Out & About

Best beaches

Torre Del Orso: Cute cove over looking the famous two sisters which are great mounds of stone that jut out of the water, a back drop of cliffs makes this the prettiest of local beaches.
Santa Andrea: Great beach clubs and good seafood and pizza restaurant.
Alimini: Crystal clear waters, great stretch of beach, endless sand, and perfect for walking and sand castle building all set against huge sand dunes and wild pine forests.  Very good amenities, excellent seafood and pizza restaurants and of course the mandatory espresso bar.  A favourite of ours. 

Places to visit
There is plenty to do and see in Salento, discover the buzzing Baroque city of Lecce known as the Florence of the South" for a cosmopolitan experience with it's many pavement cafes, contemporary and traditional restaurants and street entertainment.  A must see is the vibrant historic town Otranto, a seaside town and port with a lovely harbour and Romanesque cathedral with it's famous twelth century mosaic.  
Santa Maria Di Leuca: is on the southern most tip of the pernisula, a wonderful seaside town known for it's lighthouse.   Alternated by cliffs and small sandy coves and it's many grottos make for the most wonderful and natural landscape.   
Alberobello: Further north of Salento, remarkable little cone-roofed whitewashed dwellings that mushroom around Alberobello are a sight to behold and are now protected as a UNESCO world heritage site.
Ostuni: referred to as the white city is a hilltop town to rival those of Umbria, with Frederick II's 13th century castles.

Shopping

A welcome hamper of goodies and basics comes with the villa.  For everything else you might need, Carpignano Salentino is our local village, three minutes by car or 15 minute walk and has everything you need.
Borgo del Gusto: for salamis, prochuitto, cheese, dry and fresh pasta.
The Macelleria: for good meat and day to day needs such as milk, yoghurt and water.
The Panetteria: This local bakery is excellent for all your bakery needs.
Martano, a local village 10 minutes by car, go for: Weekly food market every Tuesday between 8am and 1pm.  It is a fantastic experience and the local stall holders are only to happy to encourage you to try their home grown produce.  Great for olives, fresh fruit and vegetables, nuts, salamis, mozzarella and fish. For the best coffee, pastries, ice cream and cakes, Marconi’s is a MUST, our local hangout. Sidis supermarket found on the road going out of Martano towards the motorway for Lecce is in our opinion the best local supermarket for all your needs.

Activities

Horse riding, Wine Tasting, Wind Surfing, Painting, Cycling, Golf, Cooking Lessons.