avventura

Exploring Puglia

There will be time to explore Puglia over the course of the weekend. We hope many of you will also be able to extend your stay and adventure to other places in the region. Here are some of our favourite places:

seaside towns

Borghi sul mare

Polignano a Mare

A spectacularly positioned small town perched on 20 meter limestone cliffs overlooking the sea - an epic view that adorns the covers of travel brochures and posters of Puglia. The historic centre is a lovely place for a wander or an aperitivo in one of the small piazzas overlooking the water. This is home to one of Puglia's most famous beaches and you might be lucky enough to see some local cliff divers jumping into the ocean. The town is also known for its ice cream!

Monopoli

A charming fishing town with a working harbour and a maze-like old centre full of whitewashed alleys, historic churches, boutiques, and hidden courtyards. Locals still pull fresh fish from the sea each morning, and the town’s calm beaches and rocky coves are great for swimming. You’ll find no shortage of aperitivo spots, gelato stands, and small trattorias serving fresh food. Less touristy than its neighbors, Monopoli has an authentic, lived-in feel – perfect for a relaxed afternoon or romantic seaside dinner.

Beach Clubs

In Puglia, beach days usually mean heading to a lido - a beach club with sunbeds, umbrellas, and refreshments - rather than a public beach. It's customary to reserve in advance, especially during high season. Below are some local suggestions:

Le Palme, Capitolo
- +39 347 643 5693
Cala Maka, Torre Canne
- +39 0831 181 5499
Lido Bambu, Monopoli
- +39 080 212 1343
Lido Pettolecchia, Savelletri
- +39 080 889 4423
Mare Mosso, Torre Canne
- +39 320 694 6320
Le Agavi, Capitolo
- +39 080 893 9353
Macramè, Monopoli
- +39 371 522 2337
Coccaro Beach, Savelletri
- +39 080 412 3467

HISTORICAL towns

Città storica

Ostuni

Ostuni, the 'White City', enchants wanderers with its location atop three hills on Murgia's southern slopes. Known for sweeping views of olive groves and the shimmering Adriatic Sea, this Salento Peninsula gem is perfect for strolling through its alleys, savouring local cuisine, and exploring its countryside. As a major contributor to Italy's olive oil production, a tasting in Ostuni is a memorable experience.

Grottalgie

Grottaglie is renowned for its centuries-old tradition of hand-painted ceramics. A small hillside town where you can wander the “Quartiere delle Ceramiche" and find artisans who still fire their work in ancient kilns built into the caves. The town itself is peaceful, with narrow streets and quiet charm. You can visit small studios and buy wonderful, unique pieces at affordable prices to take home – anything from dinnerware to colourful wall tiles.

Bari

Bari is the capital of Puglia. Situated right on the coast, visit for traditional Barese food and the charming old town - in particular the famous Via della Orecchietta, a street filled with locals making and selling orecchiette pasta. Don’t forget to grab a focaccia barese, a focaccia pizza invented in the city.

Alberobello

A UNESCO World Heritage town known for its trulli - iconic, small, conical-roofed houses. This fairytale-like village, teeming with thousands of trulli, captivates visitors. To avoid crowds, visit early or take in a guided walking tour to learn about the town's history, the unique trulli construction, and to savour local delicacies.

Castella Caves

The Caves of Castellana are a vast underground system of karst caves, considered to be one of the most spectacular cave systems in Italy. The caves extend more than three meters and reach a maximum depth of 122m. Inside the caves the temperature stays constantly around 16°C, so dress accordingly.

Matera

Matera, tucked in the arch of Italy's boot, stuns with its UNESCO-recognised ancient neighborhoods, the Sassi—limestone grottoes perched on a ravine edge. This city offers an unparalleled experience; from sleeping, dining, enjoying an aperitivo, to viewing modern sculptures - all within caves. For hikers, the Belvedere Murgia Timone and Parco delle Murgie treks provide captivating vistas.

Lecce

Often called the Florence of the South, Lecce is known for its elaborate baroque architecture and golden sandstone buildings. The city’s Jewish quarter dates back to medieval times – today you can visit the underground remains of the mikveh and a small museum documenting local Jewish history. Lecce buzzes with student energy, lively piazzas, and excellent food. Don't miss the Roman amphitheatre in the centre or a stroll through the baroque churches at sunset.

Gravina

Gravina is a dramatic cliffside town split by a deep gorge and connected by an ancient Roman bridge. Its stone houses, rock-hewn churches, and underground caves give it a mysterious, timeless feel – used often as a filming location. Fewer tourists come here, which means you can explore the old town, caves, and hiking trails in peace. Bring good shoes (and a camera – the views over the ravine are stunning!)

Locorotondo

Nestled atop a hill, Locorotondo, one of Italy's most lovely villages, offers stunning panoramas from its centro storico. Its name means “round place,” and the historic centre is just that – a perfect circle. Look out for the distinctive pointed roofs called cummerse, found nowhere else in Puglia. Renowned for its white wine, take a leisurely break at a local restaurant.