Villa Carretto is a beautiful coastal home in Puglia which is lovely region, rich in culture, in the south of Italy. Near to the house there are local shops, cafes and restaurants as well as a Blue Flag beach meaning you have all you need on your doorstep.
When you want to leave the vicinity of the villa there are numerous villages, towns, beaches and natural attractions nearby, so you will never run out of things to see and do. The closest beach is under 2km away along with the local shops and eateries. For a larger town with more shops, restaurants and cafes you could visit Monopoli which is a thriving town with a busy harbour and historic buildings to explore.
If you want to get a feel for the unique culture of this area then you could visit the town of Alberobello which is further inland. This quaint town is famous for its dry-stone houses called ‘Trulli’ which have distinct cone shaped roofs. The town is filled with these pretty, rustic buildings and it is a lovely place to wander around. The town has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site to preserve the buildings. If you are an art lover, make sure to visit the Basilica which houses a Caravaggio painting and many more works of art.
Also in this direction is one of Puglia’s best attractions; the Grotte di Castellana which is vast network of caves, tunnels and caverns. This breath-taking attraction can be seen by following the 3km route with a guide and along the way you are able to see huge caves, stalactites and fossils. The Grotte has been here for 90 million years and is a must-see!
If you wish to visit a larger city for the day, Puglia has two to explore. Bari is the largest city in Puglia and has a lively port plus monuments and buildings dating back to the 11th-century. A walking tour is a good way of taking in some of the sites as the city is so large and the old winding streets create a bit of a maze. The other large city in the region is Lecce which is a little further away but the beautiful Baroque architecture, museums, churches and wide range of restaurants all make the drive worthwhile.
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.