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Travel + Leisure
a day ago
- Travel + Leisure
Italy's 'Most Overlooked' Coast Is a Quiet Alternative to Cinque Terre—With Hidden Caves, Beachside Villages, and Michelin Dining
Over the past decade, the southern Italian region of Puglia (the heel of the boot) has come onto the radar in a major way, but most visitors gravitate toward the Valle d'Itria, a series of towns including Alberobello, Ostuni, Monopoli, and Polignano a Mare, where many of the region's luxury hotels are concentrated. Some travelers head further south, into the Salento Peninsula, which is known for some of the most beautiful beaches in the region. Few venture north of Bari to the Gargano Peninsula, a promontory jutting out into the Adriatic Sea, which is home to the most extensive national park in Italy. And according to International Living, the Gargano Peninsula is a perfect alternative for Cinque Terre. "Encompassing mountain trails and five seaside towns, like the Cinque Terre, it also holds UNESCO World Heritage status and a national park," Valerie Fortney-Schneider, an International Living contributor, told Travel + Leisure . "With blissful vistas, rocky towns tumbling to the sea, sprawling beaches, hidden coves, and loads of outdoor adventure, the Gargano may actually surpass the Cinque Terre in offerings and variety of beaches and diversity of scenery. What's better is that it doesn't draw the crowds, except in August." Zoe Shapiro, a T+L A-List Travel Advisor and CEO of Stellavision Travel, who organizes trips to the area, said this region is a hidden gem. 'I would call it the most overlooked coast in Italy, because the coastline is absolutely spectacular," Shapiro told T+L. The turquoise waters around the Gargano Shapiro wouldn't call Gargano a dupe for the much more colorful—and much more crowded—Cinque Terre, she would; however, absolutely recommend visiting the peninsula on a road trip in Puglia or through southern Italy, starting in Rome or Naples and crossing the Apennine Mountains. According to Shapiro, the best way to experience the coast, which is full of hidden coves and caves, is to go for a boat ride with a local captain who knows the area well. 'I think about times where I've done that in Ischia or Capri and seen different coves and caves, and they're beautiful. The ones in Gargano exceed that,' Shapiro said. 'The captain I was with in my little dinghy would pull up right onto the pebble beach within a huge, cavernous cave, and I would hop out and go swimming. It was just amazing.' She recommended staying at Gattarella, a family-run resort with a private beach club about a 10-minute drive from the historic center of Vieste, one of the most charming towns in the area. This medieval village was built onto a cliff overlooking the sea, where you can get lost in the narrow lanes amidst crumbling buildings where laundry dangles on clotheslines. On the beach, you can admire a massive limestone sea stack called Pizzomunno and learn about the romantic legend attached to it. In the charming village of Peschici, Shapiro recommended dining at the Michelin-starred restaurant Porta di Basso and the more casual Al Trabucco da Mimì. 'It's an old trabucco [fishing hut] that has been converted into a restaurant, so you're literally eating while hovering over the water,' she says. Another town Shapiro recommended visiting is Monte Sant'Angelo, which is designated one of the Borghi Più Belli d'Italia (most beautiful villages in Italy) and is home to two UNESCO World Heritage sites. According to legend, this is where the Archangel Michael set out on his pilgrimage and the town originates in the cave that houses a shrine dedicated to him.
Forbes
04-08-2025
- Forbes
Villas, Castles And Trulli: Puglia's Best Private Stays
Perched on the sunny heel of Italy's boot, Puglia is where Italians go on vacation, lured by powder‑white hill towns, silvery olive groves and fishing towns clinging to the coastline. A villa rental here—whether a freshened-up farmhouse, classic castello or traditional trullo—provides a true local perspective on the area and is a surprisingly affordable option for larger groups. Trullo Agathea Trullo Agathea Amid the low hills and ancient olive groves of Puglia's Valle d'Itria is a unique architectural structure found nowhere else in the country: the trullo. With whitewashed stone dwalls and distinctive cone-shaped roofs made from stacked limestone, trulli (plural of trullo) are little Puglian marvels rooted in centuries of rural history. Orginally designed to be easily dismantled and reassembled as a means to avoid property taxes, trulli were typically built by farmers and laborers with just stones and no mortor. The unique design had other benifits too, as trulli are ingeniously suited to the hot southern climate, keeping inhabitants cool all summer long. Over time, the quirky appearance and brilliant functionality made trulli synonymous with the Puglia's identity, especially around the UNESCO-listed town of Alberobello. Staying in a trullo isn't just about aesthetics though, it's about experiencing the region in an only-in-Puglia fashion. Trullo Agathea, only available through The Thinking Traveller, offers one of the finest interpretations of this ancient building style. Located just outside Cisternino, one of Puglia's most atmospheric hill towns known for its excellent butchers, Trullo Agathea blends historical charm and modern comfort. Designed to sleep up to four guests in two bedrooms, each with their own en suite bathroom, the villa unfolds across a small cluster of conical-roofed buildings that have been carefully restored to retain their original features. Thick stone walls provide natural insulation, keeping interiors cool even in high summer, while vaulted ceilings and softly curved walls lend a sense of cocooned tranquility to each room. The decor is rustic with wood furniture, local ceramics and natural linens in a palette of whites, creams and olive greens. What makes Trullo Agathea particularly special is the surrounding landscape. The home is nestled within a well-tended olive grove, thriving with ancient trees, Mediterranean herbs, and even a few fruit trees. A pergola-shaded dining area makes the most of the peaceful views and is ideal for long, lazy lunches. The private pool is perfectly proportioned and shaded terraces invite afternoon snoozes or sunset spritzes. Location-wise, Trullo Agathea is ideal for exploring the region: It's just outside of Cisternino, and the towns of Ostuni, Martina Franca, and Locorotondo are all within easy reach, while beaches along the Adriatic coast are also within reach. Trullo Agathea by The Thinking Traveller sleeps up to 4 and starts at $654 per night ($4,583 per week). Masseria La Residenza Masseria La Residenza The Masseria Masterpiece: Masseria La Residenza Like a trullo, a masseria (plural masserie) is a fortified farmhouse traditionally found in Puglia's countryside. Orginally built to serve as a rural home and community hub for landowners, workers and even livestock, most masserie in Puglia date back to the 16th through 19th centuries. Today, many have been beautifully restored into stylish retreats—both as hotels and private homes. Masseria La Residenza was built in the early 1800s, though it was recently refurbished to include all the creature comforts needed. Set among almond and olive groves just outside the town of Fasano, the villa inclues a social-media-ready L-shaped swimming pool; manicured gardens; and multiple al fresco dining spots under pergolas and on terraces. There's also a fantastic outdoor gym. With five beautifully appointed suites dressed with chandeliers, baroque antiques and luxurious headboards, expect high-end vibes and no shortage of comfort. Masseria La Residenza by A&K Villas sleeps up to 10 and starts at $ 21,967 per week ($3,138 per night). Villa Monte Caliolo Villa Monte Caliolo A Modern Marvel: Villa Monte Caliolo Nestled in the heart of Valle d'Itria and a short drive from Carovigno, Ostuni and the Costa Merlata, Villa Monte Caliolo is a very modern take on a masseria. It comfortably sleeps eight across two buildings with four bedrooms (two en‑suite and two sharing a spacious shower room). Interiors are minimalist and elegant, with locally hewn furniture and natural materials. Outside, the infinity pool is the star of the show, overlooking olive groves and glimpses of the blue Adriatic. A team is available to organize excursions, meals or wellness services tailored to your tastes. Villa Monte Caliolo by The Luxury Travel Book sleeps up to 8 and starts at $743 per night ($5,201 per week). Casino Doxi Stracca Casino Doxi Stracca An Old‑World Wonder: Casino Doxi Stracca It doesn't get more old-world glamorous than Casino Doxi Stracca. An aristocratic 18th-century villa set within five acres of landscaped gardens, groves and vineyards, Casino Doxi Stracca is steeped in history and undeniably luxurious after a sensitive recent restoration. Original architectural features include a chapel, frescoed ceilings and grand reception rooms, but it's the unbelievable 59-foot-long pool that will have sunworshippers besotted. In addition to the Instagram-ready pool, there's also a plunge pool and plenty of shaded areas. It accommodates up to 14 guests in seven bedrooms, so there's no shortage of space and privacy, especially for multigenerational gatherings or for groups of friends. There's a well-equipped kitchen for self-catering, but the concierge services can also arrange for private chefs, cooking classes and local wine tastings. Casino Doxi Stracca by The Thinking Traveller sleeps up to 14 and starts at $10,413 ($1,487 per night). (Note: Casino Doxi Stracca also has a reduced price avaible upon request, during the shoulder season, for groups up to 8, needing only 4 bedrooms.) Castello di Caprarica Castello di Caprarica A Classic Castello: Castello di Caprarica For modern day princesses and princes, try a bone fide castle: Castello di Caprarica is an early 16th-century castle near Tricase, blending architectural grandeur and noble lineage with contemporary comfort. Sleeping up to 22 of your best friends, it's perfect for large groups seeking something opulent yet livable. Indoors the luxury continues with original vaulted ceilings, chapel spaces and elegant bedrooms with historical detailings. Other than its good looks, a big sell is the location as it's within walking access to the town center of Tricase, with plenty of restaurants, shops and bars. It's also in close proximity to the sand beaches of the Ionian coast and the baroque beauty of Lecce, one of Puglia's most iconic cities. Castello di Caprarica by The Thinking Traveller sleeps up to 22 and starts at $10,539 ($1,505 per night).
