Manduria
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Latest page update: 19 May 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Manduria
Manduria has a limited number of established hotels, with most accommodation in the town consisting of smaller B&Bs and private residences. For hotel-standard stays, a few notable options stand out, particularly those that combine comfort with access to the historic centre and surrounding vineyards.
San Paolo Hotel is a practical choice in the town, offering comfortable rooms, on-site dining and positive guest feedback for both convenience and service (€€). On the edge of Manduria, Vinilia Wine Resort occupies a restored castle, providing elegant interiors, a fine-dining restaurant and consistently high ratings for its unique setting (€€€). Another option is Masseria Potenti, located in the countryside nearby, offering hotel-level amenities within a historic estate, with gardens, a pool and strong reviews for hospitality (€€€).
San Paolo Hotel is a practical choice in the town, offering comfortable rooms, on-site dining and positive guest feedback for both convenience and service (€€). On the edge of Manduria, Vinilia Wine Resort occupies a restored castle, providing elegant interiors, a fine-dining restaurant and consistently high ratings for its unique setting (€€€). Another option is Masseria Potenti, located in the countryside nearby, offering hotel-level amenities within a historic estate, with gardens, a pool and strong reviews for hospitality (€€€).
Where is
Where is Manduria?
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The town of Manduria is situated with the Salento region of Puglia in the Province of Taranto. It has a population of around 31,000 residents and lies 35 kilometres east of Taranto itself.
Places of interest nearby include Avetrana, San Pancrazio Salentino, Campomarino and Oria. The recommended accommodation for Manduria is the Hotel San Paolo. |
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Comune di Manduria
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Province: Taranto
Region: Puglia Population: 29,773 (in 2024 - source) Size: 197 km² Elevation: 79 metres Close by: Avetrana, San Pancrazio Salentino, Campomarino, Oria Recommended accommodation: Hotel San Paolo |
What People Ask About Manduria, Puglia
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Discover
Discover Manduria
Manduria is a historic town in the province of Taranto, situated in the western part of the Salento Peninsula, a few kilometres inland from the Ionian coast. The surrounding countryside is covered with ancient olive groves and vineyards, forming one of Apulia’s most productive wine-growing areas. The town’s historic centre retains a mix of medieval and baroque architecture, with narrow streets, stone archways, and small piazzas that reveal its long agricultural and cultural heritage.
Manduria is best known for its production of Primitivo di Manduria, one of Italy’s most celebrated red wines, which plays a central role in the town’s identity. The Archaeological Park of the Messapian Walls preserves impressive remains from the pre-Roman era, including fortifications and tombs, while the Church of Santa Maria di Costantinopoli and the Chiesa Madre represent later artistic periods. The nearby Fonte Pliniano, an ancient spring linked to classical mythology, adds further historical depth. Manduria’s location near Avetrana, Sava, and Maruggio connects it closely with both the rural interior and the Ionian coastline of western Salento.
Manduria is best known for its production of Primitivo di Manduria, one of Italy’s most celebrated red wines, which plays a central role in the town’s identity. The Archaeological Park of the Messapian Walls preserves impressive remains from the pre-Roman era, including fortifications and tombs, while the Church of Santa Maria di Costantinopoli and the Chiesa Madre represent later artistic periods. The nearby Fonte Pliniano, an ancient spring linked to classical mythology, adds further historical depth. Manduria’s location near Avetrana, Sava, and Maruggio connects it closely with both the rural interior and the Ionian coastline of western Salento.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Manduria
- Centro Storico di Manduria lies gently inland from the Ionian coast, its streets winding among baroque façades, noble palaces, and narrow alleys paved in pale limestone. The town radiates understated elegance, with glimpses of sunlit courtyards and wrought-iron balconies draped in flowers. Small piazzas reveal ancient wells and artisan workshops. Walking here offers a journey into a place where history and quiet beauty intertwine.
- Chiesa Madre di Manduria stands majestically in the heart of the town, its baroque façade adorned with sculpted columns and delicate stone carvings. Inside are gilded altars, sacred paintings, and fine woodwork. The church has long anchored Manduria’s spiritual and cultural life. It remains a cherished emblem of faith and artistry.
- Fonte Pliniano lies hidden beneath Manduria, a subterranean spring that once supplied the ancient city with water. Carved into stone, it’s linked to legends told by Pliny the Elder. Visitors descend to see cool waters glimmering in the dim light. The fountain stands as a symbol of Manduria’s ancient heritage.
- Piazza Garibaldi serves as Manduria’s social heart, bordered by historic buildings, cosy cafés, and lively market stalls filled with local produce. The square hosts festivals, concerts, and gentle conversations under Salento’s wide skies. Cobblestones and noble façades create an elegant backdrop. It’s the perfect place to savour daily life in Manduria.
- Guided historical and wine tours in Manduria lead visitors through baroque streets, archaeological sites, and vineyards producing the town’s renowned Primitivo wines. Local guides share tales of ancient Messapic walls, noble families, and local traditions. Tours often include tastings of robust Primitivo wines, cheeses, and regional delicacies. Exploring reveals Manduria’s blend of deep history, fine winemaking, and authentic regional spirit.
Tours and Activities
Manduria Tours and Activities
Photo Gallery
Manduria Photo Gallery
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1. Lecce
2. Alberobello
3. Otranto
4. Gallipoli
5. Polignano a Mare
6. Monopoli
7. Vieste
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👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Puglia
1. Lecce
2. Alberobello
3. Otranto
4. Gallipoli
5. Polignano a Mare
6. Monopoli
7. Vieste
8. Trani
9. Giovinazzo
10. Castel del Monte
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Puglia
How to Get to [Place Name]
How to Get to Manduria
By Rail: Manduria has its own train station on the Taranto–Brindisi line, operated by Trenitalia. Regional trains connect the town to Taranto in approximately 50 minutes and to Brindisi in about 1 hour. The station is located near the centre, making it convenient for accessing local shops, restaurants, and accommodation.
By Road: Manduria is situated in the province of Taranto, around 45 kilometres east of Taranto. The drive takes roughly 50 minutes via the SS7 road. From Brindisi, the distance is about 55 kilometres, with a journey time of around 1 hour via the SS7 and SP74. The town is well connected by regional roads, with parking available close to the centre and around the main historic areas.
Nearest International Airports:
By Road: Manduria is situated in the province of Taranto, around 45 kilometres east of Taranto. The drive takes roughly 50 minutes via the SS7 road. From Brindisi, the distance is about 55 kilometres, with a journey time of around 1 hour via the SS7 and SP74. The town is well connected by regional roads, with parking available close to the centre and around the main historic areas.
Nearest International Airports:
- Brindisi Salento Airport: Located approximately 50 kilometres northeast of Manduria, with a drive of around 55 minutes via the SS7. This is the nearest airport, offering frequent domestic and international flights.
- Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport: Situated roughly 145 kilometres northwest, taking about 2 hours by car via the SS7 and A14 motorway. It provides a wide range of routes to major Italian and European destinations.
Private Transfers
Manduria Private Transfers
A private transfer provides a comfortable and convenient way to travel to or from Manduria, offering a direct journey without the need to organise public transport or drive yourself. You’ll be met by a professional local driver and taken straight to your destination in comfort.
Both Brindisi Airport and Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport are accessible by road, making private transfers a practical option for arrivals and departures. Transfers can also be arranged to nearby destinations such as Oria, Avetrana, and San Pietro in Bevagna, or to other towns and coastal resorts across Puglia.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
Both Brindisi Airport and Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport are accessible by road, making private transfers a practical option for arrivals and departures. Transfers can also be arranged to nearby destinations such as Oria, Avetrana, and San Pietro in Bevagna, or to other towns and coastal resorts across Puglia.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
