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Though Tuscany, Sicily and Sardinia may be better-known Italian destinations, we're fans of one that is more discrete but just as fascinating thanks to its natural beauty and architectural heritage: the charming region of Puglia.
Located in southern Italy on the heel of the Italian boot, Puglia is bordered by Molise to the north, Campania to the west and Basilicata to the southwest. The region is beautifully bookended by the Adriatic Sea and the Ionian Sea. Above all, it is another face of Italy, offering wonder and refinement to all who visit. Plus, less crowds in the summer months than Italy's more touristy spots.
Benvenuti to your exceptional villa in Puglia! From your luxury home base, you'll set off to discover authentic landscapes, a splendid coastline along the crystal-clear sea, grandiose architecture and the local crafts that are made in this gorgeous part of Italy. Not forgetting, of course, our favourite restaurants in Lecce, Polignano a Mare, Fasano Brindisi and Ostuni, where you can sample the region's extraordinary culinary heritage!
A must-see for fans of architecture, Lecce is sure to charm you. In the heart of the city, you'll find the Piazza Sant'Oronzo, home to the Roman amphitheatre. You'll equally enjoy wandering through the city's captivating old town, where many of its palaces feature hidden inner courtyards. When it comes to shopping, we recommend Via dei Templari, Via Matteotti, Via Augusto Imperatore and Via Rubichi for handmade shoes and typical Salento handicrafts. Known as the Florence of the South, Lecce is a hub for artisans and art on the Salento Peninsula.
When it comes to gastronomy, we've picked two of our favourite restaurants to share with you. Near the stunning 17th-century Basilica di Santa Croce, Primo Restaurant's Italian and Mediterranean cuisine has been lauded as "high-quality cuisine" by the prestigious Michelin Guide. Bros', named the Best Contemporary Restaurant in Italy in 2019 at the Love Italian Life Awards ceremony, has an avant-garde and innovative cuisine that has earned it 1 Michelin star! It is located near the Museo Faggiano, 2000 years of architectural wonder beneath a palace from the Middle Ages.
Primo Restaurant, Via 47 Reggimento Fanteria, 7 Piazza Mazzini, 73100
Bros’, Via degli Acaja 2, 73100
It is impossible not to love Polignano a Mare. This gem in Puglia has the most beautiful beaches, including the famous Lama Monachil tucked between the town's cliffs. Its narrow streets in the old town are lined with old white houses adorned with flowers. And it boasts breathtaking scenery from its clifftop vantage point. Savour a gelato at Super Mago del Gelo, a family-run gelateria from the 1930's, or a caffè speciale, a coffee and lemon combo that is a traditional to Polignano a Mare.
Experience one of the finest gastronomic discoveries at Grotta Palazzese, a restaurant nestled in the most spectacular of locations: an actual cave! Here, you'll savour a refined cuisine of impeccable quality and beautiful plating. This is the hotspot for a romantic dinner featuring the finest Apulian ingredients. Your Villanovo concierge is happy to make a reservation for you at one of the best places to visit in Puglia.
Grotta Palazzese, Via Narciso, 59, 70044
In the Murgia dei Trulli region, the province of Brindisi is home to the small town of Fasana. Here, you'll find Puglia's famous trulli, the traditional cylindrical stone houses that are topped with conical roofs. Fasano has no shortage of cultural attractions, including an historic centre steeped in history, vine-covered hills, and Egnazia Archaeological Park. People adore the heavenly beaches in Savelletri and Torre Canna, where hot springs flow into the sea.
For children and animal lovers, Zoosafari is just a few kilometres from the old town of Fasano. Come to admire over 200 species in the wild: monkeys, lions, elephants, giraffes, and tigers, as well as dolphins, penguin sea lions, snakes, turtles, tropical fish and much more!
Our favourite restaurant in Fasano is Cala Masciola, where you can choose a dish off the menu or the catch of the day thanks to the restaurant's own fishmonger. Facing the sea, this beach club serves up fantastic views and a bohemian atmosphere alongside its delicious Mediterranean and Apulian cuisine.
Cala Masciola Restaurant, Savelletri di Fasano Strada Provinciale, 9072015
Just 35 km west of Brindisi, Ostuni is famous for its architecture—houses with white facades and colourful windows that will remind you of Greece. To make the most of this charming town's extraordinary beauty, we recommend climbing its narrow streets to the top of the hill where the magnificent Romanesque cathedral and bishop's palace sits. Fans of outdoor activities will enjoying the choice of water sports in the Torre Guaceto Nature Reserve.
Ostuni is also known as the Queen of the Olive Trees. The olive grove surrounding the town has the largest number in the region! Make it a day trip and visit Ceglie Messapica, a lesser-known village with a charming piazza, castle, and white-washed houses. The picturesque village of Alberobello is also well worth a visit, with such a great number of typical trulli houses it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
But above all, don't miss out on discovering Puglia cuisine at a local place, like Bosco Verde Ristorante. Comfortably seated on the terrace under the straw pergola and surrounded by greenery, you can enjoy tasty Italian cuisine or fresh fish. Just a stone's throw from Bosco Verde Beach and part of a chic beach club, this is the perfect spot for relaxing after a day's sightseeing and swimming.
Bosco Verde Ristorante, Contrada Pilone, 72017
Puglia is a wonderful destination for a luxury holiday with your family, friends, or your special someone. Whether you stay for a long weekend or a holiday that you'll want to extend ad infinitum, Villanovo has selected the most beautiful luxury villas in the region just for you.
Hand-picked and situated in the most beautiful locations, these exceptional residences in Puglia with a private swimming pool, on the water, and a full house staff will allow you to experience memorable moments together in exceptional surroundings. These luxury villas are the ideal bases for exploring the region as a family to discover all the secrets that the heel of Italy's boot has in store.
Thanks to Villanovo's luxury concierge service, our dedicated team will fulfil the needs and wishes of young and old alike. Think private tours, cooking classes, and recommendations for the best places to visit in Puglia. Everyone will leave their stay in Puglia with heads and hearts full of delightfully unique memories and the desire to return soon for a holiday in one of our other prestigious villas in Italy.
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