Cellino San Marco holidays

Cellino San Marco holidays put you in a charming Italian village peppered with pizzerias and surrounded by vineyards.

Plotted in Puglia

The charming Italian village of Cellino San Marco dates back to the Middle Ages – in particular the ninth century. As you wander around the narrow streets, you’ll see the small church and the chapel of San Marco – the focal point of the whole place – and walk past plenty of authentic pizzerias where you can stop off if you fancy a slice. Just beyond the centre, is a carpet of olive groves and vineyards where you can take a tour or taste the local wine. Plus, stays here put you 30 minutes’ drive from the sandstone architecture of the city of Lecce and the same distance from the beach-backed port town Brindisi.

Beaches and birdwatching

If you’re craving a bit of sand and sea, you can reach the coast in about 20 minutes by car. Campo di Mare beach is one long stretch split into three different bays with sandy arches and stone islands. The gently sloping shore makes it a great spot for families, and in peak season, you can hire catamarans and jet-skis. If you’re more of a nature lover, the beach of Torre Guaceto’s 30 minutes away – it’s protected marine area is ideal for snorkelling, thanks to the colourful fish and sea turtles that live in the clear water. Birdwatchers, meanwhile, can keep an eagle eye out for herons and kingfishers.

Vineyard visits

Wine lovers can take advantage of the local wineries and vineyards just outside the village. One of the best in the area is Masseria Le Veli – it was once an old local farm, but it’s now been restored into a state-of-the-art winery. Head here and book a tour or tasting and you’ll get to try a glass of the native tipple, Primitivo. It’s a bold wine that combines very ripe dark berries with smoky notes like liquorice and tobacco.