Location. Occupying a splendid building dating back to 1700, the Relais Corte Palmieri is a small modern hotel situated in an architecturally rich corner of old Gallipoli, two kilometres from the picturesque Purità beach. Brindisi Airport is 60 kilometres from the hotel, with an approximate driving time of 60 minutes.
Hotel Features. Guests can enjoy a complimentary breakfast before heading to one of the hotel’s sun terraces, which are furnished with sofas and chaise longues. A transfer service operates to the picturesque Purità beach, and coastal tours in gozzos, characteristic sailing craft of the region, can be enjoyed. Fuller voyages along the Costa Salentina by yacht provide an additional option. Multilingual staff and the hotel’s concierge service can advise on and book these activities, and there is an Internet port available for guests’ use.

Guestrooms. The 12 air conditioned guestrooms are located on three floors, and all have separate sitting areas opening on to balconies. Light, contemporary decor in shades of white and cream is complemented by antique frescoes, and all guestrooms include satellite television, minibars, direct dial telephones, and bathrooms with bathrobes, hair dryers and complimentary toiletries.

Expert Tip. Known as the ‘Ionian pearl’, Gallipoli’s most prominent monuments are the Angioinian Castle, the St Agatha Cathedral and the Greek Fountain. Also noted for spectacular civil and religious festivals, the Easter celebrations and the three day Santa Cristina festival in July are worth checking out. Further local flavours should be sampled in the restaurants along the walls of the old town, with seafood, especially the local fish soup, being particularly recommended.