Out and About

Drink in the timeless charm of 18th-century southern Italy in the delightful historic centre of Nardo, with its winding streets, grand Baroque palazzos, and charming piazzas. You can explore the enchanting churches and fascinating museums in the area, or dive into our 'black book' for a treasure trove of local gems, including recommendations for dining, shopping, and cultural experiences. We can also arrange in-room beauty treatments or massages for some well-deserved relaxation.

Beyond Nardo, the entire Salento peninsula is ripe for exploration. Venture 10 minutes away to the Ionian seashore and the secluded rocky landscape of the vast Porto Selvaggio nature reserve. The nearby beaches of Santa Maria al Bagno or Santa Caterina are where you can swim, sunbathe, and enjoy the laid-back coastal lifestyle. With immaculate Blue Flag waters all along the coast and the beautiful beaches of the 'Maldives of Salento' right on your doorstep, there are plentiful beach clubs, bustling free beaches, and acres of wild shoreline. Alternatively, we can arrange a private boat to pick you up for a day trip to see the coastline in style.

Lecce, the 'Queen of the South,' and picturesque Gallipoli are both just 20 minutes away, and the famous towns of the Salento region are within easy reach. Visit the whitewashed hilltop town of Ostuni, the trulli houses of Alberobello, or the Venetian harbor of Monopoli. Discover hidden coves, ancient cave dwellings, and picturesque fishing villages as you drive along the scenic coastal roads. At the very end of the heel of Italy, you will find the lighthouse of Santa Maria di Leuca, and the coastal road from there to Otranto along the Adriatic coast offers a spectacular sweep of clifftop views.

Most importantly, remember to bring a wide-brimmed hat as you settle into a shady chair for coffee in the piazza or unwind on the sandy shores of the Ionian Sea. The real connoisseurs - ordinary Italians - know and love Salento for its exceptional food, stunning sea, warmth of its people, and simplicity. This is where they come to spend the summer.