THE REGION

The property is brilliantly placed for easy access to Puglia's wonderful coastline and many attractions.

The delightful local town of Cisternino with its ancient mediaeval centre and weekly market is only five minutes away by car. It caters for all shopping needs and has plentiful restaurants and bars as well as lovely views. There are often events of all kinds in the main square in the summer months while there are also regional festivals and concerts year round.

There are three other fascinating old towns within 20 minutes drive all with their own unique character - Ostuni, Locotorondo and Martina Franca. All have their own market days and are delightful places to spend time strolling around the ancient streets.

Alberobello is only a 25 minute drive and offers the famous and unique conical trulli which are so characteristic of the area. At Sant' Annina we have our own trullo which is incorporated into the Mirtillo apartment.

Polignano a Mare (above) is a favourite amongst Italian tourists and an easy 30 min drive away.

LOCAL MARKETS

The local markets really are a highlight of the region with wonderful, colourful, and supremely fresh fruit and vegetables of all kinds on display. The meat , fish and cheese available are also delicious while there are, in addition, a wide variety of clothes and stalls to trawl through. Leather goods are particularly good value. Bargaining is always encouraged but only if your Italian is good enough! Please find below a list of recommended local markets:

Cisternino Market - Every Monday
Martina Franca Market - Every Wednesday
Alberobello Market - Every Thursday
Ostuni Market - Every Saturday

The local markets really are a highlight of the region with wonderful, colourful fruit

A WORD ON FOOD & WINE...

Eating in Puglia is always a highlight of every trip. Known as 'the garden of Italy', this is an agricultural region with farms and olive groves around every corner. Alongside its wines and olive oil, it boasts a generous supply of regional foods. Creamy burrata cheese and orecchiette (little ears) pasta are two better known staples, but to enjoy a fully traditional culinary experience, be sure to sample some of the food listed below:

Taralli is a small, sweet or savoury cracker, similar in texture to a breadstick. Perfect alongside an early evening aperitivo you can expect to find these in most bars and restaurants.

With Villa Sant' Annina's proximity to the coast, fresh fish and shellfish are a must. You can buy your own at the local markets or eat in the numerous restaurants along the coastline. A favourite of ours which offers fantastic fish at very low prices is Il Principe del Mare. Ignore its simple decor and grab a table looking directly out to sea. Try the sea urchins!

Puglian olive oil is globally renowned and the region is responsible for almost 40% of Italy's production. The nearby Frantolio D'Amico Pietro olive mill is well worth a visit. Here they sell, direct to the public, a variety of olive oil related products as well as offering a fantastic tasting tour.

For some of Puglia's best ice cream, look no further than the local town of Cisternino. Located in the towns main square, Bar Fod (see below) is an outstanding gelataria serving the full range of delicious Italian ice creams. It caters for most allergy types with vegan options also available.

For wine tasting and a tour of a winery check out Enoteca Semeraro, located in Casalini. This is a family run vineyard with an incredible passion for placing Puglian wine on the map. The local red wines Primitivo and Negromaro, and the light and crispy white wine, Locorotondo are all readily available throughout the region at a very reasonable price

ATTRACTIONS

FOR KIDS:

Villa Sant' Annina caters perfectly for families and the swimming pool, grounds and tennis court should provide plenty of entertainment. However, if you need a great family day out, we have a few recommendations.

Open from June through September, Acqua Park Alberobello has water slides and various attractions for kids

Zoosafari in Fasano is the second biggest animal park in Europe. It is a drive through wildlife safari park with lions, zebras and monkeys amongst many more. It also has rollercoaster rides and many other amusements to enjoy for the day.

FOR HISTORY:

Lecce the main city of the south, famous for its baroque architecture and Roman amphitheatre is around an hour’s drive away and there are beautiful coastal drives further south on the Salento peninsula.

If you are feeling adventurous the Gargano peninsula and its nature reserve, around a four hour drive north, is well worth visiting offering spectacular coastal scenery and rich wildlife.

Egnazia around 35 minutes away is the ancient site of a Greco/Roman city and is well worth a visit with next door the pretty port of Savelletri, an ideal place to buy fish or dine by the sea.

Matera, which was the setting for the film “The Passion” and the intro for the latest James Bond film "No Time to Die", is in the nearby province of Basilicata. It has dramatic scenery and spectacular homes called ‘Sassi’ built into the side of the ravine’s high walls.

The underground caves of Castellano Grotte (see above) are within easy reach of the villa and are some of the best in Europe. Tours are offered in multiple languages at various times of the day. Bring a jumper!

THE BEACHES

The sea is just over 15 minutes by car from Villa Sant' Annina and there are many safe, sandy beaches to choose from. Ideal for children and grown ups alike.

The beach at Polignano a Mare is small but very popular especially amongst Italians. Go early to avoid the crowds. There is great swimming and some amazing cliff diving. The Red Bull Cliff Diving Series comes to the town every summer.

The coastal town of Savelletri has several beaches worth visiting as they tend to be quieter than others in the area.

Snorkelling is recommended in some of the coves and bays on the coast either in the Taranto area or near Torre Pozzella beaches.

Torre Guaceto located in a nature reserve and protected area is one of the best beaches Puglia!