches stretch all the way down to Leuca.
Dining
Trattoria Vardaceli
An authentic, family run restaurant.
Lecce | +389/1774580; 389/4313997
Utopia
Relaxed bar style food, great for breakfast, light lunch, ice cream and pastries. A perfect place to go after a day spent at the sea.
Lecce | +39 0836/922178
Da Amedeo
One of the best high-end seafood restaurants locally.
Castro | +39 0836/947040; 347/7815450
Underground Fish Restaurant
A stylish seafood restaurant in Castro, the food is delicious and they have a nice selection of local wines as well.
+39 0836 943898
La Piazza
Typical Salento food with a modern twist and a very good wine list.
Poggiardo | +39 0836/901925, 339/7777073
La Ficarigna
Serves good pasta, meat and fish. Popular with locals all year round.
Specchia | +39 0833/535398; 349/5375813
Trattoria Iolanda
A small family run restaurant, specializing on pasta and grilled meat.
Lecce | +39 0833/784164
Farmacia Dei Sani
Inovative, high end restaurant.
Ruffano | +39 339/8332514
00’ Doppiozero
A great, trendy place to pick up a picnic if you’re heading to the beach. Try the caffe in ghiaccio con latte di mandorla (a local brew of coffee and almond milk.
Lecce | +39 083 2521052 | emporiodoppiozero.com
Blue Notte
Unbelievably fresh fish with daily arrivals from local fishing boats. Excellent wine list. Book well in advance.
Lecce | +39 0832 304286 | ristoranteblunotte.com
Trattoria Cucina Casareccia
Three sisters run this wonderfully bustling restaurant rustling up the most delicious home-made food. These are region specific dishes so be prepared to try something new (there is a lot of horsemeat on the menu).
Lecce | +39 0832 245178
Locanda DEL Levante
A lovely place to eat outisde in the evening.
Tricase | +39 0833/546678; 388/4412077
Bar Cozze & Gin
Outdoor tables with delicious tapas style food.
Tricase | +39 0347/541 9108
Taverna Del Porto
Wonderful seafood restaurant right on the waterfront.
Tricase | 0833/775336
Farmacia Balboa
The best cocktail bar, owned by Helen Mirren’s husband. Check they’re open before making a special trip.
Tricase | terredicorillo.it/en/other-stories/farmacia-balboa | +39 0833772585
Gibo Luxury Club
Awarded the best nightclub in Italy. Dancing under the stars looking out over the clifftops. Booking is essential.
Santa Maria di Leuca | +39 0833/548979
Il Bastione
The best roof terrace overlooking the island, serving wonderfully fresh fish and sea urchins. Can get booked weeks in advance so book early.
Gallipoli | +39 0833 263836
Trattoria La Puritate
Tottaly unpretentious but smart restaurant with a menu based on the catch of the day. Try the spaghetti al limone.
Gallipoli | +39 0833 264 205 | trattorialapuritate.it
Bar Blanc
Extremely cool cocktail bar with a homeware shop next door.
Gallipoli | facebook.com/blancgallipoli
Swimming Spots
Grotte Verde
Grotte Verde is located in Marina di Andrano.
Acquaviva
Spring water from the hills and enters via underwater caves into the sea producing two different water temperatures. Good for all ages.
Lido Fico
Well run beach club with good food and friendly staff. Rocky swimming rather than a sandy beach.
lidofico.it
Spiaggia Alimini
Wide, sandy dunes. Mostly covered with lidos but at the Northern end there is a more wild spot. Can get very busy during the summer months.
Cave of Poetry
A pristine natural swimming pool located between Lecce and Otranto.
Santa Maria di Lueca
There are some family friendly lidos along the coast line at Felloniche, Posto Vecchio, Torre Vado and Pescoluse.
Do & See
Direfaregustare - Cooking Classes
Learn to cook the most authentic Puglian dishes and pair with delicious local wines. A fantastic experience.direfaregustare.com
Bike Rental
Vittorio Puce has a shop in Spongano where you can rent scooters and electric bikes during your stay. He will provide a very good price if you mention Casa Giada.
Spongano | +39 334/670 2550
Red Coral Boat Rental
Book a trip to explore the caves along the coastline. Advance booking for summer months is essential.
+39 340/830 1172, 340/877463 | nauticaredcoral.it
Poseidon Boat Hire
Antonio +39 393669 8586, 366985 8628
Cycling & Mountain Biking
Puglia is great for cyclists, with both easy and challenging tracks and very little traffic. Apulia Bike Tours have some great bikes to rent and offer guided bike rides.
apuliabiketours.com
Salento
Offers some of the most breathtaking coastal hiking experiences in Italy. With its rugged cliffs, crystal clear waters, and charming villages, it’s a hiker paradise.
Try Sentiero del Vecchio Ciolo & Sentiero delle Cipolliane or the Parco Naturale Regionale Litorale di Ugento.
Local Markets
Marevivo Castro
Fantastic fresh seafood market.
Castro | Monday to Sunday 8:30am to 1pm & 4:30pm to 8:30pm
Poggiardo
Market day is every Wednesday selling Salento food, spices, fruits, vegetables.
Please call first to check restaurants and museums are open, and check the relevant government guidance before travelling.
No responsibilty can be accepted by Scott Williams for any issues that may arise as a result of the enclosed recommendations and information.