Italian coast: 4-star Villa Raffaella

This historic villa overlooks the Adriatic Sea and is in the centre of Santa Cesarea Terme, 2 minutes’ walk from the thermal spas. It is surrounded by a large garden with benches.

Rooms come with air conditioning, TV and a private bathroom with hairdryer. They feature pastel colours and cool tiled floors. Apartments and studios have a kitchenette and a dining area. Some have a wrought-iron bed or a fridge.

Villa Raffaella’s elegant interiors were designed in the 1800s by Milanese architect Emilio Corti. The property features a sea-view terrace and offers free Wi-Fi in the lobby.

The Raffaella is only 350 feet from the beach, and offers free bicycles for exploring the surroundings. It is 9.3 miles from Otranto and 40 minutes’ drive from Santa Maria di Leuca.