Puglia: 5 Reasons to head to the heel of Italy

Scenes while driving through Puglia

“Head to Puglia” that was the advice I gave my friend from the US who was planning a culinary vacation in Italy. If you are looking for an authentic and off-the-beaten path experience, you can’t go wrong with by going to the region that’s at the heel of Italy’s boot.

Here are 5 reasons to make your way down to Puglia.

1. Puglia is a food-lover’s paradise

Home to orecchiette, burrata, taralli, olive oil, the divine pasticciotto – just to name a few – Puglia is a gastronomic paradise. On top of that, it boasts:  “Beaches! Ruins! Friendly locals! Award-winning wines!”

Divine Pasticciotto – What I would do to have one right now!

Last year when we were in Puglia, we spent most of our time exploring the smaller, “picturesque towns with lofty, centuries-old (but refreshingly uncrowded) narrow streets” but also dropped in to visit Alberobello, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site where you’ll find the highest concentration of trulli.

Alberobello – A UNESCO World Heritage Site

2. Off-the-beaten-path

We flew into Bari from Rome, rented a car and spent the first few days exploring Itria Valley, famed for the trulli – unique homes with cone-shaped roofs. Our first stop was to our bed and breakfast, Terra e Mare, run by a lovely couple, just outside the town of Cisternino.

Terra e Mare bed and breakfast near Cisternino

We stayed in a trullo, of course, and situated in the countryside, we cherished the incredibly serene and tranquil setting. If you are looking for a place to get away from it away, then look no further than this B&B.

Cisternino – One of the most beautiful villages in Italy

The towns of Cisternino and Locorotondo, which are about 10km (6 miles) apart, have both been named as the most beautiful villages in Italy.

3. Charming towns

Other places we visited included the white-washed town of Ostuni, the elegant Martina Franca, the quiet and humble town of Ceglie Messapica, and splendid Lecce, which is also known as the “Florence of the South”.

Lecce also known as the “Florence of the south”

Then as we made our way to Basilicata, we stopped to visit the city of Altamura, renowned for the best bread in Italy which forced McDonald’s out of business.

Street of Altamura

On the last leg of our trip in Puglia we headed north of Bari to the lovely seaside town of Trani, with its imposing Cathedral, and then to Castel del Monte in Andria, an octagonal structure with eight octagonal towers that’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Castel del Monte – Another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Puglia

4. Beaches 

I was seduced by the region and was hoping to come back this summer to visit the Salento region. I had read about the beach Pescoluse, also called the Maldives of Salento – you get the image – and I was looking forward to spending time beach hopping around Salento! That didn’t happen as we found ourselves with family in Positano (not complaining at all) but another friend based in Bologna escaped to this summer paradise.

Bay of Porto Selvaggio

5. Authentic Culinary Experience

And if you are wondering about my friend from the US…yes, she made her way down to Puglia despite constantly being asked by friends and family “Where on earth are you going?”. Traveling solo she took the train from Rome to Lecce and had a fabulous time with the lovely Ylenia, (also a friend of mine) who organizes tailor-made activities for visitors to Puglia.

Cooking with local mums in Puglia

Based in Lecce my friend spent time cooking with local mums in a masseria, participated in olive oil and wine tastings, and observed how mozzarella and burrata are made. Hearing her stories, I wished I had joined her too!

Have you been to Puglia? Which were your favorite towns and things to do in Puglia?