The best villas in Puglia
With the iconic Trulli houses, ancient Beech forests, sapphire waters and some of the best food and drink in Italy, Puglia is perhaps the top region in the country to experience what most people would imagine to be the quintessential Italian way of life. As such, some of the best villas in Puglia are an immersive experience. The languid rhythm (particularly in the 40-degree heat of summer days) inspires a deep level of presence that’s so easy to miss in a hectic city, inviting you to savour each moment, whether you’re enjoying freshly caught seafood and local wine at one of the famous trabucchi restaurants, or visiting one of the many UNESCO-designated sites. There’s an abundance of unique hotels in Puglia that capture the essence of all this, allowing you to absorb the local culture, even as you sleep. To help you choose where to make your home-from-home in ‘The Garden of Italy’, we’ve rounded up the best villas in Puglia which combine the rustic beauty of the past with contemporary convenience.
More recommendations for where to stay in Puglia and Italy:
The Sunshine Palace
Here’s one made for socialising, with room for 12 across seven bedrooms – and the dog can come too. Throughout the well-manicured grounds there are three buildings to meander around, including a creamy soapstone villa with gentle curves, a traditional trullo that epitomises this area’s unique architecture, plus another three-bed cottage. The garden, drenched in sunlight all day, is the heart of the space. Evenings unfold around the soapstone grill set to music playing softly from the outdoor sound system. There are two pools, so set up on a lounger downstairs by day, then up to the rooftop pool in the evenings for lazy sundowners with incredible views. The whitewashed town of Ostuni lies just ten minutes away, but you’ll hardly want to leave – just ask, and you can have personal chefs, cooking classes, massages, yoga, and wine tastings directly at your villa.
Sleeps: 12
Price: From around £1,455 per night, with a five-night minimum stay
Abode of Love
With a striking red-and-white frontage, this is no crumbly stone trullo, inside nor out. Surrounded by emerald green swathes of Puglia’s rolling hillsides, this historic jewel pairs heritage features with thoroughly modern touches. The doors, curved walls and floors are all characteristic Italian design, zhuzhed up with a striking modern palette and paired with the likes of luxe velvet sofas, a sleek colour-drenched handleless kitchen and sculptural stools in eye-popping red. There’s a gym space for morning pilates and a pool for leisurely afternoon swims, plus a concierge ready and waiting to attend to your every whim – ask for their local recommendations. You’ll want a car to get around here, but it’s only a short drive before you reach those glittering azure waters at the coast.
Sleeps: 12
Price: From around £2,667 per night, with a two-night minimum stay
Casa Rosmarino
Owner Alba is a painter/decorator, and every corner reflects her tasteful eye for colour and detail. There’s room for eight across four bedrooms (prepare to fight over the master, which has incredible views and its own bathroom in the tower), a cosy living room with crackling fireplace and big kitchen ready for hosting your own Italian feasts. All that and without even mentioning the view. Head outside to the jasmine-covered patio, where a hot tub, infrared sauna and hammock await, all with panoramic fairytale views as far as the eye can see. You’ll arrive to a hamper of wine and coffee, and massages, cooking classes and wine tastings are available as you please.
Sleeps: Eight
Price: From around £1,331 for a four-night stay
Villa Senaia
Nestled among the olive groves and vineyards that stretch endlessly along the roads between Arezzo and Cortona, Villa Senaia invites guests in with its quintessential Tuscan farmhouse charm – a big comforting hug of a kitchen with wood floors and chunky beams, a tiled worktop and pleasingly large table to gather around while enjoying local bread and antipasti finished with a slug of olive oil. Floor-to-ceiling glazing frames sweeping countryside views, ready to be enjoyed over al fresco suppers and local wine beneath the stars, as the cicadas chirp in the bushes. There’s a pool with a wellness area, shaded gardens, and outdoor dining spaces with a barbecue and pizza oven – and if you jump in the car you’ll be pottering through Tuscany’s famed hill towns, including Montepulciano, Anghiari, Pienza, Siena and Florence, within the hour. Should you ever tire of lounging by the pool, ask your host and they’ll find you plenty to do – there are wine tours, cooking classes, and truffle hunts all available on request.
Sleeps: Eight
Price: From around £1,265 for a three-night stay
Corte Gea
Idyllic isn’t a strong enough word to describe this villa, which nestles seamlessly into the Puglian landscape, studded with centuries-old olive trees, wide grassy plains, and scattered crumbly stone trulli. The home’s surroundings ground you in history, but head inside and it's reassuringly modern, with designer interiors featuring poured concrete floors (perfect for padding around barefoot in the summer heat), a creamy palette of neutrals, and hotel-worthy marble bathroom finishes. A statement hanging fireplace in the open-plan living space means you’ll be equally happy here in the off-season as in the warmer months. Head through the sliding doors and you’ll find an expansive terrace with a deep cobalt blue pool, from where to lounge with a book before supper at the outdoor dining table, all set to a backdrop of hazy Italian countryside.
Sleeps: Six
Price: From £5,116 a week
Casa M, Cisternino
Situated just outside the ‘Orange Flag’ town of Cisternino (an accolade awarded to small towns for excellence in tourism, hospitality and environment), this elegantly designed, modern-aesthetic villa is perfectly placed as one of the best villas in Puglia.
With just three double bedrooms, this is one of the more compact rentals on our list, but the floor-to-ceiling windows, ample outside space and expansive countryside views give you everything you need to feel spacious in your mind, body and soul. Despite having a chic contemporary design throughout, there are still nods to the Italian character this region is so well known for, in the carved benches, dry-stone wall features and sumptuous furniture, not to mention the leafy almond trees that fill the garden space surrounding the lengthy swimming pool. Unlike many other villas in Puglia, this one has been built with step-free access, making it a great choice for guests with mobility issues. The ground floor rooms and bathrooms have no steps or thresholds higher than 5cm, and if you need extra help, these areas can be even more easily accessed by lift or ramp. If you’re not taking yourself out to the nearby Ostuni coastline for dinner each night, you can take advantage of the private chef service that’s available (for breakfast, lunch and dinner) 3 days a week.
Sleeps: 6
Price: From about £6,000 per week, minimum stay seven nights
Cjase Madràc, Fasano
When you picture the dream Italian vista, you’ll likely conjure up something pretty similar to this villa and its surrounding countryside views. The stone arches, tiled floors, wooden shutters, lemon and olive tree groves and thyme and eucalyptus scented gardens make up the archetypal Puglia getaway, in a region just a day trip away from Lecce – an area often referred to as ‘the Florence of the South’. Everything about this place, including the traditional Apulian ‘welcome dinner’, comes together to create an immersive retreat for the senses that is bound to leave you revitalised, inspired and undoubtedly not wanting to ever go home! With three double bedrooms (one ensuite) this is one of the best villas in Puglia to rent when holidaying as a family, or with a couple of close friends. The history of this building is clear, and the careful restoration has kept much of the old-world charm intact, creating a bridge between eras – combining the very best of traditional Italian life with up-to-date appliances, fixtures and fittings, such as air conditioning, wi-fi and coffee machines, for the epitome of comfort. The outside areas are also a highlight, with covered patios providing the ideal spot for taking breakfast or lunch, hidden alcoves with cosy love seats and of course the emerald infinity pool that looks out over the verdant countryside and distant sea views.
Sleeps: 6
Price: From about £605 per night, minimum stay five nights
www.valerionapoletano.comDimora Fasano
Although parts of Puglia are inland, the fully staffed Dimora Fasano villa puts you within walking distance (1.5km) of the nearest beach (and exclusive beach club) – a stroll through the eight hectares of olive trees surrounding the property. This luxury 5-bedroom country residence was built in 1800 by the Noble Palmieri and the opulence he requested from his master builders is still very much in place today, albeit with some later designer additions. Bronze and plaster sculptures by Roman artist Rabarama and Belgian artist Dirk de Keyzer can be found dotted throughout the house and grounds, along with appliqué by Miguel Angelo and retro designer furniture, making this house an art-lovers dream. Each of the five ensuite double bedrooms has its own private entrance, with three allowing direct access to the garden and an extra-large, 200m2 swimming pool. There’s plenty of fun to be had here without ever having to leave the house, with rooms kitted out with a roulette wheel and Bose sound systems, including in the alfresco bar area, which has a huge cocktail terrace, big enough to accommodate up to 150 guests. To ensure your holiday is as restful as possible, there’s a full-time butler, maid and caretaker on hand all day, and a security guard at night.
Sleeps: 10/11
Price: From about £14,750 per week, minimum stay seven nights
Coki, Martina Franca
This classic Trulli-style villa combines a rustic aesthetic with state-of-the-art amenities, affording it the Airbnb Luxe stamp of approval. Within the charming abode are three rooms with queen beds (two that are split-queens), each with beautiful stone-adorned private ensuite bathrooms – one featuring a stand-alone stone bathtub. Elsewhere, the mezzanine level has a queen bed and an ensuite bathroom, while another room is equipped with a sofa bed along with an ensuite bathroom and a private entrance. Guests can gather in the atmospheric kitchen, with its curved ceiling, wooden beams, a stone basin, high-end appliances and a long table with seating. The other heart of the house is the outside terrace, where a long swimming pool (which can be heated upon request) is flanked by a shaded alfresco dining area, and surrounded by various lounges and beautiful manicured gardens. Lauren Burvill
Sleeps: up to 10
Price: From about €51,200 per month, minimum stay 31 nights
Atelier DomesticoBorgo Silentio, Ostuni
Luca and Valentina, from Lombardia and Friuli Venezia Giulia respectively, came on a group vacation to Puglia and fell in love with the romance of its countryside: the vineyards, the red earth and the bohemian lifestyle. Their first intention was to purchase a vacation villa but after purchasing Trullo Silentio in 2016, the abandoned, neighbouring Masseria stole their hearts, and from there, they decided to open their villas to guests. Masseria Silentio (sleeps eight) and Trullo Silentio (sleeps six) have all the elements of a bucolic escape in the countryside. At Trullo Silentio, bougainvillaea frames the outdoor pergola and beneath, a stone-seated living area creates an idyllic frame for reading a book or gathering together with the whole crew. Both are furnished with restored antique finds from the markets and local suppliers: copper kitchenware hanging on the walls, terracotta amphoras and ceramics placed on shelves and smaller knick-knacks to fill in the spaces. Both villas have large swimming pools, outdoor barbecues and countless seating areas to live in at various moments throughout the day. In 2024, La Selvaggia, their third villa, will also be available for rent. Lucrezia Worthington
Sleeps: Eight
Price: From about £390 per night, minimum stay four nights
Trulli del Trappeto, Locorotondo
Within minutes of the picture-perfect Locorotondo lies Trulli del Trappeto, a charming villa where you can relish the quietude of the Itria Valley’s countryside. Olive, fig and pomegranate trees rim this smart villa with its duck grey-coloured shutters and whitewashed seven trulli cones. Architecturally, the villa indicates its history as a former olive mill but inside, there is a mix and match of styles, from rattan carpets and lighting to vintage chaise longues and ethnic style bed frames harmoniously contrasting with the contemporary artwork. It sleeps up to 11 people with three double, two twin and one single bedroom, ultimately catering for more than one family. Outside is a large saltwater pool shaded under the olive trees, with stone day beds to perch and breathe in the beauty. As the sun sets, crack open a beer or a glass of wine and get creative with the pizza oven or retreat to the ancient cellar that has been converted into a cosy, convivial area and pop on a movie on the Bimi projector. Lucrezia Worthington
Sleeps: 11
Price: From about £865 per night, minimum stay five nights- Salento, with a view that stretches out towards the Adriatic sea and sometimes, Albania, Serra Fanny represents an endearing family anecdote. Fausto, third generation, who lovingly restored the villa to its current state, speaks about how his grandparents Fausto and Fanny purchased the land back in the late 60s, when his father Enzo, at the age of 18, created a small plywood model for his architecture exam. This small model (still kept in the study) became the foundation of the villa today: a warm, homely environment that evokes the memories and stories of three generations. Enveloped in nature, the villa is built upon two floors, with four double bedrooms and two bathrooms above and a study, living room, dining room, kitchen, bathroom and a fifth single bedroom below. Most of the furnishings are left untouched, as the Gio Ponti sinks, the hand-painted British wallpapers from the 1900s, Fanny’s hand-knitted bedspreads and Fausto’s man-made wood-fire oven in the garden. The outdoors are especially pleasant: a patio that wraps around the back of the villa with various seating areas that preserve the charm of the past: the large outdoor table, for example, was made with fir tree wood and wrought-iron trestles from the 1800s, formerly used as bed supports. Amidst hammocks, olive and fruit trees lies the pool, and, in only 20 minutes, you can reach the beaches of Tricase, Pescoluse and the furthest point of the peninsula: Santa Maria di Leuca. <em>Lucrezia Worthington</em>\n<strong>Sleeps</strong>: 12<br>\n<strong>Price:</strong> From about £3,200 per night, minimum stay seven nights<br>","contentType":"photo","credit":"","segmentedSources":{"sm":[{"height":480,"width":320,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/6548e9ef8c6a99ef425fe7de/master/w_320,c_limit/FACADE_SERRA_FANNY_Best_Villas_Puglia_November23_PR_Global.JPG"},{"height":959,"width":640,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/6548e9ef8c6a99ef425fe7de/master/w_640,c_limit/FACADE_SERRA_FANNY_Best_Villas_Puglia_November23_PR_Global.JPG"}],"md":[{"height":959,"width":640,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/6548e9ef8c6a99ef425fe7de/master/w_640,c_limit/FACADE_SERRA_FANNY_Best_Villas_Puglia_November23_PR_Global.JPG"},{"height":1918,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/6548e9ef8c6a99ef425fe7de/master/w_1280,c_limit/FACADE_SERRA_FANNY_Best_Villas_Puglia_November23_PR_Global.JPG"}],"lg":[{"height":1535,"width":1024,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/6548e9ef8c6a99ef425fe7de/master/w_1024,c_limit/FACADE_SERRA_FANNY_Best_Villas_Puglia_November23_PR_Global.JPG"},{"height":3070,"width":2048,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/6548e9ef8c6a99ef425fe7de/master/w_2048,c_limit/FACADE_SERRA_FANNY_Best_Villas_Puglia_November23_PR_Global.JPG"}],"xl":[{"height":1918,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/6548e9ef8c6a99ef425fe7de/master/w_1280,c_limit/FACADE_SERRA_FANNY_Best_Villas_Puglia_November23_PR_Global.JPG"}],"xxl":[{"height":1918,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/6548e9ef8c6a99ef425fe7de/master/w_1280,c_limit/FACADE_SERRA_FANNY_Best_Villas_Puglia_November23_PR_Global.JPG"}]}}}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
Serra Fanny, Specchia
Perched upon the second highest hilltop in Salento, with a view that stretches out towards the Adriatic sea and sometimes, Albania, Serra Fanny represents an endearing family anecdote. Fausto, third generation, who lovingly restored the villa to its current state, speaks about how his grandparents Fausto and Fanny purchased the land back in the late 60s, when his father Enzo, at the age of 18, created a small plywood model for his architecture exam. This small model (still kept in the study) became the foundation of the villa today: a warm, homely environment that evokes the memories and stories of three generations. Enveloped in nature, the villa is built upon two floors, with four double bedrooms and two bathrooms above and a study, living room, dining room, kitchen, bathroom and a fifth single bedroom below. Most of the furnishings are left untouched, as the Gio Ponti sinks, the hand-painted British wallpapers from the 1900s, Fanny’s hand-knitted bedspreads and Fausto’s man-made wood-fire oven in the garden. The outdoors are especially pleasant: a patio that wraps around the back of the villa with various seating areas that preserve the charm of the past: the large outdoor table, for example, was made with fir tree wood and wrought-iron trestles from the 1800s, formerly used as bed supports. Amidst hammocks, olive and fruit trees lies the pool, and, in only 20 minutes, you can reach the beaches of Tricase, Pescoluse and the furthest point of the peninsula: Santa Maria di Leuca. Lucrezia Worthington
Sleeps: 12
Price: From about £3,200 per night, minimum stay seven nights
Casino Doxi Stracca, Alezio
This lavishing villa was originally an 18th-century aristocratic residence owned by the Doxi Stracca family, 10 minutes from Gallipoli and its beaches. It was recently restored by Italian architect Paolo Genta Tarnavasio in a way that creates harmony between its historical elements and its current, contemporary influences. Upon entry, marvel at the striking chapel with its ornate baroque façade that faces a sleek, 18-metre swimming pool in chessboard-patterned tiles. On the other side, an impressive arch marks the entrance to a charming inner garden flanked by two grand Mediterranean pine trees. There are two parts of the residence: a main manor house and a smaller country Maison with four and three double bedrooms each, sleeping 14 guests total. The villa offers a daily cleaning service and breakfast every morning. However, there is also a spacious kitchen for those who wish to cook their go-to meals, which can be enjoyed in the various alfresco spots. During your stay, make the most of this favourable location and visit the nearby towns of Nardò, for its compelling baroque architecture and Gallipoli, to witness insatiable sunset views and fish-based dinners. Lucrezia Worthington
Sleeps: 14
Price: From about £7,785 per week, minimum stay four nights
Masseria Paride, Fasano
If Trulli houses have stolen your heart, you’ll be thrilled to read that these aren’t just for looking at – you can stay in them too. The Masseria Paride villa, near the estate of Fasano, Puglia, showcases all the characteristics of Aplian Trulli, with the conical rooves, exposed stonework, whitewashed walls, arches and external stairways. But, while it still looks just like a postcard perfect 14th-century dwelling, this 10-bedroom villa and guesthouse has been renovated to perfection, fitted with two fully-equipped kitchens, a heated infinity and plunge pool, air conditioning, sound systems and even an electric car charging station.
If you love cooking your own food, you can make the most of the manicured aromatic and vegetable garden, as well as the outdoor pizza oven – ideal for an evening of alfresco dining with friends and family on one of the many covered or uncovered outdoor areas. If you don’t fancy that, it’s still worth sitting out in the 3-hectare garden among the sun-drenched herbs, purely for the lush sensory experience. The estate consists of a main villa, which sleeps 16 in 8 ensuite bedrooms, and a further guesthouse large enough for a further 4 people in two ensuite double bedrooms, with space in the courtyard for up to 10 cars. When staying at the property, you’ll be situated just over 4km away from the World Heritage Site of Alberobello and 20km from the coastal town of Monopoli, where you’ll find beautiful beaches, castles and museums for your dose of culture. The nearest city is Fasano, an area known for charming Italian cafes, picturesque landscapes, and medieval architecture.
Sleeps: 20
Price: From about £12,00 per week, minimum stay seven nights
Masseria Donnagnora, Ostuni
This is your traditional Masseria with a chapel, located 12 minutes from the whitewashed town of Ostuni, where an aperitif at sunset is highly recommended to watch the white façades turn pink. The Masseria was restored by the Apulian architectural studio Flora e Venezia, who have maintained a touch of antiquity with a fresh, contemporary outlook. Original stone floors have been preserved, as well as 18th-century paintings – the remaining furnishings have been beautifully integrated to provide a harmonious character in the five bedrooms, living and dining room. Home cooks will love the tiled kitchen, which is spacious and well-equipped with everything you may need to dish up a lovely meal. Wellness enthusiasts can retreat to the underground SPA carved among the rocks for a hammam, jacuzzi or massage upon request. The outdoors is well presented, with a barbecue and dining area overlooking the lengthy pool. In the evenings, head up to the terrace to witness the glorious views as the sun sets on the horizon. Lucrezia Worthington
Sleeps: 10 or six, depending on the building you book
Price: From about £7,000 per week, minimum stay seven nights
