Places: Lecce, Polignano a Mare, Gargano Peninsula, Ostuni, Lecce, Itria Valley, Alberobello, Locorotondo, Cisternino, Matera
The sun-drenched south of Italy, Puglia, is a region of timeless beauty with whitewashed villages, olive groves, crystal-clear Adriatic water and rock carved caves making stunning landscapes! It holds centuries of history, culture, and culinary traditions, making it a must visit place in Italy, especially if you are looking for a place off the tick box overdone places in the country!
The Baroque villages strewn across the region
In the Itria Valley, the fairytale trulli houses of Alberobello are a must see (UNESCO World Heritage site) with silver filigree workers making the most dainty pieces in front of your eyes! Nearby hill towns like Locorotondo, is a perfect old town with renowned white wines, and great local cuisine! Cisternino, is another unique experience for meat lovers because butchers grill fresh local meats in open-air “fornelli pronti,” welcoming everyone into their big rural lives! The valleys are dotted with centuries-old olive trees, producing some of Italy’s finest extra virgin olive oils.
Alberobello
The Baroque splendor of Lecce, enchants visitors with ornate churches, palaces, and piazzas crafted from the region’s warm, honey-colored stone. Just a short drive away, Ostuni, the “White City,” shines in brilliant white atop its hill, with labyrinthine alleys that open onto breathtaking sea views. The best part though, their morning drink is an Aperol Spritz!
A short drive from Puglia is Matera, a unique city which is like no other in Europe. Matera is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. But in the mid 20th century all its inhabitants moved out and it became the ‘ghost city’. Today, the cave dwellings have been converted to boutiques shops, cute museums, wine cellars and restaurants. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site, attracting visitors for its unique architecture, history, and cinematic charm!
Matera
Puglia’s coastline is equally captivating. Polignano a Mare, perched dramatically on cliffs above the Adriatic, offers hidden coves, azure waters, and a charming old town where narrow streets open onto panoramic terraces. The Gargano Peninsula in northern Puglia, often overlooked by travelers, is a lush, green escape from the usual crowded pockets. It’s home to dramatic cliffs, the dense Foresta Umbra, and picturesque coastal towns like Vieste and Peschici, with sandy beaches and old local villages.
Beyond its landscapes, Puglia delights the senses with culinary treasures. Fresh orecchiette pasta, seafood caught daily from the Adriatic, and locally-produced wines and cheeses fill markets and trattorias. Visitors can wander charming streets where nonna still rolls fresh pasta by hand, as local tunes drift from windows and piazzas. This region has an amazing shopping scene smack in the historic city center!
Puglia offers a perfect blend of history, nature, and authentic southern Italian life!
Ostuni
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