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Spending time at a Masseria is one of the best ways to experience the real Puglia. These old countryside farmhouses, usually beautifully restored, are not just places to stay—they’re places to enjoy!
Whether it’s a long, lazy meal, a wine tasting, a cooking class, cheese making, or just wandering around the olive groves, a visit to a Masseria always feels super special.
Over the years, I’ve been to some incredible ones—each with its own charm, history, and that warm Puglian hospitality.
In this post, I’m sharing my favorites, the ones that truly stand out!
Partiamo! 🎒✈️🇮🇹
TL;DR – If YOU choose Lecce as your base, consider my top hotel choices
Top Accommodations
🌠 Renata’s Top Choice: Patria Palace
💎 Luxury: Patria Palace
👍 Mid-Range: Palazzo BN Luxury Suites
💲 Budget: Dimi House
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Masseria Altemura – Torre Santa Susanna
Masseria Altemura, in Torre Santa Susanna, is all about wine, tradition, and good food. This 17th-century Masseria sits between the Ionian and Adriatic Seas, right in the heart of the Primitivo di Manduria DOC region, growing local grapes like Primitivo, Negroamaro, Aglianico, and Fiano.
The Zonin family brought the place back to life, turning it into a stunning winery where you can taste some pretty great wines.
They offer a variety of experiences, including guided tours and wine tastings paired with local specialties.🍷🧀
I went for “The Art of the Table” experience, and it was amazing! We started with a visit around the property surrounded by centuries-old olive trees, walked through the beautiful vineyards, and got a peek inside the modern winery to see how their wines are made.
Then came the best part—lunch with wine pairing! We had a delicious traditional meal paired with six of their excellent wines.
A long, lazy meal, the kind where you lose track of time, savor every bite, and just enjoy the peaceful countryside.
Whether you’re into wine, local flavors, or just a gorgeous place to spend an afternoon, Masseria Altemura is sure worth the visit!
Masseria Le Stanzie – Cutrofiano
Masseria Le Stanzie, in Cutrofiano, is a 16th-century Masseria and exactly the kind of place that makes for a special experience.
Walking in, I couldn’t help but love the strands of tomatoes, garlic, and chili peppers hanging from the ceiling. It’s rustic, warm, and full of character.
Inside, the stone-walled rooms are spread out—some with fireplaces and big dining tables, others with old furniture that makes you wonder about the stories this place could tell.
I took a little walk around before sitting down, and what followed was an absolute feast! The food here is straight-up Salento, with almost everything coming from their own farm.
Freshly made pasta, garden veggies, slow-cooked legumes, local cheeses, homemade ricotta, and slow-cooked meats—it was all so simple and so, so good!
If you want the kind of Masseria experience that sticks with you—great food, loads of history, and an atmosphere you won’t forget—Le Stanzie is the place to be.
Masseria Melcarne – Torre Rinalda
Had dinner at Masseria Melcarne near Torre Rinalda on a chilly evening, and it was just perfect! The fireplace was lit, making everything feel extra cozy!
The food was amazing – they serve traditional Salentino and Mediterranean dishes, packed with fresh veggies, local meats, cheeses, and handmade pasta.
What makes it even more special is that most of what you eat comes straight from their own farm – 60 hectares of olive groves, fruit, and vegetable gardens.
Here, you’ll taste simple, genuine flavors made with love and their own high-quality ingredients. The desserts are homemade too, and they’ve got a great wine selection – you won’t be disappointed!
Masseria Melcarne is a must for anyone wanting to experience the real Puglia! 🤩
DON’T MISS my LECCE GUIDE FOR THE ULTIMATE LECCE EXPERIENCE!
Masseria Caronte – Vernole
I had an amazing dinner at Masseria Caronte in Vernole! The place is beautiful—elegant but not stuffy, with a glass-walled dining room that makes you feel like you’re outside, even when you’re not.
There’s also a great outdoor area if you’re into dining under the stars. The vibe is just right—refined but still super relaxed, which I loved!
We went for the four-course tasting menu, of course! Everything was fresh, carefully sourced (a lot of it local), and just packed with flavor. You can tell they put a lot of thought into every dish, both in taste and presentation.
If you love great food and want to try something a little different, Masseria Caronte is definitely a spot to check out!
Antica Masseria Scagnito – Corigliano D’Otranto
Lunch at Antica Masseria Scagnito in Corigliano d’Otranto was seriously good! The Masseria itself is beautifully restored—rustic but elegant, with a mix of indoor and outdoor spaces that make it feel both cozy and special.
We kicked things off with the Antipasto della Masseria, a mix of cold and warm appetizers that were just the perfect start.
Then came the pasta! The Spaghettone with Tuna Tartare and Bottarga had so much flavor, and the Fresh Pasta Filled with Braised Lamb in Primitivo Wine with Crispy Leek on Top was just incredible!
And dessert? That Mascarpone Mousse with Crumble and Coffee Glaze was the perfect way to wrap things up.
Everything was on point—the food, the place, the whole experience.
If you’re into great food in a beautiful setting, Antica Masseria Scagnito is definitely a place to check out!
Tenuta Manca – Lizzanello
Just a short drive from Lecce, Tenuta Manca in Lizzanello is surrounded by olive trees and open countryside — the kind of place that feels quiet and far away, even though it’s not. We went on a warm summer night and sat outside, which was perfect! Breezy, quiet, and super relaxing.
We started with a Burrata with Cherry Tomatoes and a Mix of Fried Bites — fresh and just right! Then came a few different mains: Rabbit alla Cacciatora, Grilled Scottona Steak with Primitivo Wine Reduction, and Monkfish Medallions in a Mediterranean-style sauce. The vegetables come straight from their own garden, which always makes a difference.
It’s a lovely spot for a slow dinner in the countryside, just outside Lecce.
La Bella ‘mbriana – Cavallino
I first ended up at La Bella ‘mbriana in Cavallino thanks to some Italian friends—they insisted we had to check it out, and I’m so glad they took us there!
It’s this really nice restored Masseria not far from Lecce with tons of space to hang out. The vibe is pretty chill and rustic—just right for when you want a casual meal without any fuss.
I’ve gone back a few times for lunch and dinner since then and always start with their Fried Starter—you get this mix of Mozzarella in Carrozza, Potato Croquettes, Little Rice Arancini, Meatballs, and Pittule that are all crispy and really delicious!
For my main course, the Paccheri Pasta with Wild Boar Ragù in White Sauce is my absolute favorite! We also usually have the Fresh Pappardelle with Porcini Mushrooms, and the Neapolitan-style Pizza, both good choices too. Their grilled meat dishes are also an excellent choice!
We always save room for something sweet – the Ricotta, Pear, and Chocolate Cake is simply fantastic! The Cheesecake with Red Fruit was good too, and those Candied Orange Peels Dipped in Dark Chocolate made for a perfect little treat at the end with my Espresso.
La Bella ‘mbriana is just a quick zip from Lecce by car, which makes it super convenient when I want a true Masseria experience but don’t feel like driving too far.
check out my favorite beaches in salento
Masseria Il Frantoio – Ostuni
Masseria Il Frantoio is one of those places that completely wins you over. Tucked away in the Ostuni countryside, it’s surrounded by ancient olive trees—some over 2,000 years old!
This sixteenth-century Masseria stayed in the same family for over 500 years until the current owners took over in the ‘90s, restoring it and turning it into a thriving Agriturismo.
From the moment I arrived, I knew this place was special. It all starts with a walk around the beautiful property, learning about its fascinating history and even getting a peek at the old frantoio (olive press).
And then came lunch—wow! Everything was made with ingredients straight from their farm, including their own organic extra virgin olive oil, so you can imagine how incredible everything tasted! 😋
Pizzelle, Cuttlefish Meatballs, Aubergine Parmigiana, Pasta with Octopus Ragout, Meat Rolls with Potatoes… and a Citrus Parfait to finish! All paired with amazing wines! Everything was just perfect—I loved every bite!
The whole experience? Absolutely fantastic! Warm hospitality, incredible food, and a place that feels truly special.
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Map Of Lecce
Quick Picks for the Swift Traveler – Lecce
Top Accommodations
🌠 Renata’s Top Choice: Patria Palace
💎 Luxury: Patria Palace
👍 Mid-Range: Palazzo BN Luxury Suites
💲 Budget: Dimi House
FAQs – Masseria, Puglia
What makes staying at a masseria in Puglia so special?
A Masseria isn’t just a place to sleep—it’s an experience! These historic farmhouses, beautifully restored, let you taste a little bit of the real Puglia—farm-fresh food, olive groves, wine tastings, and that warm, easygoing hospitality that makes this region so special.
Do masserie offer more than just accommodation?
Absolutely! Many Masserie have on-site wineries, organic farms, and even cooking classes. You can tour ancient olive mills, learn to make orecchiette pasta, or just enjoy a long, lazy meal paired with amazing local wines. It’s all about slowing down and savoring the moment.
Are masserie close to the beach?
Yes, they can be! Puglia’s beauty is that you’re never too far from the coast. Many Masserie are just a short drive from stunning Adriatic or Ionian beaches—so you can spend your morning exploring the countryside and your afternoon swimming in crystal-clear waters. Best of both worlds!
