Venturing out of your Ostuni Masseria
If you visit in summer, it’s likely you’ll find it hard to muster up the energy to leave the masseria. No it is not the average 5 star with turquoise swimming pools to while away the hours. But if you are visiting Masseria il Frantoio, it’s likely you’re on the hunt for real Puglia, and you’ll find it in the magic on your doorstep.
As mentioned already, each evening just before dinner is served, Armando introduces his guests to the home with a tour of the premises. Don’t miss it.
During the day he offers another unique tour: a ‘giro’ around the estates many many acres of olive groves, some over a thousand years old, in his ever so slightly younger Fiat. Boy I’m sad we missed this. Make sure you experience it for me!
Within the masseria’s expanse there are also numerous gardens to laze in a comfy chair with a book and the scent of freshly fallen oranges and trickle of ancient aquaduct. And if it’s dark or the weather’s not so great, head to select one of the library of films that Armando and Rosalba have hand picked to fit the venue.
If you do want to venture further afield the hotel can offer wine and food tours and visits and tasting in partner cellars and other local artisan workshops.
The Scavi di Egnazia aren’t very far away if ruins are your bag.
And if you’d prefer to swim in the Adriatic, the masseria has a special arrangement with three local private beaches to allow you access at no or low cost.
But if exploring is your thing, you can’t miss my favourite local town. Ostuni is a beautiful white town perched on the top of a hill. It's got a great tradition of jazz and culture, and its worth checking out their website to see if there is anything going on in the evening when you're in town. If your visit happens to coincide with Ostuni's annual feast day on 26th August, don’t miss the opportunity to see when processions of horsemen dressed in glittering red-and-white uniforms (resembling Indian grooms on their way to be wed) follow the statue of Sant'Oronzo around town. The cathedral is a must see, and a stumble around the maze-like streets of Ostuni is the best way to see the place. When you’ve had enough of that, find a perch with a view and have an Aperol Spritz.