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Apulia, Italy
In the sun-drenched heel of Italy’s boot lies Puglia, a region that effortlessly blends rustic charm with coastal elegance
Location: Apulia, Italy
In the sun-drenched heel of Italy’s boot lies Puglia, a region that effortlessly blends rustic charm with coastal elegance—and one local’s lifestyle paints a vivid picture of its allure. This Spring, I had the pleasure of spending a fleeting 48 hours with Valentina Bodini, broker/owner of Gruppo Bodini in Puglia. A self-proclaimed citizen of the world, Bodini splits her time between Rome, Milan, and Puglia, but it’s the latter that truly captures her heart. On arrival, I was whisked to Bari and treated to several courses of beef dishes, the local specialty in the largest city of Puglia (locally known as Apulia). Following the decadent lunch, we ventured to Alberobello on country roads lined with ancient olive groves and dotted with the whimsical trullis, houses made of stone conical shapes, and masserias, traditional fortified farmhouses.
We spent the evening in the city of Lecce, with its stunning examples of baroque architecture in “Lecce Stone,” a particular type of limestone that renders the city a buttery yellow tone. In the morning, we visited a centuries-old castle that was being remodeled into a luxury boutique hotel. The abundant variety of opportunities to find a place of your own was reflected in the many styles of homes in the region. As Bodini shares, “Puglia offers a truly unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and real estate value that’s hard to find elsewhere in Italy. Whether it’s a trullo in the countryside or a seafront villa, buyers are drawn by the lifestyle and long-term potential.”
With transportation that favors scenic drives and coastal bike rides, visitors can easily explore hidden coves and hilltop towns like Ostuni, Alberobello, and Lecce. The region is a haven for food lovers—think focaccia barese, fresh seafood, and olive oil from trees older than history itself. Puglia invites travelers to slow down, savor, and discover its many secrets. As Benedetto Di Gennaro, one of the Bodini Group’s agents claims, “we’re seeing growing interest from buyers across Europe and North America who want an authentic Italian experience—and Puglia delivers. The region’s strong rental appeal and reasonable property prices make it a smart choice.” Ready to fall in love with Italy’s heel? Puglia is waiting.