Un Amore Così ❤️
Things To Do
Grottaglie
Where we got engaged and where the Pizzoleo–Mangione family calls home. Grottaglie will always have a special place in our hearts (and our stomachs)! 💍🍝💕 Grottaglie is a hidden gem in the heart of Puglia, and we’re so excited to be celebrating here with you! Known for its centuries-old ceramics tradition, this charming town is full of history, creativity, and that relaxed southern Italian spirit. Just 20 minutes from the sea, surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. 🏺 Quartiere delle Ceramiche is home to generations of artisans who handcraft pottery using time-honored techniques. Visit artisan workshops and browse handmade pottery 💡 Travel Tips Easy to explore on foot – The town is walkable and perfect for slow strolls. Ceramics tip – Shops often ship internationally, so no need to worry about carrying fragile souvenirs. Nearby gems – Grottaglie is a great base for exploring Puglia, with towns like Martina Franca, Ostuni, and Alberobello just a short drive away.
GN Fasano Ceramics (pottery classes)
Grottaglie is famous for its stunning ceramics—well worth a visit (you might even need a quick trip to “Hong Kong” for some bubble wrap!). They also offer pottery classes if you’re feeling hands-on, and if you’ve ever dined at Terroni in Toronto, let us know if anything looks familiar! 😉
II Mio Fornaio Pasticcere
Pastry Heaven Alert! This local gem is a 10/10 must-visit. Whether you're craving taralli, mini panzerotti, focaccia, cookies, or fresh crostoli, they've got it all and then some. Trust us, your taste buds will thank you (your suitcase... maybe not)
Il Casaro & La Contadina
Fresh cheese at its finest! Tucked away in Grottaglie, this spot is a dream for dairy lovers. You have to try “the little horses” (trust me, they’re unforgettable) and the fresh mozzarella knots sometimes they’re still warm, and they’re absolute perfection. Simple, local, and seriously delicious
Vanilla
You all know my love for gelato, so trust me when I say Vanilla in Grottaglie is a must-stop! Their gelato is a 10/10 (yes, I’ve done extensive research). Not a gelato fan? No worries they’ve got a mouthwatering selection of Italian pastries and espresso that'll win you over. A sweet little slice of heaven!
Bari
If you’re flying into Puglia or planning to explore the region, chances are you’ll pass through Bari. This seaside city is full of energy, history, amazing food, and the perfect mix of old and new. 🏰 Wander Bari Vecchia (Old Town) – A maze of narrow streets where locals still make fresh pasta outside their doors. Look for orecchiette being made by hand! ⛪ Visit the Basilica di San Nicola – A beautiful church with big historical and religious significance (it’s where the original St. Nicholas is buried!). 🍕 Eat everything – Try panzerotti (fried pockets of cheesy goodness), fresh focaccia Barese, and seafood straight from the Adriatic. ✈️🚗 Travel Tips Airport Hub: Bari’s international airport (BRI) is the main arrival point for many flights into Puglia. From there, it's an easy jump to other towns by car or train. Getting Around: Bari has a central train station with connections to all the major Puglian towns (Lecce, Polignano, Ostuni, Alberobello, etc.).
Ostuni
Ostuni is one of Puglia’s most iconic and picturesque towns, nicknamed La Città Bianca (“The White City”), for its dazzling whitewashed buildings perched on a hilltop overlooking the olive groves and sea. 🏰 Stroll the Old Town – Get lost in the maze of white alleyways, stone staircases, and archways. Every corner feels like a postcard. ⛪ Visit the Cathedral – The 15th-century Ostuni Cathedral sits proudly at the top of the town with its gorgeous rose window and panoramic views. ☕ Grab a drink in the piazza – The main square (Piazza della Libertà) is perfect for people-watching and a spritz in the sun. 🌅 Stay for golden hour – As the sun sets, the white city glows against the landscape—it’s pure magic. 🚗 Travel Tips from Grottaglie Drive Time: Around 35–40 minutes by car. The drive is easy and scenic—winding through olive groves and countryside. Parking: Look for parking just outside the old town walls
Nautilus - Pescheria Bistrot
A Seafood Experience You Won’t Forget 🐟🍋 Puglia is famous for its seafood but here’s a local twist you might not expect: raw seafood is totally a thing here! Yep, we’re talking shrimp, calamari, mussels, even lobster served just the way nature made them. There’s an amazing spot right in Ostuni where you actually get to pick your own fresh seafood, decide if you want it raw or cooked, and then head over to their cozy little bistro where it’s all served up for you. It’s part market, part restaurant, and totally unforgettable. Must-try alert: don’t leave without tasting the sea urchin. A local delicacy that’s bursting with flavor. But fair warning: those little guys are spiky, so handle with care! If you're up for a foodie adventure, this place is 100% a must-visit. Add it to your list you won’t regret it!
Lecce
Lecce is a stunning city full of history, charm, and sunshine. Known as the “Florence of the South,” Lecce is famous for its golden Baroque buildings, relaxed vibe, and amazing food. It's the kind of place where you’ll want to slow down, wander, and soak in all the beauty ✨ Explore the historic center – Think ornate churches, cute alleyways, and architecture that makes your jaw drop. 🍷 Enjoy long lunches and aperitivo – Southern Italy knows how to do food and wine. Trust us pasticciotto pastry and primitivo wine are a must. ✈️🚗 Travel Tips Getting There: Lecce is about 30–60 minutes by car from most towns in central Puglia. You can also take a regional train if you’re coming from Bari, Brindisi, or Ostuni. Parking: If you're driving, look for parking just outside the old town (like Parcheggio Via Adua or Parcheggio Piazza Libertini), since the center is mostly pedestrian-only.
Matera
Matera is an unforgettable destination and just a short trip from Grottaglie! Matera feels like stepping into another world, and it’s absolutely worth the drive. This ancient city in Basilicata is famous for its Sassi, incredible cave dwellings carved into stone cliffs. It's one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the world. 🏚️ Explore the Sassi – Roam the cave neighborhoods (Sasso Barisano and Sasso Caveoso) and imagine what life was like centuries ago. 🕍 See the rock churches – Beautiful frescoes, ancient altars, and spiritual energy carved right into the hillside. 🏠 Visit Casa Grotta – A restored cave home that shows how people lived here until the 1950s. 🚗🗺️ Travel Tips from Grottaglie Drive Time: About 1.5 hours by car. It's a great day trip Parking: The Sassi is mostly pedestrian, so park just outside the old town—Parcheggio Via Saragat or Parcheggio Via Lucana are good options. What to Wear: Lots of cobblestones and steps - flat, comfy shoes!
Polignano a Mare
This stunning seaside town is one of Puglia’s most iconic spots. Built right into the cliffs above the Adriatic Sea, Polignano is famous for its whitewashed streets, hidden sea caves, and jaw-dropping views. 🌉 Lama Monachile – The most famous photo spot in town, overlooking the dramatic beach between two cliffs. 🛶 Explore the sea caves – Take a boat tour to see the coastline and dip into grottos and hidden coves. ✍️ Look for handwritten Italian poems scattered on walls and staircases around town 🍝 Dine with a view – If you’re splurging, Grotta Palazzese is a world-famous restaurant set in a cliffside cave. 🚗 Travel Tips from Grottaglie Drive Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes by car. It's a great day trip, especially if paired with a visit to nearby Monopoli or Alberobello. Train Option: There’s also a train from Bari or other nearby towns if you're not driving—but driving gives you more flexibility. Parking: Look for lots just outside the historic center and walk in.
Alberobello
Alberobello is one of the most magical spots in Puglia. This Heritage town is famous for its trulli's. Cone-shaped stone houses that look like something out of a fairytale. It’s a one-of-a-kind! 🏠 Rione Monti – The most famous trulli district, filled with charming homes, little shops, and scenic alleys to explore. ⛪ Trullo Church (Chiesa di Sant'Antonio) – A rare trullo-shaped church perched above the town. 🏛️ Trullo Sovrano – The only two-story trullo, now a small museum that gives a glimpse into traditional life. 🚗 Travel Tips from Grottaglie Drive Time: Around 1 hour by car. The drive is scenic and fairly easy. Parking: There are several paid lots just outside the historic center—look for Parcheggio Largo Martellotta. From there, it’s an easy walk into the trulli zones. Comfort Tip: Wear comfortable shoes! The streets are stone-paved and hilly in parts.
Taranto
It sounds like Toronto! Just 20–25 minutes from Grottaglie, Taranto is a unique coastal city with a mix of ancient history, working-class grit, and seaside beauty. Known as the "City of Two Seas," Taranto sits between the Mar Grande and Mar Piccolo, with charming fishing boats, a breezy promenade, and some truly incredible seafood. 🏛️ Visit the National Archaeological Museum (MArTA) – One of the best in Italy! Home to the famous Ori di Taranto (Taranto gold) and artifacts from Magna Graecia. 🌊 Stroll along the seafront – Some of the city’s best sunset spots. ⛪ Explore the Old Town (Città Vecchia) – A raw and atmospheric mix of ancient streets, crumbling facades, and lived-in beauty. 🐟 Eat the freshest seafood – Taranto’s mussels are famous 🚗 Travel Tips from Grottaglie Drive Time: Just 20–25 minutes from Grottaglie by car. An easy morning or afternoon trip! Parking: You’ll find parking near the museum, the lungomare, or the old town. Look for paid lots or blue-striped spaces.
Monopoli
Monopoli is a lively seaside town with a charming harbor, whitewashed old town, and nearby beaches. Perfect for a day trip or relaxing afternoon, it offers a mix of history, vibrant streets, fresh seafood, and stunning sea views. 🏰 Explore the Old Town – Walk the narrow cobblestone streets lined with colorful houses, cozy cafes, and buzzing piazzas. ⚓ Visit the harbor and castle – The seaside Castello Carlo V offers great views and a peek into Monopoli’s history. 🐟 Fresh seafood – Try local specialties like cozze (mussels) and freshly caught fish 🏖️ Relax on nearby beaches – Cala Porta Vecchia and Lido Santo Stefano are popular spots with crystal-clear water. 🚗 Travel Tips from Grottaglie Drive Time: About 1 hour by car, a smooth and scenic coastal drive. Parking: Try parking outside the old town (there are several paid lots)
Pulsano
A Hidden Puglian Gem! Just a short drive from Grottaglie, Pulsano is a charming town that offers a peaceful escape into authentic Puglia life. Known for its friendly vibe, beautiful countryside, and nearby stunning coastline, Pulsano is perfect for those wanting to experience the quieter side of the region. Don’t miss the nearby favorite beaches like Bahia del Sol, El Cohiba, Montedarena, and Onda Blu, amazing crystal-clear waters
Lucca
Tuscany is the best region in all of Italy… but I’m a little biased my beloved Nonna Violin is from Lucca! This enchanting Tuscan town is a true hidden gem, wrapped in ancient Renaissance walls and filled with charm, history, and heart. Lucca invites you to slow down and enjoy life the Italian way. Wander or bike along the scenic city walls, sip a cappuccino in Piazza dell’Anfiteatro, and explore the winding streets lined with boutiques, churches, and trattorias. It’s peaceful, beautiful, and brimming with old-world soul. To me, Lucca isn’t just a place on the map it’s part of my story. I can’t wait for you to fall in love with it too.
Florence
Florence has my heart and soon, it’ll steal yours too! This Renaissance gem is filled with dreamy views, incredible food, and timeless art around every corner. Stroll across the iconic Ponte Vecchio, climb to the top of the Duomo for breathtaking city views, or wander through the Uffizi Gallery to see masterpieces by Botticelli and Michelangelo. Grab a gelato (or two), people-watch in Piazza della Signoria, and don’t miss sunset at Piazzale Michelangelo it's pure magic. Whether you're into history, fashion, or just living la dolce vita, Florence has something unforgettable waiting for you.
Rome
There’s just something about Rome that keeps calling you back. Truth be told, on my very first visit, I wasn’t totally wowed by the city. But with every visit after that, Rome has grown on me and now it’s a must-stop on any Italian adventure. One of my absolute favorite spots is Campo de’ Fiori. The lively markets, bursting with bright colors and fresh local produce, are simply mesmerizing. It’s the kind of place where you can lose track of time soaking in the energy, the smells, and the vibrant life around you. A quick heads-up: Rome will be especially busy this year due to the Jubilee celebrations, so be mindful when planning your visit. For helpful tips on booking tours and sightseeing, check out the Travel section of our website. Whether it’s your first or your tenth visit, Rome never fails to surprise and enchant—there’s always something new to discover around every corner.
Sardinia
🌊 Sardinia – A Dreamy Italian Escape While a bit farther from Puglia, Sardinia is the perfect spot if you want to explore another incredible region of Italy. Famous for its stunning crystal-clear blue waters and powdery white beaches, Sardinia offers a relaxing getaway with a completely different vibe. Whether you’re lounging on the beautiful coastline, discovering charming towns, or savoring fresh seafood by the sea, Sardinia is an unforgettable escape for those looking to unwind and soak up some true Mediterranean magic.