Where olive groves meet the sea: Discover Puglia

Discover Puglia

So much more than a place to visit, Puglia embodies intense emotions. Deep in the south of Italy, you’ll be met with seductive whitewashed houses, centuries-old olive groves, white cliffs giving way to crystal-clear waters and unique baroque churches steeped in history. In a place where simplicity becomes a form of luxury, you’ll immediately sense that this region is delightful, providing a sensory travel experience where traditions blend centuries of varied cultures and have created a kaleidoscope of authentic surprise.

Here, life moves at a gentler rhythm: long lunches under pergolas, fishermen returning at sunset, local artisans shaping ceramics and weaving traditions passed down through generations. From the elegant masserie hidden in the countryside to charming coastal towns overlooking the Adriatic, Puglia reveals a refined authenticity that feels increasingly rare today.

• Landscapes that tell a story – every town and village reveals its own unique identity and history
• Light takes on a new role – the dazzling beauty of whitewashed villages creates an almost cinematic atmosphere
• This is where Italy tastes authentic – from exceptional extra virgin olive oil to handmade orecchiette and fresh seafood
• Several layers of history blend into a fascinating heritage shaped by Greek, Roman, Norman and Spanish influences
• Local Baroque architecture triumphs in magnificent churches and noble palaces, especially in Lecce
• The region offers a perfect balance between sea, countryside and culture, ideal for slow yet sophisticated travel
• Authentic experiences abound: cooking classes, wine tastings, boat excursions and visits to traditional masserie
• Hospitality feels deeply personal, warm and genuine — one of Puglia’s greatest luxuries

1. Coastal dreams – From Bari to Monopoli

A journey of discovery revealing endless wonder, the Adriatic coast of southern Puglia strikes a chord for its sublime coastal cities. From Bari and its charming old town, with its rich archaeological museum, Basilica di San Nicola and thriving seafood scene, to fabulous Trani and its beautifully set cathedral, every stop feels mesmerizing.

Built on a rocky gorge shaped by a series of caves, Polignano a Mare is truly matchless. Its pearly white houses cling dramatically to the cliffs above the famous Lama Monachile beach, where turquoise waters create one of the most iconic views in Italy. Further south, Monopoli enchants with its authentic maritime atmosphere. Wander through the pretty centro storico, hear stories from local fishermen along Porto Antico, visit the cathedral and historic churches, then relax by the sea while tasting the famous panzerotto. Nearby, the seductive Grotta della Cala Tre Buchi reveals astonishingly clear waters and hidden coastal beauty.

Our Travel Tips

Visit coastal towns early in the morning or at sunset to enjoy softer light, fewer crowds and a more authentic atmosphere
Explore the coastline by private boat to discover hidden caves, secluded swimming spots and dramatic cliff views inaccessible by land
Don’t rush the experience — southern Puglia is best enjoyed slowly, with long seaside lunches, aperitivi at sunset and time to wander through quiet alleys and local markets
Stay at Tenuta Legaro Boutique Hotel

2. The road to light – Puglia to Ostuni

Away from the coast, Puglia reveals a maze of spectacular landscapes and an inner charm that feels deeply authentic. The vast Murgia limestone plateau, carved by ravines and caves, offers a striking scenery where rugged nature meets centuries of rural traditions. Dry stone walls, vineyards, rolling hills and winding country lanes lead to enchanting villages such as UNESCO-listed Alberobello, elegant Locorotondo and whitewashed Cisternino.

And then there is Ostuni — the legendary White City. Whether enjoying people-watching in Piazza della Libertà, discovering the impressive 15th-century Gothic cathedral, Palazzo del Seminario and Palazzo Vescovile, or simply wandering through its labyrinth of glowing white alleys, Ostuni leaves an unforgettable impression. Beyond the town, explore beautiful beaches such as Spiaggia delle Dune, Lido Morelli and the wild beauty of Torre Guaceto Nature Reserve, where hidden coves and sandy shores disappear into Mediterranean vegetation.

Our Travel Tips

Explore the countryside by e-bike or vintage Fiat 500 for a slower, more immersive experience through olive groves and hilltop villages
Plan dinner in a traditional masseria near Ostuni to experience authentic Puglian cuisine under the stars
Visit Ostuni in the late afternoon and stay into the evening — the white stone glows beautifully at sunset and the atmosphere becomes magical after dark

3. Postcards from a dream: Salento and its hidden beauties

Remote and lush, Salento feels like a world of its own. Vast ochre-colored fields give way to endless olive groves stretching as far as the eye can see, while the coastline unfolds between the Adriatic and Ionian seas with a collection of beautiful seaside towns, hidden coves and charming hilltop villages.

The authentic soul of the region is deeply felt here, through its abundance of baroque churches, medieval architecture and peaceful rhythm of life where every moment is savored slowly. Discover Scorrano and its charming old town, with the 15th-century fortified gate and the 14th-century Palazzo Ducale Guarini. Visit in July to experience the extraordinary Luminarie Festival dedicated to Santa Domenica, when spectacular illuminations transform the town into a magical sea of colored lights.

Further south, Castrignano del Capo enchants with whitewashed houses and a fascinating maze of narrow streets in Capo Terra, the medieval heart of the village. Palazzo Fersini and Palazzo Muzi add to the timeless atmosphere, while the dramatic coastline known as Finis Terrae reveals wild cliffs plunging spectacularly into crystal-clear waters.

Travel Tips

Explore Salento by vintage car with no fixed schedule — some of the most beautiful moments happen in tiny villages, hidden beaches and spontaneous roadside stops
Stay in a traditional masseria surrounded by olive groves to fully experience the relaxed and authentic lifestyle of the region
Alternate both coasts during your trip: the Adriatic side offers dramatic cliffs and turquoise waters, while the Ionian coast is famous for long sandy beaches and unforgettable sunsets
Stay at Relais Histò Hoptel & SPA

4. The road to Taranto

Touring Salento means discovering not only its spectacular coastline, but also picturesque inland towns rich in history and authenticity. Felline, inhabited since the 3rd century AD, charms visitors with its 12th-century castle, medieval walls and peaceful atmosphere. Visit the 16th-century Mother Church with its marble altar and Flemish paintings, or admire the Byzantine-style frescoes inside the 11th-century Abbey Church of Madonna dall’Alto.

A few kilometres from the famous Pescoluse Beach, Morciano di Leuca dates back to the 10th century and features beautiful baroque churches along with its fascinating network of underground olive presses, the frantoi ipogei, testifying to the region’s centuries-old olive oil tradition.

The journey then leads to Taranto, uniquely positioned between two seas and filled with Mediterranean allure. Home to one of Italy’s finest Magna Graecia archaeological museums, the city reflects a rich maritime history shaped by centuries of civilizations. Ancient ruins, lively seafront promenades, authentic seafood cuisine and a vibrant local spirit make Taranto one of Puglia’s most fascinating hidden discoveries.

Travel Tips

Stop at small local olive oil producers along the route for private tastings and to discover the tradition behind Salento’s exceptional extra virgin olive oil
Visit Taranto with a local guide to fully appreciate its layered Greek, Roman and maritime history, often overlooked by international travelers
Plan lunch in a traditional seaside trattoria to taste fresh sea urchins, octopus and other local seafood specialties directly connected to the city’s fishing culture
Don’t miss the dolphin excursion in the Gulf of Taranto — early morning tours often offer the best sea conditions and the highest chance to spot dolphins close to the boat

5. Food of the Gods: Puglia olive oil

Supplying around 50% of Italy’s production, the DOP (Protected designation of origin) extra virgin olive oil produced in this region has become a source of pride and joy. Its perfectly balanced fruity, slightly peppery taste is the outcome of a very careful production method, combined with the richness of a fertile soil: olives are mostly hand-picked and cold pressed, preserving its low acidity and richness in polyphenols, known to be slow ageing. The scenic Piana degli Ulivi, between Monopoli, Ostuni and Fasano, is where you’ll find the majority of this production, the sun-soaked area providing the best backdrop.

Learn to enjoy this Italian delicacy with a dedicated tasting session and tour the oil mills where it is produced. Better still, join a cookery course to see how best to pair olive oil with food, or take up a cycling tour, going via precious olive trees that are protected as national treasures. Could an experience be more authentic?

Travel Tips

Plan olive oil tastings during harvest season in autumn to experience the mills in full activity and taste freshly pressed “olio nuovo”
Combine visits to olive groves with a lunch in a nearby masseria for a complete farm-to-table experience
Bring home olive oil directly from small producers — many family-owned estates offer exceptional limited productions rarely exported abroad

6. Grottaglie and the Art of Ceramics

The art of ceramics has been part of daily life for centuries. Known as the “city of ceramics,” Grottaglie captivates visitors with its labyrinth of whitewashed alleys, artisan workshops and colorful creations that fill the town with creativity and authenticity.

The famous Quartiere delle Ceramiche is the soul of the city — an atmospheric district built around ancient caves once used as workshops and kilns. Here, generations of artisans continue to handcraft unique pieces inspired by Puglian traditions, Mediterranean colors and contemporary design. From decorative plates and vases to refined tableware and artistic sculptures, every object tells a story deeply connected to the culture of southern Italy.

Walking through Grottaglie feels like entering an open-air atelier where craftsmanship is still alive and genuinely personal. Visitors can meet local ceramic masters, observe traditional techniques passed down through generations and even create their own piece during private workshops. Beyond ceramics, the town also offers beautiful churches, elegant baroque details and a relaxed local atmosphere far from mass tourism — making it one of Puglia’s most authentic cultural discoveries.

Travel Tips

Visit artisan workshops in the morning when many ceramic masters are actively working and happy to explain their techniques
Join a hands-on ceramic class to create your own handmade souvenir, a far more meaningful memory than a traditional purchase
Combine Grottaglie with nearby wineries or masserie for a perfect day blending art, gastronomy and countryside experiences in the Taranto region