Puglia
Ostuni
Ostuni is the closest town to the venue. Built atop a hill to protect from invaders, Ostuni is a certifiable labyrinth. A maze of alleyways, staircases and arches, of houses built upon houses, of hundreds of years of history laid out before you. Dead ends and pretty little gardens, glimpses of the Adriatic sea. Ostuni is a city for explorers and fans of history. It's a place to be devoured slowly over a couple of days and a great base for exploring the rest of Puglia. Get a reservation at one of the following: - Al Solito Posto - Borgo Antico Bistrot - Osteria Piazzetta Cattedrale - Cremeria alla Scala (Gelato) We also highly recommend dining (or staying) at any of the amazing Masseria in the area, such as: - Paragon 700 Boutique Hotel & SPA - Alesia Luxury Cave - Palazzo Bergamotti - La Sommità Relais & Chateaux - Il Sogno delle Benedettine - Palazzo Altavilla - I 7 Archi Guest House (Budget-friendly option)
Monopoli
With a much more lived-in feel than some of the more popular tourist towns in the area, Monopoli allows you to have a beautiful, quintessentially southern Italian experience whilst still catching glimpses into everyday life; fishermen and their catch retuning to the photogenic harbour in the mid-morning, groups of men - young and old - congregating on the street to discuss everything and nothing in a sing-song language often too quick to understand, nonnas on balconies watching the world go by, and bars full of locals and not tourists. Throw in the fact that it’s close to many fine beaches and within easy driving distance of many of the area’s biggest attractions and beautiful villages, and Monopoli makes a truly wonderful day trip with a beach visit to one of the many great spots. Restaurants: - Orto
Alberobello
A UNESCO Heritage site with its iconic trulli, Alberobello is a must-do in the region. Once you arrive in the town’s centre, it’s immediately clear where to head - the Rione Monti quarter within the 'trulli zone'. Up a slight hill, it contains over 1,000 trulli and almost no other type of building style. It is touristy, with gift shops on every other door way, but it is also very very pretty. Food: Arte Freda - Every day in Italy should involve at least one gelato, and Arte Freda is known to serve up the best gelato in town - it’s even won awards. Pasquale Dell'Erba - Since 1966, Alberobello has had its own sandwich - The Pasqualino. It was invented by Pasquale Dell'Erba, a local shop owner, it's made with a combination of rosetta or turtle bread and tuna fish, capers, salami and cheese.
Bari
The majority of what interests visitors to Bari lies within the walls of the old city, or as it’s known here, Bari Vecchia, that offers narrow stone-lined streets of fading pastels and white, wrought-iron balconies and, of course, those beautiful shuttered windows. Eat fresh caught seafood every day for lunch on the Lungomare or walk aimlessly and try all of the Apulian street food. If you find yourself here for a few days, enjoy the many beaches nearby including the iconic but typically crowded Pogliano a Mare.
Lecce
Known as the Florence of the south, the historic city within the now mostly fallen old walls is a Baroque masterpiece, a living museum built with a material so unique to the area it has gained the name ‘Lecce Stone’. Its natural tones give the town a warm honey glow when the sun rises and falls on a clear day. Within the historical centre you will find many of the best things to do in the city - such as the Piazza di Duomo, the stunning Basilia di Santa Croce, and the Amphitheatre. Wander serendipitously without a plan, taking in the outstanding beauty of streets and architecture. HAVE DINNER AT ALLE DUE CORTI (res required) - a spot Bourdain once stumbled upon in a Parts Unkown episode. Base yourself here for a few days for easy access to the best beaches in Puglia.
Faraglioni di Sant'Andrea
This beach is a collection of hewn-out crevices within the limestone stacks and coastline, worn smooth by waves over time and surrounded by the most beautiful kaleidoscopic blue water. To reach the swimming / sunbathing area, you need to descend down some slippery steps carved into the stone. There are a couple of restaurants a minute or so from the bathing area and a business savvy, perma-tanned local man has set up a little stand at the top of the steps selling cold drinks etc for a very reasonable price.
Cala dell'Acquaviva
This gorgeous little cove is one of the best beaches in Puglia. Located around a six minute drive from the little seaside town of Castro, you’ll find bucketloads of la dolce vita and a beautiful setting. To reach the beach you’ll need to follow a steep but well constructed stone staircase to a large-ish flat area of stone which provides easy access to the water. Cala dell'Acquaviva has a small kiosk with seating offering cold drinks, coffee and snacks etc but no proper restaurant. If you’re spending the entire day here, we’d recommend bringing some extra to keep you going.
Il Ciolo
Considered one of the region’s best secret swimming spots. Super deep, rainbow blue waters make this an ideal spot for a bit of cliff jumping. The beach itself is rather small, this is an ideal place to take in the incredible views and take a dip. To reach the beach area you have two options: take the dusty high path that passes behind the beach and then head down (offers up wonderful views like those in the photo above), or walk down the several flights of stone stairs from the bridge. Bring what you need - snacks, water, etc.
Polignano a Mare
Polignano (pronounced pole-in-yano) is a beautiful gem of seaside town filled with little shops, wine bars, and eateries. It hosts Fondazione Pino Pascali, a small contemporary art museum, as well as a series of poems written in Italian on walls and stairs around town. To reach the beach (Cala Porto) from the centre of Polignano, you need to take a steepish set of stairs down from the bridge - they’re easily identified on the left. Cala Porto’s location in the centre of a touristic town means you have the benefit of being within a couple of minutes’ walk to an abundance of excellent restaurants which cater to all budgets, as well as several takeouts and shops. Fair warning, this is one of the most popular tourist sites in Puglia, so expect crowds year round.
Porto Marzano Beach
A little inlet that provides would-be sunbathers and water-frolickers with the best of both worlds; a protected little crescent of sandy beach edged by wave-free shallow water, and directly opposite, a rocky outcrop that is flat enough in parts to lay down a towel that sits above deep turquoise waters. The beach is completely free and public. There’s a very small cafe here but we’d recommend bringing everything you need - snacks, water, etc.
Calette di Torre Cintola
If you’re very much of the belief that a good beach day requires sand, this is not the place for you. However, for those of us that become enamored with Italian love of rocky bathing spots and crystal clear waters, Calette di Torre Cintola is a wonderful spot. Located atop the ruins of what was once a 16th-century coastal watchtower, this charming collection of calette stretch a few hundred metres with a variety of high and low, relatively smooth rocky outcrops surrounded by beautiful crystalline waters. There are a couple of beach bars located at either end of the calette but if you’re planning on spending the day here, we’d recommend coming prepared with snacks and drinks so you don’t have to abandon your spot if you get thirsty.
Porto Selvaggio
Epic rocky beach situated in the Porto Selvaggio nature preserve.