EXPLORE PUGLIA

Welcome to what we think is one of Italy’s best-kept secrets! We chose this beautiful part of Southern Italy for its phenomenal beaches, crystal clear waters, a countryside full of olive trees, Trulli and Masseria’s and of course, incredible food. Read a great guide on Puglia from Condé Nast, Italy Segreta or find some of our favourite places to visit below.

Polignano a Mare

While the other towns drift more inland, Polignano a Mare is a spectacularly positioned small town of white and golden buildings perched on 20 meter limestone cliffs overlooking the sea. The historic center is a lovely place for a wander or an aperitivo on one of the small piazzas or restaurants overlooking the clear emerald water.

You might be lucky enough to see some local cliff divers jumping into the ocean while you cool down. The town is also known for its ice cream!

Recommended guide:
Along Dusty Roads – Polignano a Mare

Monopoli

With its breath-taking beaches and beautiful historic center with High-Medieval origins overlooking the sea, Monopoli is the place where art, history and entertainment come together harmoniously. Called “the city of a hundred districts” its various agricultural sections each have unique characteristics. Monopoli offers unforgettable experiences: walks on the promenade, monuments and nightlife by the sea.

Recommended guide:
Along Dusty Roads – Monopoli

Alberobello

The town of Alberobello is among the most famous of the region’s attractions. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site this enchanting town with Trullis (whitewashed stone huts with conical roofs that have been around for centuries). With its narrow pedestrianized streets, little shops selling local produce and family run cafes and trattorias offering al fresco dining, Alberobello is worth a pit stop on your Puglian holiday.

Recommended guide:
Along Dusty Roads – Alberobello

Ostuni

This small, charming, picturesque hillside town is called La Citta Blanca (The White City) because the houses, buildings, and city walls are whitewashed. A maze of arches and narrow staircases connects Ostuni alleys. The mazes make it easy to get lost while you discover Old Town. There are many restaurants, gelaterias and more.

Recommended guide:
Along Dusty Roads - Ostuni

THINGS TO DO

APULIAN COOKING CLASSES

Join an authentic dining and cooking experience for a real taste of Puglia; a celebration of tradition, culture, and flavors. Learn the secrets, techniques and history of Italian cooking. Prepare some fresh pasta, focaccia or taralli as a real nonna! You’ll cook, eat and drink while sharing a table as a family. Each cooking class is also accompanied by wine pairing and an aperitivo.

All pricing on request via bookings@ottoneweddings.com

RENT AND DRIVE AN ITALIAN CLASSIC CAR

Experience Puglia from behind the steering wheel of Italian cars of the 60s and 70s. Icons of the Italian motor industry, these vintage cars are available to rent to discover the Apulia region. Driving a vintage car is like being in a movie, traveling alongside stone walls, century old olive trees and trulli houses, discovering the mysterious rural buildings of the Apulian countryside and the hidden villages of ancient Sassi di Matera.

SAILING IN THE ADRIATIC SEA

Explore Puglia from the sea by renting a 13 meters sailing boat for up to 12 people or a catamaran for up to 10 people. A unique way to visit the most beautiful villages on the Adriatic coast between Monopoli and Polignano.

VISIT BASILICATA MATERA

If history’s your thing, then Matera is a must do. As one of the oldest, continuously inhabited civilizations in the world, this artistic town is so rich in culture you can sense the generations of stories. Being the ‘city of the caves’, its natural architecture built up and out of the rock gives feelings of drama, grandeur and disbelief. And it wouldn’t be an Italian town without its sprawling options for food, including its famous local oven-baked bread.

Tip: If you can pull yourself away from the sun or sea, make the drive to Matera – you won’t regret it.

Recommended guide: Along Dusty Roads – Matera