Alexandra & Matthew
Explore Puglia
Lecce
Known as the "Florence of the South," Lecce is a charming city in Italy's Puglia region, celebrated for its rich Baroque architecture, vibrant history, and cultural allure. Its streets are adorned with intricately carved limestone facades, stunning churches, and inviting piazzas. Whether wandering through its historic center, exploring ancient Roman ruins, or savoring local delicacies like pasticciotto, Lecce offers a captivating blend of art, history, and southern Italian charm. We feel in love with its energy and charm right away, and it felt like the kind of place that's meant to be shared... which is why we're so excited to bring everyone we love here to experience its magic together! MUST SEE | Basilica di Santa Croce, Piazza Sant' Oronzo, Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta, Cripta Duomo di Lecce, Piazza del Duomo, Chiesa Delle Alcantarine MUST EAT | DoppoZero, Dou Ristorante, Quanto Basta, Trattoria Nonna Tetti, Le Zie Trattoria Casereccia, Gelateria Natale
Ostuni
Ostuni is one of those places that instantly steals your heart. Known as the "White CIty," its filled with bright white buildings stacked along a hilltop overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Getting lost here is fun, every twisty cobblestone street leads to a cute cafe, wine bar, or the best gelato in the world! The whole town feels relaxed and sunny, where afternoons turn into long lunches and nobody is ever in a rush. You can wander through little shops, sip spritzes in the piazza, or just soak in the views of endless olive. groves and coastline. The sunsets are unreal and when you're ready for the. beach, crystal. clear water is just a short drive away. The food is simple and incredible, its the kind of place where every meal feels like a celebration. MUST SEE | Duomo di Santa Maria Assunta, Piazza della Libertà, La Città Bianca MUST EAT | Hosteria Pizzeria Regina, Borgo Antico Bistrot, Burro, Ostuni Bistrot, Osteria del Tempo Perso, Nuovo Inizio, Taverna della Gelosia, and Acuasanta
Polignano a Mare
Polignano a Mare is one of the most stunning seaside towns in Puglia and an easy day trip from Ostuni. Perched dramatically on limestone cliffs above the Adriatic, it feels like something straight out of a postcard. The views alone are worth the visit, with turquoise water along the cliffside. Its historic center is full of charming streets, whitewashed buildings, and cozy cafès tucked into every corner. Either wander for hours, adventurous guests can swim, cliff jump, or even take a boat tour to explore the sea caves nearby. The sunsets here are incredible. It is lively, romantic and full of that carefree Italian summer energy. Its the perfect place to explore, relax, and soak up the magic of the coast. MUST SEE | Cala Monachile, Belvedereee Terrazza Santo Stefano, Stroll Lama Monachile Bridge, Lama Monachile Beach MUST EAT | La Locandra Porta Picc, Osteria dei Mulini, Il Grottino, Antica Trattoria Comes, Malidera Pinsa, Aquamarea, Mario Campeanella Il Supere Mago del Gelo
Monopoli
Located along the stunning Adriatic coastline in Puglia, Italy, Monopoli and Polignano a Mare offer a captivating blend of history, beauty, and culture. Monopoli enchants visitors with its labyrinthine old town, stunning medieval architecture, and bustling harbor where colorful fishing boats bob in the crystal-clear waters. Just a short drive away, Polignano a Mare mesmerizes with its dramatic cliffs, from which whitewashed buildings perch precariously over the azure Adriatic Sea. Known for its breathtaking views and vibrant sea caves, Polignano is a paradise for swimmers and divers. Both towns boast delightful trattorias serving fresh, local seafood and traditional Apulian dishes, ensuring an unforgettable culinary experience. Visiting Monopoli and Polignano a Mare promises a perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and Italian charm. MUST SEE | Lama Monachile, Balconies Over the Sea, Ponte Lama Monachile MUST EAT | Gustavo, Magnapulia, Antica Posto, Carlo Quinto, Pinsotti.
Bari
Bari is a vibrant coastal city that perfectly blends historic charm with everyday Italian energy. IThe heart of the city is Bari Vecchia, where narrow streets wind past stone churches, tiny shops, and families chatting outside their doors. You'll often see local nonnas making fresh orecchiette pasta by hand right on the street, what more can you ask for, dinner and a show! Along the waterfront, the Lungomare offers a perfect promenade for walking by the sea. Bari has incredible street food, especially focaccia barese, panzerotti, and fresh seafood. It has a more bustling, real-city feel, compared to the smaller towns, which means SHOPPING! A day in Bari gives you a true taste of everyday southern Italy! MUST SEE | Bari Vecchia, Basilica di San Nicola, Castello Svevo, MUST EAT | Panigicio Fiore, La Ciclatera, La Cantina dello Zio, Pizzeria da Michelle, Osteria Travi Buco, Focacceria Pane e Pomodoro, La Cecchina Bari Vecchia, Osteria Le Arpie, Gelateria Gentile
Alberobello
Located in the heart of Puglia, Italy, Alberobello is a magical town renowned for its distinctive trulli houses, which are characterized by their conical stone roofs and white-washed walls. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Alberobello offers visitors a unique glimpse into a bygone era, with over a thousand of these ancient structures dotting its picturesque streets. Wander through the enchanting districts of Rione Monti and Aia Piccola, explore the fascinating Trullo Sovrano museum, and enjoy panoramic views from the Belvedere Santa Lucia. Alberobello’s rich history, charming architecture, and welcoming atmosphere make it a must-see destination for anyone exploring the Puglia region. MUST SEE | Rione Monti, Rione Aia Piccola, Trullo Sovrano, Olive Oil and Wine Tasting MUST EAT | La Lira Foccacceria, La Pognotella, MaDò Filoneria Pugliese, Trulli e Puglia Wine Bar
Locorotondo
Locorotondo is a small hilltop town that feels quiet, charming, and effortlessly beautiful. Known as one of the prettiest villages in Italy with flower-filled balconies, narrow lanes, and tiny doorways make every corner feel photo-worthy. From the edge of the town, you'll get sweeping views of the Valle d'Itria, dotted with trulli houses and endless vineyards. Its peaceful and less crowded than some nearby spots, which gives it a relaxed, local feel. The town is especially magical in the late afternoon when the golden light hits the wine stone streets. Its the kind of place you can slow down, wander without a plan, and just soak it all in. It's a hidden gem that feels romantic, simple, and totally authentic. MUST SEE | Palazzo Morelli, Centro Storico, Piazza Vittoria Emanuele, Chiesa Madre di San Giorgio, Via Giuseppe Verde, San Nicola di Myra Church, Chiesa Rettoria Madonna della Greca MUST EAT | Pavi Wine, Pizzeria Casa Pinto, L'Arco Dei Tipici, U Curdunn, La Pizzeria Controra
Matera
Located in the picturesque region of Basilicata in southern Italy, Matera is a city like no other, renowned for its ancient cave dwellings and dramatic landscapes. Often referred to as "La Città Sotterranea" (The Underground City). Matera's Sassi districts are a UNESCO World Heritage site, featuring a maze of stone-carved houses, churches, and monasteries that date back thousands of years. Wandering through its narrow alleys, visitors are transported back in time, experiencing the unique blend of history and culture that defines this remarkable place. With its stunning views, rich heritage, and vibrant arts scene, Matera offers a truly unforgettable journey into Italy's past. MUST SEE | Sassi di Matera, Matera Cathedral, Crypt of the Original Sin, Sunsets at Belvedere di Murgia Timone MUST EAT | Trattoria del Caveoso, Il Rusticone, La Lopa, La Gratta Del Gusto, Ostereia MatereiaMì, Zipa Cafe, Il Fiore del Latte
