If you are visiting Polignano a Mare, there is no better place to stay than Terrazze Merlate. Book your vacation here immediately.
From the moment we stepped out of our car, our hosts Milena & Diilly treated us like Apulian Royalty. We were swept away from the nearby parking lot by a petty cab driver who skillfully navigated the streets of Polignano a Mare with ease. This transportation was arranged by Milena ahead of time without our knowledge—such a wonderful and thoughtful surprise given the 800lbs of luggage we brought to Italy.
The apartment was perfectly situated in the historic center of Polignano a mare, adjacent to a picturesque piazza dotted with cafes, restaurants, and a pizzeria. As we opened the beautiful antique doors to the building, we found ourselves standing in an enchanting courtyard that could have easily been featured in a movie by Francis Ford Coppola.
Milena gave us a tour of the apartment that is filled with stunning vintage furniture and artwork that has been owned by the hosts’ family for decades. We were surrounded by the colorful history of the De Luca family and felt honored to be their guests for a short time.
The kitchen is well equipped, and just beyond it is the living room with an unforgettable balcony overlooking the beach below. We dedicated the first 30 minutes of our stay in the apartment to taking 12,000 photographs of ourselves on the balcony from every angle possible (ha!). Every night at sunset, we drank wine overlooking the spiaggia while deciding where to have our next incredible meal.
Throughout our stay, Milena shared restaurant recommendations and gave us invaluable insights into the area. We explored Apulian beaches, drank the local ‘café special’, ate dinner in a Grotto, and consumed enough gelato to induce a diabetic coma. ;) Most of which was within 10 minutes walking distance of the apartment.
I have been fortunate enough to travel all over Italy, and try to visit every year. I can honestly say that our stay with Milena and Dilly was one of the best experiences I have ever had while visiting Italy. When leaving Milena on our last day, we felt as if we were saying goodbye to a wonderful family member. In the future, I look forward to returning to Polignano a Mare and know exactly where I will stay.
Grazie mille Milena & Dilly!