After landing into Brindisi, an easy drive to took me to Otranto, a southern gem on the Adriatic coast boasting crystal clear waters, swimming spots, a rich history and delicious seafood. 

The next stop on my adventure was Lecce (pronounced letch-eh), one of the largest cities in the region and arguably my favourite! Affectionately referred to as the Florence of the South, grand piazzas, Roman ruins, and ancient architecture will dazzle you on every corner. The city thrives on its tradition with olive oil, wine and ceramic making keeping the artisan spirit alive. 

One sunny afternoon I opted for a quick 45-minute train to Gallipoli on the Ionian coast. The historical centre, still surrounded by its old, fortified walls, oozes charm and some of Puglia’s most popular beaches and beach clubs line the sea just outside of the perimeter.  

Sad to leave Lecce behind but itching to see more of what Puglia had to offer, I continued north to Ostuni. Perched upon a hill and boasting endless views of the olive groves of the Itria Valley, Ostuni is known as the ‘White City’ due to its tumble of white-washed buildings. I could spend days getting lost in its romantic lanes and indulging in the Apulian wine. 

The next stop was certainly the one I was most excited about - Matera sits in the Basilicata region and is the third oldest city in the world! I spent a brilliant day exploring the caves and churches of the two Sassi (neighbourhoods) with sweeping views to the opposing quarry.  

Heading back into the Puglia region, a stop in Alberobello en route to my final destination was a must! A UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for it’s ‘trulli houses’, distinctive homes with conical roofs, I felt like I was in a fairy tale! After exploring the narrow, steep lanes of these darling little homes, I opted for an al fresco lunch in the sunshine whilst enjoying some live music and the gorgeous scenery. 

Last but by certainly no means least, I arrived into the enchanting town of Polignano a Mare for sunset. Limestone cliffs, a gorgeous pebble beach that cuts through the middle of them and an array of intricate caves underneath the town, this was the perfect spot to enjoy a creamy gelato and relax on a boat tour after a busy couple of weeks! I enjoyed a dip in the calm sea and took an easy 15-minute train to neighbouring Monopoli to explore its fascinating old town. 

A quick 30-minute drive and it was time drop my car off at Bari airport and travel home after a fantastic journey exploring the diverse scenery of Italy’s best kept secret!

Puglia, the heel of Italy’s boot, combines everything I love about Italy. There are quaint medieval villages, baroque architecture, miles of olive trees, warm turquoise sea and phenomenal food and wine. I visited in early October and the weather was just beautiful, sunny days around the high-20’s and a lovely evening temperature to sit and enjoy an Aperol Spritz in a charming piazza at sunset.

Matera was simply one of the most magical places I’ve ever visited! Carved into a mountainside and once a place of extreme poverty and poor living conditions, people lived in caves with the noble looking down on them. A mass evacuation in the 1950's saw a big turnaround and after the 2021 James Bond film (No Time to Die) was filmed there, tourism has been on the up. A walking tour with an expert guide is a must to get the full experience.

Stay in a Masseria for a taste of how the locals used to live.  A Masseria is a converted farmhouse typically dating back to the 16th Century and set on a large section of land a short distance from town. Native to Puglia, they offer peace due to the slightly rural location and the small number of rooms. Many Masseria’s are of a very luxurious standard with beautiful swimming pools, homegrown authentic food, and elegant furnishings.

For more inspiration, take a look at our Puglia & Matera Holidays pages.