20 BEST MASSERIA HOTELS IN PUGLIA FOR YOUR NEXT STAY
Puglia is most commonly known for its Trulli houses (a couple of the masseria also features Trulli stays below) however, there is so much more to this Italian region. Discover the cuisine such as Taralli, Orecchiette and Buratta that originates from this area. Spend your days exploring the hidden coves and beaches, explore the many whitewashed towns and see the incredible architecture and frescos. Stay in a Masserie, a less known but fantastic accommodation option to experience a glimpse at the history and life of Puglians.
So, what is a masseria (the plural name is masserie)? Masserie are historic fortified agricultural estates. Many were built in the 16th century. These estates are destinations within themselves as they offer a mix of history, modern comfort, and a glimpse into the rural Italian way of life. Most are in semi-rural locations and if you are not renting a car, make sure to check how you can get there.
Below are 20 masseria hotels in Puglia which are all unique in their own way and spread out across the region of Puglia. As per The Hotel Scouts way, all are priced (and/or color coded) so you can see which one (or ones) could be right for you. Go straight to the masserie list here.
Select from the drop-down menu below to discover some extra helpful information on Puglia.
TOP TOWNS TO VISIT IN PUGLIA:
INTRO
OSTUNI ALBEROBELLO LOCOROTONDO POLIGNANO A MARE
OTRANTO
GALLIPOLI
VIESTE
TRANI
CEGLIE MESSAPICA
CASAMASSIMA
PUGLIA TOWN MAP
OSTUNI
Known for:
A gleaming white hilltop city nicknamed "The White City" (La Città Bianca). A very popular city to visit with its maze of alleyways, ape car tours, Piazza della Libertà and Italian architecture.
ALBEROBELLO
Known for: Another hugely popular town known for its Trulli houses. These are the dry-stone limestone houses with the cone shaped roof.
In 1996 it was given a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Well worth wandering around or taking a tour to explore this unique town.
LOCOROTONDO
Known for: Perched on a high hill, Locorotondo is set out in a circular layout with locus rotundus actually meaning "round place".
The historic homes are different with sharply pitched stone roofs and are called cummerse.
From the high position of Locorotondo take time to enjoy the view over the Itria Valley with its olive groves, Trulli, rolling hills ands vineyards.
POLIGNANO A MARE
Known for: A medieval town with gleaming turquoise waters and dramatic steep limestone cliffs.
You can't go to Polignano a Mare without visiting the Lama Monachile (Cala Porto), one of Italy's most popular beaches to photograph. Take a sea boat to the caves, visit the old town, or dine at the restaurant Grotta Palazzese which is carved out of a limestone cave overlooking the Adriatic Sea.
BARI
Known For:
A historic city with a bustling port and vibrant culture. A more practical than picturesque city than some others in Puglia, Bari is a major connection hub by way of train, boat, and its international airport.
Visit the Arco Basso, a famous street in Bari where you can see close up just how handmade Orecchiette pasta is created. The Porto Vecchio Fish Market is another option to try the cuisine and freshly caught seafood from the Port.
MONOPOLI
Known For:
Another charming and historic town with its white washed buildings and blue fishing boats bobbing in front of the ancient stonewalled harbor.
Wander the old town where you will happen upon street after street of picturesque cobblestone alleyways with its whitewashed buildings and splash of colorful shutters and doors.
MARTINA FRANCA
Known for: Located on a hilltop in the heart Valle d'Itria, Puglia. Known for its ornate Martinese Baroque style architecture which is more unique to this town.
If you're into opera, each summer the Festival della Valle d'Itria is held in Martina Franca.
If you into food, try the towns prized Capocollo di Martina Franca: A slow-cured pork neck salami.
LECCE
Known for: Often referred to as the "Florence of the South" due to its Lecce Baroque architectural style.
Sights to visit to appreciate this architecture is Basilica di Santa Croce, Piazza del Duomo, Church of San Matteo and Palazzo dei Celestini.
Lecce is also known for Carpesta which is the traditional Italian art and craft of papier-mâché.
OTRANTO
Known for:
Otranto is Italy's easternmost town located on the waters of the Adriatic Sea. Explore this port towns medieval castle (Aragonese Castle of Otranto) with its 3 towers and moat that surrounds the perimeter.
Go see the Otranto Cathedral with its detailed floor mosaic depicting the Tree of Life.
Enjoy Otranto's beaches and swim in the turquoise colored waters. Baia dei Turchi and Alimini Beach are 2 of the favourite beaches. Spiaggia dei Gradoni is a great one within walking distance.
GALLIPOLI
Known for:
You can find Gallipoli on the shoreline of the Ionian Sea. Gallipoli has a mix of attractions which make it worth adding to your Puglia itinerary.
It's known for its vibrant summer night-life (sometimes referred to as the "Ibiza of Italy") and its pretty beaches such as Spiaggia della Purità. Its historic center is located on a smaller limestone island connected by a bridge to the mainland.
VIESTE
Known for:
A coastal town with dramatic towering limestone cliffs, historic old town and medieval architecture. Don't miss the famous 25m limestone Pizzomunno sea monolith jutting straight out of the ocean. Explore the sea caves and be spoilt for choice on which golden sand, crystal clear beach to spend your time. Located within the Gargano National Park it offers easy access to view places such as the UNESCO protected beech trees of Forest Umbria.
TRANI
Known for: Its stunning cathedral that sits right on the water's edge as well as its historic city center and scenic harbor.
Wander around the Medieval Jewish Quarter (Giudecca) or visit The Swabian Castle, a 13th century fortress located right on the shoreline.
CEGLIE MESSAPICA
Known for: A small town but if you're a foodie this is a must visit for you. Known as the gastronomic capital of the Puglia region. Dine at one the highly acclaimed restaurants or indulge in the legendary Biscotto Cegliese - an almond pastry filled with jam and other spices.
The old town feels less touristy and more of a lived in authentic Italian town. Castello Ducale is open to the public and was once built as a Norman military fortress for surveying the local area.
CASAMASSIMA Known for:
You may have heard of the blue city Chefchaouen in Morocco, but have you heard of the blue town of Italy? Casamassima's nickname is Il Paese Azzurro which means the Blue Town.
Here you will find the historic center painted in different shades of blue which was rumored to be started by a duke who during a 17th century plague said that he would honor the Virgin Mary if the town was spared.
There are many historical landmarks to admire as you wander though such as the Monastery of Santa Chiara, Saint Croce of Matrice Church, Chiesa Matrice Parrocchia Santa Croce and the Arch of Our Lady of Constantinople.
Photo credit: Dentaek
TIPS ON VISITING PUGLIA:
Transport:
For the most flexibility in seeing Puglia and all the little towns along the way renting a car is the way to go. The full length of the Puglia can take around 5-6 hours to drive. Renting a smaller car is also recommended as the streets can be narrow and parking spots tight.
Keep an eye out for ZTL signs (Zona a Traffico Limitato - Limited Traffic Zones) as these are restricted zones in historical areas which you are not allowed to drive in. You will be fined if you do. Here is a helpful website with a map of all the ZTL zones in Italy.
Public transport such as trains and buses are widely available. Some towns are transport hubs and you will have many options, whilst getting to the smaller towns you will need to be more flexible as there will be less services and not necessarily be on time.
Travel Seasons:
Peak: July and August. Middle of summer with hot days but also higher prices and more people.
Shoulder: May, June and September. Still warm weather for swimming but crowds are a little less.
Low: Mid October-early April. Many hotels, restaurants, and tourist places shut or slow down over the winter. You can still enjoy many festive celebrations across the region however throughout the Christmas period.
Slow afternoons:
Alot of the towns get quieter during the afternoon and pick up again by evening. Typically, this is to escape the heat and to rest. Plan your day accordingly and perhaps save the beach trip to the afternoon.
Book ahead:
If travelling during the peak season book hotels and even some restaurants in advance. There is limited space and if you have your heart set on a particular masseria stay or recommended restaurant this is a must. Whilst not always the cheapest booking through sites like Expedia.com gives you the option of free cancellation up to a certain date. This is helpful if having to book your accommodation 6-9months in advance.
Good to know:
- Apulia and Puglia mean the same region in Italy. Apulia is just the English name.
- Although English is widely spoken, don't expect everyone to be able to speak it.
- Not all beaches are public beaches, or sometimes only a part of it is. Look out for signs that say Spiaggia Libera which means free beach.
HOTEL MAP
Here is the full list of all the hotels we will cover in the list below. You can click on the tags to go straight to the hotel or scroll through for the full pricing, photos, and descriptions. Don't forget that each hotel is color coded to indicate price. For the full price breakdown go to my hotel map page here.
HOTELS:
7 🟡Agriturusmo Masseria Aprile 8 ⚫Borgo Egnazia 9 🟣Masseria Bagnara Resort & Spa 10⚫Masseria Calderisi 11 🟣Masseria Grieco 12🟠Masseria San Francesco 13🟣Masseria Valentina 14🟠Masseriola Antiche Fogge 15⚫Masseria Torre Maizza
MASSERIA HOTELS IN PUGLIA SPECIAL NOTES: > REMEMBER THE COLOR CODING FOR PRICING WHICH CAN BE FOUND IN MORE DETAIL HERE
> THE COLOR CODING ALWAYS INDICATES THE MAX PRICE BRACKET YOU WOULD PAY FOR A ROOM IN PEAK SEASON.
1. 🟣MASSERIA GROFOLEO
Masseria Grofoleo is an 18th-century estate made up of traditional trulli and cummerse, located only 700m from the quaint town of Locorotondo. It overlooks the "lungomare", a scenic area with vineyards and ancient stone walls. Rooms are available in both the traditional trulli and the main building.
From:
AUD $465+
USD $335+
EUR €285+
Per night
2.🟠MASSERIA AYROLDI
With origins dating back to the early 18th century Masseria Ayroldi has held onto its original charm. Take a walk through the paved courtyards, through the arched doorways, and beside the original white stone walls. The rooms blend both modern and traditional, showcasing the masserie's original character. Outside is a large seasonal pool surrounded by ancient olive trees.
From: AUD $305+
USD $220+
EUR €185+
Per night
3.🟣MASSERIA SALINOLA
Masseria Salinola is a family run hotel located not far from the "White Town" of Ostuni. The 16th century farmhouse has been thoughtfully and lovingly restored, the rooms each having their own special touch such as fireplaces, a steam bath, private terrace, pool, even catering to families with the largest sleeping 5. The culinary experience at Masseria Salinola is well regarded featuring a changing menu, Puglian classics, and a true farm to table dining experience
From: AUD $345+
USD $250+
EUR €210+
Per night
4. ⚫MASSERIA TORRE COCCARO
Torre Coccaro is a luxury 5-star masseria perched on a hill offering stunning views of the Adriatic Sea. Rooms offer space and privacy with many being villa type accommodation with their own private pool. Most of the rooms have a unique character about them such as the room located in the old watchtower or the room set in a natural cave with its own outdoor terrace.
A free shuttle bus takes you down to 2 private beach clubs close by - Coccaro Beach and Le Palme Beach.
From: AUD $495+
USD $355+
EUR €305+
Per night
5. 🟣MASSERIA MONTENAPOLEONE
A boutique masserie set amongst the olive trees in Pezze di Greco, Puglia's Itria Valley. The rooms showcase many original features such as the original stone floors, fireplaces and arched ceilings with wood beams. Take a tour of their vineyard in guided olive oil and wine tours, join a cooking class, or enjoy a Moroccan-style dinner under the stars.
From: AUD $315+
USD $225+
EUR €195+
Per night
6. 🟠 MASSERIA CERVAROLO
Located just 6km from Ostuni, Masseria Cervarolo is another masseria like Masseria Grofoleo that is made up of both Trulli and rooms in the main building. There is even the choice of staying in a 17th-century lamia which is a traditional single room stone farmhouse. Outside is a natural looking swimming pool with its own pool bar and dedicated sunlounges and umbrella so every guest to enjoy this space.
From: AUD $300+ USD $215+ EUR €185+ Per night
7. 🟡AGRITURISMO MASSERIA APRILE
A small boutique masseria in the Pulgian Itira Valley, Agriturismo Masseria Aprile is only 15 minutes walk from the closest town Locorotondo. Being so close to town the Masseria has stunning views out over the valley and of Locorotondo. There are only 8 rooms, 6 in a traditional Trullo and 2 in a separate building which have the traditional stone arched ceilings.
From AUD $240+ USD $170+ EUR €145+ Per night
8. ⚫BORGO EGNAZIA
A unique addition to the list Borgo Egnazia was actually only built in 2010 but was built to replicate a traditional masseria and traditional centuries old Puglian village. The 2 pictures don't do this place justice, well worth a click just to see the grandeur of this place. There are over 182 luxury rooms, suites, and townhouses. The Le Ville area of the village has 28 3 story villas that offer utmost privacy and seclusion, their own swimming pools, gardens, and personal Massaia.
From: AUD $605+
USD $435+
EUR €370+
Per night
Just a heads up:
Please note that some of the links here are affiliate links (to be safe assume all). This helps me to be able to spend more time giving you great hotel recommendations. There is no cost to you but means I get a small commission from every booking made. If you plan to book through these sites anyway it would be much appreciated - but hope in the very least, you found somewhere to stay that you might not have otherwise. Thanks, Kirrily 😊
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