The Secret Explorer

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Italia
Otranto
The Secret Explorer

🗝️ Unlock your experience. Experience the beauty of Southern Italy. Customized itineraries. Cultural history. Bespoke surprises.

03/09/2026

What’s so special about Porto Badisco?
Aeneas? No. It’s unlikely he ever landed here - it was probably Castro.
The fruit and vegetable stand that has been here every summer for as long as I can remember? Yes, that’s part of it.
But it’s also the quiet, peaceful atmosphere of the bay, where generations of people from the neighboring villages learned to swim, beneath the Grotta dei Cervi, home to one of the largest complexes of post-Palaeolithic and Neolithic wall art in Europe.
That alone makes Porto Badisco unique. But then there are its people, their warmth, and their energy.
Some places you visit, others stay with you 🤍🌊

31/08/2026

Still hot, still swimming in crystal-clear waters.
Otranto, you’re making it hard to say goodbye to summer.

28/08/2026

Some discoveries are best made around a table. ✨
Perched above the beautiful bay of Otranto, Skafé La Locanda is the kind of place that makes you want to linger a little longer.

Think beautifully prepared dishes, a carefully curated w**e selection, and a warm, effortlessly elegant ambience — all with that mesmerising view stretching across the bay. 🍷🌊

22/08/2026

Santa Cesarea Terme: where art, history, and nature come together.

From elegant architecture and rich heritage to a dramatic coastline and crystal-clear Adriatic waters, Santa Cesarea Terme is one of those coastal towns that invites you to slow down and soak in Salento’s beauty.

❤️

19/08/2026

A boiling hot day, cooled by the spring waters of Cala dell’Acquaviva.

16/08/2026

Step inside Chiostro Dei Domenicani, Lecce’s 15th-century boutique sanctuary, and wander through its peaceful cloisters. Discover the flavours of Salento at Gimmi Restaurant, the hotel’s gourmet restaurant, where local culinary traditions meet thoughtful contemporary influences.

Every dish tells a story, much like the hotel’s rooms and suites, created from the former monks’ cells and living quarters.

If you’re looking for a unique escape in Lecce, where art, history, exceptional food and contemporary luxury exist in perfect harmony, Il Chiostro dei Domenicani deserves a place at the very top of your list.

Read more about this beautiful retreat in our latest article, now featured in the Articles highlight.

12/08/2026

We’re excited to announce a new partnership between The Secret Explorer and CheckUP MD, adding an extra layer of care and peace of mind to the tailor-made journeys we create across Italy. 🇮🇹

From hidden gems and local flavors to the unexpected moments that can happen while traveling, our shared goal is simple: helping you experience Italy with confidence, comfort, and peace of mind.

With CheckUP MD, travelers can access licensed Italian physicians remotely, 24/7, whenever medical support is needed during their stay.

Discover Italy. We’ll help take care of the rest.

09/08/2026

A plate of linguine allo scoglio, the freshest swordfish and tuna carpaccio, and two ruby-red gamberi rossi because here in Puglia, the sea doesn’t just surround you, it ends up right on your table.

Golden afternoons, salty air, delicious fresh food, this is the kind of summer worth getting lost in.

05/08/2026

In vino veritas - “In w**e, there is truth.” While the phrase is Latin, the idea traces back to ancient Greek philosophers long before it was embraced by the Romans, renowned lovers of w**e.

Today, we believe that truth is found in the passion and dedication of , who has created an intimate and refined tasting experience steeped in centuries of history.

Tucked away in the peaceful countryside of Salento, every corner of Castello Frisari Vini tells a story of past grandeur. Yet its approach remains refreshingly unpretentious: genuine hospitality, stories passed down through generations, and w**es that capture the character of the land in every sip.

Pack your curiosity, and your thirst. Salento is waiting to be savored.

**e **e

01/08/2026

A couple of days ago, we had the privilege of spending a night at , a beautifully preserved Dominican convent just outside Lecce. The history of this remarkable place was brought back to life by , who shared its fascinating story with such passion and care.

As we wandered through its peaceful cloisters and ancient halls, we felt an incredible sense of calm - as though years of prayer and reflection still lingered within its walls.

We also enjoyed dinner at the extraordinary , which was simply superb. The service was exceptional, and every dish came with a story. We especially loved the Tamburello, which cleverly hides traditional local bread inside.

From the incredibly comfortable beds to the thoughtful touches of luxury throughout our stay, every detail felt special. There was so much more we filmed, including the outstanding breakfast buffet, the beautiful outdoor swimming pool, and, of course, the highlight of our visit: the Secret Crypt.

At The Secret Explorer, we love discovering secluded places with character and soul unlike any other. If you’re looking for a truly unique escape in Lecce, Il Chiostro dei Domenicani deserves a place on your list.

Indirizzo

Otranto

Sito Web

https://thesecretexplorer.com/

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