Casananda is located in the village of Ortelle in Southern Puglia, approximately an hour’s drive from Brindisi airport. This part of Puglia boasts dramatic coastlines, an abundance of ancient olive groves framed by dry stone walls amongst a rich and fertile amber soil. The sun shines religiously upon this narrow peninsula that divides the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic and Ionian seas. The coast is within easy reach of Casananda - just a 5 minute drive. Explore the beautiful coastline by boat from Castro Marina or Tricase Porto for a full or half day.

Get lost in Lecce, capital of Salento a beautiful baroque town fittingly nicknamed the Florence of the South. Lecce is full of beautiful Palazzi and churches with impressively carved facades. The Basilica di Santa Croce amongst many others in the old town are easy to stumble across whilst you enjoy a leisurely walk in the old quarter. Lecce is a 35 minute drive from Casananda.

Visits to other historical towns such as Gallipoli Nardo and Otranto can be arranged in conjunction with trips to the long stretches of pine forests and sandy beaches of the Ionian coast.

There are many religious festivals and other excuses for festivities in Salento! The villages are decorated with brightly coloured lit bulbs in architectural frames similar to festivals in India. The fireworks seem to go bang at all hours and the whole community comes together to share food and sometimes dance the Pizzica to the intoxicating beat of the tambourine. Pizzica displays and music can be organised at Casananda. Devotional chanting (Kirtan), is also practiced on some of our Retreats.