What to do in Puglia

If sitting by the pool and relaxing is not enough here are just a few suggestions...

  • Grotte di Castellana - The spectacular limestone caves are Italy's longest natural subterranean network. They were first discovered in 1938 and contain some incredible stalactite and stalagmite formations the highlight of which is the Gotto Bianca. Please see our "Useful Links" for the website.
  • Alberobello - Visit the "Zona dei Trulli" a picturesque and unique mass of 1500 trulli which is now classified as a Unesco World Heritage Site.
  • Martina Franca - Take a stroll around what is considered to be the Valle d'Itria's crowning glory with its renowned baroque and rococo buildings. For lovers of opera, classical and jazz, Martina (as it is known locally) also hosts an annual music festival.
  • Ostuni - Wander the maze of tightly packed streets of the old town of "La Citta Bianca" (The White City) to its 15th Century Cathederal.
  • Beaches - The Ionian and Adriatic coastlines are littered with beautiful beaches. The closest to Villa Vesta are the sandy beaches which stretch from Torre Canne to Pilone. Our favourite is Lido Bosco Verde with parking, sun bed and umbrella hire, bar, wc, showers and a super restaurant. Owned by Guiseppe who also owns Il Cucco in Cisternino.
  • Lecce - Take the time to drive to Lecce (approx 100km from Villa Vesta), knicknamed "The Florence of the South" for its extravagant baroque architecture.

  • Matera - Worth the drive is the incredible town of Matera with its "sassi" cave dwellings. Once the shame of Italy it has been a Unesco World Heritage Site since 1993 and is the European Capital of Culture for 2019.

  • Brindisi - see the start of the Appian Way or visit the superb Museo Archeologico Provinciale Ribezzo.

  • Visit the Zoo-Safari at Fasano - www.zoosafari.it
  • Attend a local live music event as part of Puglia Sounds - visit www.pugliasounds.it for details.
  • See the local countryside by bike. Hire bicycles from Puglia in Bici (see www.pugliainbici.com)
  • Try horseriding through the local olive groves. The villa manager is able to arrange this activity for you.
  • Play tennis on the local courts in Cisternino - our villa manager will be happy to arrange this activity for you.
  • Indulge yourself at the Villa with a massage. The villa manager is able to arrange for a beauty therapist to visit you at Villa Vesta.