Senior Destination Expert

Alessandro Magaraggia

I was born in Lecce, the capital of Puglia. Since I was young I have loved to travel - first with my family and later on my own, visiting lots of different countries throughout Europe. I spent one year in the UK, studying at Southampton University, and have been working in the travel industry for almost 10 years since I returned to my native city. Before CV, I only worked with local tour operators, but I jumped at the chance to join CV Villas in 2017. I absolutely love it. I have a great local knowledge about my home city, and enjoy being the point of reference for our clients to help them to have an unforgettable holiday. From recommended in-villa services to outdoor activities, clients only need to contact me to get some ideas and suggestions.

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Senior Destination Expert

Alessandro Magaraggia

I was born in Lecce, the capital of Puglia. Since I was young I have loved to travel - first with my family and later on my own, visiting lots of different countries throughout Europe. I spent one year in the UK, studying at Southampton University, and have been working in the travel industry for almost 10 years since I returned to my native city. Before CV, I only worked with local tour operators, but I jumped at the chance to join CV Villas in 2017. I absolutely love it. I have a great local knowledge about my home city, and enjoy being the point of reference for our clients to help them to have an unforgettable holiday. From recommended in-villa services to outdoor activities, clients only need to contact me to get some ideas and suggestions.

Describe the perfect day in your destination?

After a healthy breakfast, I'd get immersed into one of our thick pine forests, walking through the trees on the sloping cliffs and enjoying the breathtaking views of the sea. Head to the coast, and join a 'converted fishing ship' tour, accompanied by a local guide to visit some of the sea grottos. Or, join other people on a guided kayak tour of the area.

What are your top travel tips for your destination?

Have breakfast at the central square of Lecce, overlooking the Amphitheatre while enjoying an iced coffee and a pasticciotto (a local pastry with custard); drive along the wild south east coastal roads connecting Otranto (the most eastern point of Puglia and Italy) to Porto Badisco; enjoy the unspoilt countryside and visit old farmhouses that produce Pecorino cheese; have a full day out with the family in one of our beach clubs enjoying the sea, the sun and a great beachfront meal; visit the Porto Selvaggio Natural Reserve (not far from Gallipoli), stopping by a panoramic point at sunset; join one of the live concerts during a traditional festa popolare, and walk along the colourful, buzzing streets that are decorated with arches illuminated by thousands of different lights.

What local cuisine would you recommend to people staying in your destination?

So many different recipes, but if I have to make a list I would suggest tajeddha (a baked pie enriched with sliced potatoes, mussels and courgette); sagne torte col sugo di pomodoro e ricotta forte (local handmade pasta similar to tagliatelle, with a tomato sauce and a spicy creamy cheese); tubettini alla cernia (small rings of pasta with grouper soup), fave e cicorie (fava beans pureed with boiled cicory). Don't forget to add extra virgin olive oil on top!

What experiences would you recommend to our customers in your destination?

Our beautiful sea is a must and clients will definitely enjoy our beaches. I would suggest adding a day tour by bike crossing some of our small, old villages looking out for old Byzantine underground churches, big castles, fascinating villas, white central squares with high bell towers, and welcoming local people who often do not speak a word of English!