Perfect Italian Weekend | Nardo
A Perfect Italian Weekend: With Creative Director Manuel in Nardò, Puglia
This week, we’re heading to the sun-drenched south of Italy with Manuel, the creative mind behind Plinius No. 059, a beautifully restored historic home in Nardò.
Based in Berlin and working in the creative field, Manuel has always felt a strong pull toward Italy. His love story with Puglia began during his time living there, and it deepened when he discovered the baroque beauty of Nardò.
"When we first saw the house, we immediately knew it was the one," Manuel says. "The high ceilings, the rooftop, and its state—it needed a lot of work, but the potential was undeniable. That process really sparked my passion for design, interiors, and giving new life to historical spaces."
Let Manuel take you along for a slow, soulful weekend in and around Nardò—his favourite routines, spots, and ways to savor the local rhythm of life.
Saturday: Slow Mornings, Salty Afternoons
The weekend begins slowly.
A perfect Saturday starts with a coffee at Caffè Parisi, a relaxed spot just three minutes from the house, right on the square. It’s the kind of place where locals and regulars gather, and where familiar faces always pass by.
From there, Manuel picks up fresh produce—ripe tomatoes, fragrant herbs, maybe some local cheese—and spends the rest of the morning back at the house, preparing a light lunch to enjoy in the sun-drenched courtyard or on the rooftop terrace.
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Afternoons are for the sea
Manuel heads to the nearby coastline, either to the natural reserve of Porto Selvaggio or to the laid-back charm of Santa Caterina. These beaches, just a short drive away, offer crystalline waters, pine-shaded paths, and the perfect escape for a few quiet hours.
As the golden hour approaches, the town of Nardò comes alive again. Around 6 or 7 pm, it’s time for aperitivo—a spritz or glass of local wine—and then dinner. One of Manuel’s favorite spots? Antica Trattoria Salandra, a family-run trattoria with a laid-back vibe and a menu full of simple, regional dishes done to perfection.
Sunday: Markets, Long Lunches & Masserie
Sunday in Puglia is sacred—and mostly reserved for two things: antique markets and long lunches.
Manuel starts the morning strolling through one of the region’s antique markets. On the first Sunday of the month, the market in Nardò offers everything from vintage ceramics to old frames and forgotten treasures. On the last Sunday of the month, he heads to nearby Lecce for an even bigger scene.
After browsing, it's time for the real event: a proper Sunday lunch.
Whether it’s by the sea at a no-frills fish restaurant or inland at a Masseria serving traditional Puglian dishes in the countryside, Sunday lunch is a slow, joyful affair—best enjoyed with friends, plenty of laughter, and a bottle (or two) of local wine.
Manuel’s version of a perfect weekend isn’t about checking off sights—it’s about ease, beauty, and connection. From his thoughtfully restored home to his favorite market stalls and sunlit lunches, his Puglian days unfold with purpose and warmth.
It’s exactly the kind of weekend that makes you want to pack your bags and follow the sun south.
Stay
The perfect place to stay is at Manuel's beautifully restored historic home in Nardò: Plinius No. 059
8 Guests | 4 BR | 3 BA | Roof terrace
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