August 16, 2024 • Travel Guide
Puglia is so hot right now, and it's no surprise, because it's magical. Italy’s heel is filled with olive oil farms, charming cliffside Baroque towns, turquoise waters, hidden grottos, and some of the best seafood you’ll ever have. The pace here is much slower and less crowded than some of other popular Italian destinations (at least for now!) – The best way to experience Puglia is on a road trip, whether that's self-driven or via private transfers (I'm a passenger princess for life!). It’s about a 3 hour drive from Bari (where you’ll likely fly into) to the most Southern tip of Puglia, Santa Maria de Leuca. Both the north + south are worth visiting, so I recommend spending at least 3 nights in each to properly experience it all. Plus, although not technically in Puglia, you cannot miss Matera which is only about an hour from Bari in Basilicata. Matera is one of the oldest towns in the world, has been continuously lived in since 8BC, and is carved straight into rock.
Day 1 - Arrive in Bari
After a connecting flight in Rome (or another major European city) you’ll land in Bari in northern Puglia. Rent a car/get picked up and head to your hotel (chalked full of partnership perks, courtesy of working with JET, of course!) Regardless of what time you arrive, I always recommend taking it easy on the first day so you can settle in and get on local time! Schedule a massage, lounge by the pool, and eat some impossibly fresh, local food grown on property. If you are up for it, drive to Ostuni for a walk through La Citta Blanco + an aperitivo overlooking the town at Bellavista Pizzeria Bistro, but more on day trips later...
Day 2 - Polignano a Mare
This seaside town on the cliff is a must see! Spend the morning checking out the beach, enjoy a seafood lunch (head to Pucceria Number One and grab a Pulpo Pucce with everything) + Italian white wine, and wander the charming streets full of charming shops and local art.
Day 3 - Alberobello
Alberobello is known for the Trulli – iconic cone-shaped limestone dwellings with whitewashed walls and conical roofs! The design of the Trulli reflects the agricultural and pastoral traditions of the region, with thick stone walls providing insulation against the heat of the summer and the cold of the winter. The centro storico has a proper Trulli zone where you can wander and see these really cute homes.
As Alberobello is now famous for its Trulli, it's protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Today, many of these historic structures have been converted into shops, restaurants, and accommodations, attracting tourists from around the world who come to marvel at their unique architecture and learn about their beguiling beginnings.
Days 4 & 5 - Lecce
Don't sleep on Lecce! Known as The Florence of the South, visitors are mesmerized by the distinctive golden-hue limestone architecture and ornate churches, notably the Basilica di Santa Croce that stands proudly in the city center. Stay in one of La Fiermontina Family Collection unique, boutique hotels.
At sunset, the city itself becomes aglow, making for one hell of a golden hour. Lecce is a fascinating stroll with its labyrinth of historic streets that unlock the city. Don't miss vibrant markets and the local delicacy, pasticciotto! Served warm, these custard-filled pastries are an excellent accompaniment to a morning espresso!
Dreamy Day Trips:
Ostuni – Otherworldly city perched atop a hill that is painted completely white.
Salento – Stunning coastal region featuring a scenic drive, taking in clifftops and an iconic lighthouse.
Day 6 - Beach Day
Some of the most beautiful beaches in Puglia are located in Salento so grab your suit and sunscreen! Start with checking out the Il Ciolo in Gagliano del Capo. It’s a gorgeous canyon that flows into the emerald sea. The beach is quite rocky, as is common with Italian coastlines, so I recommend water shoes for this one! (Especially if you want to climb to the top of the rock and jump in.) Next, head to Marina Serra and check out the natural pool – Piscine Naturale – which is the best spot for a swim. For lunch, head to Lo Scalo in Marina di Novaglie for delicious seafood and another delightful view.
Day 7 - Boat Day
Head down to Santa Maria de Leuca for a private boat ride – This is the best way to truly experience all the grottos! You can either spend the afternoon on the boat or just do a sunset cruise. Either way, the skipper will show you all the different grottos on Leuca which you can swim into. The water is impossibly clear! The boat ride will last about 3 hours, so if you’re up for some more beach lounging before your aquatic adventure, head to Lido Venere or Lido Marinelli, 2 beach clubs where you can rent chairs + umbrellas... and of course, eat some really tasty seafood.
Day 8 - Make Your Way to Matera
The drive from Salento to Matera is about 3 hours and you can stop in Locotrondo on the way. You’ll arrive in Matera in the late afternoon, and I highly recommend staying in a cave hotel. I mean, how often do you have the chance to stay in a cave? I'd say, when in Rome, but we might get tangled in that idiom since we're talking about another Italian city.
Anyways, Matera is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a history that spans thousands of years. The area around Matera has been inhabited since the Paleolithic era, with evidence of cave dwellings dating back over 10,000 years. These dwellings, known as Sassi, were carved into the soft limestone cliffs of the region and served as homes for the local population.
In the late 20th century, efforts to revitalize Matera began. The city's unique and historic architecture attracted attention, and in 1993, Matera's Sassi were designated a UNESCO World Heritage site! Since then, Matera has undergone a remarkable transformation, with many of the Sassi now restored and repurposed as hotels, restaurants, museums, and galleries. Today, Matera is known for its stunning ancient architecture, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene.
Day 9 - Explore Matera
The best way to start your exploration of Matera is with a tuk-tuk tour! Your driver will take you all around the Sassi or the old town of Matera and give you an introduction to the history of the town. The Sassi has a ton of stairs and rocky inclines, so traversing this way can save time and energy. After your ride through the Sassi, meander through the rock church and visit the Casa Grotta nei Sassi di’ Matera nearby. The museum features a recreated cave home and shows you diagrams + videos of how people used to live. It’s fascinating to see... and makes you grateful for modern luxuries! For lunch, head to Trattoria del Caveoso for a glass of native Aglianico and cavatelli.
After lunch, spend some more time getting wonderfully lost in the Sassi. Honestly, the best way to see Matera is to simply wander as you never really know what view you’ll stumble onto. If you have time, end the afternoon with a massage and visit the cave baths. I recommend making an appointment at the Sextiano! Afterwards, head to Regiacorte for aperitivo and yet another breathtaking view! For dinner, you can't miss Baccanti, a Michelin-star restaurant, you guessed it, in a cave. The dishes are inventive and flavorful! Get one of everything and share.
Day 10: Arrivederci!
Get up early (it's your last day, after all!) to hike the Belvedere Murgia Timone in the Murgia Materana Park trail. It's steep on the way down, so wear comfortable shoes with a grip. You’ll hike down, cross a hanging bridge, and then trek back up to the caves. Grab a well-earned lunch (+ a spritz!) and head back to Bari for your connecting flight!
La Fiermontina Family Collection
Lecce, Italy
Larache, Morocco
Paris, France
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