PUGLIA, ITALY: TRAVEL GUIDE TO MY FAVORITE ITALIAN DESTINATION

PUGLIA TIPS

• CURRENCY – The official currency of Italy is the Euro. Most places take credit card, but it’s always handy to have cash for small purchases, parking machines, etc.
• ORIENTATION – Puglia is a pretty big region of Italy, measuring 7,469 square miles.
• SAFETY – Italy is notorious for pick pockets, but I felt pretty safe in Puglia. That said, always be weary of your belongings, especially in crowded places.
• MATERA – Matera is not located in Puglia, but it’s close enough to do as a day trip or overnight trip. My complete travel guide to Matera is located here.
• HOME BASE – The best home base really depends on what you want to see and do. I personally prefer to stay in Monopoli or Ostuni while in the north, and then Lecce or Otranto once in the south.

Alberobello is like stepping into a storybook. Outfit details: Rip Curl dress, linked here.

BEACHES IN PUGLIA

BORGO MARINO ARCHI

This is the coolest beach club in Puglia. Bagno Marino Archi an absolute vibe that looks like a La Dolce Vita postcard with red and white umbrellas, rocky outcrops, turquoise water, cliff jumpers and sunbathers. It’s sandwiched between epic Cala Fontanelle and Cala Porticciolo, both are swimmable and walkable. It’s 50 euros for two sun beds, an umbrella, lockbox and private changing room. Make a reservation during the summer to secure a good sun bed location, this place is very popular.

CALA DELL’ACQUAVIVA

Sunbathers flock to this turquoise inlet fed by both salt and spring water surrounded by craggy rocks, sea caves and trees. The vibes here remind me so much of summer in the Greek islands.

CALA PORTA VECCHIA

This is the main beach in Monopoli set along the stone walls of the Centro Storico. The historic setting setting serves up an epic backdrop for a day at the beach. The strip of sand is very narrow, and the beach can feel pretty busy, especially in the summer. If you want to escape the crowds, walk along the town walls, and around the corner is an uncrowded stretch of sunbathing rocks.

CAVE OF POETRY

Cave of Poetry is a stunning sinkhole located in Roca Vecchia Village. It’s a natural pool of sparkling turquoise water, popular for cliff jumping, swimming and sunbathing, especially in the summer months.

IL CIOLO

A unique narrow bridge that spans a spectacular canyon filled with crystal clear turquoise water and sea caves. It’s a bit of a hike down to the sea to from the bridge, but completely worth the trek.

LAMA MONACHILE

Lama Monachile is the main beach in Polignano a Mare. It’s popular, and it’s spectacular. The Centro Storico overlooks the rocky inlet, as well as tiers of rocks for cliff jumping and sunbathing. Note that in recent years, it’s become the most iconic beach in Puglia, and Lama Monachile gets uncomfortably crowded during summer months.

MARINA SERRA

Marina Serra is a sheltered cove where most of the water is waist deep – ideal for sunseekers that like calm shallows. The tiny bay sits surrounded by stone steps, rocky ledges and small caves, serving up a picturesque backdrop for a day in the water.

SPIAGGIA PORTO MIGGIANO

It’s my favorite beach in all of Italy. You’ll need Google Maps to find the beach – it sits at the bottom of a cliff where there are no signs, and you can’t see it from the road. Soak in the spectacular view from the top before climbing the 100 steps built into the cliff to reach the sparkling water below.

TORRE SANT’ANDREA

Torre Sant’Andrea is a collection of stacked sandstone rock formations on Puglia’s coast where visitors can sunbathe, swim and cliff jump. Best to visit on a warm day when the water is calm – it looses it’s vibe when it’s windy and/or cloudy.

TRICASE PORTO BEACH

This is a pictures marina beach set in front of beautiful Villa Maria. A stunning setting for an afternoon swim – it’s like sunbathing next to a pink Italian castle.

PUGLIA TOWNS TO VISIT

ALBEROBELLO

Possibly the most iconic town in Puglia, this place looks like something out of a fairytale. Crowned a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, Alberobello is made up of hundreds of trulli, bright white cottage-like buildings with stone conical rooftops. The charming structures house boutiques, cafes, restaurants and hotels along the pedestrian lanes, and create the ultimate storybook setting. Best viewpoint in Alberobello is from the Church of Saint Lucia.

CISTERNINO

White-washed alleyways connect charming cooridors, boutiques and restaurants to a lovely central square in little Cisternino. This hilltop village can be explored in a couple of hours – parking is located right outside of the Centro Storico.

LECCE

Switch up the scenery with a visit to Lecce where you’ll find yourself surrounded by the city’s iconic 17th century Baroque architecture. Considered by many to be the Florence of southern Italy, Lecce offers plenty to see including the Roman Ampitheatre, Lecce Cathedral, Basilica di Santa Croce and beautiful streets to explore on foot, as well as loads of delicious restaurants.

LOCOROTONDO

One of the lovelier little towns in Puglia, Locorotondo is a labyrinth of pedestrian lanes bursting with blooming flowers, colorful shutters and picturesque doorways. Worth a visit, and it only takes a couple of hours to explore.

MONOPOLI

Monopoli is a port city in northern Puglia. Spend the day wandering the white-washed streets of the Centro Storico lined with churches, outdoor dining and little shops, and then park yourself at a sunbathing rock outside of the city walls to enjoy a day in the water.

OSTUNI

It’s known as The White City, and Ostuni is a must-visit while in Puglia. Old Town sits on a hilltop, a jumbled labyrinth of white staircases, arches, crooked corridors, cobbled streets and pedestrian alleys. Ostuni is quiet and lovely to explore in the mornings, and an absolute vibe once the sun goes down.

OTRANTO

Lovely little destination that is a great base for exploring southern Puglia and all its epic beaches. Otranto sits on the coast, surrounded by ancient walls, home to epic Aragonese Castle, the Otranto Cathedral and a charming Old Town.

POLIGNANO A MARE

This is one of the most unique settings in Puglia. The Centro Storico is built onto a rocky outcrop, a labyrinth of stone alleyways, small courtyards and charming corridors lined with colorful pots and plants. Polignano a Mare is also home to one of the most famous views and beaches in the region – Lama Monachile.

PUGLIA HOTELS & MASSERIA LODGING

ANTICO MONDO (POLIGNANO A MARE)

Lovely bed and breakfast located in the heart of Polignano a Mare. There are a variety of room options, the prettiest with exposed stone walls and views of the sea. Antico Mondo is very clean, authentic and offers great service.

BORGO CANONICA (CISTERNINO)

An upscale boutique hotel located in Cisternino. The property is home to 42 refurbished trullis, the white-washed stone huts with cone-shaped rooftops that you’ll see when visiting Alberobello. Borgo Canonica is absolutely charming, a hotel with so much character unique to this part of Italy. My private trulli suite housed a sitting room, bedroom, closet and a downstairs bathroom – everything adorned in white.

BORGO EGNAZIA (SAVELLETRI)

Absolutely stunning five-star property that has recreated a little Puglian village. Borgo Egnazia offers a range of stay options including intimate rooms, luxurious villas and charming cottages. The sprawling property is home to four pools, five restaurants, a spa and bicycles for exploring. This place is amazing.

CASAMARE (POLIGNANO A MARE)

The small property offers six simple rooms, all charming, clean and bursting with character.

DIMORA SIGHE (ALESSANO)

Beautiful two-bedroom villa that sits tucked away in the countryside east of Ugento, ideal for travelers focusing on southern Puglia. The villa is bright, airy and spacious with lots of whites and neutral tones – an Airbnb Plus property. Dimora Sighe is rarely available – if you see it, book it.

HERMANAS RELAIS (ALBEROBELLO)

Amazing luxury tulli option located in the heart of Alberobello. The property is completely spacious, occupying three-cone trulli that house three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a living space, kitchen and dining area that open up to an enclosed patio and small garden. The Hermanas Relais location is ideal, everything in Alberobello is walkable.

LA SOMMITA (OSTUNI)

This five-star Relais & Chateaux property houses 15 rooms and suites in the heart of Ostuni. La Sommita is designed with muted colors to align with the neutral tones of the town – lots of Apulia stones and light wood. Beautiful property, and an ideal location.

LOCANDA DON FERRANTE (MONOPOLI)

Locanda Don Ferrante is the best place to stay in Monopoli, and the only luxury option in the Centro Storico. It sits in the heart of town, overlooking lovely views of the sea. Everything is walking distance from the historic white-washed structure. There are a variety of room and suite options, the prettiest boasting exposed white stone and vaulted ceilings.

MASSERIA GRIECO (OSTUNI)

Nestled in the countryside near Ostuni is this converted farmhouse. Masseria Grieco is a lovely property, and classic Puglia with stone archways, white washed walls and iconic conical rooftops. Rooms are very simple, and bathrooms on the smaller side, but still a lovely stay in a setting that bursts with serenity and character.

MASSERIA MUNTIBIANCHI AGRI RESORT (OTRANTO)

Upscale property located just outside of Otranto, the Masseria Mintibianchi Agri Resort is an oasis of calm where guests are surrounded by olive trees and serene sparkling pools. Rooms are luxurious, but minimalist in deign (almost too minimalist). Make sure to book a massage in the property’s beautiful Relaxation Cave.

MASSERIA PARCO DELLA GRAVA (FASANO)

Another sprawling masseria located 10 minutes driving from Cisternino. The converted farmhouse dates back to the 18th century, but has been completely updated without losing its historic charm. There are a dozen rooms set amongst the olive trees.

MASSERIA SALINOLA (OSTUNI)

The property dates back to the 18th century, and sits just outside of Ostuni. Masseria Salinola offers a lovely mix of rooms and suites – everything looks rustic chic, but the feels are all five-star luxury.

OTTOLIRE RESORT (LOCOROTONDO)

Expansive boutique property set amongst the olive trees in the Locorotondo countryside. The rooms are simple, but retain Apulian charm, some with wood beam ceilings and vaulted stone archways. Serene setting, very peaceful at Ottolire Resort.

PALAZZO SANT’ANNA (LECCE)

Hands-down, Palazzo Sant’Anna is the best place to stay in Lecce. The former 16th century monastery is completely unassuming from the outside. Step inside to find the hotel built around the prettiest stone courtyard. I recommend the La Papessa Suite – lots of character with beautiful stone walls and archways in the room and views of Old Town. Feels historic and new all at the same time.

POSEA – POLIGNANO SEA SUITES (POLIGNANO A MARE)

Clean, solid boutique hotel option in the heart of Polignano a Mare, perched over the sea. POSEA offers updated rooms, everything very tidy. Solid stay if you’re looking for something well located and clean.

ROMANTIC TRULLI (ALBEROBELLO)

This is one of the most popular trulli stays in Alberobello (if it’s available, book it). Romantic Trulli sits in a white-washed trulli with authentic stone walls and conical rooftops. The property is clean, charming and completely picturesque. It’s also well-located, walking distance to everything in Alberobello.

SAN MICHELE SUITE (POLIGNANO A MARE)

One of the more luxurious boutique options in Polignano a Mare. The San Michele Suites attractive location in the Centro Storico overlooks the sea with views of spectacular Lama Monachile. Rooms are designed with white, neutral, light gray and light turquoise color palettes. Views from the hotel terrace are lovely.

TRULLO SUITE MARTODDA

Another darling Airbnb set in a transformed iconic trulli. Trullo Suite Martodda is located just outside of Locorotondo. This Airbnb Plus property dates back to the 18th century, but has been completely renovated with all the modern creature comforts and bright, airy design cues.

PUGLIA GELATO

PUGLIA RESTAURANTS

• Alex – Seafood (Lecce)
• A’Roma l’Osteria – Roman Pasta (Lecce)
• Borgo Antico Bistrot – Drinks, Appertivo (Ostuni)
• Burro Cafe – Coffe, Pastries (Ostuni)
• Cru Fish Bar – Seafood (Polignano a Mare)
• Il Posto Affianco – Italian (Ostuni)
• L’Arco Dei Tipici – Apertivo (Locorotondo)
• La Casa Del Mojito – Drinks (Polignano a Mare)
• La Lira Focacceria – Pizza (Alberobello)
• MINT Cucina Fresca – Mediterranean (Polignano a Mare)
• Osteria Pizzeria Sant’Oronzo – Italian (Ostuni)
• Osteria Ricanatti – Italian, Mediterranean (Ostuni)
• Pizza & Co. – Pizza (Lecce)
• Ristorante Il Bistrot – Italian, Mediterranean (Ostuni)
• Ristorante Mezzofanti – Italian (Cisternino)
• Sottocoperta – Drinks (Monopoli)
• Terra Nostra Salumeria e Asporto (Ostuni)
• Trattoria Sapere E Sapori – Italian (Ostuni)
• Trattoria “Casa Amatulli” di Gianvito Amatulli – Italian (Alberobello)

The charming Centro Storico of Polignano a Mare. OUTFIT DETAILS: Petal + Pup set linked here.

GET AROUND PUGLIA

Puglia is best experienced by car. The towns and beaches are spread out, and you’ll need freedom and flexibility for all the day trips. While the thought of driving in Italy can be intimidating, the Puglia region is relatively low stress when it comes to being behind the wheel. Most of the towns are connected by quiet roads that cut through farmland, and all the routes are pretty straight forward. Major car rental brands are available at the airport in Bari including Sixt, Hertz, Budget, Avis, etc.