Villas in Puglia

Located in the far southeast of Italy, Puglia forms the 'heel' of this boot-shaped country. It is a stunning destination for a villa holiday, thanks to its unique blend of stunning coastline, gorgeous countryside, and fascinating culture.

Puglia is special for its architecture, with many superb Baroque churches and palazzi, particularly in the south of the region. Further north, the Itria Valley is famous for its iconic ‘trulli’, traditional stone buildings with distinctive cone-shaped roofs; the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Alberobello has the greatest number of trulli and offers a fascinating glimpse into a bygone way of life.

Another huge draw for visitors is the beautiful coastline, which stretches for over 800km! Its numerous beaches are known for having typically crystal-clear waters, from the dramatic cliffs of Polignano a Mare on the Adriatic coast to the long sandy stretches on the Ionian coast, around Gallipoli for example. Several coastal areas are designated natural reserves, with unspoilt breathtaking beaches such as at Torre Guaceto or Punta della Suina, or you can choose to enjoy the comfort and amenities offered by one of the many lidos.

Inland, Puglia boasts an equally impressive landscape, with gently rolling hills, olive groves and vineyards dotted with picturesque hilltop villages. The region is home to several national parks and protected areas, including the Gargano National Park and the Alta Murgia National Park, which offer ample opportunities for hiking, cycling, and wildlife spotting.

Where to Stay

Renting a private villa in Puglia lets you fully immerse yourself in the region’s charm, savouring its beauty, culture, and laid-back lifestyle in a setting designed for relaxation and privacy. Whether you’re keen to explore or looking for a beach holiday, whether you need a cosy family retreat or more ample space for larger gatherings, our villas cater to a range of holiday preferences.

Villas Near the Beach

Those eager to explore the coastline and enjoy some beach time will be happy to hear that the sea is never far from our villas in Puglia. The following highlights just a few of the beaches close to our properties:

Torre Guaceto: A protected marine area and nature reserve on the Adriatic coast, Torre Guaceto is famous for its undeveloped sandy beaches and the clear, shallow waters here are ideal for swimming and snorkelling. The surrounding dunes and wetlands are home to diverse wildlife, perfect for those who appreciate nature and tranquillity. Lido Morelli nearby is a popular beach with sun loungers for hire, facilities, and a relaxed atmosphere.

Cala Porta Vecchia: Nestled within the charming town of Monopoli, Cala Porta Vecchia offers a unique combination of beach and history. Surrounded by ancient city walls and historic buildings, this sandy cove provides stunning views of Monopoli’s old town. It’s perfect for a day trip where you can combine beach time with exploring the town’s winding streets and sampling local cafes.

Pilone to Specchiolla: Convenient for our villas near Ostuni and Carovigno, this shoreline is backed by protected dunes and punctuated by multiple coves and bays. Pilone is a quiet and pristine soft sand beach, whilst adjacent Rosa Marina is popular with windsurfers. The area around Specchiolla has some lovely beaches, with a mix of sandy and rocky areas, sections that are free and sections which are serviced with umbrellas and sun beds. The marina village has a small harbour where you will still find fishermen and their colourful boats, as well as some cafes and restaurants.

Gallipoli Bay: The bay sweeps south from the Gallipoli peninsula on the Ionian coast, offering beautiful sandy beaches, some kitted out with beach clubs and others left untouched. Set in a protected natural reserve, Punta della Suina beach boasts turquoise waters and fine white sand with a natural backdrop of dunes and greenery.

Pescoluse and Posto Vecchio: At the far southwest of Puglia, fine white sand and crystalline waters of a striking turquoise hue have earned this coastline the nickname ‘the Maldives’. There are both free and lido sections on most beaches, and water sports are available in this area.

View Villas

For those that want to explore further afield, take a look The Best Beaches & Coves of Puglia for a list of notable beaches across the region.

Picture Perfect Towns

Puglia is home to a wealth of charming towns and cities, each with its own unique character and attractions. 

In the south of the region, the Baroque glory of the main city, Lecce, draws visitors from far and wide, and its lively atmosphere and great food do not disappoint. Many towns in this area also boast Baroque architecture, and three of them appear on Italy’s list of ‘most beautiful villages’: Specchia and Presicce are known for their underground olive oil mills, whilst Otranto has a lovely seafront and its lighthouse marks the most easterly point of mainland Italy. 

Over on the west coast, Gallipoli has a delightful fortified old town connected to the mainland only by a 17th century bridge, and crammed with lovely shops and restaurants. A stroll around the walls, looking out to sea, is a great way to build up an appetite for a seafood platter or a cocktail.

At the very bottom of the ‘heel’ of Italy, Santa Maria di Leuca surveys the meeting point of the Ionian and Adriatic seas and famously has both stunning sunrises and spectacular sunsets! Visitors will enjoy the characterful harbour and promenade, and perhaps a boat trip to see the caves and marine life around this dramatic coastline.

Further north in Puglia, we offer a choice of charming villas with swimming pools in the gorgeous Valle d’Itria. A string of picturesque towns await discovery, their historic centres a maze of alleys and piazzas. Typically the houses are whitewashed against the sun, leading to the moniker of ‘città bianche’. 

Perhaps the most popular ‘white town’ is Ostuni, its hilltop perch affording panoramic views down to the Adriatic coast and its cobblestone streets and charming squares lined with galleries and boutiques. Piazza della Libertà is a lively spot to enjoy an evening aperitivo, and there are authentic trattorias hidden away on the narrow streets heading up to the 15th century cathedral at the summit.

Other hilltop towns in this area include Carovigno, Cisternino, Locorotondo and Martina Franca, each with their own character and unique appeal. And the coastal towns of Polignano a Mare and Monopoli possess a winning combination of authentic seaside charm, beaches and great seafood restaurants. 

Travelling to Puglia

Puglia has two airports, Bari and Brindisi, both of which are accessible from several airports in the UK, including Dublin, Edinburgh, Gatwick, Manchester, and Stansted. Follow this link to find out more about airports and airlines that serve Puglia. It is also feasible to travel by train to Italy, via Paris to Milan, and onward to Foggia, Bari, or Brindisi. More information on train travel

Things to Do

Below are just some of the many things to do in Puglia. We recommend hiring a car in order to have the freedom to explore the picturesque countryside, which typically offers open views of olive groves, vineyards, and hilltop towns.

World Heritage Sites

Puglia has a rich heritage, and several sites have been recognised by UNESCO. Visiting Alberobello is a must, to see the truly remarkable sight of the distinctive conical trulli rooftops clustered together on the hillside. Rione Monti is the larger part of the town, with over 1,000 restored trulli houses, many of which have been converted into shops, cafes and restaurants.

Discover Baroque Lecce

Lecce is accessible for a day trip from our villas in the south or the north of Puglia. Known as the “Florence of the South,” it is a city of Baroque splendour. Stroll through its elegant streets to marvel at intricately carved facades, visit the stunning Basilica di Santa Croce, and relax in Piazza del Duomo. Lecce is also a hub for local crafts, including the art of papier-mâché sculpture.

Caves

In the far south of Puglia, boat trips are popular from Santa Maria di Leuca along the cave riddled coastline. Further north, in the Itria Valley, the famous Grotte di Castellana are one of Italy's largest cave networks, and visitors can take a guided tour to see the beautiful stalactites and stalagmites.

Ancient History

The region has many ancient ruins, including the Roman amphitheatre in Lecce and the well-preserved Greek city of Metaponto. Mediaeval castles and churches abound, and ancient fort towers built to ward off Saracen attacks are scattered along the coastline. There are archaeological museums in several towns, where visitors can often learn about the local Messapian civilisation that existed here before the Roman era.

Active Puglia

Walking or hiking through the countryside is a great activity to enjoy in Puglia, particularly when the weather is mild, whether that is strolling around a local nature reserve or tackling a long distance trail. Cyclists will also find plenty of interesting routes, and bicycle hire is readily available. Along the coast, you can try water sports such as stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking, surfing and windsurfing. Or if golf is your passion, there are 18 hole golf courses at Savelletri and Acaya.

Puglia for Families

If you’re looking for a holiday for the whole family, the following activities and attractions may particularly appeal to youngsters.

Water & Adventure Parks

If you need to tire out the younger members of your party, there are several water parks and adventure parks in Puglia. Aquapark Egnazia is a popular water park near Fasano, with two large pools, water slides, lazy river, and attractions. The region is also home to several adventure parks, including the treetop trails of Indiana Park in Castellana Grotte.

Interactive Farm Visits

If you’re after a fun and educational outing, introduce the kids to Puglia’s agricultural heritage with a visit to a local ‘masseria’ (farm). Many of these historic farms offer interactive experiences, including cheese-making workshops, olive oil tastings, and opportunities to meet friendly farm animals.

ZooSafari Fasano

One of the largest wildlife parks in Italy, where children and adults alike will enjoy the safari-style drive-through to see lions, elephants, giraffes and other exotic animals up close. A pedestrian area of the park features additional animal enclosures as well as a small amusement park, for a full day of family entertainment.

Cycling Adventures

Bike rentals are widely available, and exploring Puglia’s countryside on two wheels might be a perfect activity to tempt the whole family. There are some undulating hills but the terrain is often fairly flat, especially along the coastal areas. Some routes pass through scenic olive groves whilst others offer spectacular sea views, with plenty of opportunities for a family picnic.

Food & Drink

The cuisine here is both flavoursome and varied, with a focus on simple recipes using high-quality, fresh ingredients and a deep appreciation for the land and sea. One of the most iconic dishes from Puglia is orecchiette con le cime di rapa, which is ‘little ear’ shaped pasta made from durum wheat and served with a sauce of turnip greens, garlic, chilli pepper and olive oil. Another popular pasta here is cavatelli, which has a shape resembling a tiny hot dog bun. 

Seafood is also a major component of the Puglian diet, given its proximity to the sea. Fish and shellfish are readily available, and some local seafood dishes include the cozze alla tarantina (mussels cooked with tomato sauce and chilli pepper), and the baccalà alla pugliese (salt cod stewed with potatoes, tomatoes, and onions).

Those with a sweet tooth will not be disappointed, with all sorts of delicious pastries, especially based on almonds, honey and figs. And if you like a tipple with your meal, Primitivo is probably the most well-known and popular Puglian wine, known for its intense flavour, high alcohol content, and deep colour. You may even like to visit a winery to taste local wines and learn about the winemaking process.