Things To Do
in Martano
Martano is a picturesque hill town in the Salento region of Apulia Italy perched among olive groves and whitewashed houses. Its narrow sun washed streets lead to centuries old churches small palazzos and a friendly slow paced atmosphere. The town serves as a quiet gateway to Lecce Baroque treasures and the sparkling Adriatic coastline a short drive away.
Visitors are drawn by authentic Apulian cuisine rural walks and local markets that showcase the warm hospitality of the region.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Martano and check into your chosen accommodation, where you can enjoy a traditional Italian breakfast at a local café. Take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque streets, soaking in the charm and rustic architecture that this town has to offer. Visit the local market to get an authentic vibe and perhaps grab some fresh produce for your stay.
Explore the historical center of Martano, where you can admire splendid Baroque churches and quaint squares. Delight in a leisurely lunch at a trattoria, savoring the local Apulian cuisine such as orecchiette pasta or fresh seafood. Don't forget to visit the nearby olive groves and vineyards to understand the region's agricultural significance.
As dusk falls, enjoy an outdoor dinner at a local eatery, where you can taste regional wines alongside traditional dishes. Engage with locals and soak in the lively evening atmosphere, perhaps even finding a live music venue for some entertainment. End the night with a gelato while wandering the charming illuminated streets.
Begin your day with breakfast at your hotel and then head to the Museum of Martano, where you can learn about the rich history and culture of the region. Stroll through the ancient town, stopping by significant landmarks such as the Church of San Giovanni and the remains of the medieval castle. Capture the beauty of the sun rising over the unique stone architecture.
Visit the nearby town of Soleto, known for its fascinating historical sites, including the ancient Romanesque churches adorned with intriguing frescoes. Take a break at a café and chat with the locals about their heritage and traditions. Head back to Martano for the afternoon and participate in a cooking class to learn the art of making traditional Puglian dishes.
After a day filled with culture, treat yourself to a delicious dinner at a family-owned restaurant, indulging in freshly made pasta and local wines. Enjoy a post-dinner walk through the town as the stars twinkle overhead, perhaps stopping for a nightcap at a local bar. Reflect on the day's adventures while mingling with other travelers and locals.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| 🍝Three course meal for two | $40-70 |
| 🏨One night in a mid range hotel | $75-130 |
| 🚗Rental car per day | $40-80 |
| 🍷Bottle of local wine | $7-15 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Tranquil countryside and authentic local culture
- Delicious Apulian cuisine and wine
- Compact historic center easy to explore on foot
- Close to beaches and coastlines of the Salento peninsula
- Limited nightlife and services in very small towns
- Some sights require a car or longer drives
- Public transport can be sparse, especially on weekends
- "Buongiorno" - Good morning
- "Per favore" - Please
- "Dov la stazione?" - Where is the station?
- "Parla inglese?" - Do you speak English?
- "Vorrei un tavolo per due" - I would like a table for two
- "Quanto costa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Grazie" - Thank you
- "Mi può consigliare un ristorante?" - Can you recommend a restaurant?
Places to Visit in Martano
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic white façade with arched doorways and the main square framed by cypress trees.
Narrow stone lanes lined with sun warmed pale walls and flower boxes.
A hilltop vantage point where rows of ancient olive trees stretch to the horizon.
Traditional rural architecture with weathered stone and wooden doors.
Soft evening light on old stones creates painterly tones for street photography.
Food in Martano
Martano Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Classic Puglia pasta with turnip tops, olive oil and garlic served in many trattorie.
Must-Try!
Cream filled pastry perfect for a sweet breakfast or dessert.
Savory puff pastry with mozzarella, béchamel and tomato.
Small rolled pork skewers stuffed with herbs and cheese and grilled.
Dry friselle topped with ripe tomato, olive oil and sea salt.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A lively weekly market with fresh produce, cheese, bread and local olives.
Nearby market offering regional cheeses, vegetables and seasonal foods.
Taralli and fried dough pastries from casual street vendors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with buongiorno or buonasera and a handshake or kiss on both cheeks in informal settings.
Cover shoulders and knees when visiting churches or religious sites.
Mealtimes are relaxed and social; expect longer dining experiences and talkative conversations.
Safety
Tipping in Martano
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. If service is not included, round up or leave 5-10% in nicer restaurants.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Expect hot dry days with sea breezes; plan early morning visits to avoid heat and save afternoons for beach trips.
Harvest season for olives and grapes; pleasant temperatures perfect for outdoor walks and vineyard visits.
Mild with occasional rain; fewer crowds and cozy dinners by the fire.
Blooming countryside and longer days; ideal for walking tours and photography in olive groves.
Martano at Night
Hiking in Martano
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Scenic hiking along the Serre Salentine hills with olive groves and limestone features.
Gentle trails through ancient olive groves and rural paths near Martano.
Day trip to the coast for dramatic cliff views and sea air.
Airports
How to reach Martano by plane.
Approximately 70–90 km from Martano with good road connections; drive or train to Lecce and Maglie.
About 180–200 km away; major international hub with frequent domestic connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many families live in Martano with a strong sense of community and weekly markets.
Mild climate and relaxed pace attract retirees from across Italy and Europe.
Young residents study in nearby towns and travel for work or leisure.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular sport across the region with local matches in nearby towns.
Flat and gently rolling countryside makes it great for road biking and scenic rides.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Martano.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
In Martano you can enjoy fresh vegetables, legumes and pasta with tomato or olive oil. You can ask for dishes like orecchiette with greens or grilled vegetables.