EXPLORE PUGLIA
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What to Know
Puglia (pronounced poo·lee·uh) is a southern region in Italy located in the "heel of the boot". We first went to Puglia in May 2023 and fell in love with it. Puglia is the best of all worlds: unique architecture, historical old towns, millions of olive trees, delicious food, and spritz galore!
Transportation:
If you are planning to extend your trip to explore Puglia prior to or post wedding, we highly suggest renting a car!
There are hundreds of miles of coastline - it's accessible and it's drive-able. Many towns are in close proximity making it easy to take day trips to certain areas.
Highlights of Puglia:
- "Luminarie" lights -- you'll see these at night in piazza
- Olive oil -- one of the largest producers in the world
- Taralli -- yummy circular snacks
- Whistles -- commonly gifted for celebrations
- Trulli cones -- a beautiful Smurf-esk town
- Orecchiette -- pasta shaped like ear, good with sauce
- Burrata -- one of the tastiest and creamiest fresh types of cheese
- White cities -- famous for whitewashed buildings
- Cave systems -- beautiful and throughout Puglia
- Primitivo -- dark fully body red wine only in Puglia
Unique
Experiences
We recommend either Puglia Classics (starting at $50/pp) or Indigenous Experiences (starting at $100/pp) to setup local tours or experiences.
- Explore Borgo Egnazia - multiple restaurants (1 is Michelin star), golfing, beach club, 2 pools, spa, walking paths, and biking available.
- Picturesque cave restaurant - get a light dinner at Grotta Palazzese Ristorante in Polignano a Mare (view is 10/10 , food is 7/10).
- Picnic in Alberobello - seeing not only the famous trulli structures, but dabbling in local cuisine from local family amplifies your visit.
- Olive oil tasting - will blow your mind and make you question the olive oil you've eaten to date -- unique and you'll learn a lot!
- Afternoon spritz - go to Borgo Antico Bistrot in Ostuni -- the views are amazing and the trek there is even better!
- Classic in the countryside - take a vintage car through the countryside, it's like in a movie -- ask the concierge to set it up.
- Cooking class - learn how to make Puglian staples like orecchiette or focaccia. Pair it with some wine for an even better experience!
What to See
Borgo Egnazia
The hotel we're hosting the wedding at, may we dare say, is one of the prettiest hotels in the Mediterranean. The plants and vines have grown, the tufu limestone has mellowed, the staff have bedded in, and the feel that this is a genuine Puglian village that has been sealed. It's just dreamy. At night, rosemary, jasmine, and lemon scents the air and a galaxy of lanterns light the way to the bar.
Ostuni
Ostuni, the 'White City', enchants wanderers with its location atop three hills on Murgia's southern slopes. Known for sweeping views of olive groves and the shimmering Adriatic Sea, this Salento Peninsula gem is perfect for strolling through its alleys, savouring local cuisine, and exploring its countryside. Relax at Borgo Antico with an Aperol spritz and take in the scenery. As a major contributor to Italy's olive oil production, a tasting in Ostuni promises a memorable experience.
Alberobello
A 30-minute journey from Borgo Egnazia leads to Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage town known for its trulli—iconic, small, conical-roofed houses. This fairytale-like village, teeming with thousands of trulli, captivates visitors. To avoid crowds, visit early or partake in a guided walking tour with a picnic to learn about the town's history, the unique trulli construction, and to savor Puglian delicacies.
Polignano a Mare
Just 20 mins from Borgo Egnazia, Polignano a Mare mesmerizes with its cliff-hugging locale, peppered with caves and sea-facing crags. For a gastronomic wonder, visit Grotta Palazzese - an enchanting restaurant inside a cave. Spend time at Cala Porta beach, or enjoy a stroll or tuk-tuk ride along the scenic lungomare
Matera
Matera, an Italian gem tucked in Italy's boot arch, stuns with its UNESCO-recognized ancient neighborhoods, the Sassi—limestone grottoes perched on a ravine edge. This city offers an unparalleled experience; from sleeping, dining, enjoying an aperitivo, to viewing modern sculptures—all within caves. For hikers, the Belvedere Murgia Timone and Parco delle Murgie treks provide captivating vistas.
Locorotondo
Nestled atop a hill in Valle d’Istria, Locorotondo, one of Italy's most beautiful villages, enchants with stunning panoramas from its centro storico. Renowned for its white wine, take a leisurely break at a local café or at Paví Wine Restaurant, a local favorite. Unwind and explore the town's many churches, including Chiesa Madre di San Giorgio, Chiesa San Rocco, and the Romanesque Chiesa della Madonna della Greca.
Monopoli
A coastal town full of boutiques and shops with a sea front promenade. The small town is located 45 minutes southeast of Bari and is known for aesthetically pleasing whitewashed houses that contrast perfectly with the turquoise waters that crash along the coast.
Castella Caves
The “Caves of Castellana”, a vast underground system of karst caves, located approx. 1,5km outside the town of Castellana Grotte, is an important tourist attraction and generally defined as one of the most beautiful and spectacular cave systems in Italy. The caves extend for 3.348 meters total and reach a maximum depth of 122m below street level. Inside the cave system the temperature stays constantly around 16,5°C. So should you decide to visit them dress accordingly.