Puglia has become Italy’s most sought-after destination for those looking for a luxury home overlooking the Mediterranean. Restored historic masserie with high-quality finishes, villas with infinity pools among centuries-old olive trees, and trulli converted into exclusive homes: Puglia’s high-end property market has seen growth.
What sets the region apart is its combination of dramatic coastal scenery, well-preserved towns and villages, a food culture that needs little introduction, and a climate that stretches the usable season well into mid-October.
Here is what to know when investing in a luxury home in Puglia.
The most expensive towns to buy property in Puglia
The gap between an inland town, where homes can still be found for under €500 per m², and Puglia’s most in-demand coastal locations can be more than double. The areas driving the luxury segment are concentrated along the Adriatic coast, between the Bari basin and southern Salento, and share a number of features, particularly direct access to the sea.
These are the five locations where property values reach the highest levels in the region.
Polignano a Mare
White houses perched above the cliffs, the well-known Lama Monachile with its small beach set between the rocks, and restaurants carved into caves all contribute to Polignano a Mare’s international profile. In July 2026, average asking prices for homes reached €2,936 per m².
The town attracts visitors throughout the year thanks to cultural events, a lively historic centre and its proximity to Bari Airport, just 35 km away.
Monopoli
Monopoli stands out for its old harbour filled with colourful boats, more than 20 small coves tucked along the coast and a historic centre that retains the feel of a traditional Puglian fishing town.
In July 2026, the average price per square metre was around €2,618 per m², with values continuing to rise: up 8.9% on the previous year.
Ostuni
The Città Bianca, or White City, is among the priciest locations in the region. According to idealista’s report, the average price for a home in Ostuni reaches €2,491 per m². The town climbs a hill overlooking the olive groves below, with views that stretch towards the sea.
Castro
Small, low-key and refined, Castro is a lesser-known corner of Salento. This town sits on a cliff above the Adriatic and is often described as one of Puglia’s most striking viewpoints. It is home to the Grotta della Zinzulusa, an Aragonese castle, clear waters and a calm that is hard to find elsewhere.
Castro’s property market reflects this exclusivity. The average price per square metre in July 2026 was €2,338 per m².
Otranto
At Italy’s easternmost point, Otranto draws attention with its Romanesque cathedral and its extraordinary mosaics, the Aragonese castle and a seafront that becomes particularly striking at sunset.
The average price stands at around €2,300 per m², with steady demand among both Italian and overseas buyers.
Average property prices in Puglia
In July 2026, the average sale price in Puglia stood at €1,291 per m². This represented a slight fall of 0.5% compared with June and 0.6% compared with April, though it still marked a 0.6% annual increase on July 2025.
The rental market tells a rather more active story. Average rents in Puglia reached €9.1 per m² per month in July 2026, up 0.5% on June, 1.5% compared with April and, more significantly, 5.6% higher than in July 2025.
The regional average also masks notable differences. Bari remains the most expensive province at €1,576 per m², while Lecce saw the strongest annual growth. At the other end of the scale, prices in Foggia fell by 1.6%.
The most expensive homes for sale in Puglia on idealista
The region’s highest-priced homes are often historic masserie, traditional rural estates, or country residences with extensive floor space. There are also period properties in the heart of towns and cities. At present, the most expensive homes for sale on idealista in the region are:
-
Contemporary masseria in Fasano: A newly built masseria, constructed between 2019 and 2025, covering 780 m² across three floors. It sits within 2 hectares of Mediterranean gardens with landscaped citrus groves.
The property has six bedrooms plus a 71 m² principal suite with a 360 m² panoramic terrace, a professional kitchen, a 75 m² heated swimming pool with winter cover, and a 105 m² pagoda for outdoor events. It is a short distance from Savelletri harbour and the Egnazia Archaeological Park, and borders a well-regarded golf club.
Asking price: €9,900,000.
-
17th-century historic masseria in Altamura: An 8,000 m² fortified masseria dating back to the 17th century, carefully restored and already converted into a high-end hospitality venue with 34 rooms and 24 bathrooms.
It includes a reception area, two restaurant rooms, a professional kitchen, finely furnished bedrooms and two event spaces: the frescoed Sala Cupola and the Sala Templari. There is also a consecrated chapel and a portico.
The property sits among centuries-old olive trees and vineyards on the Murge plateau, near the border between Puglia and Basilicata.
Asking price: €7,500,000.
-
Masseria with olive grove in Ostuni: A masseria comprising four buildings, including a traditional trullo, with 1,400 m² of covered space. Fully restored in 2022, it has 20 bedrooms with star and barrel vaults, 27 bathrooms and a panoramic swimming pool.
The estate extends across 15 hectares of irrigated olive groves in full production and lies just 5 km from the Adriatic coast, five minutes from Ostuni town centre.
Asking price: €6,500,000.
-
Historic masseria resort in Gallipoli: A 17th-century masseria spanning 4,500 m², with a restaurant, panoramic sea-view pool, solarium, tennis court and permanent public entertainment licence. It is set in a private park of around 8 hectares with centuries-old olive trees.
Currently operating with 26 accommodation units, expandable to 32, it includes a reception hall with star vaults, three principal suites with terraces overlooking the Gulf of Gallipoli and two farmhouses. It is close to Salento’s beaches and Gallipoli’s historic centre.
Asking price: €5,500,000.
-
19th-century historic palazzo in Bari: An entire 19th-century building of 865 m² arranged across six floors, with a private lift and a conservation-led restoration. It stands on Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, in the city centre, and includes seven independent flats, a 100 m² panoramic terrace overlooking the Teatro Margherita, the sea and the seafront.
It also retains vaulted ceilings and decorative timber ceilings. The Teatro Petruzzelli and Piazza Mercantile are within easy walking distance.
Asking price: €5,300,000.
Celebrities choosing Puglia for their holidays
Puglia is not only attracting property investors. It has also become a preferred summer retreat for Italian and international celebrities. During summer 2026, some of the most talked-about sightings included Måneskin’s Damiano David and his partner Dove Cameron, photographed among olive groves, masserie and beaches in the Puglian countryside. Tony Effe and Giulia De Lellis chose the well-established Borgo Egnazia for a family holiday.
The event of the year, however, came from the world of football. Gianluigi Donnarumma’s wedding was held in Puglia, with an elaborate reception followed by a private beach party. Helen Mirren has owned a masseria in Tiggiano for years, while Meryl Streep chose Tricase.
Source: https://www.idealista.it/