Puglia, nestled in the heel of Italy’s boot, emerges as a serene alternative to the often overcrowded Amalfi Coast, offering travelers an authentic taste of Italian charm with its pristine beaches, historic towns, and incredible fresh seafood. Opting for a stay in this picturesque region not only ensures a retreat from the bustling tourist spots, but also provides a diverse range of accommodation options ranging from luxurious masserias to cozy seaside resorts. This article unveils the best places to stay in Puglia, making it a compelling alternative for those seeking a quieter yet equally captivating Italian adventure.
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The Best Hotels in Puglia at a Glance
- The Best 5 Star Hotel in Lecce: Patria Palace Lecce
- Quiet Oasis in the Heart of the City: Palazzo Rollo
- Perfect Stay with a Pool: Reluxe Private Wellness
- Best Countryside Retreat with a Pool: Masseria Vittoria
- The View of the Port in Otranto: La Torretta
- The Top (and only) 5 Star Hotel in Otranto: Baglioni Masseria Muzza
- Best Central stay for a Family: Guardiana del Castello
- Perfect Sustainable Stay: Agriturismo La Palascìa Masseria Agreste
Where to Stay in Puglia?
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Often overshadowed by the more popular regions of Tuscany, Lazio, and Lombardy, Puglia, known as the heel of Italy’s boot, is a hidden gem awaiting discovery. This tranquil region, rich in history from the footprints of Byzantium, Spain, and Ottoman empires, offers a blend of genuine hospitality, captivating castles, and the serene coastal town of Otranto with its ancient Greek roots. For those seeking sun, sea, sand, and a touch of authentic Italian culture with delectable food, the province of Lecce in Puglia provides a variety of stay options amidst its quaint towns and pristine beaches, promising a serene and enriching Italian adventure.
When it comes to choosing where to stay in the province of Lecce, there are a few options. Lecce is the largest town in the area, with about a hundred thousand inhabitants. The beautiful city of Otranto on the Adriatic Sea is another great option. Just below, I have listed the best options and what makes them a little special.
A Puglia Guide:
- City of Lecce: The largest city in the province. Known for its beautiful Baroque churches and streets.
- Otranto: Originally the Ancient Greek city of Hydruntum. Now a really popular fishing and beach town with stunning views of the Adriatic.
- Countryside Retreats: The countryside outside of both Lecce and Otranto offers idyllic retreats but also some fascinating sites. These include Neolithic and Celtic sites, which illustrate the depth of history in this region to explore.
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Where to Stay in Lecce
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Our Favorite Hotels in Lecce
Patria Palace Lecce | Palazzo Rollo | Reluxe Private Wellness | Masseria Vittoria
Lecce, the baroque beauty of Puglia, provides a charming backdrop for an authentic Italian stay. With a spectrum of accommodations ranging from quaint historic homes to modern hotels, finding a cozy spot in this architectural gem will position you amidst a rich tapestry of culture, exquisite cuisine, and the warm hospitality characteristic of southern Italy.
The Best 5-Star Hotel in Lecce
Patria Palace Lecce
![a view of the restaurant terrace overlooking the basilica](/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Lecce-Patria-Palace.jpg)
![a view of the restaurant terrace overlooking the basilica](/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Lecce-Patria-Palace.jpg)
€€€€+ | 5 star | Historic | Brilliant Terrace
The Patria Palace Hotel in Lecce boasts a luxurious ambiance with modern amenities ensuring a comfortable stay. Its well-furnished rooms, top-notch service, and an on-site exquisite restaurant make it a standout choice. The hotel’s central location also places guests at a convenient distance from local attractions, making it a prime spot for both leisure and exploration.
Not sure if Puglia is for you? Check out our guide to Venice, Florence, or Rome instead
A quiet Oasis in the Heart of the Lecce
Palazzo Rollo
![a view of the interior courtyard of the hotel covered in greenery](/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Palazzo-Rollo.jpg)
![a view of the interior courtyard of the hotel covered in greenery](/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Palazzo-Rollo.jpg)
€€€ | Central | Historic | Beautiful Courtyard
There is something magical about the interior courtyards to be found in Italian cities. Disappear through a door, and suddenly you can be in a little oasis, calm, peaceful, and sun-bathed. Apart from being a charming and beautiful Palazzo in itself, this is what attracted me to Palazzo Rollo. Right in the heart of Lecce, it is a 4-star hotel in a historic building with antique furnishings. Great stuff.
Want to make your trip perfect? Check out our free Tuscany Travel Blog
Perfect stay with a Pool
ReLuxe Private Wellness
![a view of the underground pool of the spa](/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/relux-lecce.jpg)
![a view of the underground pool of the spa](/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/relux-lecce.jpg)
€€€€+ | Spa | Private Suite | Private Pool
This one is pretty cool, mainly if you were to book the private suite, which has its own pool. This is set into the limestone arches of the Renaissance Palazzo that it is housed in. Really special place if you were traveling to Lecce as part of a honeymoon or just a lovely place to go as a couple. It is not cheap, but for the atmosphere and setting, it is worth it.
Not sure if Puglia is for you? Check out our guide to Venice, Florence, or Rome instead
Countryside retreat outside of Lecce
Masseria Vittoria
![a view of the garden of the hotel](/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/lecce-masseria-vittoria.jpg)
![a view of the garden of the hotel](/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/lecce-masseria-vittoria.jpg)
€€ | Countryside | Seaside | Nature Reserve
The province of Lecce is blessed with some of the most beautiful beaches on the Italian Peninsula. These are a bike ride away from this lovely villa in the countryside. Also pretty close to a nature reserve where you can spot wild boar and even flamingos sometimes! The place itself is spotless and beautiful, with a great pool and really kind owners. This is a great option if you’re looking for a bit more peace and quiet outside of the city of Lecce.
Not exactly what you’re looking for? Check out these dreamy vineyards with accommodation.
Where to Stay in Otranto
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Our Favorite Hotels in Otranto
La Torretta | Baglioni Masseria Muzza | Guardiana del Castello | Agriturismo La Palascìa Masseria Agreste
Nestled on the easternmost tip of Italy, Otranto beckons travelers with its captivating coastal views and rich historical backdrop. Whether you prefer a quaint bed-and-breakfast, a seaside resort, or a modern hotel, staying in Otranto provides a unique opportunity to explore its ancient castle, pristine beaches, and the charming old town, all while being enveloped in a tranquil Mediterranean ambiance.
Great restaurants (especially if you like seafood) dot the harbor front. A visit to Otranto, especially combined with a few days in the countryside around it, is very rewarding. I have included a couple of accommodation options in the city below, as well as some spots a little further out.
The View of the Port in Otranto
La Torretta
![a view from the terrace with wicker chairs overlooking the port](/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/la-torretta.jpg)
![a view from the terrace with wicker chairs overlooking the port](/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/la-torretta.jpg)
€€€ | View of the Port | Super Central | Great Terrace
La Torretta is really blessed with its terrace that overlooks the historic port of Otranto. It is also situated right in the heart of the town with some really good restaurants close by (I have pointed some of these out at the end of this blog!). Be aware, though, if you are driving to Otranto, perhaps from Lecce or further afield, parking can be a little bit of a challenge here. So make sure you contact the hotel ahead of time, and they will be able to give you some advice as to how to find parking. Staying here, though, will reward you with views of the port on two sides of the hotel and the castle of Otranto on the other. A great choice.
Not exactly what you’re looking for? Check out these dreamy vineyards with accommodation.
The Top (and only) 5 Star Hotel in Otranto
Baglioni Masseria Muzza
![A view of the terraced restaurant at sunset](/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/baglioni-lecce.jpg)
![A view of the terraced restaurant at sunset](/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/baglioni-lecce.jpg)
€€€€+ | 5 – Star | Pool | Kids
This one is actually located just about a ten-minute drive outside of Otranto. However, if you are looking for a top-of-the-range five-star hotel, then this is going to be your option. Situated close to the coastline, a short walk away. It is very close to the rather spectacular baia dei Turchi Spiaggia beach, which is well worth a little visit (you might have to organize a boat to get onto the beach itself, but it’s highly recommended. This hotel also caters to kids with a kids club and pool, so that may be a good option for those traveling with their little ones!
Not sure where to stay yet? Check out our free guide on where to stay in Italy
The Best Central Option for a Family in Otranto
Guardiana del Castello
![a view from the balcony of the port and the castle](/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/lecce-guardiana-del-castello.jpg)
![a view from the balcony of the port and the castle](/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/lecce-guardiana-del-castello.jpg)
€€ | View of the Castle | Central | Reasonably Priced
Guardiana del Catello (even if you are not an Italian speaker, that should be an easy translation) is a self-contained apartment. This place would definitely suit a family of four or five or maybe two couples traveling together. It is super central and has a great restaurant just downstairs. As you can see from the photo, the view is great as you are more or less situated beside the moat of the castle of Otranto, also with a view of the harbor. A very good option, and not crazy expensive!
Not sure if Puglia is for you? Check out our guide to Venice, Florence, or Rome instead.
Perfect Sustainable Stay in Otranto
Agriturismo La Palascìa Masseria Agreste
![an image of a labrador and a haystack behind the farmhouse](/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/agriturismo-lecce.jpg)
![an image of a labrador and a haystack behind the farmhouse](/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/agriturismo-lecce.jpg)
La Palascia Masseria Agreste is a sustainable property located in an old 18th-century farmhouse. In fact, it is a working farm, breeding cattle and producing olive oil. To go along with the place is just beautiful on the inside, with a really charming terrace where you can see the sea. It is a few kilometers outside of Otranto, but if you are looking for a rustic stay in a place with great food and peace, and quiet, you could do much worse.
As a plus, you also get to play with the dog, and if that is not a selling point, I do not know what is. This is my top choice for Otranto. Super close to the town while being far enough away for some real peace and quiet. Highly recommended!
Not sure if Puglia is for you? Check out our guide to Venice, Florence, or Rome instead.
Where are Lecce and Otranto, and How Do I Get There?
By Air: The best airport to fly into for Lecce (and then subsequently Otranto) is Brindisi. Brindisi Papolo Casale serves lots of European destinations, so if you are coming from within Europe, it is a good option. Most international flights will be arriving in Rome or Naples, and from there the train is always a good option in Italy to get down to Lecce.
By Car: Driving in the region is an awesome way to explore, as long as you are a confident driver, as the roads can sometimes be slightly small and winding. To explore the region it is possible to rent a car in Lecce or Brindisi, which is no more than a forty-minute drive from Otranto. A beautiful drive, which is a little longer, would bring you along the coast.
By train: Probably the best way to get to the region is the Frecciarossa, the fast train which can bring you from Rome or Naples quickly and efficiently. The time from Rome to Lecce on the train would be about 4 or 5 hours, depending on which line you take. A great option for getting to the region.
Top Things to Do in Lecce
Top Things to Do in Otranto
Where to Eat in Lecce
Where to Eat in Otranto
Here Is Where to Stay in the Most Popular Italian Destinations
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