I am renting a car in Bari for 9 days in the Puglia region in early May 2024. I would like to split my stay in the area in 2 farm house properties (masserias). I have found quite a few that look really nice but am having a tough time making a decision on best places to use as a base. Any thoughts regarding Polignano a Mare, Monopoli, Fasano? Also...what about a bit further south in Lecce area?? Any info or thoughts would be greatly appreciated. If anyone has a farmhouse property that they have stayed in can you please give me the information and your review of property? TYIA
Posted by
Saint Paul, Minnesota
1523 posts
We always recommend Masseria Aprile, near Locorotondo: https://masseriaaprile.it/en
Stay in a trullo, lovely people, terrace in back of the trullo with an olive grove, homemade breakfast, great location for day trips (although not what I would call "in the country").
We've stayed in Lecce for several nights and love the town, visited it again on a separate trip, would stay there again. Wasn't as crazy about Polignano a Mare as other people are, seemed to have a bit too much focus on tourism even in March when we were there and judging by the huge carpark must be really popular in the summer.
There is a lot written on this forum about Puglia (including by me) so do a search here if you haven't already. Google can search this forum better than this forum can search itself, so try Rick Steves Italy Forum Puglia and see what you get.
Posted by
Centennial, CO, US
2166 posts
Several years ago, we loved Masseria Montenapoleone, in the Fasano area, about five minutes drive from the sea-front town of Torre Canne. A working farm with olive groves and orchards, the masseria had lovely rooms, a pool and wonderful breakfasts. There was also a communal kitchen, well stocked with olive oil & other cooking essentials, if you wanted to take a break from restaurants. We used this as a base to visit Locorotondo, Alberobella, Cisternino, etc plus a nature reserve along the coast. We had 5 days here & could gladly have stayed longer.
On this trip we also loved Trani, north of Bari. Lecce, which is to the south, was our least favorite part of the trip.
Posted by
80 posts
Locorotondo was our home base on 2 occasions. Charming as any small town, and beautifully lit up old town area at night. Easy drive to many of the surrounding towns, even Matera.