Puglia, Italy is my sun-drenched playground for solo adventures, sunny weekends with friends, and endless holiday vibes. From cliff-top viewpoints to whitewashed alleys that glow under a golden hour, this heel of the Italian boot serves up a perfect mix of sea breeze, historic charm, and food that makes you fall in love all over again. When I travel, I hunt for vacation rentals that feel like a home away from home—apartment units and apartment accommodations that give me space to host friends, playlists that never end, and a cozy corner where I can plan the next day’s adventures over a glass of local wine. If you’re planning a Puglia escape, you’ll want a place that blends comfort with character, and you’ll find it in the region’s diverse towns—from the whitewashed magic of Ostuni to the sea-kissed lanes of Polignano a Mare.
Why Puglia is the perfect destination for a friends’ getaway
There’s something magical about traveling with a crew: the shared photos, the late-night gelato runs, and the thrill of discovering a new favorite beach or hidden courtyard. Puglia delivers. The coastline is a mosaic of limestone cliffs, secret coves, and long sandy stretches where you can try stand-up paddleboarding, snorkel the clear blue water, or simply lounge with a textbook and a cold drink as the others race into the waves. Inland, hill towns rise from the olive groves like sunlit podiums, inviting you to wander through narrow lanes, discover artisan workshops, and savor orecchiette fresh from a family trattoria. For accommodations, you’ll want a vacation rental unit or apartment unit that gives your group room to breathe—privacy when you need it, common spaces for laughter and planning, and a few local touches that make you feel like you’ve stumbled into a friends’ retreat rather than a generic hotel.
Ostuni and the white city vibes: apartment units with a view
Ostuni, famously perched on a hill above the Adriatic, is a postcard you can live in for a few days. Its whitewashed houses glow under the sun, and the maze-like old town walls cradle little courtyards perfect for a sunset toast. For a vacation rental in Ostuni, look for an apartment unit that balances modern comfort with traditional charm—think stone walls, terracotta floors, and a balcony that catches the sea breeze. A good Ostuni apartment accommodation often sits within easy reach of the centro storico, where you can wander from gelateria to gelateria, then group up to explore medieval churches, panoramic terraces, and rooftop bars that become meeting points after a day of exploring.
Pro tips for Ostuni stays:
- Choose a unit with a kitchen setup that lets you try simple Apulian dishes—pasta with wild greens, burrata on crusty bread, and a fresh salad of cherry tomatoes and olive oil.
- Pick a location close to the lift or stairs that take you to the top of the old town, so you can easily climb down for a beach day or a sunset aperitivo.
- Look for parking-friendly apartments if you’re renting a car, so weekend road trips along the coast are painless.
Polignano a Mare: sea-view apartment units and cliff-edge celebrations
Polignano a Mare is a dream for beach lovers and dramatic photo moments. Picture your group perched along tranquil balconies or rooftop terraces that overlook the cerulean sea, with grottos and boat trips just a paddle away. When you book a vacation rental unit in Polignano, prioritize a place that offers a sea view, a breezy terrace, and a short stroll to the old town’s narrow lanes and cliffside cafes. An apartment accommodation here is ideal for morning espresso on the balcony while gulls wheel overhead, and late-day swims at Lama Monachile beach before dinner at a sea-brimming trattoria.
Things to do near your Polignano stays:
- Boat tours to caves and sea caves along the coastline—you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a movie scene.
- Scenic strolls along the lungomare at sunset, followed by fresh seafood and a glass of local white wine.
- Pasta making or cookbook-style cooking classes to bring home a taste of Polignano’s coastal cooking.
Alberobello and the trulli-inspired apartment accommodations
Alberobello is famous for its UNESCO-listed trulli—a fairy-tale cluster of white cone-roofed houses that look almost like a village from a storybook. Staying in an apartment unit with rustic touches that nod to trulli design can be a memorable centerpiece for a group trip. When you choose an apartment accommodation in Alberobello, you’ll find spaces that respire old-world charm with modern comforts: a cozy living area, a kitchen stocked for shared meals, and a courtyard where you can unwind after a day of exploring the cave churches and artisan shops.
Local experiences to pair with your Alberobello stay:
- A guided tour of the trulli districts, with photo stops at the best viewpoints.
- Tasting sessions of olive oil and local wines produced in the surrounding Salento countryside.
- Day trips to nearby towns such as Martina Franca or Cisternino for excellent carnivore and vegetarian-friendly trattorie.
Lecce: Baroque charm in a comfortable apartment accommodation
Lecce is a Baroque treasure trove: gilded facades, grand staircases, and palazzos that glow at dusk. A vacation rental unit in Lecce gives your group a base to explore churches, piazzas, and a vibrant culinary scene that often centers on fresh pasture-and-pasta plates, handmade orecchiette, and regional wines. Lecce’s historic center is a strollable gallery, and your apartment unit should be close enough to walk to the best gelaterias, coffee bars, and weekly markets where you can dabble in local crafts and street-food snacks.
Tips for a Lecce stay:
- Look for an apartment accommodation near the historic core to maximize your evenings in the city center.
- Seek out a kitchen that lets you host a friends’ cooking night featuring traditional Apulian dishes.
- Plan a day trip to nearby towns to diversify your experience—Otranto, Gallipoli, and the Adriatic coastline are all within reach.
Gallipoli and the Ionian coast: beachside vacation rentals
Gallipoli is a sun-soaked gem on the Ionian Sea, where the historic old town sits on a rocky outcrop and the beaches stretch long and inviting. A vacation rental unit here should offer you proximity to both the turquoise water and the town’s nightlife at sunset. An apartment accommodation with sea-facing terraces is the ideal base for a group day at Spiaggia della Purità or Baia Verde, followed by a lively evening of seafood, wine, and live street performances along the coast.
What to do around Gallipoli:
- Boat trips and snorkeling along the coast to discover sea caves, then a sunset stroll through the old town’s winding lanes.
- Wine and olive oil tastings in nearby countryside estates—book a small-group tour from your base in Gallipoli.
- Coastal biking routes that connect beach clubs with hidden coves for a day of exploration and relaxation.
Salento coast: exploring the peninsula’s redoubts of culture and coastline
Salento—the southern peninsula of Puglia—delivers a concentrated dose of flavor, color, and coastline. Whether you’re chasing pristine beaches, ancient towns, or vibrant markets, you’ll find that an apartment accommodation in this area acts as a perfect home base for day trips to Otranto, Santa Maria di Leuca, and all the charming hamlets in between. Your vacation rental unit here should vibe with access to both cliff-top sunsets and fresh-market morning strolls, where you can pick up burrata, sun-dried tomatoes, and fragrant basil for an effortless, relaxed evening with friends.
Suggested activities around Salento:
- Coastal hikes along the Blue Flag beaches and dramatic cliffs that define the south coast.
- Wine-tasting tours featuring Primitivo and Negroamaro wines, paired with cured meats and fresh bread.
- Traditional cooking classes that teach you to make orecchiette with turnip tops, a staple of Apulian cuisine.
Local experiences and activities you won’t want to miss
Around Puglia, there’s no shortage of activities that pair perfectly with a flexible schedule and a group of friends. Here are some experiences to weave into your itinerary, ideally booked alongside your apartment accommodation to keep days and evenings flowing smoothly.
- Boat tours along the Adriatic and Ionian coasts to explore sea caves and hidden coves.
- Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding along calm bays—great exercise and a lot of fun with a group.
- Aperitivo sails or sunset beach clubs where you can toast the end of a perfect day.
- Historic walking tours through Ostuni, Alberobello, and Lecce to discover architecture, photography spots, and secret courtyards.
- Market days in local towns to collect ingredients for a group cooking night back at your apartment unit.
- Olive oil tastings and winery tours to understand the region’s culinary roots and twist your palate with new flavors.
- Trulli-inspired architecture tours for a picture-perfect day that blends culture with a touch of whimsy.
- Boat trips to secluded beaches on calm days—start early to beat the crowds and soak in the serenity.
Planning tips for an effortless Puglia holiday rental
To make the most of your Puglia trip, consider these planning tips when selecting a vacation rental unit or apartment accommodation:
- Location matters: balance proximity to beaches with easy access to town centers so you can dine out or cook at home without a long commute.
- Amenities can elevate your stay: look for a kitchen that can handle large group meals, a spacious living area for group gatherings, and outdoor spaces where you can soak up the sun.
- Transport strategy: if you plan day trips, choose a base with easy road access or nearby train connections. A car can be handy but not essential if you’re centered near a busier town with good connections.
- Seasonality: peak summer is vibrant but busy. Shoulder seasons offer milder weather, lower prices, and fewer crowds while still delivering warm sunshine and beautiful light for photos.
- Booking platforms: for finding the right apartment unit or apartment accommodation, consider trusted vacation rental platforms that curate properties in Puglia’s top destinations and include guest reviews to help you pick a winner.
Where to find your Puglia accommodations
When you’re ready to search for your perfect Puglia stay, a great resource for vacation rentals, holiday rentals, and apartment accommodations is searchandstay.com. The platform helps you discover a curated selection of apartment units across Ostuni, Polignano a Mare, Alberobello, Lecce, Gallipoli, and the broader Salento coast. Whether you’re after a chic city apartment with modern amenities or a rustic yet stylish unit tucked into a hillside town, you’ll find options that suit a group of friends traveling together, with thoughtful layouts that maximize shared spaces and private retreats alike.
Why choose searchandstay.com:
- Wide range of apartment units and vacation rental properties across Puglia’s most popular destinations.
- Detailed property descriptions, helpful photos, and guest reviews to guide your selection.
- Filters that help you search by location, price, size (perfect for groups), and amenities like a pool or sea-view terrace.
Tip: search for “Puglia vacation rentals” or “apartment accommodation Ostuni” on searchandstay.com to start narrowing your options and find the best match for your crew.
Your Puglia escape awaits
From cliff-top sunsets in Polignano a Mare to the candlelit courtyards of Alberobello, Puglia is a region that invites you to slow down, savor every bite, and celebrate together. A well-chosen vacation rental unit or apartment unit sets the tone for your entire trip—providing the space to rally before a day of exploring, and the privacy to unwind after a night of dancing to Mediterranean rhythms. The beaches, ancient towns, and vibrant markets offer a tapestry of experiences you can weave into a flexible itinerary with friends, ensuring each day brings a new memory. When you’re ready to turn your dream Puglia trip into reality, explore the accommodations on searchandstay.com and start planning your next unforgettable holiday with the confidence that you’ll find the perfect match for your group and your style.