We wrote this review on our final day at Pierangelo and Elisabetta's lovely villa near Castro. We started the day with breakfast on the terrace, looking out over the Adriatic and then we moved to the shady lower level to enjoy the filtered sunlight and spring fragrances. It is a very special place...difficult to leave.
A few years ago, when we stayed at Elisabetta's amazing B&B in Lecce, she told us about her plans for this villa. We knew it would be a "labour of love" for her, and we knew we would return to Puglia, so we kept her villa in our minds. Then, when some of our friends expressed an interest, we contacted Elisabetta to arrange a week-long stay in mid-April.
Two couples joined us, for 3-4 days each, and all three couples were here for two of those nights. (Each couple had a chance to enjoy the "room with a view" on the upper terrace.) It was very comfortable, even with six people, and Elisabetta got us started with one of her famous baskets of local treats, including some wonderful marmalade and limoncello.
As other reviews indicate, the villa is in a private, secluded area, between Castro and Marittima. Groceries, shops and restaurants are a short drive away, so we enjoyed both cooking together and dining out.
At this time of year (April), the scenic coastal road north to Otranto and south to Santa Maria di Leuca was a pleasure to drive, and our cyclist friends loved it.The villa also positioned us well for day trips to local archaeological treasures (Cripta di s. Maria deli Angeli, in Poggiardo), frescoed churches (Santa Catarina d'Alessandria, in Galatina) and prehistoric menhirs and dolmens (near Giurdignano). There is so much to explore in this region, and we found mid-to- late April a perfect time to come.
Throughout our stay, we enjoyed the warm and sincere attention of Pierangelo (who met us and oriented us to everything) and Elisabetta (who was always so quick and warm and responsive from the time of our booking right through to this, our final day.)
This is a wonderful holiday setting in a fascinating area of Apulia - the Salento. We know we will return - to enjoy the rich cultural history, the celebrations, the cuisine...and the exceptional hospitality of our hosts.
Lon & Val & friends from Canada