Palazzo Flora

“The kind of place that keeps you coming back.”

The first time you arrive at Palazzo Flora is a moment that stays with you. I travel a lot and I can honestly say that experiences like this are rare today. It’s a place that feels completely natural and somehow quietly special at the same time. First you walk through the large wooden door with th… more

The first time you arrive at Palazzo Flora is a moment that stays with you. I travel a lot and I can honestly say that experiences like this are rare today. It’s a place that feels completely natural and somehow quietly special at the same time. First you walk through the large wooden door with the old knocker, step inside, and suddenly everything slows down. There’s the scent of jasmine in the air, drifting through the spacious courtyard and somehow clinging to your clothes and luggage. The ambient lighting adds a sense of warmth. And then there’s the quiet. The kind of quiet that immediately makes you feel at home. Just… slightly better :) The rooms are another story. I’ve stayed in five different rooms over the years, and each one felt different in its own way. Each has its own character. Somehow you end up feeling part of the story yourself. Everything is beautifully maintained and spotless. Cristina looked after my room every time I stayed, always doing it perfectly and with a warm smile. And then there’s the pool. Small, surrounded by plants, almost boutique in scale. But that’s exactly the point. It’s not really for swimming - it’s for a proper reset. Pro tip: bring a good book and skip the headphones - the music by the pool does the job. And don’t forget to ask the staff for beach towels. The reception is open throughout the day and evening, and the team is always easy to reach by phone if needed. In any case, you can easily access the hotel at any time. Martina is a great person to contact if you need anything during your stay - from information about the hotel to finding the right spots around Gallipoli. Meanwhile, Anna oversees the place and makes sure everything runs smoothly. If you need anything beyond the usual, she is the person to speak to. In the evening, if you feel like a drink or dinner, just walk over to Palazzo Presta (Palazzo Flora is part of a small group of three hotels, all within easy walking distance). The restaurant, Lazzaro & Caterina, combines fine dining with the flavours of Salento. Personally, I recommend the linguine with anchovy sauce, pepper and raw red prawns - simple, excellent and perfect with a glass of local Negroamaro rosé. Ask Mirko for a wine recommendation - he’ll point you in the right direction. Taken together, it all creates a place that is easy to settle into and hard to leave. Warm hospitality, beautiful rooms, a relaxed atmosphere and everything kept spotless - perfect for couples as well as solo travellers. It’s simply one of those places you end up wanting to return to.

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