#Lecce
The small town of Corigliano d’Otranto is an area known as Grecia Salentina, due to its ancient Greek invaders. It is a fascinating region and well worth exploring. The town is in the centre of the Salento peninsula, just 20 minutes from the Adriatic coast and 30 minutes from the Ionian coast. It is best known for the imposing Castello de’Monti, which dates from the Middle Ages. It is a bustling town with a market on Tuesday and Thursday, where you can find the best local ingredients for cooking at home. During the rest of the week, there are supermarkets and smaller shops for supplies.
Galatina (10 minutes) is another hidden gem. Like Lecce (30 minutes away) the town has a beautifully preserved Baroque town centre, with striking churches and palaces. It is a lovely place, where you can lose yourself for a few hours, exploring its restaurants, bars and boutiques.
The popular port of Otranto (20 minutes) has been inhabited for millennia. It has some lovely beaches. The town centre offers a taste of “La dolce vita” with a range of restaurants, cafés and ice cream parlours.
Golfers will enjoy the two courses near the town of Acaya (35 minutes) or for more exercise and a hike through the unspoiled Mediterranean countryside, there is the WWF nature reserve of Le Cesine (30 minutes).
The closest airport is at Brindisi - just 55 minutes away by car.