In the Salento region of southern Puglia, Casale Attarico is a short drive from the coastal town of Castro (5km) and within walking distance of a small local town with restaurants, shops and an historic castle. The villa is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes and it’s around 2km from the sea where you can swim in the crystal-clear waters from the rocky shore.
One particular highlight of this area is Grotta Verde, around a 10-minute drive away, where you can swim into a natural swimming pool inside a cave, with the light from the outside helping give the water its beautiful green colour that is loved by tourists and locals alike.
Heading west, Marina di Pescoluse is a popular destination for holiday makers, thanks to its bright white sand and crystal blue sea. Dubbed as the Maldives of Italy, this breathtakingly beautiful destination is the ideal place to spend the day. Relax on the sunbeds or admire the different fish by snorkelling in clear waters.
If you fancy heading out for the day, Gallipoli is a vibrant city that’s under an hour drive away. People love its beautiful white stretches of sand just south of the town known as Baia Verde and the lively nightlife around here. Browse through the town’s lovely boutiques and look out for fascinating historical sites such as the ancient Church of Saint Agatha, that sits in the centre of the old town and Castello di Galliopli, the 11th century military fortress nestled in the port. If you would like to learn more about city’s rich history, make your way to its fascinating museum – Museo Civico Emanuele Barba. After a busy day shopping and site-seeing, relax by the harbour and watch the boats pass by.
Other wonderful places to visit include Otranto to the north, Santa Maria di Leuca at the southern most tip and the village of Specchia, known to be one of Italy’s most beautiful villages where you can dine in wonderful restaurants on the piazza or find some local specialities in the many pretty shops.
The Region
Puglia, located in the picturesque heel of Italy's boot-shaped peninsula, is a region that captivates visitors with its unique charm and rich cultural heritage. Boasting a diverse landscape of sun-soaked coastlines, rolling vineyards, and historic towns, Puglia offers an enchanting blend of natural beauty, architectural wonders, and vibrant traditions.
Please be aware that a number of nearby amenities - pharmacies, supermarkets, restaurants, for example - may be closed or have limited opening hours during low season.
