Puglia
Sun, Spritzes & Seaside Towns
Puglia completely stole my heart - charming whitewashed towns, crystal-clear water, incredible food, and some of the most beautiful coastline I've ever seen. Days were spent wandering through coastal villages, eating endless pasta and gelato, and soaking up the slower pace of southern Italy.
A Week in Southern Italy
I came to Puglia for a wedding (surprise, surprise), but I'm never one to pass up a Euro summer! Even though most of the week revolved around wedding festivities, there was still plenty of time to experience everything that makes this region so special.
The first half of the trip was spent in Polignano a Mare, and it quickly became one of my favorite towns in Italy. Most days were wonderfully simple - wandering into whatever restaurant looked good, grabbing gelato, and heading to the beach or a beach club for the afternoon. One of my favorite excursions was a boat tour along the coastline, where we explored the sea caves hidden beneath the dramatic cliffs. It gave such a different perspective of the town and was definitely worth adding to the itinerary!
Beach Clubs & La Dolce Vita
One of my favorite parts of Puglia was embracing the slower pace. Beach clubs became my go-to during the day, with plenty of time to read, order fresh seafood, sip on a mocktail, and soak up the Adriatic sunshine. Some of my favorite meals weren't planned at all - they were simply restaurants I stumbled upon while wandering through town, which is honestly one of my favorite ways to travel.
The one reservation I made ahead of time was Grotta Palazzese, and it absolutely lives up to the hype. Built inside a natural cave overlooking the sea, it's one of the most iconic restaurants in Italy. It's definitely a splurge, but the setting alone makes it a truly unforgettable dining experience.
Wedding Weekend at Masseria Salamina
For the second half of the week, I checked into Masseria Salamina, a historic masseria that's been beautifully restored into a boutique hotel. Surrounded by olive trees and just a short drive from the coast, it was peaceful, charming, and everything I pictured when I imagined the Italian countryside.
The entire property felt incredibly peaceful, and the staff made everyone feel right at home. Between the incredible food, beautiful grounds, and unforgettable wedding celebrations, it was the perfect place to wrap up the trip. Puglia completely exceeded my expectations, and it's a destination I'd recommend to anyone looking for beautiful beaches, charming towns, incredible food, and a more relaxed side of Italy!
Here’s What to Know Before You Go
Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
Late Spring (May–June): Warm weather, fewer crowds, and perfect beach days before peak summer.
Summer (July–August): Hot, lively, and ideal for beach clubs, swimming, and long evenings by the sea. Expect larger crowds.
Early Fall (September–October): Still warm enough for the beach, with fewer tourists and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Rent a Car: Public transportation is limited, and having a car makes it much easier to explore the different towns, beaches, and hidden coves along the coast.
Choose One Home Base: Puglia is larger than it looks. Staying in one central town like Polignano a Mare, Monopoli, or Ostuni makes day trips easy without constantly changing hotels.
Book Beach Clubs in Advance: Beach clubs fill up quickly.
Packing Essentials: Bring comfortable sandals or sneakers for the cobblestone streets,.
Accommodations
Masseria Salamina - I stayed here for a wedding, and it was one of the highlights of the trip. This beautifully restored masseria (a traditional Puglian farmhouse) is surrounded by olive groves and offers an authentic countryside experience.
Where I'd Recommend Staying:
Polignano a Mare - Best if you want to be close to beaches, restaurants, and nightlife.
Monopoli - A little more laid-back with a charming old town and beautiful waterfront.
Ostuni - Great if you want the iconic whitewashed town experience with easy access to both the coast and countryside.
Top Things to Do in Puglia
Explore Polignano a Mare - Wander the whitewashed streets, browse local shops, and take in the famous cliffside views.
Boat Tour - One of my favorite experiences! Cruise along the coastline and explore the sea caves tucked beneath Polignano a Mare's dramatic cliffs.
Relax at a Beach Club - Spend the day swimming, reading, ordering lunch, and soaking up the slower pace of southern Italy.
Visit Alberobello - Home to the iconic trulli houses, Alberobello is one of the most unique towns in Italy and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Lama Monachile - Puglia's famous pebble beach sits between towering limestone cliffs and is one of the region's most recognizable viewpoints.
Visit Monopoli - Wander the charming old town, stroll the harbor, and enjoy fresh seafood along the waterfront.
Visit Ostuni - Known as the "White City," Ostuni is famous for its winding whitewashed streets, scenic viewpoints, and charming piazzas.
Restaurants & Food Picks
Puglia is known for its fresh, simple coastal cuisine. Local favorites include handmade orecchiette pasta (the region's signature "little ear" pasta that's traditionally shaped by hand), fresh seafood, creamy burrata, focaccia Barese, octopus, and some of the best olive oil in Italy. One of my favorite parts of the trip was wandering into local restaurants - you really can't go wrong here!
Grotta Palazzese (Polignano a Mare) - One of Italy's most iconic restaurants, built inside a natural sea cave overlooking the Adriatic. Come for the unforgettable setting as much as the food.
