Nestled on a hillside overlooking the sea and the stunning Valle d'Itria is Villa Efata. This charming three-bedroom home is the perfect place to stay for those wishing to discover Puglia’s villages and towns, while also enjoying a peaceful setting amidst woodlands and farmland which offer scenic picnic spots and hiking trails on your doorstep.
The closest amenities to the home can be found in the local village just 4km away. The village has a selection of restaurants, bars and a supermarket so is handy to have so close to the villa. There is also a traditional Puglian eatery just a short walk away from Villa Efata which is a great place to enjoy a relaxed dinner with staggering views.
For a larger selection of shops and restaurants, why not visit the beautiful city of Ostuni, known as the White City due to its whitewashed buildings which are scattered down the side of the hill which the city was built on for defensive purposes. Ostuni is just 7km away and boasts fantastic amenities and attractions. Bike tours, walking tours and food tours are just some of the options available. Enclosed by the ancient walls, you will find cafes, bars, patisseries, restaurants, and lively markets selling everything from antiques to fresh seafood. History lovers will enjoy looking around the centuries-old churches, the incredible cathedral, the historic gates and the civic museum. You can also explore the large archaeological park just outside of the town centre which has buildings and monuments dating back to the Neolithic era.
Another place you could visit to do some shopping or enjoy a delicious brunch is Cisternino which is known as one of the Valle d'Itria’s most charming villages. Cisternino is 9km away from the villa, so easy to get to for a day trip. The village is known for the feast days and festivals which are held here in the lively square, visitors are more than welcome to join in with the festivities and events such as the grape harvest in September and the parties which fill the streets afterwards. Usually, the village is a lot quieter and is a lovely place to stroll around, through the maze of bright white homes. Here you can visit the Church of San Cataldo which is a Baroque building and a Norman-Swabian tower hailing from the 1400s. One of the most popular things to do in Cisternino is to tuck in to local meats which are barbecued in front of you by the butchers, you can enjoy this meal while soaking in the views over the verdant valley below.
Aside from the nearby villages, towns and cities, this area is a wonderful place to visit for those who enjoy outdoor pursuits and days lazing on the beach. The closest beaches Monticelli and Villanova are just over 15km away and are brilliant choices for a day of sunbathing and swimming. If you would like to try out surfing, snorkelling or kitesurfing, all of these are possible at the nearest beaches. If you prefer a wild, natural beach backed by forests and pretty walking trails then you could head over to Torre Guaceto Nature Reserve which is 36km away. Within 10km of the home you can also access tennis courts, mountain biking routes, kayaking and horse riding, while golfers can visit Savelletri’s world-class golf-courses which are 30km away.
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.