If you're looking for a destination that offers stunning landscapes, charming towns, and delicious food, then look no further than Puglia, Italy. This southern region of Italy is a true hidden gem, with picturesque countryside dotted with olive groves, vineyards, and historic towns that are waiting to be explored.
Our nine-day road trip through Puglia was an adventure that we will never forget. From the bustling city of Bari to the stunning coastal town of Polignano a Mare, every moment was filled with new discoveries and unforgettable experiences.
(Our journey started with a flight into Rome, and from there, we took a four-hour train ride to Bari, the capital of Puglia. Since we only had nine days for our road trip, we decided to spend only a few hours in Bari before heading straight to Matera, our first stop.)
DAY ONE: ARRIVAL IN BARI THEN TO MATERA
We arrived in Bari, the capital of Puglia, after a short flight from Rome. After picking up our rental car from this Avis it was only a ten minute walk from the Bari train station:
DAY ONE & TWO: MATERA
Matera is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its ancient cave dwellings known as "sassi". Walking through the narrow streets and alleys of the old town felt like a journey back in time.
We stayed at the Aquatio Luxury Cave Suites, which offered a unique and comfortable experience.
The Aquatio Luxury Cave Suites in Matera were truly a unique experience. Located in a 13th-century cave dwelling, the suites were beautifully decorated with modern amenities while maintaining the historic charm of the cave dwellings. The rooms were spacious and cozy, with a luxurious bathroom and a comfortable bed. The hotel had an excellent restaurant that served delicious local cuisine, and the staff were extremely friendly and accommodating. We loved waking up to a stunning view of the city from our room and enjoying breakfast on the terrace. Overall, staying at the Aquatio Luxury Cave Suites added an extra special touch to our already unforgettable trip.
We also took a tuk-tuk ride through the city to see the Sassi up close. The ride was a great idea because our driver gave us a tour of the city and showed us hidden gems. Our guide showed us some of the best picture spots in the city, which we would have never found on our own. From hidden alleyways to panoramic viewpoints, the tour allowed us to experience Matera from a different perspective and capture some incredible photos that we'll cherish forever.
We booked this tour through Viator
One of the highlights of our time in Matera was hiking the Gravina di Matera. The hike offered breathtaking views of the city and surrounding landscape. We recommend this hike to anyone visiting the city, as it's a unique way to experience the natural beauty of Matera.
The food in Matera was truly exceptional. The city is known for its unique cuisine that reflects its history and traditions. One of the standout dishes we tried was the bruschetta made with Matera bread, ripe tomatoes, and fresh basil. Matera bread is distinct from other bread in Italy due to its unique shape, crispy crust, and fluffy interior. The combination of the crispy bread and flavorful toppings was a delight to our taste buds. We also couldn't get enough of the fresh mozzarella cheese, which was creamy, soft, and incredibly delicious. Many of the restaurants in Matera pride themselves on using locally sourced ingredients, resulting in dishes with bold flavors and unique combinations. It's no wonder that Matera has become a food lover's paradise, and we feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to experience it firsthand.
Overall, Matera was an unforgettable experience, and we highly recommend it to anyone planning a trip to Puglia.
It's important that you make your reservations in advance!
hotel recommendation:
Aquatio Luxury Cave Suites Matera
restaurant recommendations:
DAY THREE: OSTUNI
Next, we headed to Ostuni, a beautiful hilltop town known as the "White City" for its whitewashed buildings.
While there isn't a lot going on in Ostuni, the town's beauty lies in its simplicity. Wandering through the town's winding streets and alleys, you'll stumble upon hidden churches, quaint shops, and stunning views of the surrounding countryside. One of the highlights of our visit was climbing to the top of Ostuni's hilltop cathedral, where we were rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the town and the Adriatic Sea in the distance. Overall, while you don't need more than a day to explore Ostuni, it's definitely worth a visit for its unique beauty and charming atmosphere.
If you want a quick run down of the city, its history and the best picture spots definitely take a 45 minute tuktuk ride. Our tour guide was so fun and energetic he was about our age too which was cool! We booked this one through Viator: TukTuk Ride Ostuni
During our short stay in Ostuni, we stumbled upon a restaurant called Dish, and it turned out to be a highlight of our trip. We reccomend ordering the "Orecchiette Alla Crema Di Peperoni Arrosto Ed Erbe Selvatiche" it was absolutely to die for we still talk about it. The restaurant had a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and the staff was attentive and knowledgeable about the menu.
the picture doesn't look all that appetizing BUT TRUST!
make a reservation in advance!
restaurant recommendation:
We ended up partially regretting our decision to stay overnight in Ostuni. Looking back, we wish we had stayed in a more central location like Borgo Canonica, Cisternino and taken day trips to surrounding cities like Ostuni, Martina Franca, and Alberobello. It would have saved us time and made it easier to explore the surrounding areas without feeling like we were constantly packing and unpacking our bags.
DAY FOUR & FIVE: CISTERNINO, ALBEROBELLO & MARTINA FRANCA
From Ostuni it is about a 25 minute drive through the rural countryside to this beautiful remote hotel Borgo Canonica in Cisternino, and it was the perfect place to call home. This charming hotel nestled in the countryside provided us with an ideal central location to explore the surrounding cities such as Ostuni, Martina Franca and Alberobello. We loved the cozy and rustic feel of the hotel's Trulli-style rooms, which are traditional cone-shaped dwellings unique to this region. The hotel's breakfast was fantastic, and we enjoyed sitting outside surrounded by the peaceful countryside. At night, we gazed up at the starry sky, which was incredibly clear and mesmerizing due to the hotel's remote location. We highly recommend the Hotel Borgo Canonica to anyone looking for a peaceful and charming place to stay during their visit to Puglia.
on night number 4 we decided to take a pasta and tiramisu making class at a local's home. We learned how to make orecchiette, cavatelli, and tiramisu from scratch. The experience was truly unique and educational. We learned about the importance of using fresh, high-quality ingredients and the techniques required to create these traditional Italian dishes. It was a great way to immerse ourselves in the local culture and gain a new skill to take back home with us. We highly recommend taking a cooking class if you have the chance during your travels in Puglia. We booked this experience through Viator and can not recommend it enough!!
we found that spending three days in the southeast countryside was plenty of time to explore the beautiful surroundings. We highly recommend making a stop in Martina Franca for lunch, where you can indulge in the local cuisine and take in the stunning Baroque architecture. For dinner, head to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Alberobello, where you can dine amongst the iconic trulli houses. While in Alberobello, make sure to take some time to wander the narrow streets and explore the local shops.
DAY SIX & SEVEN: MONOPOLI
Monopoli was undoubtedly one of the highlights of our trip to Puglia. This charming coastal town is filled with stunning beaches, a beautiful old town, and amazing seafood restaurants. The highlight of our time in Monopoli was definitely the fresh seafood we enjoyed at a local restaurant, where we feasted on a variety of freshly caught fish and seafood dishes.
On our first day in Monopoli, we wanted to relax and soak up the sun, so we headed to a private beach and rented a cabana. The beach was pristine with crystal clear water and white sand. The cabana was the perfect spot to escape the sun and take a nap. The staff was incredibly friendly, and they even brought us some refreshing drinks while we were lounging. It was the perfect start to our day in Monopoli. This experience was definitely on the more expensive side... i'm not sure I'd say its entirely worth it. Another fun option would be to get a bottle of wine and some sandwiches and go to a public beach. The water was better at the public beaches.
During our stay in Monopoli, we had the pleasure of staying at Al Console Luxury Suites, and it was an absolute delight. This charming and stylish boutique hotel was situated right in the heart of the historic center, allowing us to easily explore the city by foot. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful, making sure we had everything we needed for a comfortable stay. The suites themselves were spacious and beautifully designed, with a blend of modern and traditional elements. We particularly enjoyed the rooftop terrace, which offered stunning views of the city and the sea.
DAY EIGHT & NINE: POLIGNANO A MARE
we spent one full day and night in Polignano a Mare. This charming town is about a 20-minute drive from Monopoli, and it's well worth the visit. We were fortunate to spend our wedding anniversary here and stayed at the luxurious boutique hotel San Michele Suite. The hotel is housed in a historic building that has been elegantly renovated to offer modern amenities while preserving its original architectural features. The rooms are spacious and beautifully decorated, featuring high ceilings, stone walls, and contemporary furnishings. Each room has a private balcony with stunning views of the Adriatic Sea. The hotel also has a rooftop terrace where guests can relax and enjoy the panoramic views. The staff at San Michele Suite are friendly and attentive, making sure that guests have a comfortable and memorable stay. The staff helped Henry plan some beautiful surprises in our room for our anniversary.
For our anniversary dinner, we decided to go to Grotta Palazzese, the famous cave restaurant in Polignano a Mare. It was an incredible experience to dine inside a natural cave and watch the sunset over the Adriatic Sea. While the location and atmosphere were stunning, we were disappointed with the food. We knew going into it based on the reviews that the food was probably not going to be great... but it was downright bad. It was not up to our expectations and the price, which was around $800 for the whole experience, did not seem worth it in hindsight.
While we absolutely loved our stay at San Michele Suite in Polignano a Mare, we have to admit that the town itself was much more crowded and touristy than the other cities we visited in Puglia. In hindsight, if it weren't for our anniversary and the desire to experience the beautiful San Michele Suite and , we would have recommended staying in Monopoli and taking day trips to Polignano a Mare instead. That being said, if you do have the chance to visit Polignano a Mare, we highly recommend exploring the charming old town, walking along the stunning seaside cliffs, and enjoying a delicious seafood meal at one of the many restaurants with a view.
CONCLUSION:
Puglia truly exceeded our expectations and was the perfect mix of adventure, romance, and relaxation. From exploring the ancient city of Matera to relaxing on private beaches and taking cooking classes with locals, every day brought new experiences and memories. The overall charm and beauty of the region was undeniable. We also found that our money went very far in Puglia compared to other regions in Italy, making it a great destination for those on a budget. Overall, our 9-day road trip through Puglia was an unforgettable experience and we can't wait to return and discover even more of this beautiful region.