April and May offer two tantalizing “long weekends” to explore Puglia and Salento. Between uncrowded beaches, historical itineraries and cultural and gastronomic events, it would be a shame not to take advantage of this opportunity in low season to enjoy such a corner of paradise. Tenuta Rocci Cerasoli is the perfect refuge for such an adventure: discover in this article what you can do in the surrounding area between April 25th and May 1st. With our suggestions on what to do in Salento during the April and May long weekends, you can immerse yourself in uncontaminated nature, explore ancient villages rich in history, participate in musical, theatrical and cultural events, as well as let yourself be carried away by the authenticity of traditional Puglia cuisine in some of the typical local festivals. And when you need to “return to base”, Tenuta Rocci Cerasoli recharges you with the comfort of its rooms, the relaxation of its yoga classes or its equipped swimming pool.

A combination of nature, art and culture

Visiting Salento between the end of April and the beginning of May also means being able to enjoy the warmth of spring and, therefore, the opportunity to be won over by its uncontaminated nature. This area, in fact, is full of hidden places and secret treasures, such as the magnificent spectacle of pink flamingos at the Salina dei Monaci in Torre Colimena, the Valle dell’Idro in Otranto with crypts and rock caves or the archaeological park of Rudiae in Lecce between Messapian fortifications and Roman buildings, which in this period can be admired through guided nature excursions. Furthermore, on 5, 6 and 7 May the historic center of Lecce hosts for the third year in a row the preview of the Festival della Lingua Italiana organized by Treccani. If you intend to anticipate your holidays, until Tuesday 30 April you can visit for free the photographic exhibition of the Czech artist but Londoner by adoption Elisa Sky entitled Womaneroes.

Music, theater and dance for all tastes

Salento is well known for its cultural liveliness, often animated by the local scene. The majestic theaters, in particular, are an unmissable experience for those visiting Lecce. On Sunday, April 21, for example, you can attend the live dance and music performance La Luna Dei Borboni at the magnificent Teatro Apollo; on April 23, at the Teatro Paisiello, the seasonal closing will be entrusted to Quanto Basta, a show by Paolo Sassanelli and Lucia Zotti, written and directed by Alessandro Piva; on April 27, instead, at the Teatro Politeama Greco, the national comic star Max Angioni arrives with Anche Meno. Moving slightly from the center, the Cantieri Teatrali Koreja offers more experimental pieces such as Heroides. Letters of Heroines (April 22) or Primo Studio su “La Meek” by Fëdor Dostoevskij (April 28). Of course, there is no shortage of concerts: Enrico Ruggeri will perform at the Teatro Italia in Gallipoli on April 18, Amedeo Minghi at the Teatro Apollo in Lecce on April 23, while on April 25 – again at the Apollo – the incredible show by Pink Sonic, The European Pink Floyd Experience.

And the local folklore and gastronomy?

Anyone who comes to Salento – especially for the first time – absolutely cannot miss the local folklore and gastronomy, enclosed in events that are now famous at an international level: the festivals. Before diving into the historic pizzica rounds, however, why not attend a workshop to get closer to the rhythms and dance of the popular Salento tradition, such as those planned at To Kalò Fai di Zollino every Tuesday evening?

This way you will be truly ready to immerse yourself in the local festivals such as the Festa di San Giorgio in Matino, which lasts a week from 19 to 26 April and sees the city completely decorated with the characteristic and imposing lights that emphasize the popular passion, together with the classic religious procession, fireworks and tasting of typical dishes. From April 24 to 26 in Castro, the Fish Festival in Sarsa coincides with the Feast of the Madonna dell’Annunziata, where visitors can gorge on fresh, fried and marinated fish amidst religious celebrations, fireworks displays and live pizzica concerts. Also on April 26, at the Abbey of Cerrate di Lecce, the crafts of the artisanal and peasant tradition are celebrated at the Fiera Lu Panieri, while on May 1 in Campi Salentina, every year the kite competitions make even the little ones dream at the Festa della Pummeta.

Discover the offers of Tenuta Rocci Cerasoli and let yourself be enchanted by the beauty and authenticity of Salento by taking advantage of the long weekends of April 25 and May 1. Treat yourself to a cultural experience, a romantic getaway or a full immersion in nature, shows and local traditions, letting yourself be pampered by the comforts of our structure in absolute relaxation in our lush vineyards and olive groves and among the culinary delicacies prepared with zero-mile ingredients by our expert chefs.