Have you ever wondered what it’s like to explore Puglia, Italy like a local? Let us help you experience that!
In June 2022, we traveled to Italy for a very special reason — my niece Juliana and her now-husband Nico’s wedding. Of course, we couldn’t miss the chance to explore a bit more of this beautiful country.
We spent five days in Rome, followed by a road trip along the Amalfi Coast. We also made stops in Naples and visited Pompeii with our family. But the part that truly felt like home was yet to come — eight unforgettable days in Puglia, where Nico’s family lives.
Travel is always exciting. But discovering a place with locals makes it even more special. And being part of a family celebration took this trip to another level.
Nico’s family welcomed us into their home. Together with Juliana and Nico, they planned the perfect way to show us around Puglia. They took us to hidden spots, local beaches, and their favorite towns even before the wedding.
After the big day, they didn’t slow down. Instead, they shared more of Puglia’s beauty with us — from relaxing beach days to exploring the charming city of Lecce.
In this blog, we want to share that experience with you. We’ll reveal the unique, famous, and hidden places we visited during our 8 days in Puglia.
So, stick around until the end. You’ll find travel tips, a full list of must-see places, and links to our Italy travel vlogs, where Serge captured our favorite moments from this unforgettable family adventure in Puglia, Italy like a local.
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What is Puglia Famous for?
Before Juliana and Nico’s wedding, we’ll be honest — we knew very little about Puglia, Italy. Like many travelers, when we thought of Italy, places like Rome, Florence, Venice, or the Amalfi Coast came to mind.
But that changed completely once we had the chance to discover Puglia like a local. Now, we truly understand why this region is considered one of Italy’s hidden gems — perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy Italy’s beauty with fewer crowds and a more authentic vibe.
Puglia: Endless Charm at the Heel of Italy’s Boot
Puglia, also known by its Italian name Apulia, is located in the south of Italy, forming the famous “heel” of the country’s boot-shaped peninsula. This region is blessed with stunning beaches, historic towns, and some of the most delicious food in Italy.
So, what exactly is Puglia famous for? Here’s a quick look:
✔️ Beaches That Locals Actually Love
Puglia’s coastline is full of turquoise waters, hidden coves, and dramatic cliffs — but experiencing it with locals made all the difference for us.
Here are a few favorites:
- Polignano a Mare — This cliffside town is famous for jaw-dropping views and natural sea caves
- Torre dell’Orso — Known for its golden sand and the striking “Two Sisters” rock formation
- Salsello Beach — A hidden gem near Bisceglie, recommended by Nico’s family — perfect for a quiet swim away from the crowds.
✔️ Architecture You Won’t See Anywhere Else
Puglia’s architectural style is truly one of a kind. It’s not just about ancient ruins — the entire region feels like an open-air museum.
- Alberobello — With its quirky, cone-roofed Trulli houses, this UNESCO World Heritage Site looks straight out of a fairytale
- Valle d’Itria — Beyond Alberobello, the countryside is dotted with Trulli villages and charming farmhouses surrounded by olive trees
✔️ Historic Cities Full of Character
Puglia’s towns are bursting with history — but each has its own unique personality.
- Lecce — Often called the Florence of the South, this city blew us away with its Baroque architecture and lively atmosphere
- Bisceglie — Our temporary hometown during this trip, full of hidden alleys, seafront promenades, and local life
- Ostuni — Nicknamed the White City, its hilltop old town, with narrow, whitewashed streets, offers picture-perfect views
Experience Puglia’s Cuisine
But Puglia is so much more than beaches and history. As Nico always reminds us, “There’s no such thing as just ‘Italian food’ — every region has its own flavors.” And he’s absolutely right.
During our time in Puglia, we tasted some of the most delicious food — but we’ll get into that later in this blog. You can also check out our Puglia travel vlogs if you want a sneak peek of those mouthwatering meals.
The cuisine in Puglia is all about simplicity and flavor. It’s not just seafood — though the fresh fish here is incredible — but also hearty, homemade pasta and rustic dishes packed with local ingredients. From olive oil to almonds, everything tastes fresh and authentic.
Puglia: One of Italy’s Biggest Olive Oil Regions
Did you know that over 40% of Italy’s olive oil comes from Puglia? We didn’t — at least not until this trip.
During our road trip and family time with Nico’s relatives, we learned just how important olive oil is here. Puglia isn’t just a big producer — it’s considered one of the most important olive oil regions in Italy.
What made it even more special is that Nico’s family has been growing olives and almonds for generations. They even make their own olive oil at home — and yes, we were lucky enough to bring some back to Canada.
Olive Groves Everywhere — And Even at the Wedding!
Driving through Puglia, it’s impossible not to notice the endless olive groves stretching across the countryside. If you’re planning a road trip, you’ll see them everywhere.
Even the wedding venue where Juliana and Nico got married, Villa Sant’Elia in Trani, was originally an olive oil farm — a perfect example of how deeply olive oil culture is rooted in this region.
Want to Experience Puglia’s Olive Oil Tradition?
If you want to dive deeper into this tradition, you can book an Olive Oil Tasting Experience — it’s the perfect way to understand why Puglia’s olive oil is so famous (and delicious).
Best Ways to Get to Puglia, Italy
We used Holafly to stay connected throughout our Puglia road trip.
How We Got to Puglia — And How You Can Too
During our trip to Italy, we spent the first five days exploring Rome without a car. It’s the best way to enjoy the Eternal City without the stress of driving or parking.
But after Rome, we wanted the freedom to explore Italy at our own pace — so we rented a car. From there, we did a road trip to Naples, the Amalfi Coast, and eventually made our way to Puglia, where we stayed with Nico’s family for eight amazing days. After Puglia, we drove all the way back to Rome to catch our flight home to Montreal, Canada.
If you’re planning your own trip to Puglia, here are the most popular and practical ways to get there:
By Car — The Most Flexible Way to Discover Puglia
Renting a car is the easiest way to explore Puglia and its surrounding regions. The roads are generally in good condition, and having a car gives you the freedom to stop at small villages, beaches, and hidden gems along the way — exactly like we did.
Here’s an idea of driving times to Puglia:
- Rome to Puglia (Bari area): Around 4.5 to 5.5 hours
- Naples to Puglia (Bari area): Around 3.5 to 4.5 hours
- Amalfi Coast to Puglia: Varies depending on your route, but roughly 4.5 to 5.5 hours
Tip: Renting a car after Rome is ideal. We recommend avoiding driving inside major cities like Rome or Naples and picking up your rental when you’re ready to head towards Puglia.
🚗 Ready to explore Puglia at your own pace?
We highly recommend renting a car — it’s the best way to discover hidden beaches, small towns, and local gems along the way.
👉 Check Car Rental Deals with Auto Europe — Compare prices and book your car hassle-free!
👉 Plan your route with TollGuru — Easily estimate tolls, gas costs, and travel time for your Puglia road trip.
We used Holafly to stay connected throughout our Puglia road trip.
By Plane — The Fastest Option from Other Countries or Major Cities
checking Skyscanner to compare prices and save!
If you’re coming from outside Italy, flying into Puglia’s airports is often the fastest and most convenient option.
Puglia has two main airports:
- Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport (BRI) — Ideal if you plan to stay in Bari, Trani, Alberobello, or the northern part of Puglia
- Brindisi Airport (BDS) — Great for the southern areas like Lecce, Ostuni, or Salento
There are also direct, affordable flights from major European cities like Dublin, London, and more. For example, we met friends from London, and my niece lives in Ireland, both of whom regularly take short, budget-friendly flights to Puglia — it’s about 3 hours!
If you’re already in Rome, you can also take a short domestic flight to Bari or Brindisi.
Looking for great flight deals in Europe? We always recommend checking Skyscanner to compare prices and save!
By Train — Easy and Scenic Travel Through Italy
Is the Train a Good Option?
Taking the train is a comfortable and scenic way to reach Puglia from cities like Rome, Naples, or Florence. It’s a great option if you prefer to avoid airports and enjoy the journey — but it’s important to plan ahead, as travel time can vary depending on the type of train you choose.
Typical High-Speed Train Times
🚄 Rome to Bari: Around 4 to 5 hours
🚄 Naples to Bari: Around 3.5 to 4.5 hours
🚄 Florence to Bari: Approximately 6 to 7 hours
What if You Take Regional Trains or Buses?
If you opt for regional trains, mixed routes, or bus combinations, the trip can take much longer — often 6 to 9 hours, especially with connections or waiting times. We’ve even seen Google Maps suggest routes with multiple changes and buses, so always double-check your schedule.
Extra Tips for Booking Trains
✅ High-speed trains like Frecciarossa or Italo are the fastest and most convenient, but they don’t run all day and can sell out quickly during high season.
You can search and compare prices for the best train options with platforms like:
👉 Omio – Compare trains, buses, and flights across Italy
👉 Rail Europe – Book trains to Puglia with ease
Conclusion:
Trains are a great option for getting to Puglia, especially if you plan ahead and grab a high-speed option. Just double-check your connections to avoid long travel times.
Day Tours & Organized Transfers — For Short Trips Within Puglia
If you’re already in Puglia and prefer not to rent a car, you can book day tours or private transfers to visit beaches, historic towns, or wine regions.
We often use GetYourGuide for reliable tours and transfers — just keep in mind it works best once you’re already in Puglia or nearby.
👉 Browse Puglia Day Tours & Transfers on GetYourGuide
Our Tip for Getting to Puglia
We loved the freedom of having a car for our road trip, especially for exploring small towns, hidden beaches, and countryside spots. But no matter how you get there — by plane, train, or car — one thing’s for sure: Puglia is worth the journey.
Plan Your Route
Wherever you’re coming from, it’s always worth planning your route in advance — especially during busy summer months. Whether you’re driving, flying, or taking the train, here are some tools to help make your trip stress-free:
✅ Compare travel options with Omio
✅ Find train tickets with Rail Europe
✅ Check Car Rental Deals with Auto Europe
✅ Estimate toll and fuel costs with TollGuru — They even have an Italian version, perfect for road trips!
✅ Discover all our trusted Travel Tools & Tips here — From flights to travel insurance, these are the tools we personally use and recommend for planning every trip.
Where to Stay in Puglia, Italy — Local Tips from Our Family
When we visited Puglia in 2022, we were lucky to stay with locals — Nico’s family kindly invited us to their guest house in Bisceglie, giving us a true insider experience. Their hospitality made our trip even more special, and we couldn’t be more grateful.
❤️ A huge thank you to Nico’s family for welcoming us like their own and showing us the real Puglia!
We also got great advice from Juliana and Nico about the best areas to stay in Puglia, depending on how you want to explore the region — whether you’re dreaming of beautiful beaches, historic towns, or a bit of both.
Here are some of the best locations to consider for your stay in Puglia:
Puglia, Italy like a local: The Most Strategic Locations to Stay in Puglia
Puglia is full of beautiful places, but choosing the right home base can save you time — and a lot of driving! Whether you’re here for the beaches, historic towns, or a little bit of everything, these are the most strategic (and beautiful) locations to stay in Puglia, Italy, based on local tips and our own family experience.
Valle d’Itria — Stay Among the Trulli Villages
If you’re dreaming of Puglia’s famous white-washed towns and iconic Trulli houses, the Valle d’Itria is the perfect base. Towns like Alberobello, Locorotondo, and Cisternino offer a charming, central location that’s ideal for exploring both the countryside and nearby coastal areas.
You’ll find plenty of authentic accommodations, from cozy Trulli stays to boutique hotels.
Otranto — The Best of Both Worlds
For those looking for beautiful beaches and historic charm, Juliana and Nico both recommended Otranto, a coastal town that offers the best of everything. Unlike some beach areas in Puglia that are all about sand and sea but lack history, Otranto gives you both — stunning beaches, a charming old town, and easy access to explore Lecce, the “Florence of the South.”
If we return to Puglia, Otranto is definitely high on our list!
Melendugno, Lecce — A Relaxed Base Near Beaches & History
For a quieter stay that’s still close to both Lecce and some of Puglia’s best beaches, Melendugno is a great option. That’s exactly where we stayed after the wedding, and it turned out to be the perfect strategic base.
We spent two nights at Alba Bed & Breakfast, a cozy, family-run B&B with an excellent 4.8 Google rating. It’s ideally located for day trips to Lecce, Baia dei Turchi, and the nearby beaches of Torre dell’Orso. Just keep in mind — they require a minimum 2-night stay, so plan accordingly.
Bisceglie — Stay Like a Local by the Adriatic Coast
Bisceglie is a charming seaside town with fewer tourists and a relaxed, authentic vibe. We stayed here with Nico’s family, and it truly felt like home.
For the wedding, Juliana suggested Hotel Salsello, right by the beach and walking distance from the family home. The hotel has a 4.0 Google rating, and while we didn’t stay there, her guests were happy with it. The restaurant remains a local favorite, especially for special occasions.
Quick Location tip: Bisceglie isn’t the most strategic location for short stays or travelers without a car. It’s ideal if you want a peaceful coastal base, but exploring other parts of Puglia is easier with your own vehicle.
Our 8-Day Itinerary — Discovering Puglia, Italy like a local
Now that you know how to get to Puglia and where to stay, it’s time to share the best part — the amazing places we explored during our 8-day trip through the region.
We visited Puglia for Juliana and Nico’s wedding, but thanks to their planning (and their family’s generosity), we still got to see some of their favorite spots along the way.
Of course, Puglia has even more to offer, especially if you have extra time. But here’s a look at the places we visited — with personal tips, highlights, and our vlogs, so you can plan your own Puglian adventure!
Bisceglie, Puglia – Italy
Our Puglian adventure started in Bisceglie, a coastal town that instantly felt like home. We stayed with Nico’s family, experienced local life, and couldn’t have felt more blessed.
Bisceglie is a small city with both a modern seaside area and a charming historic old town. Here are some suggestions for what to do when visiting:
- The Cathedral of San Pietro: A beautiful church located in the heart of the old town, where you’ll find relics of Saint Maurus, Sergius, and Panteleimon.
- The Port of Bisceglie: Stroll along the picturesque harbor, lined with local seafood restaurants — the perfect place to enjoy a meal by the sea.
- Wander the Historic Old Town: Explore the narrow streets, local shops, and hidden squares of Bisceglie’s old town. It’s a quiet, authentic experience that shows the real Puglia.
- Salsello Beach: Relax by the crystal-clear water or walk along the scenic seaside promenade. It’s a peaceful spot away from the busy tourist areas.
- Taste the Traditional Sospiri di Bisceglie: Don’t miss trying Sospiri di Bisceglie, the town’s famous dessert. This soft, delicate pastry has a creamy filling and is often topped with a light sugar glaze — a sweet symbol of Bisceglie’s traditions.
🎥 Want to explore Puglia, Italy like a local? Check our vlog about Bisceglie:
👉 Watch our Bisceglie vlog here
Trani, Puglia — Coastal Charm, Pizza & an Impressive Cathedral
Just a short 15-minute drive from Bisceglie, Juliana and Nico took us to explore the beautiful town of Trani.
We started with a short walking tour along the coast and through the charming historic center. The town has such a peaceful, elegant vibe, with its harbor, stone streets, and sea views.
After exploring, it was time for dinner at Lievito 72, an amazing pizzeria that Juliana and Nico recommended — and they didn’t disappoint. As of June 2025, the restaurant has a solid 4.6 rating on Google, and we can personally vouch for the delicious pizza and great atmosphere.
To wrap up the evening, we took a stroll to visit the impressive Basilica Cathedral of San Nicolás Peregrino, a stunning Romanesque cathedral set right by the sea. Seeing it lit up at night made it even more magical.
💡 Trani is the perfect place for a relaxed evening of good food, seaside views, and a little history — all just minutes from Bisceglie. It’s perfect to explore Puglia, Italy like a local.
Castellana Caves — Underground Wonders in Puglia, Italy
If you love history and unique places, Juliana and Nico highly recommended staying around the Valle d’Itria area — not only for the charming white villages, but also for easy access to one of Puglia’s most impressive natural attractions: the Castellana Caves, or as the locals call them, Grotte di Castellana.
It took us about an hour to drive to the caves, and we couldn’t wait to explore this stunning natural wonder. According to local guides, this is the largest and most famous cave system in Puglia, and after visiting, we totally agree — it’s breathtaking!
The cave system is famous for its impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and the spectacular White Cave (Grotta Bianca), considered by many to be one of the most beautiful caves in the world — and honestly, we can’t argue with that.
We visited in June, which is still considered low season, so we bought our tickets on-site without any problems. However, you can also purchase tickets in advance through their official website. There, you’ll find two tour options:
✔️ Complete Itinerary (about 3 km) — includes the Grotta Bianca
✔️ Short Itinerary (about 1 km) — for those who prefer a quicker visit
💡 Quick Tip: Before you go, make sure to check their official website for current rules. For example:
- No photos or filming allowed inside the caves
- Large pets aren’t allowed, only small pets you can carry at all times
If you don’t have a car, we noticed there aren’t many organized tours available on GetYourGuide, but it’s still worth checking for options, especially during high season.
Alberobello — The Trulli Magic & UNESCO World Heritage Site
Located in the heart of the Valle d’Itria, Alberobello is known as the Trulli Capital — and without a doubt, it’s one of the most unique destinations in Puglia, in Italy, and honestly, in the world.
We were completely charmed by the town’s unique Trulli houses, with their iconic conical roofs that make Alberobello look like something out of a fairytale. It’s no surprise that the entire historic center of Alberobello has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Our Tips for Visiting Alberobello
We parked in a paid parking lot just outside the historic center and walked to one of the main entrances of the Trulli village.
Our advice? Take your time. Wander through every little street, explore hidden corners, and don’t be afraid to get lost — that’s how you find the real magic of Alberobello.
Along the way, you’ll come across charming local shops, cozy cafés, restaurants, and quiet corners where you can sit, soak it all in, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
The Lucky Whistles — A Unique Souvenir from Alberobello
While exploring the Trulli streets, we also discovered something very traditional from the region — the lucky clay whistles, or as the Italians call them, Fischietti. These small, colorful clay whistles are considered good luck charms. According to tradition, their sound helps ward off bad luck and bring positive energy.
We couldn’t resist — of course, we brought one home as a souvenir from Puglia (and maybe a little extra luck too!). If you’re curious, here’s the shop where we bought ours: La Bottega dell’Artigianato.
It’s a lovely little store in Alberobello with handmade Trulli souvenirs, lucky whistles, and other beautiful crafts — perfect to take a piece of Puglia home with you!
Book Your Alberobello Experience
You can easily explore Alberobello on your own like we did, but if you prefer a guided tour to learn more about the history and hidden gems, check out these options:
👉 Browse Alberobello Tours & Experiences on GetYourGuide
🎥 Puglia, Italy like a local – Want to see more from our visit?
👉 Watch our full vlog exploring Alberobello & the Trulli Village with locals
Gravina in Puglia — Ancient History & James Bond Movie Set
If you want to explore Puglia, Italy like a local, Gravina it’s a perfect start. On our way to Matera, Juliana and Nico suggested we make a stop in Gravina in Puglia. It’s only a 58-minute drive from Bisceglie, so it was the perfect detour.
Gravina isn’t as famous as other towns in Puglia. With the summer heat hitting 40°C, we felt like we had the whole place to ourselves — and honestly, that made it even more special.
Puglia, Italy like a local – Gravina, A Town with Ancient History
Gravina has been inhabited for over 2,500 years, thanks to its location along a deep ravine — in fact, the name Gravina literally means “ravine” in Italian.
Over the centuries, Romans, Byzantines, and Normans left their mark here, and you can still see traces of that rich history in the old town.
The Famous James Bond Bridge
One of the main reasons we visited Gravina was to see the iconic stone bridge, featured in the James Bond movie No Time to Die. Built in the 17th century, the bridge spans the dramatic ravine and offers incredible views.
We loved exploring the quiet streets and abandoned old houses — perfect for photographers or anyone who enjoys places with character. We honestly wish we had more time there!
Tips for Visiting Gravina
🚗 We visited by car and parked just outside the old town. From there, we walked to the bridge — but finding it wasn’t easy! Serge explains the details in our vlog.
🎟️ Prefer a guided experience? Check GetYourGuide, they offer walking tours to help you discover the town’s history and hidden spots.
🎥 Gravina, Puglia, Italy like a local – Curious to see more?
👉 Watch our vlog exploring Gravina and Matera — Hidden Gems of Southern Italy
Matera — The Oldest City in Italy & the Famous Nativity City
Why You Should Visit Matera
Matera is one of Juliana and Nico’s favorite places to visit in Italy — and the moment we arrived, we completely understood why.
Even though Matera is located in the Basilicata region, not Puglia, it’s just a short distance from many popular Puglian towns like Gravina, Alberobello, and the Valle d’Itria. For that reason, it often appears on Puglia travel itineraries — and we totally recommend including it.
In fact, Matera is often called the oldest city in Italy. It’s famous for its ancient cave dwellings, known as the Sassi di Matera. These days, these unique cave homes and rock-cut structures have become a symbol of the city’s rich history. Remarkably, they date back over 9,000 years, making Matera one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
As Juliana likes to say, she affectionately calls it the “Cidade Presépio”, or Nativity City in English — and when you see the town, you’ll understand exactly why. It truly looks like a giant nativity scene carved into the rock.
Famous Movies Filmed in Matera, Italy
The striking landscape of Matera has made it a popular location for major films, including:
🎬 The Passion of the Christ — Famous Mel Gibson direction brought Matera’s ancient caves to life as Jerusalem.
🎬 Wonder Woman — Scenes from the mythical island of Themyscira were filmed here.
🎬 Ben-Hur — The 2016 remake of this classic epic used Matera’s old town as a dramatic backdrop.
🎬 No Time to Die (James Bond) — Daniel Craig’s 007 raced through the streets of Matera in the movie’s opening scene.
Our Experience Exploring the Sassi di Matera
We parked just outside the historic area and explored the Sassi di Matera on foot. The town is full of narrow alleys, steep staircases, hidden squares, and stunning viewpoints.
Walking through ancient churches and cave homes felt like stepping back in time — it’s hard to believe people still live here today.
We only had an afternoon to explore, but honestly, you could easily spend a full day getting lost in Matera’s winding streets. Next time, we plan to stay overnight in one of the renovated cave hotels for the full experience.
Extra Tips for Visiting Matera
✅ Wear comfortable shoes — The cobbled streets and stairs may look charming, but trust us… they can be tricky! We had a few slippery moments exploring the old town.
✅ Book a guided tour — The history and hidden stories of Matera are incredible. We recommend checking Get Your Guide, a platform we use often and had great experiences so far.
✅ Stay overnight in a cave hotel — Next time, we definitely want to experience sleeping in one of Matera’s famous cave-style homes. It’s one of the best ways to soak in the magic of the city!
✅ Stay for sunset — If you can, don’t miss sunset over Matera. The golden light on the stone houses is simply breathtaking.
✅ Do some shopping — The artisan shops in Matera offer beautiful pottery, ceramics, and souvenirs unique to the region.
✅ Check for events or festivals — We stumbled upon a lively party during our visit, part of the Festa della Bruna celebrations. Matera often hosts cultural events, live music, and illuminated street decorations — it’s worth checking what’s on during your stay!
Melendugno & Acaya — Staying Near Lecce with Local Tips
For the last part of our Puglia trip, Juliana and Nico took a little time from their own honeymoon to explore with us and my sister and brother-in-law. We stayed for two nights at Alba Bed & Breakfast, located in Melendugno, near Lecce. It’s a cozy, family-run spot with easy access to beaches and historic towns.
That evening, they took us for a delicious dinner at Trattoria Nonno Pici in Acaya, famous for its home-cooked flavors. After dinner, we strolled through the quiet streets and discovered the impressive Medieval Castle of Acaya, beautifully lit at night.
💡 Tip: If you’re not renting a car, check out GetYourGuide for tours or transfers to explore these small towns without stress.
👉 See Acaya & Lecce tours on GetYourGuide
Sant’Andrea & Baia dei Turchi — Beach Day in Puglia
The next day was all about sun and sea. Juliana and Nico took us to the stunning Sant’Andrea region, where we discovered Caletta Toraiello, located near the famous Baia dei Turchi.
The beaches here are simply breathtaking, with crystal-clear water and dramatic rock formations. It’s the perfect spot to relax, swim, and enjoy the beauty of the Puglian coast.
Our full beach day vlog is coming next week — stay tuned and get ready to explore with us! ☀️🌊
💡 Tip: Many of these beaches can be hard to reach without a car. You can also check for guided beach day trips from Lecce:
👉 Browse beach tours from Lecce on GetYourGuide
Lecce — The Florence of the South, Italy
After an amazing beach day, we made our way to Lecce — and wow, this city completely charmed us. Known for its stunning Baroque architecture, ancient ruins, and vibrant southern vibe, Lecce is often called the Florence of the South — and now we totally understand why!
We kicked off the evening with a delicious dinner (because, Italy!) and then wandered through the historic center. From Roman ruins to grand piazzas and lively little streets, every corner had a story to tell.
Honestly, we could have easily stayed longer… but for now, we captured our favorite moments in our new vlog.
🎥 Come explore Lecce with us! Watch the full vlog clicking here.
💡 Want to explore Lecce with a guide?
👉 Check out Lecce walking tours on GetYourGuide
Ostuni — The White City of Puglia
While Juliana and Nico went for another beach day at Torre dell’Orso, Serge and I decided to explore something different — the charming hilltop town of Ostuni, one of Puglia’s most famous destinations.
Also known as the White City, Ostuni is a fortified town perched high in the mountains, offering incredible views of the surrounding region. As we wandered through the narrow, whitewashed streets, we couldn’t help but admire the old city walls. In addition, the viewpoints over the countryside were absolutely stunning and totally worth the visit.
🎥 Our Ostuni vlog is now live on YouTube — come explore the White City with us!
💡 Tip: Visiting without a car? There are guided day trips to Ostuni from Lecce and other towns:
👉 Book Ostuni day trips on GetYourGuide
Travel Essentials for Your Puglia, Italy Adventure
Puglia is all about beaches, sunshine, exploring charming towns — and yes, lots of walking under the southern Italian sun! ☀️ Before you go, make sure you pack a few must-haves to keep your trip comfortable, fun, and stress-free:
✔️ Water shoes — Many of Puglia’s beaches are rocky, so water shoes are a lifesaver for your feet.
👉 Check our Amazon suggestions for water shoes
✔️ Sunscreen — The sun in Puglia can be intense, even in spring. Don’t forget high SPF protection.
✔️ Reusable water bottle — Staying hydrated is key, especially when exploring beach towns and historic sites.
👉 Find our recommended bottles on Amazon
✔️ Light, breathable clothes — Summer in Puglia gets hot! Pack light, comfortable outfits for walking and beach days.
✔️ Small first-aid kit — We always carry one with basics, because you never know when you’ll need a quick fix.
👉 Browse travel-sized first-aid kits on Amazon
For more practical tips and all our favorite essentials for stress-free travel, don’t miss our full blog:
👉 Discovering Destinations Travel Essentials Blog
A little preparation goes a long way — so you can focus on enjoying beautiful Puglia like a local!
Puglia, Italy like a local – Final Thoughts
Visiting Puglia, Italy like a local made all the difference! Our 8 days exploring Puglia and beyond were truly unforgettable.
We hope our tips, honest experiences, and travel vlogs help you plan your own trip to this incredible part of southern Italy.
And if you have a little extra time, don’t forget to visit nearby gems like Matera — even though it’s in Basilicata, it’s just a short drive from Puglia’s must-see spots.
Want to see it all in one place?
Watch our full Puglia & Beyond Playlist on YouTube
We hope this blog inspires you to discover Puglia not just as a tourist — but like a local.
