Giardini di Marzo - Biohof mit Eseln in der Natur from €26.00 per night

Hello, we are a German-Italian couple, Ute (former fashion and costume designer, now hiking guide in Apulia) and Mario (former sound engineer and music producer, now multitasking, cook, photographer, landscape designer and passionate donkey whisperer) and run the organic farm 'Giardini di Marzo' with our eight donkeys, our five dogs and our farm cat. Our farm is situated in the heart of a sprawling Mediterranean botanical garden, nestled between the foothills of the Valle d'Itria (Valley of the Trulli) and the Salento (heel of the boot). Its strategically advantageous location, just a 35-minute drive from both the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, provides an ideal base for exploring Puglia's most famous sights, such as Lecce, Otranto, Gallipoli, Ostuni, Alberobello, and Matera, as well as for hiking, cycling, or even riding a donkey. Thanks to its mild climate, Puglia is incredibly diverse and appealing even outside the peak season. Whether it's springtime with the almond blossom, Easter with its traditional processions, "I Misteri" in Taranto, or "I Pappamusci" in Francavilla Fontana (both very close to us!), autumn with the olive harvest, or Christmastime with its folkloric live nativity scenes in caves. And for those who don't tolerate warm temperatures, winter (January/February/March) offers hiking, cycling, and the opportunity to visit cities and museums without the tourist crowds, with average temperatures around 12°C. Anyone who doesn't fancy any of that can relax undisturbed in our garden in a deck chair or hammock, or chat with one of our 8 curious donkeys about the meaning of life… Our organic farm, 'Giardini di Marzo', offers four shaded pitches for motorhomes (max. 8 x 2.34 m), caravans, camper vans, or tents in an authentic and natural setting. Each pitch has a spacious private garden area and its own reliable electricity connection (included). Separate waste bins and a communal washing-up sink are centrally located on the grounds and can be used free of charge by all guests. In the expansive park of approximately 20,000 square meters, which is atmospherically lit at night, there is a communal area under a large walnut tree, furnished with tables, chairs, and hammocks, where you can gather for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or simply a glass of wine. Near the communal area, a charming stone tower houses a farm shop and two bathrooms with toilets, showers, and an outdoor shower (available for an additional fee). Children up to 6 years old and pets are free of charge. In our farm shop you can purchase our multiple award-winning organic olive oils “Oro Messapico”, an excellent “Aceto Balsamico di Puglia”, a unique prickly pear elixir “Regina Spinosa”, and many other high-quality products from our own production, as well as products from friendly organic farms such as pasta, wine, cheese and baked goods. During the summer months, we offer a rustic dinner twice a week, and occasionally we fire up the wood-fired oven and have an outdoor pizza night. Throughout the year, we offer guided tours of the Botanical Garden, professional olive oil tastings with Mario, and Mediterranean cooking classes. We also organize donkey treks and individual day trips and guided hikes. Ute is happy to provide insider tips on cultural excursions or the most beautiful hiking and cycling routes. The sun shines here every day! Very important information! We are not a typical campsite with 24-hour service, but a working organic farm, and therefore we can only receive guests by prior arrangement. Those arriving spontaneously should expect to wait in front of the locked gate. Please contact us in advance by phone, WhatsApp, or email to arrange an approximate arrival time. Check-in is after the traditional siesta, i.e., from 5 pm until late! Unfortunately, we have no facilities for grey or black water disposal, as we are not connected to the public sewer system but operate a biological wastewater treatment plant. However, there is a disposal service available nearby (at the gas station). For our guests' sanitary needs, we offer two comfortable bathrooms with hot water, toilets, and showers, as well as the option to refill water tanks; both are available for a small fee.