Our Guide to Spending a Week in Puglia

One of our guests stayed at the beautiful Tenuta Maresca this past summer. Surrounded by olive groves, this idyllic retreat is situated in the heart of Puglia, an unspoiled rural region regarded as “Italy’s hidden gem”. Located on the heel of the Italian “boot” Puglia attracts visitors for its centuries-old farmland dotted with olive trees, pristine beaches, and picturesque villages.

Our guests wanted to explore this amazing region to the fullest and requested our recommendations on the must-visit towns, restaurants, and experiences for their one week stay. The following is the trip itinerary we tailored for them and is a great starting point for planning your stay in this magical region of Southern Italy. Should you book a villa with us in Puglia, we can tailor your holiday according to your tastes and preferences.

Day 1:

Pre-stocking service

Enjoy an effortless holiday and request for groceries to be stocked at the villa for you upon arrival.

Arrival at 4PM

Enjoy a typical Italian aperitivo followed by private chef dinner at your villa

Day 2:

Daily breakfast delivered

A breakfast basket is delivered in the morning and includes freshly baked bread, organic honey and local yoghurt, jams and fresh local dairy products, vegetables, fruit and freshly pressed juice, granola, charcuterie, eggs, among other items.

Lunch at U’Curdunn in Locorotondo (50 min drive from Tenuta Maresca)

Great Italian cuisine in the heart of one of the most beautiful villages of the region.

Take the afternoon to explore Alberobello and Martina Franca (45 min drive from Tenuta Maresca)

These are some of the must-visit villages in Puglia. If you’re looking for more recommendations, check out our article “Top Five Must-Visit Villages in Puglia”.

Dinner in the gardens of the villa

Day 3:

Daily breakfast delivered

Pasta making class and lunch at the villa

Learn how to make the region’s traditional pasta at the villa using the best local ingredients and then enjoy your pasta once finished.

Drive down to the seaside village of Otranto (1 h 25 min drive from Tenuta Maresca)

Explore this charming coastal town, enjoy the afternoon on one of its long white-sand beaches or check out the incredible Cava di Bauxite (7 min drive from Otranto), a stunning lake of intense emerald color surrounded by bright red rocky walls. Check out our article “Top Five Must-Visit Seaside Towns in Puglia” for more recommendations on coastal Apulian towns.

Dinner at LaltroBaffo in Otranto

Great fish and seafood restaurant with sleek and modern interiors.

Day 4:

Daily breakfast delivered

Wine and history tour at Tenute Rubino (30 min drive from Tenuta Maresca)

Enjoy the guided tour of the winery and wine tasting paired with local produce, followed by a guided tour of Alfonsino Castle of Brindisi. To learn more about wine tasting in Puglia, check out our “Guide to Wine Tasting in Puglia”.

Private poolside massage at the villa

Private massages at the villa is one of the most popular villa experiences that A.M.A Selections guests request.

Dinner at Osteria del Tempo Perso in Ostuni (20 min drive from Tenuta Maresca)

This restaurant is located in an ancient cave and offers classic Puglian dishes.

Day 5:

Daily breakfast delivered

Boat day charter with lunch on board

Embark from the port of Gallipoli (1 h 20 min drive from Tenuta Maresca). Enjoy a cruise along the west coast of Puglia.

Dinner in the gardens of your villa

Day 6:

Daily breakfast delivered

Spend a morning exploring Monopoli (45 min drive from Tenuta Maresca)

Monopoli is another delightful coastal village in Puglia. Exploring its winding streets and small shops is a wonderful way to spend a day.

Lunch and afternoon at Coccaro Beach Club in Savelletri (20 min drive from Monopoli and 35 min drive from Tenuta Maresca)

Elegant beach club and restaurant with a menu mostly focused on fish and seafood.

Dinner at Dissapore in Carovigno (10 min drive from Tenuta Maresca)

Gourmet restaurant with a beautiful rooftop terrace.

Day 7:

Daily breakfast delivered

Relax and enjoy lunch poolside at the villa

Spend an afternoon exploring Polignano a Mare (50 min drive from Tenuta Maresca)

Polignano a Mare is a charming village set directly on the sea. Visit the nearby small fishing village of San Vito (13 min drive) famous for its beautiful ancient Abbey of San Vito.

Dinner at Ristorante Antiche Mura in Polignano a Mare

Antiche Mura serves seafood and classic Apulian dishes.

Day 8:

Departure

About Tenuta Maresca

This luxury villa rental is a beautiful blend of traditional local architecture and sleek, modern design. It offers four en suite bedrooms, one of them situated in the classic Puglian trullo that was carefully restored. There is a fully fitted kitchen, living and dining areas as well as a covered outdoor dining area that allows guests to have meals al fresco. The stylish infinity pool overlooks the olive tree grove and invites guests to enjoy sunsets over this beautiful, unique landscape.

This luxury holiday Apulian villa is perfectly located to explore the best that this region has to offer. Whether you’d like to relax poolside, enjoy meals cooked by a private chef and served in the gardens of your villa or explore the nearby beaches, towns, wineries and restaurants, this property is a fantastic retreat for a relaxing holiday in Puglia.

To book Tenuta Maresca, click here