La Chanca

This lovely family villa is perfectly placed for a holiday unwinding in the countryside and visiting little trulli villages. Or, if prefer a holiday made up of beach days, visits to bustling towns and cocktails as the sun goes down then that is possible too. Due to Puglia’s diverse landscape and wealth of attractions you can do as much or as little as you like here!

The villa is enveloped by typical Mediterranean scrub forests and centuries old olive trees in a rural area, creating the perfect environment for lazy days in the pool and dining al-fresco with a view. If you would rather dine out or need to pick up some bread for breakfast, then the nearest village is just 2km away and can be reached on foot (along the side of a road) or by car. 

There are also plenty of larger towns within easy reach of La Chanca, including Monopoli which is 9km away. Monopoli is an ancient seaside town with a charming harbour plus lots of cafes, bars, restaurants and shops. Seafood is the speciality here and you can either enjoy dinner at a little harbour-side restaurant or pick up some fresh fish from the market if you would prefer to cook yourself. Monopoli is also where you will find the closest beaches to the house. There are small sandy coves, beaches offering a vast range of water sports and boat trips and of course the gorgeous main beach Cala Porta Vecchia which is right next to the old town walls. Heading further inland, there are some amazing historic buildings to discover, such as the huge Castello Carlo V which was constructed in the 16th-century when the town was occupied by Spanish settlers. Visitors can explore the towers, dungeons and halls of this incredible castle and take in equally impressive views of the sea from the top. The Cattedrale Maria Santissima della Madia is another one of the main attractions and is actually one of the oldest cathedrals in all of Italy, as building began in 1107! 

A little further along the coast is another brilliant town which is rather popular with visitors. Polignano a Mare is 17km away from the villa and is a must-visit location known for having some of Italy’s most photographed beaches. It is a good idea to set off early to beat the crowds if you would like to try to take a snap of the mesmerising Cala Porto beach for yourself. If this main beach does get a little busy then why not try visiting the smaller Ponte dei Lapilli or you could take an organised boat tour down the coastline to experience the beauty of the beaches from the sea. The boats will often stop off at scenic swimming spots and take you in to little coves which cannot be reached by foot. 

The town centre also has plenty on offer such as historic churches, museums and galleries which are great for visiting to cool off in the heat of the day. Poetry lovers will also be happy to know that there is a poetry trail to follow which weaves its way through the atmospheric streets of the town. 

To see a different side of Puglia why not visit Lama degli Ulivi Botanic Garden which is in the hills, 9km from the villa. At the gardens you can see a range of native plants on display plus some 3000 species of flowers and plants from around the world. As well as the plant life, the site also has two historic churches decorated with well-preserved frescoes, the ruins of an oil mill and some magical caves. 

Read more about Puglia

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.

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