Nearby Pool

There is a beautiful pool, open to the public at a daily rate within a two minute walk from the house.

Beaches

As Puglia is only thirty kilometres wide for much of its length, the sea is never far away. Glorious expanses of sandy beaches and rugged coastline, charming coves and caves are ready to be discovered within easy reach by car. The Adriatic coastline boasts 28 kms of award winning beaches. For those interested in deep-sea diving, there are many Roman, Venetian and Byzantine wrecks in these waters, especially on the Ionian side.

The local beach, Rosa Marina, is well signposted from Ostuni. Further south, at Torre Guaceto (exit Serranova) there is a protected coastal zone that attracts hosts of migrating birds and even turtles. This is a particularly beautiful beach to swim from. The inner part of the bay is a marshy lagoon filled with reeds, while the northern part is given over to Mediterranean plants such as mastic butcher’s broom and myrtle. At either end of the marsh are sandy dunes rising to a height of 8-10m. The reserve is very well organized with walking and cycling trails and the visitors' centre offers sailing or yoga courses.

In addition to a sandy beach, Torre Santa Sabina contains a small port and the Mirabelle Restaurant which serves excellent local fish (located to the right of the tower).

Shopping

The village shop is on the outskirts of our village where basic provisions are available. The neighbouring towns are within an easy drive. There are some wonderful local markets where local cheeses, breads, olive oils, meats, fresh fish and seasonal fruits and vegetables are varied and plentiful. Puglia produces more wine than any of Italy's other regions, obtaining international acclaim over the past few years.

Markets

The market in Ostuni, which specialises in local produce, is held every Saturday morning. An antiques market is held on the second Sunday of each month around the old walls of Centro Storico.

The market in Cisternino (a smaller affair) is on Monday mornings.

Other surrounding towns have their individual market days (see guest book).

Neighbouring Villages and Historic Towns

Cisternino (7 km) is the most delightful fortress town with its meandering white streets and its inviting restaurants and cafes.

Ceglie Messapica (11 km) is one of the most ancient centres in Puglia and its history goes back at least 15 centuries before Christ. The Cegliese, known as the “people who lived between the two seas” have justifiably earned the title of ‘capital of Pugliese cookery’ for their town.

Ostuni (9 km) known as the ‘White City’ is a MUST. Its labyrinthine centro storico with its wonderful melange of different architectural styles is enchanting.

Alberobello has been made a UNESCO world heritage site for its amazing trulli constructions. This hobbit-like town has an extraordinary fairytale quality.

Lecce, known as the 'Florence of the south', is famous for its “Barocco Leccese” architecture. There are ruins of a Roman theatre and amphitheatre in its centre and although its history goes back centuries, it is a vibrant buzzing city with excellent clothes shops.

Locorotoando is renowned as being one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Quite apart from its picturesque qualities it is also very well known for its wine production.

Puglia, known as the "breadbasket of Italy", has justifiably achieved worldwide recognition for its cuisine. Over generations, the Pugliese have honed the skill of using their local produce (especially vegetables, fish and pasta) to create simple but exquisite dishes, which are unique to the area. The antipasti, for instance, are renowned, and inexpensive. 8-10 dishes rarely cost more than 10 euros. The experience may be enhanced with the local primitivo wine.

Ostuni has a wealth of wonderful restaurants. Osteria del Tempo Perso (te: 0831 30 33 20), located in a rough walled 16th century bakery in the old town, is certainly worth a visit. The 15 dish antipasti is legendary! La Reggia, (tel: 0831 341008) and the Hostaria Antica Posada, are particular favourites, the latter having a charming terrace for dining out on warm evenings.

Cisternino nearby, hosts another favourite restaurant Zia Rosa (tel: 080 444 70 30) and is very reasonably priced.

A stroll in the maze-like historic centre of Ceglie Messapica is well worth a visit before sampling all that Ceglie has to offer in the way of fine food. The two standard bearers of Ceglie’s gastronomic reputation are Cibus (tel: 0831 38 89 80) which specialises in local produce and is reasonably priced at around 30 euros per head while the Michelin-starred Al Fornello da Ricci (tel: 0831 37 71 04) is slightly more expensive at between 30-50 euros per head.

All the towns and villages have their individual Patron Saints Day festivals which are historically interesting and delightful. The Festival Della Valle D’Itria runs in Martina Franca from 16th July to 5th August. (see guest book for other local Feast days).

Puglia is renowned for its oil and wines; visits to local cantines can be arranged.

Lecce: Summer concerts and plays are held in the amphitheatre. In most of the neighbouring towns plays and concerts are held throughout the year. The Fondazione Nuovo Teatro Verdi (0831562554) is particularly worth visiting.

Savalletri: Close to this attractive fishing village 'San Domenico', a 5 star luxury golf centre and spa, offers a challenge for most golfers and is set within fabulous surroundings. Horse riding, biking and sailing are also on offer (see guest book for details).

Bicycles can be hired and delivered from Ceglie Messapica

If you are interested in a cookery course, please let us know.

There are numerous museums of interest. (see guest book)

Reception on arrival

Our house keeper will be there to greet you and will ensure that basic local provisions are at the house for your arrival.