Dimora Camperata

Start your tour with a trip to nearby Tricase (five minutes’ drive) to see the Palazzo dei Principi Gallone before continuing on to the coast and a dip at the beach or natural pool in Marina Serra (10 minutes). For more coastal time, head to the rocky beach at Cala dell’Acquaviva (20 minutes), take a boat tour around Cape of Santa Maria di Leuca to see the Grotta del Soffio (25 minutes) or join boat trips and scuba/snorkel outings in Castro (25 minutes). Exploring the area’s heritage further might take you to the small towns of Specchia (10 minutes) and Presicce (15 minutes), or for a day of wandering around Lecce (35 minutes), packed with so many gorgeous sights it’s sometimes known as ‘the Florence of the South’. With a fortified Old Town, a castle and a stunning cathedral as well as a beach, Gallipoli (40 minutes) is another great choice for a day trip. You may well want to spend your evenings looking up into the dark skies – and if you’d like to learn a bit more about what you’re seeing, book an event at San Lorenzo Astronomical Park (20 minutes).