Villanova – Adriatic Coast, Marina and Maritime History

Villanova is a maritime town on the Adriatic Coast. Maritime traditions are part of Villanova’s local character. For your trip to Italy, the town combines coastal scenery, historical sites, nautical experiences and cuisine featuring fresh fish.

Beaches Between Bays and Cliffs

Villanova’s beaches have clear water. Small sandy bays alternate with cliffs, giving the coast a variety of shapes. If you are looking for more than one uniform type of beach by the sea, you can choose between these different landscape impressions.

Marina and Excursions on the Water

Villanova is known for its distinctive marina. At Porto di Villanova, Marco Carani Nautica offers boat rentals. The Grotta Azzurra boat trip starts at the marina of Villanova di Ostuni and includes a swimming stop at Gorgognolo, with opportunities for swimming and snorkeling. Marco Carani Nautica also offers excursions accompanied by experienced skippers to explore Polignano a Mare, Monopoli and the coast of Ostuni.

The nautical base of the Lega Navale Italiana in Villanova di Ostuni offers sailing courses; it also includes a sport fishing group. This provides both sailing enthusiasts and visitors interested in sport fishing with concrete points of contact for their time on the coast.

Archaeology, Fortress and Church

Near Villanova, the archaeological remains of the ancient settlement of Petrolla are protected as an archaeological site of scenic interest; these include the remains of the settlement wall. Castello di Villanova stands at one end of the pier. The Aragonese incorporated it into a coastal defense system of interconnected fortified towers. The Church of Madonna della Croce in Villanova was built in 1898 over an older place of worship.

Getting There and Connections

Villanova can be reached via Strada Statale 379 (E55); the “Ostuni-Villanova” exit is recommended. Ostuni railway station is about 7 km from Villanova and is connected to the town by bus and taxi services. In addition, bus routes connect Villanova with the center of Ostuni and the surrounding towns.

Practical Information by the Sea

There are public car parks near Villanova’s marina and beaches, including parking spaces for people with disabilities. Some beaches have walkways and ramps that make access easier for people with reduced mobility. If mobility is a consideration when planning your trip, you can take these differences between the individual beaches into account.

Traditional Fish Cuisine

Local restaurants in Villanova serve traditional cuisine featuring fresh fish. This culinary aspect reflects the town’s maritime character and complements the beach and harbor experiences with a regional element.

Villanova as a Place to Stay

When choosing accommodation in Villanova, you can decide whether beaches, the marina, historical sites, boat trips or maritime activities should be the main focus for you. The town’s different facets provide a clear basis for selecting the location of your accommodation according to your personal travel interests.

More Places for Planning Your Trip to Italy

If you would like to compare Villanova with other Italian destinations, you can also look at San Michele Salentino, Mesagne, Oria, Cellino San Marco, Specchia, Fasano, San Donaci and San Pietro Vernotico.

For the higher-level travel overview: Brindisi.