Things To Do
Cisternino
One of Italy’s most charming "Borghi più belli d’Italia" (Most Beautiful Villages), Cisternino is a whitewashed hilltop town with narrow alleys, stone archways, and breathtaking countryside views. Highlights: Wander the Centro Storico with its picturesque piazzas. Try the famous fornello pronto (butcher shops that grill meat on the spot). Enjoy an espresso or aperitivo in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele. Getting There: A 5-minute drive or a 25-minute scenic walk from Villa Cenci.
Alberobello
Alberobello is world-famous for its trulli—iconic, cone-shaped stone houses unique to Puglia. Highlights: Walk through Rione Monti, the most photogenic trulli district. Visit the Trullo Sovrano, the only two-story trullo. Enjoy local wines at a trullo wine bar. Getting There: By Car: ~25-minute drive from Villa Cenci. By Train: Take the Ferrovie Sud Est (FSE) train from Cisternino to Alberobello (around 1 hour with one change in Fasano).
Ostuni
Ostuni is a hilltop city with dazzling whitewashed buildings, medieval streets, and panoramic sea views. Highlights: Explore the Old Town and its stunning Ostuni Cathedral. Enjoy sunset drinks at a rooftop bar overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Visit an olive oil mill for a tasting experience. Getting There: By Car: ~20-minute drive from Villa Cenci. By Train: Direct Trenitalia regional train from Cisternino to Ostuni (15 minutes), then a short taxi ride (or a 30-minute uphill walk).
Monopoli
A beautiful seaside town with a historic center, a scenic harbor, and sandy beaches. Highlights: Stroll through the Old Town, filled with baroque churches, whitewashed alleys, and lively piazzas. Visit Castello di Carlo V, a 16th-century fortress overlooking the sea. Relax at Cala Porta Vecchia, a picturesque beach near the Old Town. Enjoy fresh seafood at a harborside restaurant. Getting There: By Car: ~40-minute drive from Cisternino. By Train: Take a Trenitalia regional train from Cisternino to Monopoli (~35 minutes).
Polignano a Mare
Famous for dramatic sea cliffs, breathtaking views, and crystal-clear waters. Highlights: Walk to Lama Monachile, the most famous beach in Puglia, set between towering cliffs. Visit the Domenico Modugno Statue, honoring the singer of "Volare" and offering panoramic views. Explore Grotta Palazzese, an incredible restaurant inside a seaside cave. Take a boat tour to explore the hidden sea caves along the coast. Getting There: By Car: ~45-minute drive from Cisternino. By Train: Take a Trenitalia regional train from Cisternino to Polignano a Mare (~40 minutes)
Matera
One of Italy’s most unique cities, famous for its ancient cave dwellings (Sassi di Matera) carved into the cliffs. The Ancient City of Stone is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Highlights: Wander through the Sassi di Matera, a maze of prehistoric cave houses and churches. Visit the Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario, a furnished cave home showing how people lived here centuries ago. Explore the rock-hewn churches of Santa Maria de Idris and San Pietro Caveoso. Watch the sunset from Piazzetta Pascoli for breathtaking views of the Sassi. Getting There: By Car: ~1 hour 30 minutes from Cisternino. By Train: No direct trains; the best option is driving or taking a private tour
Bari
Puglia’s capital city, known for its historic Old Town, bustling waterfront, and incredible street food. Highlights: Walk through Bari Vecchia, the Old Town, with narrow alleys, medieval churches, and lively squares. Visit Basilica di San Nicola, where the relics of St. Nicholas (Santa Claus) are kept. Stroll along the Lungomare Nazario Sauro, a scenic seafront promenade. Explore Castello Normanno-Svevo, a 12th-century fortress. Discover Strada della Orecchiette, a charming street where local women hand-make fresh orecchiette pasta in front of their homes. You can watch them work and even buy some to take home! Getting There: By Car: ~1 hour drive from Cisternino. By Train: Take a Trenitalia regional train from Cisternino to Bari (~1 hour 10 minutes).