Escape to the far south of Italy's heel and treat yourself to some well-deserved rest and relaxation. It might take you some time to adjust to the slow pace of life around here, but we assure you it's well worth acclimatising.

Set in the countryside, just a few kilometres from the coast, this welcoming apartment offers a warm Apulian welcome to all who make their temporary home here. Spend your days relishing the communal outdoor spaces, lounging beneath cloudless skies, tucking into long alfresco lunches and swimming in the elegant free-form pool – there's plenty of room for everyone to enjoy.

Set out for a day at the coast, sunning yourself on the rocky shores of Torre Suda in between cooling dips and snorkelling sessions in crystal-clear waters. If you prefer your beaches a little sandier, you've got options a few minutes north of Mancaversa. Had your fill of sun and sea for the day? Spend the late afternoon wandering the winding streets of Gallipoli's old town with a gelato in hand before stopping off for a pre-dinner aperitivo gazing out over the Ionian Sea.

Home truths:
*Given the location, a car is a necessity – there's ample on-site parking available
*While there is air conditioning, it may not be available in all rooms
*One small, well-behaved dog is welcome to join you
*Child-friendly amenities such as a cot are available on request
*The home is set over a single ground-floor level, so it may be suitable for guests with more limited mobility
*The dining table can double up as a laptop-friendly workspace
*The saltwater pool is shared with other residents – it's open seasonally from 1st April to 31st October
*At full capacity, one guest will be sleeping on a single day bed in the living room – we think it's better suited to a child