Italy is a country that offers some of the most unique and authentic travel experiences in all of Europe. From the bustling streets of Rome to the canals of Venice, Italy has something for every type of traveler. One of the most remarkable and historic regions of Italy is Puglia. Located in southern Italy, Puglia is home to sprawling olive groves, ancient trulli homes, and stunning coastal towns. At the heart of experiencing Puglia are masserie – luxurious manor farms that allow you to fully immerse yourself in the region’s rich culture and traditions. Visiting a masseria in Puglia during December provides an incredibly memorable and magical experience, as the masserie come alive with holiday festivities and ancient rituals. This article will highlight the top five masserie in Puglia that should be on every traveler’s list for an unforgettable December getaway.
Puglia: A Quick Overview
Puglia is located in the “heel” of Italy’s “boot” on the Adriatic coast. It shares borders with the regions of Molise, Campania, and Basilicata. The geography of Puglia is diverse, with over 800 kilometers of coastline, sandy beaches, rocky terrain, ancient forests, and fertile plains. Puglia has been inhabited since prehistoric times due to its strategic location and agricultural fertility. Some of the major cities in Puglia include Bari, Lecce, Brindisi, and Taranto.
The masserie of Puglia have a long and storied history. These grand manor farms were built between the 15th and 18th centuries by wealthy aristocratic families. They were self-sufficient communities centered around agriculture and livestock. Many masserie were fortified with defensive architecture to protect against invaders. While some masserie have fallen into disrepair over time, others have been restored into luxury accommodations that allow guests to experience the heritage of these stately manors. Staying on a masseria is one of the most iconic and historical ways to experience Puglia.
The Beauty of December in Puglia
December brings crisp sunny days, festive celebrations, and charming traditions to Puglia. While other parts of Italy can be rainy and cold in December, Puglia maintains mild temperatures – averaging around 12°C. This pleasant weather allows visitors to explore the countryside and coastlines comfortably. December is one of the least crowded months, so travelers can avoid summer tourist rush.
The holiday season is in full swing in December, with Christmas markets, concerts, food festivals and historical reenactments taking place across Puglia. The region adorns its ancient cities with lights and nativity scenes, bringing holiday magic to life. Christmas Eve in particular is an important celebration, with feasting, bonfires, fireworks and hours-long church services. Visiting a masseria allows you to be right in the thick of these beloved local traditions. Masserie will have special holiday meals, decorations and customs to enjoy. December is also olive harvesting season, so guests can participate in the agricultural practices that masserie were originally built around. With so much festive cheer and opportunities for authentic engagement, December shines bright in Puglia.
The Top 5 Masserie to Visit in Puglia during December
1. Masseria Potenti
Masseria Potenti is a meticulously restored 16th century manor located in the Valle d’Itria countryside near Locorotondo. The historic masseria has been transformed into a luxury retreat with just 6 rooms, allowing for an intimate December escape. Masseria Potenti provides cooking classes using fresh produce from its garden, olive oil tastings from its groves, and vineyard tours showcasing native grapes.
In December, Masseria Potenti plans special activities like horse-drawn carriage rides to Locorotondo’s Christmas markets, wreath making workshops, and visits to historic churches for midnight mass on Christmas Eve. Guests can help prepare the Feast of the Seven Fishes, a traditional Puglian Christmas Eve dinner. The in-house chef also teaches guests how to make cartellate, a fried sweet pastry, and other local holiday desserts. With its personal hospitality and authentic engagement, Masseria Potenti offers a December to remember.
2. Masseria Il Frantoio
Masseria Il Frantoio resides on a historic estate in the countryside near Ostuni. This luxury retreat has 57 rooms across five restored farmhouses. Masseria Il Frantoio provides an extensive array of activities including wine tastings, cooking classes, olive oil workshops, cycling tours, and swimming in the cliffside pool.
December brings abundant opportunities to dive into local culture. Guests can join in the olive harvest and tour the on-site mill to see oil production firsthand. The masseria’s restaurant crafts a special holiday menu with regional dishes and desserts. Visitors can venture to Ostuni’s Old City for the Festival of Light featuring music, art and dazzling illuminations. Back at the masseria, candlelit dinners and Christmas carolers set a festive mood. A trip to an ancient chapel on the grounds for Christmas Eve mass finishes an authentically Puglian holiday.
3. Masseria Salinola
Masseria Salinola is a meticulously restored 15th century watchtower masseria located near the Adriatic coast. It has been transformed into an intimate 8-room retreat focused on guest wellness. The masseria’s spa features a traditional hammam and offers massage rituals and yoga sessions.
In December, Masseria Salinola provides special activities like cooking the 12 courses of the traditional Feast of the Seven Fishes with the in-house chef. Guests can also head to the Matrice Vecchia di Novoli to view an elaborate nativity display. A highlight is spending Christmas Eve enjoying a relaxing candlelit dinner before walking to the local village for midnight mass under the stars. The masseria can arrange private daytrips to Lecce to explore the festive Christmas markets and elaborate baroque architecture. With its emphasis on relaxation and rejuvenation, Masseria Salinola makes December a transformative time.
4. Borgo Egnazia
Borgo Egnazia is a sprawling luxury village near the coastal town of Savelletri di Fasano. This unique masseria recreates a traditional Puglian village with 63 rooms across small whitewashed homes. Borgo Egnazia has a renowned golf course, beach club, spa, and several restaurants.
Since its own “village square” hosts Christmas markets, holiday concerts, and visits from Santa Claus, Borgo Egnazia makes December feel magical. Guests can decorate Christmas cookies, go caroling through the village streets, and enjoy festive meals beneath strings of lights. A Catholic mass takes place on Christmas Eve in the on-site chapel. Borgo Egnazia also offers daytrips to Alberobello to see the UNESCO World Heritage trulli dwellings illuminated for the holidays. For those seeking an idyllic Christmas wonderland, Borgo Egnazia delivers.
5. Masseria Torre Maizza
Masseria Torre Maizza is a 16th century watchtower masseria transformed into a 40-room luxury hotel near the coast in Savelletri di Fasano. This masseria provides a sublime retreat with its own private beach, infinity pool, and spa.
December is a special time at Masseria Torre Maizza with its abundant seasonal activities. Guests can go olive picking in the groves and learn how oil is produced. The masseria’s head chef leads a hands-on class on preparing the Feast of the Seven Fishes. Leading up to Christmas, local artisans give workshops on making terra cotta nativity figures and decorative Puglian botanical ornaments. On Christmas Day itself, a lavish holiday menu is served while a local folk music group serenades diners. With its indulgent amenities and festive programming, Masseria Torre Maizza makes for an opulent Italian escape this December.
Essential Tips for Traveling to Puglia in December
To fully enjoy Puglia in December, here are some key tips for travelers:
- Pack layers and waterproof shoes. While sunny most days, rains and dropping temperatures at night are common.
- Reserve restaurant tables and masseria stays well in advance. December is high season in Puglia.
- Try local specialties like cartellate cookies, dried figs, homemade pastas, and fresh seafood.
- Learn some key Italian phrases to interact with locals and fully immerse yourself.
- Allow ample time to explore small villages and appreciate the slower pace of life.
- Consider renting a car for flexibility exploring the countryside. Driving is easy and parking is accessible.
- Visit wineries and olive groves for tastings and to see production.
- Attend a Christmas Eve mass for a uniquely Italian experience observing beloved traditions.
A December to Remember
December provides the perfect opportunity to visit Puglia and revel in authentic experiences. Staying in one of Puglia’s historic masserie allows you to fully appreciate the local culture while relaxing in luxury. From olive harvesting and cooking classes to Christmas markets and countryside tours, Puglia offers seasonal charm and wonder. With its sunny skies, festive spirit, and unparalleled masserie hospitality, Puglia is ready to impress this December.