Things To See
Alberobello
Puglia's picture-postcard town is famous for its conical-roofed trulli houses, where there’s rows and rows of these unique buildings. But beyond the classic snap, there’s more to this town that meets the eye. with its narrow pedestrianized streets, little shops selling local produce and family-run cafes and trattorias offering al fresco dining, Alberobello is worth a pit stop on your puglian holiday. Tip: get there early before the tourists arrive and the heat kicks in.
Ostuni
We have a fondness for Ostuni. With its white-washed walls and winding alleyways, the town offers a surprise around every corner. It's the perfect place to forget the map and get lost. Bursts of color will suddenly appear out of the glowing white and lead towards a garden balcony bar for an afternoon aperitif, or behind a door to one of the best tortellinis you'll ever have. Tip: Sunset hour was made for Ostuni. Head into town for a late afternoon drink before wandering to find dinner
Polignano a Mare
While the other towns drift more inland, Polignano a Mare is right on the sea. Its limestone cliffs fall elegantly into the crystal-clear waters, and the swimming, although busy, is glorious in the summer. As you put your towel down to mark your spot, you might be lucky enough to see some local cliff divers jumping into the ocean while you cool down. The town is also known for its ice cream – perfect for an anytime treat while you stroll on one of its many panoramic terraces. Tip: Spending all day in this town is easy. We'd recommend an early swim before taking in lunch with a view.
Monopoli
The old fishing town of Monopoli holds a special place in our hearts, as it is the town where we'll be having the wedding ceremony and a dinner during the wedding weekend. It offers a refreshing way to escape to a more lived and less touristy part of Puglia. The city still has that special, hard-to-find feeling that has faded from so many other Italian towns that end up on the main tourist routes. Monopoli still feels lived-in and imperfect, which adds to its charm. Take a leisurely stroll through its streets, stone churches, and down to the beach for lunch, and explore the historic city for dinner.
Matera
If history is your thing, then Matera is a must-do. As one of the oldest, continuously inhabited civilizations in the world, this artistic town is so rich in culture that you can sense the generations of stories. Being the 'City of the Caves,' its natural architecture built up and out of the rock gives feelings of drama, grandeur, and disbelief. Incidentally, this is where the last James Bond movie was shot (that motorbike chase scene!), and it wouldn't be an Italian town without its sprawling options for food, including its famous local oven-baked bread.
For those who want to venture more south
Beaches: Depending on the wind, there are awesome spots on the Ionian and the Adriatic coast. The Ionian usually has more sandy beaches, while the Adriatic has more cliffs. You should visit both. Adriatic (East Coast): St. Andrea: Amazing village on a cliff with a tiny beach. Porto Badisco: Where Enea landed in Homer's Iliad and casually decided to create Italy. Castro Marina: One of the favorites town on that coast with spectacular blue water. Ciolo: Famous for diving from crazy heights, spectacular view. Santa Maria di Leuca: The edge of Italy; you can clearly see the two seas coming together. Ionian South to North (West Side): San Gregorio Ugento: All around this town, there are plenty of beaches which stretch as far as the eye can see. Gallipoli, Santa Caterina, Porto Selvaggio, Porto Cesareo: Amazing white sands.
