We live in an area rich in tradition, wonderful architecture and with a reputation for offering the very best in Italian cuisine. Here’s a very brief guide of what to see and do in the local area. This is just a snap shot, we provide a full guide in each suite and have a large range of guide books and information in the library. Of course we are always happy to recommend and provide information about what to see and do.
The Local Towns
Our local town of Carovigno is 2.5 miles away and is a very typical southern Italian town. Being a working town there is life year round. It has a sleepy historic centre, a castle, a full range of shops and enough bars and restaurants to suit all tastes, pizza to michelin star.
Ostuni is just a little further away but definitely the star of the region. The old town comprises a jumble of winding cobbled streets leading up to the Cathedral sitting on top of the hill. A fantastic place to wander around getting lost. Again there are a large number of bars and restaurants to suit all tastes. Ostuni can get very busy in July and August especially late in the evening. But there is no binge drinking culture here. The streets and squares fill with people of all ages seeing and being seen.
There are a number of other towns in the area worth a visit. Particularly Martina Franca for its baroque architecture and the nearby Locorotondo considered one of the most beautiful villages in Italy.
The Local Beaches
Our local beach is at Torre Santa Sabina just over 5 miles from the house (its closer as the crow flies but our little lane leads to nowhere so you have to drive back up onto the main road). Torre Santa Sabina is a typical little Puglian seaside resort. There’s a picturesque little harbour with a selection of great seafood restaurants (perfect for people watching in the evening). Enough lively bars to keep the party animals happy but few enough not to disturb the peace. The beach in town is nice, but walk a few minutes the other side of the tower and you come to a perfect little cove, backed by a beach bar and a small restaurant. Walk further and there are numerous tiny coves perfect for a romantic picnic or day on the beach. This area is renowned for its beaches and there are many within easy reach, too many to list individually here but we are always happy to recommend.
Further Afield
There’s an incredible amount to see and do in our local area but if you do want to travel further afield…
Lecce for its wonderful architecture (apx 43 miles – 50 minutes drive or just over an hour by rail)
Polignano a Mare & Monopoli beautiful seaside towns with great architecture and restaurants (app 30 miles – 40 minutes drive)
Bari for shopping (apx 62 miles – 1 hr 10 mins drive or just over an hour by rail)
Alberobello the home of the trulli (apx 36 miles – 50 minutes drive)
Castel Del Monte a unique 13th century castle (apx 90 miles – 1 hr 45 mins drive)
Castellana Grotte for the caves (apx 40 miles – 50 minutes drive)
Matera a unique town, occupied for thousands of years and almost biblical in appearance (apx 75 miles – 1 hr 45 mins drive)
Otranto and Gallipoli for their atmosphere, beaches and restaurants (both apx 69 miles – 1 hr 30 mins drive)
More Reading
Visit the official tourism website for Puglia for more ideas and information http://www.viaggiareinpuglia.it/hp/en
The Proud Garden 