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One of the best parts of spending a month in Puglia was getting to explore all the little hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path Salento towns and villages the region had to offer.
The best part about Salento – in my opinion – is that it’s just perfectly set up to be a relaxing holiday. This is one of Italy’s most captivating regions, where tiny, charming towns and villages offer an authentic slice of life in Puglia and the perfect place to spend an evening after a full day lounging at some of the best beaches you’ve ever seen.
From historic centers filled with Baroque architecture to quiet streets where locals gather in the evenings, the small towns of Salento provide a window into a slower, more traditional way of living. Whether you’re wandering through sleepy Specchia, enjoying a hidden wine bar in Presicce, or marveling at the Greek influences in towns like Corigliano d’Otranto, each village has its own unique story to tell.
In this post, I’ll take you through the best small towns and villages to visit in Salento, where history, culture, and Italian charm meet. Keep scrolling to plan the perfect itinerary.
- The best towns and villages to visit in Salento Puglia
- 1. Discover Specchia’s Hidden Charm
- 2. Step Back in Time at Presicce
- 3. Savor a True Local Experience in Ruffano
- 4. Explore the Best-Kept Secret of Gagliano del Capo
- 5. Fall in Love with Matino’s Quiet Magic
- 6. Venture Beyond Matino to Parabita
- 7. Relax and Dine in Alezio
- 8. Uncover More in Lively Tricase
- 9. Take in the Coastal Beauty of Castro
- 10. Relax by the Sea at Santa Maria di Leuca
- Bonus Small Towns in Salento:
- FAQs about Small Towns in Salento Puglia
- Where to Stay in Salento ?
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Don’t forget to check out the rest of my Italy posts and guides if you’re still planning your perfect trip!
The Best Salento Towns & Villages to Visit
Real Talk:
Puglia—like so many parts of Italy—is feeling the pressure of overtourism. And while I want to believe that if you’re here on my blog, you’re the kind of traveler who cares about leaving places better than you found them… I still have to say it:
Don’t be an asshole when you travel. Not in Puglia, not in Italy, not anywhere.
I’ve seen too many visitors treat locals like background characters or behave like the region exists solely for their vacation. So here’s your friendly-but-firm reminder:
If you’re going to make people’s lives harder, please just stay home.
1. Discover Specchia’s Hidden Charm
Known as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, Specchia was actually the first small town in Salento we ended up going to, and it set the tone for how enjoyable it is to explore these little villages in Salento. It’s so sleepy and quiet, and there’s not a ton going on, but despite all of that we ended up finding quite a few little spots to write home about:
- GrooveStreetMood – a very well curated vintage shop (probably one of the higher quality ones in Salento to be honest)
- Bernard Corner Store – an antique shop with a special focus on mid-century pieces in addition to the usual mix of eras
- Camilluccia – a really cool wine bar that often hosts live music in a chill space with lots of vintage rugs and cushions… they also made us a huge and delicious charcuterie board!
We ended up rolling into town on the day of a children’s dance recital dress rehearsal, so everyone was out in the square watching the kids practice. It was adorable. We thought we would just go for some wine and cheese but the board they brought out ended up being so plentiful that we didn’t need dinner. Highly recommend Specchia!
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2. Step Back in Time at Presicce
Famous for its underground olive oil mills, Presicce is a Salento village filled with history and charm.
Presicce is honestly one of the more picturesque small towns we visited, with beautiful buildings and frescoes and accidentally Wes Anderson moments to be had. There are also a ton of restaurants around, and even a really highly rated Olive Oil Mill & Peasant Culture Museum where you can learn more about the town’s history.
We grabbed dinner at Pizzeria XI Comandamento, and really want to try Antica Pietra Filosofale next time we visit.
3. Savor a True Local Experience in Ruffano
We went to Ruffano for one express purpose: to eat at Farmacia dei Sani… and honestly, totally worth it.
Was everything closed while we walked around killing time before our reservation? Yes. Did we end up showing up to dinner a bit tipsy because the only thing open was a bar? Also yes.
Was Ruffano still totally charming and a place I already want to return to? Definitely. From the local vibe (tons of old people) to the poetry written on walls and mirrors down every alleyway to the great dinner – no question we’ll be back.
4. Explore the Best-Kept Secret of Gagliano del Capo
Surprise! Another Salento village we visited just because of one restaurant. In this case, technically a hotel with a restaurant.
Palazzo Daniele was lowkey the place of dreams. If I could afford it there, I would stay there next time. Palazzo Daniele if you’re reading this, email me.
Anyway, we arrived to town as the sun was setting, and it felt much like the other villages we’d seen, a bit sleepy and quiet. We went into the fortress that is Palazzo Daniele for dinner, and when we emerged two hours later in the dark, it was like we’d fallen down the rabbit hole.
The town was BUSY. Kids were playing soccer in the square we stepped into, there was music, groups of all ages standing around chatting, every single chair at every single cafe was filled. It was insane. I need so badly to come back here and explore it more.
5. Fall in Love with Matino’s Quiet Magic
Matino is a little tiny Salento village you aren’t likely to find on many people’s lists, but those people simply haven’t experienced this gem of a town. We actually stayed in Matino for the month we spent in Salento, and i’ll be honest I spent a lot of time ahead of the trip worrying that we wouldn’t like it because it was so small, but the opposite ended up happening.
We actually spent more time hanging out in Matino than anywhere else. To the point where I have fewer small towns to shout out for you because we just kept opting to stay in Matino every evening. Several cute little restaurants and cafes in town and a reliable cohort of stray cats and then… not much else!
To really maximize your time here, do drinks at Murusanza and dinner at Foscolo. Or better yet, choose Matino to be your base in Puglia! You won’t regret it.
Matino will always have my heart.
6. Venture Beyond Matino to Parabita
Parabita is one town over from Matino, about 30 minutes on foot, and is a little bit bigger with a little more going on. You’ll find a few more restaurants in Parabita, and a bit more of a main street situation. Also a large park/playground that seems to come alive at night.
We had a really great dinner at La Madre, but both Osteria Lo Sturno and Il Contenitore looked really nice…they were packed too!
7. Relax and Dine in Alezio
Alezio doesn’t seem to have much of a town square situation – or at least not one we went to – but we did visit several nice places here, so I wanted to include it.
Le Macare was one of the best meals we had in Salento, so I highly recommend it. Beforehand, we got drinks and french fries at El Barrio Verde which is a in a nice park, something that I didn’t feel like I saw much of in Salento, so that was a nice change of pace.
On another evening, we also enjoyed Civico 75 Home Restaurant for dinner. This place follows a fun trend in this part of Italy where locals open their homes as restaurants – in this case, the owner’s parents cook for 3-4 tables of guests each evening, and they choose the menu! You’re just along for the ride.
8. Uncover More in Lively Tricase
Tricase is a little more lively than some of the other Salento towns on this list! I would put it somewhere a bit closer to Nardò on the small town scale, but it’s still pretty sleepy so I’ve kept it over on this list. In Tricase you’ll find more shops than in other small towns, and a good number of restaurants and bars too.
There was also a cool looking bookstore called Marescritto that was closed when we passed it. We also stumbled upon a little market of antique dealers in the main church square which is always a treat. Overall we lowkey hated our dinner, so I won’t recommend it (even though it was a beautiful setting), but we did enjoy Farmacia Balboa for an aperitivo.
9. Take in the Coastal Beauty of Castro
Divided into Castro Marina and Castro Superiore, this small Salento village is perched on cliffs overlooking The Adriatic Sea. We didn’t get to spend a ton of time here, but got to enjoy the beautiful coast and people watch as all the locals hung out at the beaches in town.
Castro is also where you can see some “floating boats” – which is basically a phenomenon where the boats look like they’re levitating due to how clear the water is. It’s actually really trippy and cool.
10. Relax by the Sea at Santa Maria di Leuca
Located down at the southern tip of Puglia, Santa Maria di Leuca was a place we spent a lot of time at, because one of our favorite lidos, Relax Leuca, was located here.
To be honest, the town itself isn’t much to write home about, but the coast and lidos make it worth the trip. Not only that, but there are actually a ton of free beach areas as well. Plus, it’s kind of cool to be down all the way at the tip!
Bonus Small Towns in Salento:
1. Savor History and Cuisine in Ceglie Messapica
I opted to put this in the bonus section because it’s pretty far away from the other towns I have listed, even though it’s technically a town in Salento.
Ceglie Messapica is most well known for being home to Cibus, a very popular and fantastic restaurant.
Aside from Cibus (which is honestly enough of a draw in my opinion) there are also a number of other cafes, bars and restaurants in town, along with a very cool seeming (though we didn’t get to check it out during the pausa) antique and vintage showroom.
In general Ceglie Messapica was a really nice place to stop because it has a ton of winding alleyways and just felt really unique in its own way. I would definitely go back.
2. Experience Ancient Traditions in Grecìa Salentina
The Greek towns of Salento, known collectively as the Grecìa Salentina, are a super unique group of towns that reminds you of the area’s Greek history.
These towns preserve elements of Greek language, traditions, and customs that have been passed down through generations, and are a really one of a kind experience. Corigliano d’Otranto is famous for its impressive castle and beautifully decorated historic center, while Sternatia is known for its palazzi and ancient hypogeum. Martano, the largest of the Greek towns, features a 16th-century castle and a lively town center.
The area is also known for its festivals, music, and dance, especially the traditional pizzica music. We didn’t get a chance to visit these towns, but it’s top of our list for next year.
Where to Stay in Salento
If you’re looking for an authentic and truly relaxing experience in Puglia, I highly recommend basing yourself in one of the lovely small towns in Salento. Staying in these charming villages allows you to soak up the slower pace of local life and explore hidden gems right at your doorstep.
Below, I’ve listed just a few of my favorite places to stay in Salento, perfect for a memorable and immersive stay… but don’t forget to check out my guide to the very best Hotels & Masserie in Small-Town Salento.
€€€€ | Exquisite Historical Renovation | Personalized Concierge Service
Palazzo Piccinno is an impeccably restored palazzo blending old-world elegance with contemporary flair, offering an intimate boutique experience in the heart of Puglia. Each room is thoughtfully designed, with high ceilings, frescoes, and luxurious furnishings. Guests enjoy sumptuous breakfasts in the garden and a personalized concierge service that unlocks local secrets, from beach clubs to award-winning restaurants. Hosts Richard and Marco provide unparalleled hospitality, making every guest feel truly at home. With a serene pool area and easy access to Puglia’s top sights, Palazzo Piccinno is a refined escape for travelers seeking style and relaxation.
Photo: Booking.com
€€€ | Stunning Rooftop Views | Great Restaurants Right Outside Your Door
Palais Gentile is an exquisitely restored boutique hotel that blends luxurious design with historic charm in the heart of Matino. Daniel’s parents stayed here when they visited us in Matino, and they loved the spacious, beautifully decorated room showcasing elegant furnishings and designer touches. The breathtaking rooftop terrace offered a perfect setting for breakfast or sunset aperitifs, and other guests agree! Not to mention, Matino is just about the best small town to stay in when you visit Salento!
Photo: Booking.com
€ | Baroque Charm and Elegance | Sumptuous Homemade Breakfast
La Dimora delle Rondini is a boutique B&B that feels like stepping into a refined, historic palazzo. Decorated in baroque style, each room exudes elegance, with the Domini Suite featuring a luxurious jacuzzi and a stunning four-poster bed. Rosa, the attentive owner, elevates the experience with her lavish breakfasts of homemade cakes inspired by Puglian flavors. Located in the heart of Galatina, this B&B is ideal for travelers seeking a unique, regal ambiance and a perfect base for exploring Salento.
Photo: Booking.com
FAQs about Small Towns in Salento Puglia
What are the best small towns to visit in Salento?
The best small towns to visit in Salento include Specchia, known for its quiet charm; Presicce, with its historic olive oil mills; and Ruffano, where you’ll find poetry-lined streets and a laid-back local vibe. Castro offers stunning coastal views, while Corigliano d’Otranto and Martano in the Greek Salento celebrate the area’s unique Greek heritage. Each town has its own distinct character, offering a genuine taste of Salento’s history and culture.
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Ready to explore the cutest small Salento towns and villages?
I hope you found this post helpful!
If you’re still trying to plan the perfect trip to Puglia, check out the Puglia archives here, and if you’re looking for more on Salento, you’ll find it here.
Think I missed something? Try my recs and want to tell me about it? Leave me a comment, send me an email, or tag me on Instagram!
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