Art, history, and culture

There are many day trips that you can take from Nardò – here are just some of them.

Salento’s Heritage: Ancient roots, living traditions

The region’s history is a rich tapestry woven from Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Norman, and Spanish influences. Ancient ruins, medieval castles, and historic coastal towers tell stories of the diverse past of the region. Salento’s culture is deeply rooted in tradition. Festivals, religious processions, and a strong sense of community spirit are central to daily life, as is the local cuisine.

Its artistic heritage is not only visible in the Baroque architecture and intricate stonework, but the artisan tradition is very much alive and thriving, with local artists preserving age-old crafts while infusing them with contemporary creativity.

Lecce’s Baroque charm, rich culture, and vibrant nightlife

For lovers of Baroque architecture and to get a little town-feeling, Lecce is a must-visit. Being the capital of our province, it has Baroque architecture at every turn: The Basilica di Santa Croce is a masterpiece of Baroque exuberance, a Roman Amphitheatre right in the centre of town, the famous Duomo with its amazing bell tower, to name but a few. Lovingly called “the Capital of Baroque,” Lecce is a treasure trove to be discovered. And here you can also enjoy nightlife until the early hours of the morning. Theatres, bars, shopping areas, restaurants – you name it, Lecce has it.

Gallipoli - Sunsets and seafood

About 20 minutes from Nardò, you find the beautiful city of Gallipoli. The old town of Gallipoli sits on an island, connected to the new town by a 16th-century bridge. Whitewashed houses, Baroque churches, a lively fish market, numerous restaurants, and artisan shops await discovery. The sunset over Gallipoli is legendary – as is the seafood. Enjoy the famous Gallipoli purple shrimps with a glass of refreshing local wine and relax.

Galatina - Frescoes and the home of the pasticciotto

The charming little town of Galatina is less than a half-hour drive from Nardò. Visit the Basilica of Santa Caterina d’Alessandria, famous for its stunning frescoes, take a stroll through the little streets, and don’t forget to stop for one of the delicious pasticciotti, a custard-filled pastry invented here.

Otranto - A beauty on the Adriatic

The beautiful whitewashed old town, with its medieval castle and turquoise beaches, is a favourite destination for travellers in the Salento. From Nardò, it will take you about 45 minutes to get there – a drive well worth it. The Cathedral of Otranto has the most amazing 12th-century mosaic floor and houses the relics of the Martyrs of Otranto. Stroll through the historic centre’s narrow streets, with numerous artisan shops and boutiques, and don’t miss visiting the Aragonese Castle.

Ostuni - The white city on the hill

A little further afield, about 1.5 hours’ drive from Nardò, is the beautiful city of Ostuni. “La Città Bianca” is perched on top of a hill, with whitewashed houses, winding alleys, and beautiful views over olive groves and the Adriatic. The old town, encircled by ancient walls, holds treasures like hidden courtyards, artisan shops, numerous museums, and a beautiful 15th-century Cathedral. And on the 2nd Sunday of every month, Ostuni is home to a beautiful antique and vintage market, a must for all the “treasure” hunters among you.

And for those who enjoy a leisurely drive, the journey to Ostuni can be an experience in itself: drive the country roads through the Valle d’Itria, and on the way, visit also Cisternino, Locorotondo, and Alberobello.

Grottaglie - The city of ceramics

The lovely little town of Grottaglie, about an hour’s drive away from Nardò, is famous for its numerous ceramic workshops. Here you are spoilt for choice, and the sheer number of ceramics available makes it very difficult to resist buying.

Music, wine, and culture: Salento summer highlights

During the summer, Piano Summer, an international initiative, takes place in Nardò and other towns in Salento, as does the Muse Salentine Festival in Alessano, with a program extending over several months; both are great summer pastimes for the classical music lover. A rather new addition to our calendar of events is the Salento Wine Week, initiated by a group of young people in Nardò, pairing wine and culture.

These are just some of the things you can do during your stay. There are many more and we are happy to help you choose once you are here.

And if you want to enjoy local festivals, “QuiSalento” which you can pick up at a newsstand when you arrive or access online, lists them all. Although written in Italian, it is easy to understand and find the events that interest you.

From charming towns to endless blue horizons

Another lovely place worth mentioning and truly worth a visit is Santa Maria di Leuca. This is where the Adriatic and Ionian Seas meet, and standing on top of the cliff near the church, you see nothing but blue. Ocean and sky blend into infinity. There are many beautiful little towns worth visiting along the way there, such as Presicce, Tricase, or Specchia, to name but a few.

And if you want to enjoy local festivals, “QuiSalento” which you can pick up at a newsstand when you arrive, check it out online, lists them all. Although written in Italian, it is easy to pick out events that interest you.

The home of the Tarantella

The Pizzica dance is a re-enactment of the mad fever induced by the bite of a spider. During summer, local villages host traditional festivals and events, religious and pagan, and throughout the year no excuse is necessary for a celebration. Firework displays are common and the most spectacular festival of all is the Scorrano Luminarie, a light festival held in July.