9 October 2023
Puglia is one of the most beautiful regions of Italy with many olive trees in the landscape, beaches that are compared to those in the Maldives and photogenic villages. Of course, there are also many beautiful holiday homes and hotels to visit for people who love design, as well as nice restaurants and cool shops.
Here are my favorites, plus a few extra ones that I didn’t have time for, but would have loved to go to. Godere!
SEE
Acquaviva. I really loved this small bay with a cool beach bar on top of the hill.
Polignano a Mare is a must for the most famous bay and village in the area. It can be quite touristy though.
The Maldives look-a-like beaches are situated near Gallipoli. I’ve been to Punta della Suina, but there’s also Lido Pizzo a bit further up.
If you want to see the trulli’s you have to go to Alberobello.
Monopoli is a beautiful sea side town.
Cala Port Alga is another small bay.
Matera was European Capital of Culture in 2019 and worth visiting.
EAT
Taverna del Porto is a fantastic sea food restaurant in Tricase.
In the same beach side village as Taverna del Porto you’ll find Mename Bar, a laidback cafe, near a small beach.
Anam Terrace is a laidback beach club at Acquaviva.
Ostuni is a wonderful village on top of the hill with a wonderful terrace called Borgo Antico Bistrot. Also nice to visit are DISH restaurant.
Too far for me but very high on the list is Al Trabucco da Mimi, coolest beach bar in Puglia I think.
Only open at night: Lazzaro & Catarina in Gallipoli. Plus Blanc is also worth checking out. When you’re in Gallipoli don’t forget to exit the maze of small streets and see the beach.
Il Cucco is a restaurant and wine bar in Cisternino. I’ve not been there, but I think it can be worth checking out.
Picci Bar seems like a good bar for a glass of wine in Carovigno.
Cala Maka is a beach club near Fasano.
Bagno Marino Archi is a famous beach club.
SHOP
Galleria Valencienne (fashion) and La Mercanteria (vintage) in Ostuni.
Go to Grottaglie for Puglia’s famous ceramics. I’ve pinned down Ceramiche Enza Fasano and Giorgio di Palma.
And Tulsi Shop. The owner has several locations in Puglia and you’ll love her Mediteranean style.
STAY
Casanguilla is a minimalist holiday home surrounded by olive trees. Be warned: you don’t want to check out here!
Masseria Moroseta is a dream hotel with only 6 rooms. They also organize food workshops and yoga retreats. Also check out the holiday homes belonging to the Moroseta group.
Palazzo Nianu is a former palazzo that sleeps 6. A lovely experience if you want to stay in a local village and have an amazing view over the church.
Tenuta Negroamaro is a small hotel with a pool and a restaurant near Gallipoli.
Palazzo Daniele is a chic place to stay in the Southern tip of the region.
Casa Soleto is another beautiful house designed by Andrew Trotter.
Borgo Gallana has three independent houses carefully designed by Studio Andrew Trotter.
(All images mine, except Palazzo Daniele, Serena Eller and Renee Kemps, and Casa Soleto, Salva López)
Str. Vicinale Montilli, 48, 70015 Noci BA, Italy
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