Masseria Don Cirillo
Rustic-chic Apulian farmhouse. Think kilims and colourful bedspreads against bare stone walls, four-poster beds, and an almost monastic quiet broken only by cicadas. No frills, no spa, no gym — just the garden, the pool, and a helpful manager who knows every good restaurant within 30 km.
Ask Linda (the manager) for restaurant recommendations — she makes personal calls to book and her picks are reliable
Why It Matters
Selected by Tablet Hotels (now integrated with the Michelin Guide) as one of the region's standout small properties. It's the kind of place where thick original walls do the cooling, no room has a telephone by design, and the sea is a seven-minute drive. Authentically Salentine without being rough around the edges.
A historic 18th-century Puglian farmhouse (some sources trace it to the 15th century) set in a walled garden of olive, fig, oak, and carob trees, roughly 2 km from the Ionian coast. Eleven rooms and two tower suites, all with stone vaulted ceilings, thick whitewashed walls, and private terraces scented with lavender and rosemary. Operates on a B&B basis — no restaurant, but breakfast is a proper spread of homemade cakes served in the old courtyard. The pool is small and shaded, better for cooling off than laps, and bikes are free to borrow.
Where You'll Stay
4 room types available
Deluxe Room
Larger than the standard double, with the same stone vaulted architecture and handcrafted local furnishings. Reviewed guests describe very spacious layouts, outdoor day-beds on the terrace, and great shower pressure. Exposed stone walls in all-natural stone finish.
Double Room
Converted from original peasant dwellings, these rooms feature white lime-washed walls and either barrel or star-vaulted stone ceilings. Furnishings lean rustic — local handcrafted wood pieces, kilims, colourful bedspreads. Each room has a private entrance from the garden and opens onto a shaded terrace with lavender, thyme, rosemary, and mint. Soundproofed and naturally cool thanks to the original thick walls.
Superior Room
Notably large rooms with spacious private shower bathrooms. One reviewer noted the shower space is excellent — great pressure and plenty of room. Same stone vaulted character as other rooms. Set close to the garden with views across the masseria's landscaped grounds.
Tower Suite
Two suites housed inside the original historic tower of the masseria. The tower setting gives them a distinctive character — thicker walls, more vertical space, and a sense of being inside a genuine medieval keep. One reviewer who stayed in the tower described a very spacious, bright room with a comfortable bed and large wardrobe. Bathroom on the smaller side but well laid out.
The Property
Eat & Drink
1 venue on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
The reception books sunbed and umbrella reservations at local beach clubs (lidos) on the Torre San Giovanni coast, approximately 3–4 km away. Lido Il Molo and Lido Bora Bora are among the closest.
The reception arranges boat hire for coastal excursions. Dinghies, sailing boats, and inflatables are moored at the port of Santa Maria di Leuca and can be booked through the masseria's manager. Good for exploring the Ionian coastline.
Cooking classes in traditional Salento and Apulian cuisine can be arranged on request.
The masseria provides bikes free of charge for guests. The flat terrain makes it an easy ride to Torre San Giovanni (approx. 3 km) or to explore the olive-grove countryside. A practical and popular way to reach the beach without a car.
Horse riding excursions can be arranged through the concierge.
Tastings of local Salento products (olive oil, wine, cheeses) can be organised on request.
Arranged through the concierge/reception. The Ionian coast nearby offers good conditions for both snorkelling and scuba diving.
Available via concierge arrangement at local beach facilities.
Guided walking tours of the local area and historic sites can be arranged.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Free Wi-Fi in common areas and around the breakfast patio. Note: some guest reviews mention Wi-Fi may not extend reliably into all individual rooms.
Extensive walled garden with olive, fig, carob, and oak trees, citrus, and rosemary hedges. Comfortable chairs and sun loungers arranged among the trees. Multiple private corners for reading or relaxing.
Fenced, private parking within the property grounds. No reservation needed.
Entire property is non-smoking.
Pets are not allowed on the property.
A small pool set among olive trees and dry-stone walls in the masseria's garden. Shaded and atmospheric. Reviewers consistently note it is too small for laps but perfect for cooling off. Typically open May–October.
Individual climate control in every room.
Luggage storage available.
Room service available.
Reception is not 24 hours — limited opening hours, so guests must give an expected arrival time in advance. The manager (widely praised in reviews) provides personal concierge service: restaurant bookings, beach reservations, excursion planning.
Daily housekeeping service included.
BUILD YOUR MASSERIA DON CIRILLO PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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