Guide to Puglia: Italy's Hidden Gem

Advisor - Wendy Wallace
Curated By

Wendy Wallace

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  • Italy

  • Puglia

  • Arts & Culture

  • Food & Wine

  • Local Food

  • Sightseeing

  • Outdoors

Polignano a Mare is a charming seaside gem in Italy, found in Bari, Puglia's capital.
Curator’s statement

Nestled in the heel of Italy's boot, Puglia feels like what one might expect of Italy. You will find grandmas making homemade pasta in Bari, old men sitting for hours in the piazza, fisherman by the sea, delicious food, warm sun and friendly people. Here, the rhythm of life slows after lunch and you are forced to slow down and enjoy life.

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Where to stay in Puglia, Italy

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Borgo Egnazia

Experience luxury and tranquility at Borgo Egnazia, where elegant accommodations, a picturesque village setting and world-class amenities create an extraordinary stay in Puglia, Italy.

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    $100 food / beverage credit.

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    Breakfast daily.

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Masseria Torre Maizza

Chic Rocco Forte resort made for alfresco farm-to-table dining and cocktails with Adriatic views.

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    $100 food / beverage credit.

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    Breakfast daily.

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La Fiermontina

An enchanting boutique hotel tucked in the heart of Lecce, Italy, exuding timeless elegance with its unique mix of Baroque architecture and contemporary design.

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Things to do in Puglia, Italy

Blue Water

-Bike through the ancient olive groves on ebikes

-Explore the sea caves of Polignano a Mare by boat

-Drive through the original Appian way in a vintage car

-Take a tour in Alberobello to hear about the interesting story of the Trulli houses

-Learn how to make homemade pasta and burrata

-Have sunset aperitivo on a long table amongst the rows of grapes waiting for the harvest.

-Street food tour in Bari is a must

-Visit the charming hilltop town of Ostuni and enjoy panoramic views or the olive groves.

-Visit Salento for the best beaches

-Try to find a town that is celebrating Saints Day and join in the festivities

-Check out the Purgatory church in Monopoli

Places to eat & drink in Puglia, Italy

A close shot of focaccia covered in tomatoes.

-Bella 'Mbriana in Polignano a Mare - delicious fig and prosciutto pizza

-Aperitivo at the Massera Montenapoleone for a lively time

-Dinner in Cisternino, where you pick you order you dinner from the butcher

-Casa San Giacomo for dinner with a view in Ostuni

-Ricciolandia, a Forcella for seaside seafood in Fasano

-Caffe Alvino for the special caffe Leccese in Lecce

-Trattoria Le Zie for traditional homestyle food in Lecce

-Martinucci for an afternoon pastry and coffee pick-me-up in Bari

Need to Know

For more travel tips, check out Fora Advisor David Rosenberg's guide, Slowing Down in Puglia, Italy.

Advisor - Wendy Wallace

Travel Advisor

Wendy Wallace

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This guide is part of our ongoing series on travel to Puglia.