Matera

I’d been wanting to explore this part of Italy for some time — and I think my excitement blinded me to the fact that it might be a little too hot to be kicking this trip off in Matera. In any case, we made it, and it was magical… Once the sun set and in the very early morning, mind you, but magical nonetheless. Here’s the breakdown of our four nights in the Puglia region.

My husband and I got married in Tuscany this September, so Puglia was the perfect honeymoon destination for us. It’s been on my bucket list for a while now as I’ve visited most of the popular destinations in Italy but had never ventured down to Puglia. You really need at least a full week to fully explore Puglia and at least 10 days if you plan to also see Matera like we did. Puglia is a southern region in Italy, forming the heel of the “boot.” It is known for beautiful Mediterranean coasts, whitewashed towns, ancient farmlands and production of olive oil, wine and mozzarella.

It’s definitely a different vibe than Amalfi coast- Puglia is far less crowded, but more spread out. I love researching destinations and planning trips, and spent almost eight months working on this one! September was a perfect time of year to visit as there were less crowds, but it was still warm enough to swim! If you want to see all the bougainvillea in bloom though you have to visit in May or June.

Matera, Italy… breathtaking. I am always on the hunt for hidden gems in every city I visit, but never did I expect to find an entire city I’d consider one. No photo can fully capture the essence of Matera—it is a place that has to be felt. There’s a quiet sophistication here, a kind of beauty that is both ancient and enduring. From its deeply rooted history to its well-earned designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Matera feels like stepping back in time. It’s no surprise that The Passion of the Christ was filmed here—the city truly evokes the biblical era. Matera is the only place I’ve visited that has left me genuinely speechless. The beauty, the history, the culture, the food, the wine, the architecture—it’s all unforgettable. When I booked a full week in Matera, I worried it might be too long. Oh, how wrong I was. From hiking across the caves of the Murgia plateau to discovering cozy mom-and-pop trattorias, from quiet mornings sipping coffee to golden-hour views outside my hotel—I found myself daydreaming about a vacation home here.