Nestled in a residential complex, about an hour away from Bari International Airport-Karol Wojtyla, this villa commands a presence in the foothills of Monopoli. Perfect for discovering the rural charm of Puglia, and the beaches of the Adriatic coast, here you will find a quiet part of Italy where you can relax.
Away from the residential complex, and just 12-minutes’ drive away, the fortified town of Monopoli is a great place to visit. Wander round the winding streets, inhabited since 500BC, and built of white stone, contrasting with the blue skies and sea. Here you will find a number of excellent restaurants, many specialising in fresh seafood. You’ll also find a number of stone churches, many decorated with ornate carved sculptures. But the perfect place for a stroll is the old port, where you can see the fishing boats on the water and the fishermen with their nets along the promenade.
Of course, the area has plenty of beaches for you to enjoy. Cala Porta Vecchia is just at the south of Monopoli’s fortified walls. A small cove, it has a strip of sand that is free to access, and it flows under the historic walls. North of Monopoli is another cove – Cala Monaci and the Green Cave. This is a small beach, which is easy to reach, and is a great place for a picnic.
Drive for half an hour into the centre of Puglia, and you’ll come across a place called Alberobello. What’s special about this town is that it is home to a number of ‘trulli’, or cone-shaped houses – the trulli are also classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Locorotondo, Martina Franca and Ostuni are other delightful towns to explore, full of history and beautiful architecture.
If you are craving the bustle of a city, Bari and Brindisi are both good options. Bari has a great street food scene, as well as a number of cultural highlights. Brindisi is known for its numerous churches, and the Church of Santa Maria del Casale is one of the most beautiful. Similarly, Brindisi Cathedral, in the heart of the old town, has been built in the Romanesque style and is set in a quaint square close to other places of historical interest.
Of course, you might want to explore the countryside. The 'Grotte di Castellana', just a 20-minute drive away, is a two-mile long network of caves, with a museum to explore. Formed around 90 million years ago, their awe-inspiring beauty will engage the imagination of old and young alike.
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.
