Nothing says Puglia like a masseria. These fortified farmhouses, built between the sixteenth and nineteenth centuries to protect farmers, olive oil and livestock, stand among ancient olive groves across the region. Many have been transformed into some of the most beautiful hotels in Italy, with whitewashed courtyards, pools among the trees, farm to table restaurants and spas in old olive mills. This guide presents the best masserie in Puglia, from grand resorts near the sea to small, quiet estates.
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The short answer
- Most complete resort: Masseria San Domenico
- Most stylish: Rocco Forte Masseria Torre Maizza
- Best for golf: Masseria Cimino, on the San Domenico course
- Best near a town: Il Melograno near Monopoli
- Best for wine: Masseria Li Reni in the Primitivo area
What Is a Masseria?
A masseria is a fortified farm estate typical of Puglia. Thick stone walls, watchtowers and inner courtyards once protected families and harvests from raids. Today, the best masserie combine that history with pools, spas, gardens and restaurants serving produce from their own land, often including their own olive oil. Most lie in the countryside, so a car or transfers are essential, and many have beach clubs on the nearby coast.
The Best Masserie Near Fasano and Savelletri
The coast between Monopoli and Ostuni has the greatest concentration of luxury masserie in Puglia, close to the sea, the San Domenico golf course and the towns of the Valle d’Itria.
Masseria San Domenico
A fifteenth century masseria with a watchtower, set among olive trees near the sea at Savelletri. It has a large saltwater pool, a thalassotherapy spa and direct access to the San Domenico golf course next door. Elegant and classic.
Best for: a classic luxury masseria with spa and golf
Check rates at Masseria San Domenico
Rocco Forte Masseria Torre Maizza
Rocco Forte restored this sixteenth century masseria with a light, contemporary touch. Whitewashed buildings among olive groves, a pool, a spa and a beach club on the coast make it one of the most stylish stays in Puglia.
Best for: refined design and service
Check rates at Rocco Forte Masseria Torre Maizza
Masseria Torre Coccaro
A fortified masseria with a tower and walled gardens, known for its spa set in an old cave, its cooking classes and its beach club on the coast. Warm, characterful and relaxed.
Best for: character, cooking and a beach club
Check rates at Masseria Torre Coccaro
Masseria Cimino
A small, simple and elegant masseria on the San Domenico golf course, near the ancient ruins of Egnazia and the sea. Perfect for golfers and travellers who prefer a quiet, intimate stay.
Best for: golfers and a quiet stay
Check rates at Masseria Cimino
Borgo Egnazia
Not a historic masseria but a resort built in the style of an Apulian village, with a large spa, pools, a beach club and golf nearby. It is the most famous resort in Puglia. Read our Borgo Egnazia review.
Best for: a full resort with everything on site
The Best Masserie Near Monopoli
Il Melograno
A sixteenth century masseria among ancient olive trees just outside Monopoli. It has a pool, a spa and a relaxed atmosphere, and the old town and the sea are only a short drive away.
Best for: combining countryside and town
The Best Masserie in the Salento and the Primitivo Area
Masseria Li Reni, Manduria
A masseria in the heart of the Primitivo di Manduria wine area, surrounded by vineyards. Ideal for wine lovers, with the Ionian beaches nearby. Read our Masseria Li Reni review and our Puglia wine guide.
Best for: wine lovers
Check rates at Masseria Li Reni
Masseria Le Mandorle, Ugento
A masseria in the south of the Salento, close to the Ionian beaches around Ugento. A peaceful base for beach days in the Salento.
Best for: beach days in the south
Check rates at Masseria Le Mandorle
Charlotte’s tip: stay at least three nights
A masseria is not a place to rush through. Stay at least three nights, use the mornings for sightseeing in the towns and come back for long afternoons by the pool and dinner under the olive trees.
Find your masseria
The best masserie in Puglia have few rooms and fill early for summer. Compare rates around Fasano and Savelletri.
FAQ
What is a masseria in Puglia?
A masseria is a historic fortified farmhouse, typical of Puglia. Many have been converted into luxury hotels with pools, spas and restaurants.
Where are the best masserie in Puglia?
The greatest concentration of luxury masserie lies around Savelletri di Fasano, between Monopoli and Ostuni, close to the sea and the Valle d’Itria.
Do you need a car to stay in a masseria?
Usually yes, as most masserie lie in the countryside. Some offer shuttles to the beach and nearby towns.
