Villa Cenate is nestled just outside the town of Melissano, conveniently located with excellent road connections leading north towards Gallipoli as well as south towards the marina town of Santa Maria di Leuca.
Melissano (1.5km) is a small town in southern Salento, close to the Ionian coast, where you will find your nearest shops and facilities. Melissano has a historical centre dating to Byzantine times and is known for producing some of Puglia’s best wines. The town has some excellent restaurants serving traditional local cuisine in its beautiful old quarter.
The town of Taviano (4km) is also just a short drive away, known for its production of flowers as well as olive groves and vineyards. It is a town full of history with beautiful architecture and again some brilliant restaurants which are especially popular with locals from this region.
The nearest beaches are along the Ionian coast around 8km away – Torre Suda offers crystal-clear waters and a rocky coastline, ideal for snorkelling as well as swimming. Further north, the popular and idyllic sandy beaches of Baia Verde, just south of Gallipoli, offer clear shallow waters which are ideal for children as well as great nightlife as the day draws to a close.
Further south, don’t miss the Marina di Pescoluse, known to be like a beach from the Maldives with its white sand and turquoise waters. Indeed, across the southern part of Salento you will find many glorious beaches, both on the Ionian and Adriatic side, from pretty rocky coves to long stretches of sand plus beach clubs offering sunbeds, parasols, pedalos and idyllic restaurants with glorious views.
The island town of Gallipoli (17km) is a great place to visit, not only for its fascinating historic sites but also its great market. Enjoy magnificent views as you explore the narrow lanes on the island and enjoy relaxing in a pavement café or dining in one of the brilliant restaurants serving the freshest fish.
Lecce (55km) is also a great city to explore with fantastic shops, sight-seeing and historic ruins. Not to mention the many wonderful white-washed villages and beautiful towns that can be discovered across the southern half of Salento such as Specchia (22km), one of Italy’s prettiest towns and the historic lined streets of Muro Leccese and Maglie, both around half an hour away.