Rays the Roof

Rays the Roof: Apulia

Immerse yourself in the romance of Puglia and book yourself a stay at this gorgeous one-bedroom getaway, located right in the centre of the picturesque town of Polignano a Mare.

Step in off the narrow cobbled street and discover the charms of its recently renovated interior, which winds up through the home and includes a cosy sitting room and bedroom that share a soothing blue theme and a compact but well-equipped kitchen.

However, it's in its outside space that the home really comes alive. With good weather all but guaranteed over the summer months, you'll be spending most of your time relaxing in the dappled shade of the covered terrace and topping up your tan on the rooftop terrace, with its far-reaching sea views.

Polignano a Mare's historic centre is the perfect size to explore on foot, making requisite stops at various viewpoints dotted throughout the town. Once you've seen the sights, refuel in a quaint kerbside cafe before making your way down to the pebble beach at Lama Monachile. Nestled between steep limestone cliffs, it makes for an idyllic dip in the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic.

You can't come to the heel of Italy without factoring in a visit to the iconic cone-shaped trulli homes that line the streets of Istrian Valley towns like Alberobello. Meanwhile, the spectacular city of Matera is known for its ancient cave dwellings and, most recently, for featuring in a Bond film.

Home truths:
*At full capacity, two guests will be sleeping on a sofa bed in the living room.
*Your host will greet you on arrival and show you around the property.
*Smoking is permitted in outdoor spaces only.
*Steep winding stairs and low railings on the rooftop terrace mean this home isn't well suited to guests with more limited mobility and young children.
*The bedroom curtains here don't fully block out the sunlight. If you're hoping to enjoy a lie-in, you might want to pack an eye mask.