The best Airbnbs in Puglia
Away from the well-trodden streets of Sicily, Rome or the Amalfi Coast, the buzz surrounding Italy’s southern region, Puglia, has been steadily increasing. With its rows upon rows of olive groves, delightful jumble of whitewashed towns and villages and traditional trulli homes, it’s easy to see why. And the region's smattering of homestays offer a slice of southern Italian culture unmatched by the area’s best hotels – think tucking up at night inside a cave house after a dip in the underground hot tub, or padding up the spiral staircase in a former astronomy observatory tower to admire the views. Below, the best Airbnbs in Puglia to book now.
Il trullo della Gallina, Ostuni
In the heart of the Itria valley, this little trullo hides out among a lush garden of gently swaying olive trees, where the only noise pollution comes from the birds chirping. You’ll need a car to reach this little guesthouse – and likely a 4x4 to traverse the rural roads – but on arrival, you’ll be rewarded with a 10,000 square metre olive grove to explore, along with a dreamy courtyard and an azure blue saltwater pool – just right for a few lazy laps to cool off in after a day under the Italian sun. Despite the secluded feel, you’re actually very well placed to explore the area’s most beautiful towns – Ostuni, Cisternino and Locorotondo are all within five kilometres.
Sleeps: Two
Price: From around £129 per night, with a three-night minimumTraditional sandstone suite, Lecce
This is a proper traditional trullo, all high ceilings, barrel vaults and dusty sandstone walls – a perfect romantic hideaway for two. Everything comes finished in that understated rural Italian way – big Chesterfield armchairs, a stone bathtub and simple wooden furniture keeps the attention firmly on the architecture – and big shuttered windows showcase the views over one of Lecce’s prettiest squares. You’re close to the action – just a few minutes’ walk, and you’ll be among all the baroque architecture, cafes and restaurants of the town centre.
Sleeps: Two
Price: From around £124 per nightTorre Gigliano, Ruvo di Puglia
Once a watchtower, then an astronomical observatory, this 12th century tower on the cusp of the owner’s farm is a historical gem to explore among the olive trees. A stone spiral staircase makes a statement inside, but it’s the surrounding scenery that steals the show. Depending on the season, the fruits and vegetables grown on the farm will be available for guests to cook up in the evenings, along with a glug or two of homemade olive oil. Should you wish, the hosts can book you a massage or sessions with a personal trainer, along with guided hikes in the Alta Murgia Park. An outdoor pool, complete with a shower, gives you somewhere to cool off on lazy days.
Sleeps: Three
Price: From around £137 per night, with a three-night minimumLamia Cervone, Ostuni
Just a few minutes walk from Ostuni’s higgledy-piggledy city centre, this bijou gem offers pared-back luxury among the fruit trees. Thoughtfully designed for two, there’s a comfy double bed under an alcove, plus a hot tub sat next to an atmospheric crackling fire. Outside, you can barbecue on the verandah (or sit in the hammock while your partner does), or take a dip in the pool, before setting up on the outdoor dining table. Extra services, including yoga or pilates classes, along with aperitive boards and bubbles, are available upon request.
Sleeps: Two
Price: From around £214 per night, with a three-night minimum
Musa Aqua, Carovigno
Puglia’s traditional pared-back aesthetic has been given a jaunty zhuzh here. Splashes of colour – a yellow vase, a blue chequered tile – add joy and texture to the otherwise neutral scheme. But all the usual Puglian delights are present: tall vaulted ceilings, creamy sandstone walls, and a dreamy plunge pool in the courtyard. You couldn’t be closer to the centre of town – a wealth of bars, restaurants and shops to potter about await just 200 metres from your door.
Sleeps: Four
Price: From around £200 per night, with a three-night minimumAlesia Cave, Ostuni
Few caves can claim to be as thoughtfully renovated as this one, smack bang in Ostuni’s charming centre. Enter the cave and you’ll find a plush king-size bed, spa-like walk-in shower and a kitchenette for making tea and coffee. But head further down for the best bit: a private underground hot tub, deep in the heart of the cave, adorned with twinkly lanterns – all terribly romantic. There are no cooking facilities, but the host has partnered with nearby restaurants to offer breakfast, and there’s a launderette close by should you need. Previous guests do say that the space is a little small, so this is perhaps not one for a long stay, but the allure of unfettered access to our own cave hot tub wins out over practicality here.
Sleeps: Two
Price: From around £188 per nightMasserina D'Aloia, Carovigno
The scent of citrus and almonds will greet you as soon as you arrive at this smart Airbnb. Once a building used to press grapes, this striking stone bolthole is now one of the area’s chicest stays, finished with striking modern furniture that plays perfectly with the area’s historical roots. The location simply couldn’t be better – five minutes’ drive from both the sea and the pretty towns of Ostuni and Corvigno. There are two double bedrooms, making it a good choice for group trips, along with a fully equipped kitchen, washing machine, dryer and dishwasher – no washing up on holiday here. Outside, there’s a fire pit to keep you warm while chatting into the evening, along with a vegetable garden guests can harvest from for dinner.
Sleeps: Four
Price: From around £289 per night, with a four-night minimum