Experience Puglia From The Centre
City/town information
Ostuni is such a special place. It gives you the best of Valle d’Itria but with a sea view! It is worth more than a visit, perhaps avoiding weekends when it more crowded. In front of the cathedral you will find a bar where you can have excellent breakfasts (Borgo Antico Bar Gelateria) or a good restaurant for your dinner (Osteria Piazzetta Cattedrale). For an aperitif, we suggest the Borgo Antico Bistrot. And for an icecream, the famous "Cremeria alla Scala".
Davvero una perla che vale una giornata di visita, evitando forse i week end perchè a volte un po' troppo piena di turisti. Di fronte alla cattedrale c'è un bar dove fare ottime colazioni. (Gelateria Borgo Antico) un buon ristorante (Osteria Piazzetta Cattedrale). Per un aperitivo il Borgo Antico Bistrot. E scendendo la gelateria "Cremeria alla Scala".
886 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Ostuni
Ostuni is such a special place. It gives you the best of Valle d’Itria but with a sea view! It is worth more than a visit, perhaps avoiding weekends when it more crowded. In front of the cathedral you will find a bar where you can have excellent breakfasts (Borgo Antico Bar Gelateria) or a good restaurant for your dinner (Osteria Piazzetta Cattedrale). For an aperitif, we suggest the Borgo Antico Bistrot. And for an icecream, the famous "Cremeria alla Scala".
Davvero una perla che vale una giornata di visita, evitando forse i week end perchè a volte un po' troppo piena di turisti. Di fronte alla cattedrale c'è un bar dove fare ottime colazioni. (Gelateria Borgo Antico) un buon ristorante (Osteria Piazzetta Cattedrale). Per un aperitivo il Borgo Antico Bistrot. E scendendo la gelateria "Cremeria alla Scala".
If you want to spend a nice evening, in a place with not so many tourists, you should visit Oria. Reach Porta Manfredi, where to find good restaurants and fancy places to have an aperitive (or a low cost delicious snacks at Antica Drogheria). Take a walk through its narrow alleys and reach the XII century castle built by Frederick II of Swabia. The Vecchia Oriarestaurant has a beautiful summer terrace for al fresco dining.
Ottima per una mattinata o una serata - consiglio di raggiungere Porta Manfredi, dove ci sono un sacco di ristorantini ma anche locali low cost che fanno panini km 0 e aperitivi. Da vedere/sbirciare camminando per il piccolo centro il castello del 1200 costruito da Federico II di Svevia . Il ristorante Vecchia Oria ha una bella distesa estiva in una piazzetta del centro.
35 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Oria
If you want to spend a nice evening, in a place with not so many tourists, you should visit Oria. Reach Porta Manfredi, where to find good restaurants and fancy places to have an aperitive (or a low cost delicious snacks at Antica Drogheria). Take a walk through its narrow alleys and reach the XII century castle built by Frederick II of Swabia. The Vecchia Oriarestaurant has a beautiful summer terrace for al fresco dining.
Ottima per una mattinata o una serata - consiglio di raggiungere Porta Manfredi, dove ci sono un sacco di ristorantini ma anche locali low cost che fanno panini km 0 e aperitivi. Da vedere/sbirciare camminando per il piccolo centro il castello del 1200 costruito da Federico II di Svevia . Il ristorante Vecchia Oria ha una bella distesa estiva in una piazzetta del centro.
Grottaglie with its renowned, colorful and mediterranean ceramics is the capital of ceramic pottery in Puglia. You can visit the ceramic “botteghe”in the old part of town, where to buy something to bring home or simply admire the craftmanship and the beautiful workshops carved into the rock. It is better to go after 5pm, perhaps for an aperitif, because the shops are closed during the lunch break (1-5 pm).
Molto interessante la visita dei laboratori/negozi delle ceramiche nella parte vecchia. Per comprare ma anche solo per ammirare oggetti e laboratori ricavati nella roccia, Conviene andare dopo le 17, magari per un aperitivo, perchè le botteghe chiudono per la pausa pranzo.
119 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Grottaglie
Grottaglie with its renowned, colorful and mediterranean ceramics is the capital of ceramic pottery in Puglia. You can visit the ceramic “botteghe”in the old part of town, where to buy something to bring home or simply admire the craftmanship and the beautiful workshops carved into the rock. It is better to go after 5pm, perhaps for an aperitif, because the shops are closed during the lunch break (1-5 pm).
Molto interessante la visita dei laboratori/negozi delle ceramiche nella parte vecchia. Per comprare ma anche solo per ammirare oggetti e laboratori ricavati nella roccia, Conviene andare dopo le 17, magari per un aperitivo, perchè le botteghe chiudono per la pausa pranzo.
Less known than Ostuni but equally charming. It is fullof typical restaurants, bars and shops along its narrowstreets. Very lively in summer, with concerts and localfairs. A good place to park your car is close to the town hall (follow signs for “municipio”). The "CIBUS" restaurant is well renowned but there are many good alternatives in the center or in its countryside. Or you can enjoy a drink and the view on the valley at Belvedere Monterrone.
Meno conosciuta di Ostuni ma anche lei città "luminosa". E' strapiena di ristoranti tipici e baretti lungo le sue viuzze. Rinomato il ristorante "CIBUS" ma ci sono tante alternative in centro o nelle campagne.
162 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Ceglie Messapica
Less known than Ostuni but equally charming. It is fullof typical restaurants, bars and shops along its narrowstreets. Very lively in summer, with concerts and localfairs. A good place to park your car is close to the town hall (follow signs for “municipio”). The "CIBUS" restaurant is well renowned but there are many good alternatives in the center or in its countryside. Or you can enjoy a drink and the view on the valley at Belvedere Monterrone.
Meno conosciuta di Ostuni ma anche lei città "luminosa". E' strapiena di ristoranti tipici e baretti lungo le sue viuzze. Rinomato il ristorante "CIBUS" ma ci sono tante alternative in centro o nelle campagne.
FRANCAVILLA has a charming historical center. You can park your car in Corso Umberto (10 min.) where you will find the restored Castello degli Imperiali, nice bars and small shops where to buy veggies and typical products, the pharmacy, the bank..
At the end of the Corso you will find Piazza della Fontana, which gives its name to the town, cafés and a good restaurant (Suite77), an excellent butcher's shop (Arsena Macelleria for your grilling), a bakery (Voglia di Pane, try their sweets or focaccia) and a producer of Apulian dairy products (try burrata!)
19 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Francavilla Fontana
FRANCAVILLA has a charming historical center. You can park your car in Corso Umberto (10 min.) where you will find the restored Castello degli Imperiali, nice bars and small shops where to buy veggies and typical products, the pharmacy, the bank..
At the end of the Corso you will find Piazza della Fontana, which gives its name to the town, cafés and a good restaurant (Suite77), an excellent butcher's shop (Arsena Macelleria for your grilling), a bakery (Voglia di Pane, try their sweets or focaccia) and a producer of Apulian dairy products (try burrata!)
The pearl of the Itria Valley, a labyrinth of alleys and streets, arches and balconies that hide unique views
for their magni$cent simplicity. There are many bars, such as the FOD bar on the central square, and restaurants where to have an aperitif or to dine. And for meatlovers many good “Rosticceria” where you choose the meat as if you were in a butcher shop and a little bit later it is served to you! (35 minutes away)
385 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Cisternino
The pearl of the Itria Valley, a labyrinth of alleys and streets, arches and balconies that hide unique views
for their magni$cent simplicity. There are many bars, such as the FOD bar on the central square, and restaurants where to have an aperitif or to dine. And for meatlovers many good “Rosticceria” where you choose the meat as if you were in a butcher shop and a little bit later it is served to you! (35 minutes away)
Martina Franca, a fourteenth-century town, is a place surely worth a visit because of the great elegance of its historical city center and because to reach it you drive across the hills of the Itria Valley with their soft lines, dry stone walls and olive groves as far as the eye can see (35 minutes).
414 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Martina Franca
Martina Franca, a fourteenth-century town, is a place surely worth a visit because of the great elegance of its historical city center and because to reach it you drive across the hills of the Itria Valley with their soft lines, dry stone walls and olive groves as far as the eye can see (35 minutes).
Lecce is beautiful, with its scenic squares and many historic buildings in the southern Baroque style. Enjoya good meal or do a little shopping in the lively city centre. Pay a visit to Pasticceria Natale, the best pastry shop in the city, where you can try the “pasticciotti”, and other characteristic sweets. The city is very lively day & night (50 minutes away by car. You can also reach it by catching the train in Francavilla).
1001 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Lecce
Lecce is beautiful, with its scenic squares and many historic buildings in the southern Baroque style. Enjoya good meal or do a little shopping in the lively city centre. Pay a visit to Pasticceria Natale, the best pastry shop in the city, where you can try the “pasticciotti”, and other characteristic sweets. The city is very lively day & night (50 minutes away by car. You can also reach it by catching the train in Francavilla).
An hour away but truly spectacular. Avoid if you can weekends, it gets very crowded.
Polignano a mare
An hour away but truly spectacular. Avoid if you can weekends, it gets very crowded.
Sightseeing
Zoosafari
Via dello ZoosafariGreat for kids and for anyone on a rainy day
Shopping/Groceries
Less than 15 minutes from the house, Famila offers most of the groceries you need on a daily basis
Supermercato Famila Francavilla Fontana
Via OriaLess than 15 minutes from the house, Famila offers most of the groceries you need on a daily basis
Spazio Conad (former Auchan) is the right place for your big shopping - of groceries or anything else you might need. It is located in Mesagne 20 minutes from the house.
Auchan
snc SS7Spazio Conad (former Auchan) is the right place for your big shopping - of groceries or anything else you might need. It is located in Mesagne 20 minutes from the house.
A medium size groceries shop, located in the centre of Francavilla and just ten minutes away from the house. Perfect if you miss a few items. Plus in the nearby Corso Umberto, at walking distance, you will find many family-run small shops selling local produce and cafes. So you can combine shopping and coffee.
Magicaè Supermercati
A medium size groceries shop, located in the centre of Francavilla and just ten minutes away from the house. Perfect if you miss a few items. Plus in the nearby Corso Umberto, at walking distance, you will find many family-run small shops selling local produce and cafes. So you can combine shopping and coffee.
Located in Mesagne it is the place to stop on your way to/back from the Ionio beaches. Very well stocked it also offers ready meals if you are too tired to cook after a long day at the beach.
Supermercato Famila
Located in Mesagne it is the place to stop on your way to/back from the Ionio beaches. Very well stocked it also offers ready meals if you are too tired to cook after a long day at the beach.
Beaches of the Adriatic Sea
Torre Guaceto Natural Reserve NORTH / CENTER AREA - Very beautiful and wild. There are 3 large parkings: north / center / south. The center parking has a small train/shuttle that takes you to the equipped beach and bar (“Torre Guaceto Stabilimento Balneare” - better to book, it can be crowded). But if you don’t mindwalking a bit you will $nd lots of free beach and room. There you can also rent bikes and there is the turtle museum.
Torre Guaceto Reserve SOUTH / APANI AREA If you park in the southern section, near Apani, you will $nd the very stylish Guna Beach (better to book) but you canas well walk towards towards the sailing center (centro velico) where there are stretches of beautiful and less crowded beaches. IN THIS CASE, it is a must to bring an umbrella - you can $nd one in the garage - and above allfood and drinks (no cafés!)
220 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Torre Guaceto
Torre Guaceto Natural Reserve NORTH / CENTER AREA - Very beautiful and wild. There are 3 large parkings: north / center / south. The center parking has a small train/shuttle that takes you to the equipped beach and bar (“Torre Guaceto Stabilimento Balneare” - better to book, it can be crowded). But if you don’t mindwalking a bit you will $nd lots of free beach and room. There you can also rent bikes and there is the turtle museum.
Torre Guaceto Reserve SOUTH / APANI AREA If you park in the southern section, near Apani, you will $nd the very stylish Guna Beach (better to book) but you canas well walk towards towards the sailing center (centro velico) where there are stretches of beautiful and less crowded beaches. IN THIS CASE, it is a must to bring an umbrella - you can $nd one in the garage - and above allfood and drinks (no cafés!)
Beaches of the Morelli River - Lido Morelli - Kypos Beach / Ostuni (and neighboring beaches) equipped beach with cafés but with the free beach option next to it. -Convenient when going for half a day as the pay parking is very close to the beach.
19 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Lido Morelli
1 Contrada Fiume MorelliBeaches of the Morelli River - Lido Morelli - Kypos Beach / Ostuni (and neighboring beaches) equipped beach with cafés but with the free beach option next to it. -Convenient when going for half a day as the pay parking is very close to the beach.
Beaches of the Ionian Sea
San Pietro in Bevagna - Mouth of the Chidro River:the Chidro is an underground river which emerges only meters away from the beach. It’s unique as hot and coldwater mix - (free beach, bring what necessary).
Spiaggia di San Pietro in Bevagna
San Pietro in Bevagna - Mouth of the Chidro River:the Chidro is an underground river which emerges only meters away from the beach. It’s unique as hot and coldwater mix - (free beach, bring what necessary).
Torre Colimena - Salina dei Monaci Nature Reserve: free beach not too crowded, bars not far awayand some good fish restaurants by the sea in the nearbyvillage. Try “La Scogliera”, with sea view.
Spiaggia di Torre Colimena
Torre Colimena - Salina dei Monaci Nature Reserve: free beach not too crowded, bars not far awayand some good fish restaurants by the sea in the nearbyvillage. Try “La Scogliera”, with sea view.
Punta Prosciutto - renowned for its magnificent watersand sandy beaches. There is both a Beach Club (Lido Teranga Bay or others nearby) and free beach, although often very crowded - better to avoid weekends. In the northern part of the “prosciutto” there is "L'Ancora", a restaurant pizzeria bar. That side is a little rocky but lesscrowded.
261 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Punta Prosciutto
Punta Prosciutto - renowned for its magnificent watersand sandy beaches. There is both a Beach Club (Lido Teranga Bay or others nearby) and free beach, although often very crowded - better to avoid weekends. In the northern part of the “prosciutto” there is "L'Ancora", a restaurant pizzeria bar. That side is a little rocky but lesscrowded.
The Spiaggia degli Angeli at Lido Castiglione adjacent to the Torre Castiglione campsite is also a very beautiful beach. Go with a sun umbrella – you can find one at the house - and food/drinks because there are nocafés directly on the beach.
Spiaggia degli Angeli
75 Via R. OlivieriThe Spiaggia degli Angeli at Lido Castiglione adjacent to the Torre Castiglione campsite is also a very beautiful beach. Go with a sun umbrella – you can find one at the house - and food/drinks because there are nocafés directly on the beach.
The coast from San Pietro going south has long stretches of sandy dunes. You can reach Torre Lapillo or Porto Cesareo (1 hour) and the nearby Isola dei Conigli, rent a pedal boat and go snorkeling.For a special day trip try Porto Selvaggio Reserve near Nardò (1 hour and 15 min.) A large pine forest and splendid sea. Bring with you what you need, no beach clubs in the reserve.
36 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Isola dei Conigli di Porto Cesareo
The coast from San Pietro going south has long stretches of sandy dunes. You can reach Torre Lapillo or Porto Cesareo (1 hour) and the nearby Isola dei Conigli, rent a pedal boat and go snorkeling.For a special day trip try Porto Selvaggio Reserve near Nardò (1 hour and 15 min.) A large pine forest and splendid sea. Bring with you what you need, no beach clubs in the reserve.