Situated on the Adriatic coast, lies the small market town of Casalabate. Just a few miles south of Brindisi and with Lecce, the Florence of the South, to the south-west, Casalabate is a typical small market town. The population of Casalabate and a 7 kilometre radius is approximately 26000, however this is greatly increased in the summer months when Italians and non Italians alike arrive for their vacation.

Along the sea-front you will find cafe-bars and the small beaches. Stroll along the promenade, take an icecream, a cappucino, a beer, a glass of wine on the open terrace and relax in complete tranquillity, listening only to the sounds of the Adriatic Sea.

Like most small towns in the area, at first glance Casalabate does not appear to have many amenities.

Don't expect to find streets lined with shops. However, look closer and you will find the supermarket tucked away just in front of the harbour. Look further and there are restaurants, pizzerias, a supermarket, deli, the butcher, the fishmonger,  and the fresh seafood bar, the Jolly Mare.

In the evening try the restaurant or pizzeria at the Hotel Perla, or one of the other restaurant bars on the sea-front. Or the Ristorante Parco degli Ulivo just a few metres from the Villa Rosa. And remember that Italians like to drive out into the countryside where some of the best local cooking can be found in restored masserie. 

One of the highlights of Casalabate must be the local market. Held every Sunday and every festival day, here is your opportunity to mingle with the locals and buy fresh frutta and vedura, cheese, fish, local pottery and statues. During the high summer season you will find the market open every day. 

In August, Italians flock to Casalabate and at night along the sea front you can join the evening passeggiata (promenade) along Via Lungomare Nord, where there are many additional market stalls and street food stands.