Stay at Trullo Annunziata

Prices for 2024

Prices for 2025

A deposit of 25% is required to confirm the booking. This is fully refundable if the booking is cancelled up to one calendar month prior to the day of arrival in the booking.

*Please note that local tourist taxes (Imposta di Soggiorno) will be collected on arrival. Total tax is based on €1 per person per night, up to a maximum of 5 nights. Children are exempt.

Although most of our guests visit Ostuni and other places in this part of Puglia, they also spend a lot of time simply relaxing and appreciating the pleasure of "staying put" at the trullo itself. Here we outline what this involves and what people can do without leaving the trullo.

Trullo Annunziata itself

Trullo Annunziata stands by itself on our small estate, surrounded by trees (mainly olives and almonds). It was redeveloped in traditional form from an ancient ruined trullo. Its striking coned external appearance is in complete conformity with the old structures, even though it is built to modern standards of comfort and convenience.

The trullo has its own car park, approached via a drive from a small country road. It is separated by a fence and some gardens from the lamia, a small farmhouse building, where we ourselves live. This means we are on the spot if needed, but separate enough to ensure the privacy of our guests.

Inside the trullo

Internally, the stone construction and domed ceilings provide a totally distinctive character to a stay here. It also means the trullo is cool in summer and insulated from the cold in winter. There are fans and an air conditioning unit to deal with the hottest summer weather. In the cooler months, underfloor heating makes for a cosy stay.

Inside the trullo, the domed ceilings cover interlinked bedroom, living room and dining/kitchen area. There is a separate bathroom/toilet area, also beneath a domed ceiling.

The bedroom area contains a full size double bed. In the living room area, a large sofa can be converted into a good size double bed as well. So while the trullo is ideal for two people, it can comfortably accommodate a group of three or four. (We also have a cot available on request).

The kitchen area is fully equipped, and includes a four-ring gas hob; electric oven; a dishwasher; a fridge freezer; electric kettle and toaster. It is perfect for all levels of self catering; some guests take full advantage of the opportunity to cook well for themselves and cater for their holiday very economically using food and ingredients purchased locally. There is also a barbecue on the terrace in front of the trullo.

The separate bathroom contains a bath, shower, WC and bidet. It also houses a washing machine, useful for guests staying more than a few days.

The trullo has a good wifi connection. A television can be connected to their computer if guests wish to stream their favorite programs. Books in various languages are available if required. A small portable Bose speaker system can be connected to play music inside and outside the trullo.

The terrace and the swimming pool

In front of the trullo entrance is a terrace overlooking the swimming pool. On the terrace is shaded table and chairs; also a barbecue.

The pool itself is a major advantage of staying in Trullo Annunziata. It is roughly 8m x 4m and varies in depth from a very shallow section to c.1.8m at the deep end. The water is fresh, clean and filtered. It is available for the personal and exclusive use of guests 24 hours a day.

Exploring our land

We have extensive grounds, guests can wander around these as they please. It is of course an agricultural concern, especially for olive cultivation - a guided tour of the estate can be arranged for anyone interested in learning more about it all.

The section of land immediately next to Trullo Annunziata is flat, broken up by trees large and small; it is pleasant enough walking around this area, there are a couple of places where you can sit on a log and take a picnic or glass of wine.

However, the property also includes a lower flat area containing an olive grove and a vineyard, flanked by terraced slopes covered in trees. A favourite spot is a ruined trullo at the top of the far terraces, guests like the seclusion of this spot, some of them take a picnic over there (it only a few minutes to reach from Trullo Annunziata).

Guests can of course help themselves to any fruit which is in season on our trees - these include figs, almonds, apples, plums and cherries. There are also many wild flowers to add colour and interest.

Exploring outside the property

For guests who want to venture outside the property, we can advise on appropriate walks etc. Trullo Annunziata is surrounded by olive plantations, farmland, fruit and vegetable gardens and a thin scattering of residential buildings. It is pleasant wandering through the roads and tracks in the heart of olive groves; in the hotter months this is best reserved for the evenings or early mornings.

Trullo Annunziata is hidden away in the tranquil, olive tree dotted landscape of the countryside outside Ostuni, “La Citta Bianca”. However, Ostuni is only about 10 minutes' drive away. It is renowned as one of the most beautiful historic centres in Italy, and is a delight to wander around and explore.

We have very detailed and extensive information about Ostuni elsewhere on our website, so we do not elaborate here. You can look at this by following this link.

For people who are self catering, there are supermarkets and many other shops in Ostuni, as well as a major food market every Saturday.

Ostuni also has a huge range of bars, cafes, restaurants etc. We can offer advice about places to eat and drink, also where to park a car; and can arrange a taxi for guests who prefer not to drive into the city.

Trullo Annunziata is a perfect base for visiting any of the interesting towns in the heart of Puglia. Ostuni is of course on the doorstep, but many guests appreciate the variety of seeing other places. A few details of some of the main attractions are given here. The headings are linked to specific parts of the website which provide full information. If you spot something which takes your interest, click on the link to get a more detail.  

A car is really needed to visit these places. However, they can all be reached by train and/or bus from Ostuni, so if you prefer to leave your car there and travel on by public transport, that is a possible option. See the very detailed section of our website on getting around Puglia by train and bus.

Some key places to visit in Puglia which are reasonably accessible from Trullo Annunziata

These places are among the most well known in Puglia, and even though they are some distance from Ostuni, they can all be visited comfortably within a day.

Alberobello The famous "trullo town" and world heritage site is about 45 minutes direct drive from Trullo Annunziata, a beautiful trip through the classic country landscape of the Val d'Itria, dotted everywhere with evocative trulli, passing Cisternino and Locorotondo (both well worth a visit). Alberobello can be crowded in summer and car parking can be tricky, but most visitors would regard it essential to a Puglia holiday.

Lecce  Another place most visitors regard as unmissable. Lecce is famous for the most magnificent display of Baroque architecture and decoration in all Italy, the high point being the facade of the Basilica di Santa Croce. However, it has important and dramatic Roman remains, pleasant parks, a good range of shopping, art galleries and museums, an interesting castle, a huge and magnificent cathedral surrounded by imposing buildings and a lively atmosphere. It takes about an hour to drive to Lecce from Trullo Annunziata.

Matera (actually in Basilicata region, just over the border from Puglia). Another very famous place in southern Italy, a world heritage site, the location for many films (including James Bond). For centuries the residents lived in caves carved into the side of a gorge, inadequate housing which persisted until the 1950's. In the last 30 years, the old city of Matera has been revived as a historic site and one of Italy's major tourist destinations. Some of the old cave dwellings are now museums, shops, restaurants and hotels of character. About two hours' drive from Trullo Annunziata, many of our guests take the opportunity of visiting Matera while staying with us.

Gallipoli This is the main town on the Ionian coast south of Lecce, about 90 minutes drive from Trullo Annunziata. It is well worth the trip if you have time. Gallipoli was once a small island but for a long time has been linked to the mainland by a short bridge dominated by its imposing castle. Old defensive walls encircle the island, you can walk all the way round the island, beside the sea, in about an hour. Inside the walls is a tight network of lively streets surrounding a beautiful cathedral. The small city was once the main source of lamp oil for the whole of Europe, and contained a multitude of underground olive presses, several of which now operate as museums, restaurants, shops etc. There is lots to see, it is full of character, and has ample opportunities for eating (especially seafood) and drinking.

Otranto This is the main town on the Adriatic coast south of Lecce, about 90 minutes drive from Ostuni. It was for centuries a bastion against invasions from the east, the Turks in particular, and suffered accordingly. It has a massive fortified gateway and impressive walls. Inside the walls the city is very compact and full of character. The key building to see is the cathedral, the whole floor of which contains a huge mosaic called the Tree of Life, depicting the path from sin to salvation, with illustrations of plants, animals, mythical creatures, biblical scenes etc. It is worth the trip to Otranto just to see this important work of art.

Santa Maria di Leuca It takes two hours or even more to drive to Santa Maria di Leuca from Trullo Annunziata, so this really involves a day outing. The main reason for its popularity with visitors is its location - it is at the tip of the "heel" of Italy, which is marked by an imposing lighthouse and church on a headland overlooking the sea where the Ionian and the Adriatic meet, a dramatic sight at all times of the year.

The town itself contains attractive and interesting architecture, it has for 150 years been a resort for aristocrat families and rich Italians.

Places within about 30 minutes drive of Trullo Annunziata

There are masses of interesting places within a short driving distance. We give a selection here. These can be conveniently visited in the morning or in the evening, or for lunch.

Cisternino This tiny whitewashed city on a hill overlooking the Val d'Itria is a favourite among our guests, about 20 minutes drive from Trullo Annunziata. Its narrow streets spread out from a miniature piazza, an ideal place to relax over a coffee or an aperitivo. Despite its small size, the central area is divided into four ancient "quarters", with signs indicating which of these you are in. Streets are narrow and are frequently dead-ends. There are however imposing gateways, and a main square, Piazza Vittorio Emmanuelle, which is neither very big nor square; it has a clock tower of character. There are some other important buildings including a Norman-Swabian tower. Bars and restaurants cater for visitors, this is a popular place; but a special culinary feature is butchers' shops (pronto fornello) which will cook your chosen meat on an open fire, the speciality being bombette, rolls of meat stuffed with cheese and herbs. 

Carovigno Carovigno is about 10 minutes' drive from Trullo Annunziata. Do not be put off by the rather ugly buildings which surround the centre. The historic core of Carovigno is definitely a place to visit. It includes a pleasant and interesting piazza; a beautiful cathedral and other churches; ancient gateways; and the Castello Dentice which remains almost unchanged since built by the Venetians in the 15th century (evening guided tours of the interior are especially convenient if staying in Trullo Annunziata) with a noble courtyard and staircase.  Carovigno is famous for its ancient tradition of flag waving displays known as Nzegna; don't miss an opportunity to see one of the colourful and skilled displays.

Ceglie Messapica We regard Ceglie as the high spot among the smaller towns within easy distance of Ostuni. Its historic buildings are prominent on the skyline. It has a surprisingly extensive whitewashed historic centre, with city walls, intricate streets and squares, a castle and other imposing buildings. However, its main reputation is as a nationally famous culinary destination, with a magnificent range of restaurants of all types and price levels. Only about 15 minutes drive from Trullo Annunziata, not to be missed.

Santuario della Maddona del Belvedere (Details click here then scroll down). Puglia has countless ancient rupestrian churches (chapels and shrines in caves or caverns) and visitors will often have opportunities to see examples. However, the rupestrian church of Santuario della Madonna del Belvedere is only 20 minutes drive from Trullo Annunziata, on a minor road between Carovigno and the Bari-Brindisi highway. The site itself is dramatic, on the edge of the escarpment looking out to the Adriatic over the coastal plain. The small surface church is beautiful, and from it steps lead down to the atmospheric underground chapel, where ancient frescoes have only recently been discovered and restored. It is free to enter and does not take long to see, so we encourage visitors to go there.

Mesagne A gem of a historic centre, incorporating a castle (a museum), an impressive gateway (Porta Grande), a couple of important churches in a small piazza, and also some miniature churches called chiesette. The narrow streets opening up into small squares give Mesagne a more open and less secretive feel compared with many other Puglian towns. It can easily be toured in an hour. There are two or three extremely good eating places in the historic centre, so an ideal place to visit for lunch. It is about 20 minutes drive from Trullo Annunziata.

Places within about 60 minutes drive of Trullo Annunziata

These are some of the places which can be visited comfortably in half a day by car.

Locorotondo Locorotondo is about 40 minutes drive from Trullo Annunziata, and offers an unmissable Puglian experience. It is on a hill, its tall clock tower dominating the Val d'Itria, overlooking the vineyards which produce one of Puglia's rare DOC white wines, named after the town. Near the entrance to the old city at the top of the hill is a magnificent viewpoint over the surrounding countryside and across to other towns on hills including Cisternino and Martina Franca. The labyrinth of tiny streets in the historic core house a number of the area's best small bars and restaurants. Not surprisingly Locorotondo features in the semi official list of the "most beautiful villages of Italy".

Monopoli Monopoli is on the Adriatic coast north of Ostuni, about 45 minutes drive from Trullo Annunziata (also especially easy to reach from Ostuni by train). The maze of streets in the historic centre surround an attractive harbour overlooked by an imposing castle which houses exhibitions from time to time. Walking round the castle and along the ramparts overlooking the sea provide a contrast to the compact streets and squares of the old city. This is a popular place with Italians, and there are plenty of quality bars and restaurants. We definitely recommend a visit.

Oria About 40 minutes drive from Trullo Annunziata, Oria is an especially interesting place, one of our favourites, although hardly known to most visitors to Puglia. It has a huge castle (usually closed for complicated legal reasons) and a cathedral on a hill dominating the flat area all around. The rest of the town surrounds these dominant buildings, of which an unusual section is a small area of tiny streets, stairways and alleys with a distinctive character. This was a mediaeval Jewish ghetto, one of the most important reminders of the old Jewish presence in this part of Italy. The cathedral crypt is a historical museum, it contains among other things the mummified bodies of 11 monks. A small lively square is the focus for a number of bars and restaurants which are among the best we have encountered in Puglia. If you want to go somewhere less well known, we suggest Oria, you will not regret it.

Grottaglie About 50 minutes drive from Trullo Annunziata, Grottaglie is a "must" for anyone interested in ceramics, for which it is famous. You will encounter Grottaglie pottery with its distinctive designs everywhere in Puglia and beyond. Pottery sellers, designers and makers are clustered in a small quarter of the city centre, near the small castle which contains an interesting pottery museum. You can see them at work, talk to them, and of course buy some pottery.

Brindisi The elegant port city of Brindisi is somewhere many vistors to Puglia overlook as they arrive and depart via the airport. This is a pity, as it contains an interesting historic centre above a vibrant and attractive waterfront/marina (the main international ferry and commercial port area is now quite separate). There are lots of things to see and do there, including important Roman remains (Brindisi was the end of the important Appian way), a trip across the harbour to the monument commemorating Italian sailors, a well organised archaeological museum, various important churches. It is a clean and welcoming place, with some excellent places to eat and drink within the city centre and along the waterfront. It is about 35 minutes drive from Trullo Annunziata.

Martina Franca This is an important city in Puglia, about 40 minutes drive from Trullo Annunziata. Its gracious and well kept streets are flanked by impressive Baroque palazzi, churches and public buildings, reflecting Martina Franca's traditional prosperity, giving it a "feel" quite different from most other towns in Puglia, with their narrow streets and often whitewashed walls. The mediaeval walls have long gone, but four of the city gates remain, including the impressive Porta San Stefano. The Palazzo Ducale is a major building next to this gate. It is usually possible to just wander around its interior rooms and along an external balcony looking down into the streets below; it often houses special exhibitions, concerts etc. The central area streets are comparatively spacious for Puglia, and contain a number of "exclusive" shops. The heart of the city is the focal point for key streets, the Piazza Plebiscito, which is overlooked by a superb example of Baroque architecture, Martina Franca's main church, the Basilica di San Martino. This is a substantial city, with plenty of options for food and drink; however Martina Franca is most famous for its local cured meat - Capocollo di Martina Franca, a staple item in every antipasto menu in Puglia.

Manduria Manduria is about 50 minutes drive from Trullo Annunziata. Its name is famous throughout the world as the home of Puglia's renowned red wine, Primitivo di Manduria. The town itself is unpretrentious, and although it has some attractive and interesting features, including a beautiful cathedral tucked away in a corner, the main reason for visiting is to go to the wine museum, which is just outside the central area.  (Although we should mention the Parco Archeologico delle Mura Messapiche on the north west outskirts of the town, which is one of the largest such sites in Italy). The museum is run in conjunction with a sales outlet for Cantina Produttori Vini Manduria, a wine cooperative founded in 1932 by "enlightened" wine producers. Inside the building you can sample (and buy of course) different types of wine; wander around a splendid display of barrels, carts, photographs etc; and visit a well organised basement showing old artefacts and machinery to do with all aspects of old and new wine production. This basement can only be visited with a guide; you can book in advance for a full tour in Italian or English, but you can get a quick tour, which takes 20 minutes, on the spot).

Copertino This small town is about an hour's drive from Trullo Annunziata. It has one of the largest and very finest castles in Puglia, still being renovated but well worth visiting - imposing entrance, truly massive walls and bastions, a fine courtyard, chapels, state rooms. This is going to be one of Puglia's foremost visitor attractions very soon once its interior is fully accessible.

The town also contains some attractive small squares and a number of significant churches. The most famous of these is Chiesa di San Guiseppe da Copertino, dedicated to Guiseppe Maria Desa, born in Copertino in 1603 (his supposed birthplace is in a small house near the church). He claimed he could levitate and surprisingly gained a reputation after his death that he could fly, so he was made a saint and became the patron saint of air travellers, pilots and astronauts; he is also the patron saint of students, because of his difficulties in passing religious exams.

Galatina About an hour's drive from Trullo Annunziata, Galatina is a small place with an amazing amount to offer the visitor. Elegant streets and squares are packed with Baroque churches and palazzi (many with elaborately decorated balconies, windows and doorways). However, its main attraction, which alone makes Galatina worth a visit, is the interior of the Basilica di Santa Caterina d'Allesandria, which is enormous and complicated, every surface decorated with elaborate frescoes. They consist of a series of pictorial cycles: the Apocalypse; Genesis; the Sacraments; the Evangelists; the life of Christ; and the life of Santa Caterina. This major project involved specialists who were students of Giotto. The cycles of frescoes are regarded as second only in quality and significance to those in the Basilica di San Francesco in Assisi.

Galatina has a good claim to be birthplace of Puglia's famous pastry, passticiotto, which can still be bought from the same family shop, Pasticceria Ascalone. It is also the historical centre of the religious cult of tarantismo and its associated tarantella and pizzica music/dancing, with important festivals and a museum dedicated to this.

Nardo  About an hour's drive from Trullo Annunziata, Nardo is a charming old town, sometimes described as a Lecce in miniature because of its concentration of Baroque palazzi, courtyards and churches. Its focal point is Piazza Salandra, a small but complex open space regarded as one of the most beautiful baroque squares in the whole of southern Italy; in the centre is the Guglia dell' Immacolata, a decorated obelisk built in 1769, and the piazza is flanked by significant public buildings and an attractive fountain.

Nardo also has a cathedral, a 15th century Aragonese castle (used as municipal offices), some beautiful gardens and a brilliant tiny restaurant just off the Piazza Salandra (open if you are lucky).

Nardo, Galatina and Copertino are close enough to one another to allow visits to more than one, even all three, in a single trip from Trullo Annunziata. 

Trullo Annunziata is within easy driving distance of sandy beaches on the Adriatic and Ionian coasts. We give some information about these here, there is more information elsewhere on the website - follow this link.

Many beaches in Italy are privately managed in the summer months. The normal practice is for visitors to hire a space which typically involves a parasol and a couple of loungers. These can be hired by the day in some cases, although it is common for residential visitors to hire a space for a week or more.

Most of our guests prefer to be more flexible, spending less time on the beach than a whole day. We therefore give some options for nearby public beaches where visitors can spend as much or as little time as they wish. These beaches all provide a few amenities such as showers, a kiosk or restaurants, some shady areas. Normally visitors take their own parasols, loungers etc if they need them. While beaches themselves are usually free, there is often a charge for car parking.

The Adriatic coast

The Adriatic coast beaches are close to Ostuni, with lots of public beaches within about 15-30 minutes drive from Trullo Anniunziata. They are sandy and safe for swimming. We highlight a few options here to give an idea. These spots are best options for short beach visits, including trips in the early morning and the evening when they are less busy.

Villanova/Marina di Ostuni

Villanova is Ostuni's own coastal resort, the site of Ostuni's marina, holiday homes, camp and caravan sites etc. It is about 15 minutes drive from Trullo Annunziata, and it can also be reached by a convenient bus service from the town centre. Villanova has a small harbour overlooked by a castle. A series of public beaches lie just south of the village, sandy areas and shallow sea in small bays separated by low rocky promontories. There are various bars and facilities near the beaches, and more substantial restaurants and shops in Villanova itself.

Monticelli

Monticelli is just north-east of Villanova, also about 15 minutes drive from Trullo Annunziata. The small sandy public beach is in a bounded by low rock cliffs. The water deepens gradually so is good for small children, but does get deeper slightly further out, where it is possible for adults and older children to swim underwater with goggles exploring the vegetation and groups of small fish. The rocky edges to the cove provide opportunities to jump or dive into the clear blue sea.

During the busier times of the year - mid-June to September - there is often a small van selling refreshments such as snacks and cold beers. There are also some restaurants nearby and in Villanova.

Pilone

North-east of Monticelli are the public sandy beaches on either side of Torre di San Leonardo, where there is a parking area. The beaches are quite big, and the water a little deeper than most around on this part of the coast. During peak times of the year a cafe operates next to the tower serving sandwiches, coffees, beers and other refreshments. A nearby campsite runs activities in the summer, so there is sometmes music and a lively atmosphere.

Torre Guaceto/Punta Penna

Torre Guaceto can be reached from the coastal main road, it lies about half way between Ostuni and Brindisi, about 20 minutes drive from Trullo Annunziata. The area generally is an important dune, bog and wetland nature reserve surrounding a 16th Century tower. It includes a string of sandy beaches streyching along the coast. The main public beach is a Punta Penna where there is a large car park next to the highway. From the car park you can either stroll along the road to the beach (takes 5­-10 minutes) or catch the trenino for a small fee. At the end of the access road there are a number of beach options in each direction, all sandy and safe. Along the access road there are various stalls selling fresh fruit and vegetables. There are no facilities on the beach but entrepreneurs prowling up and down the beach sell fresh coconuts, almonds, watermelons etc.

The Ionian coast 

Some of the finest beaches in Italy, indeed in the whole of Europe, are on Puglia's Ionian coast between Gallipoli and Taranto. It takes about an hour's drive from Trullo Annunziata to reach the coast beyond Manduria. The road along the coast there, east and west from San Pietro in Bevagna, runs alongside mile after mile of sandy beaches, mostly freely and publicly accessible. We mention here some key places where as well as good beaches there are facilities in the summer.

San Pietro in Bevagna

This small summer resort is directly south from Manduria. Its centre is marked by a church where there is a car park. A couple of hundred metres beyond the car park is a huge white sandy beach, where swimming is safe and attractive. There is usually space to find a spot on the sand, even in peak season. During peak season there are bar/cafe facilities on the beach, as well as the shops, cafes and restaurants in the resort around the car park.

Campomarino 

A road running south west from Manduria leads to Casmponarino. The stretches of white sand here separate the turquoise Ionian from a line of dunes. Along the coast road there are various points where you can park, with access over the dunes using wooden walkways.

Punta Prosciutto

Punta Prosciutto is located on the coast a few kilometres east of San Pietro in Bevagna (although can be reached directly from Manduria). The beach there is well known as having some of the most fabulous sparkling turquoise waters in the region, combined with beautiful soft sandy beaches. There are also some interesting rocky areas at points around this small headland. It is not difficult to find a spot on the large sandy areas.