Lecce, Gallipoli or Otranto area for 1 night?
 

I have one night to spend somewhere in the heel of the boot of Puglia. My first inclination was to stay in Lecce for the night, but I am now thinking I would rather stay on either the Adriatic or Ionian Coast. After reading so many travel tips, I feel like Lecce is a must, but my husband and I prefer smaller towns and coastal locations. If Lecce is a must, I can visit it during the day and spend the evening somewhere else. Or Lecce may be a place that I need to stay the night to experience it. I have found a quaint place In Gallipoli that looks great. But there are also places near Otranto and Ostuni that look great as well. Ideally, we would like to have a nice seafood dinner somewhere overlooking the water and our hotel or B & B should be close enough to walk or not drive far. For those who have been there, if you had only one night, where would you stay and where would you eat? (Our other nights in the area are a farm stay in Canosa di Puglia for 3 nights, and Matera for 1 night). Thanks for your help as always!

> if you had only one night, where would you stay and where would you eat?

If you are there when it is open, consider eating at the Grotta Palazzese:

http://www.grottapalazzese.it/en/i-ristoranti/

Amazing place!

I would definatelly stay in Otranto on Adriatic side ( in my opinion much prettier than Gallipoli)....its a beautiful coastal town with lots of little intimate restaurants overlooking the bay and water ... lots of tourists in summer but it still has that intimate feel . Otranto is about 20 - 30 minute drive by car south of Lecce. Lecce itself is very beautiful - truly amazing baroque architecture, but no water views and apart from old city centre its quite busy with traffic, shopping - more industrial feel. None the less a day trip to Lecce is always a must when visiting Salento ( the heel of Puglia ).
P.S. I have travelled to Salento every summer for the last 4 years... it is my favorite destination in the world!

My pick for the dinner would be at Masseria Gattamora; they also have rooms.

It is about a 10 minute drive from Otranto. But not on the sea, and not a seafood restaurant.


Very easy drive, I might add, although finding the masseria takes persistence. (HInt: Find the Campo Sportivo in Uggiano) Or perhaps a GPS.

http://www.gattamora.it/ristorante.htm