Puglia (Apulia) italy in 7 days
Ahh, Puglia. Apulia. This small region in the heel of the Italian boot is quickly becoming popular, so get there NOW. In the summer, it is crowded, especially in Polignano a Mare. And its easy to see why, the charm is oozing from every tiny hill top village and ocean vista, and there are still opportunities to get away from it all and feel as though you are the only one enjoying la dolche vida. Matera (not technically in Puglia) is the highlight and surprisingly the least crowded. Hard to imagine that a place this beautiful, otherworldly, and steeped in history has remained untouched for so long.
7 CITIES
Ostuni, Cisternino, Alberobello, Martina Franca, Locorontodo, Matera, Polignano a Mare
7 Days
Fly into Rome or Bari and rent a car. Active trip with many gorgeous Italian vistas and romantic stays. One could set up a base with day trips but part of the fun of this region is staying in all the speciality lodging, a white Trulli in Arborello, a cave in Matera, while cutting out drive time and sinking your teeth into the region for dinner, cocktails and sunset strolls.
>$5K
Car rental is a must for this destination as the trains don't make it to all the locations. Prices in southern Italy make this trip accessible at a reasonable price with a little planning. rices are rising in this new hot spot so be prepared, the longer you wait, the more you will spend. Even with a splurge at the Grotta Palazzese, a luxury restaurant with a view over a magnificent blue-green sea, carved out of magnificent limestone rocks that lies in an unparalleled location.
Romance + Adventure
Hikes, exploring and wonderment will check the adventure box while vistas, swims and aperol spritz will check the romance. Best for couples or friends and the amateur photographer to take impromptu photo shoots at every turn.
Location
overview
OSTUNI - 1 NIGHT
CISTERNINO - DAY
ALBEROBELLO - 2 NIGHTS
MATERA - 2 NIGHTS
POLIGNANO A MARE - 2 NIGHTS
Day 1 - OSTUNI
WHITE WASHED GLAMOUR
STAY: Head to directly to Casa d'Autore (1 night) to unwind after a long flight and drive from either Rome or Bari. Take a dip in its magnificent villa pool with views to make the best of us swoon before heading out for an evening in the village of Ostuni.
SEE: Spend the evening as the sunsets in this white-washed hilltop village with eye candy dripping from every angle. The streets are cobblestone, the buildings white, and there are so many places to leisurely sip on an aperol spritz and enjoy the sunset over the horizon.
DRINKS: Have a pre-dinner cocktail at Riccardo Caffe or drinks on the terrace at Cielo @ La Sommita Relais or a spritz at the Piazzetta Spritz Cafe. Ostuni is made for the spritz life.
DINE: Savor the best Ostuni has to offer with Restaurant 700. Enjoy the old olive millstone inside the Palazzo, with its terraced lawns and original walls.
Osteria del Tempoperso is another locale worth dining at as are Ostuni Palace il BISTROT and Ristorante Taverna della Geloisa.
End your evening with gelato at Gelateria Borgo Antico, Largo Arcid Teodoro Trinchera, 26.
DAY 2 -Cisternino
(en route to aLberobello)
TRADITIONAL MEAT + TRULLI
After breakfast on the terrace, pack up for a little roadtrip, stopping in Cisternino, en route to Alberobello.
Cisternino, another white-washed and charming town in the Puglia region of Italy, is renowned for its "fornelli," which are traditional eateries or food stalls where you can find local cuisine, particularly the famous "fornelli" or small grills used for cooking meat. These places offer a unique dining experience, where you can choose your meat and have it grilled right in front of you. Work up an appetite walking around the village before popping into a fornelli and enjoying a well-deserved spritz.
EAT: Small alley-way eateries with casual red and white gingham plastic table clothes on the Vico Arecangelo Susca allow for meat centric meal before hitting the road to Alberobello, via the Valle d'Itria.
Valle d’Itria, or the "Trulli Valley," is a captivating landscape that evokes the magic of a fairytale. Here, cylindrical peasant houses with enchanting beehive roofs, called Trulli, dot the countryside, creating a dreamlike panorama. These traditional Apulian dwellings, crafted from the very stones cleared from the rugged fields, embody a rustic elegance—simple to construct yet full of character, perfectly blending practicality with charm. The towns of Alberobello, Martina Franca and Locorotondo make up the valley.
Alberobello, although crowded in the evenings, is a UNESCO World Heritage gem that invites you to wander through a labyrinth of approximately 1,500 stunning Trulli, for our home base. Alberobello is probably the most touristic of the three, but for a reason. The steep hills are dotted with the white-washed trulli, making it a photographer's dream. As you stroll hand in hand through its narrow, cobblestone streets, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into another world. The allure of this unique town, with its whimsical architecture and romantic ambiance, makes it a must-visit destination. Indulge in the luxurious experience of exploring Alberobello, where each moment is an adventure waiting to unfold amidst timeless beauty.
STAY: A perfect, romantic trullo to call home. La Mandorola Luxury Trullo hits alllll the marks. Soaking tub and garden patio, this private trullo perfectly blends rustic luxury with historic charm and oozes romance. The hosts are a delight and breakfast is superb.
DO: Once settled in your room, walk down the maze like streets to the plaza. Have drinks on the Tenute Capovaccaio Wine Terrace overlooking the hill, dotted with trulli, watch the sunset and cheers to a heavenly day.
EAT: La Perla dei Trulli, a garden pizza restaurant, has reasonable carafes of house rose. The wait can be long but you will eventually be rewarded with one amazing pizza.
Day 3 -
MARTINA FRANCA + BEACH CLUB
WHITE WASHED + BEACHY
EAT: Start your day with a delicious continental breakfast on your private patio or opt for a full brunch at the quaint Così Com'era.
SEE: Martina Franca. Meander the streets of Martina Franca and take in its historic charm. Stop for a spritz at the Piazza Maria Immacolata to enjoy the scenic church and sprawling vines on the white washed buildings.
DO: In the afternoon, try cooling off by going to one of the beach clubs near Monopoli. Coccaro Beach Club and Calderisi Mare Beach Club are highly recommended. Coccaro is Italiano perfection. Calderisi is boho fabulous.
DRINK: After a refresh back at your trulli (the bathtub at La Mandorola Luxury Trullo can be a cold plunge!) head back out for pre-dinner cocktails and dinner. Both the Wine Bar at Paco Wines Eno-Winery and the Wine Bar at Trilli e Puglia Wines will have you enjoying the Italian wines in scenic settings.
DINE: Opt for a casual dinner at Arboris Belli for a pizza or a bite at the trendy 100 metri cubi.
DAY 4 - LOcorotondo
(en route to MATERA)
MAZES + CAVES
SEE: Locorotondo. Locorotondo means ‘round place’, reflecting the Puglian town’s design, a fascinating circular labyrinth of narrow streets which wind up to the sleepy central piazza with an elegant neoclassical church. The La Llama district is the old town and where you want to explore.
DRINK: After wandering the streets, stop by Pavi Wine Restaurant. Try a refreshing glass of Locorotondo's sparkling white wine, Bianco Locorotondo DOC.
EAT: Martina Franca has many bistros and restaurants where you can try local specialties such as orecchiette con le Cime di papa (pasta), capocollo (pork), Ceci e fave (chickpeas and broad beans) and more. Gotha Restaurant in town or lunch outside town at one of the charming masserias (farm homes) in Puglia or opt for a country meal at the Masseria San Paolo Grande en route to Matera.
DRIVE: To Matera. Getting to Matera town is not easy. Pack light, ladies, and strap on your tennies. You cannot park in town since there are no cars so be prepared for a long walk up hill.
Matera is a historic city in southern Italy, located in the region of Basilicata. Famous for its ancient cave dwellings, called "Sassi," which date back to prehistoric times, Matera is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city is known for its unique architecture, where homes and churches are carved directly into limestone cliffs. Over the centuries, the Sassi has evolved from a medieval village to a thriving modern city, while maintaining its distinctive character. Matera's rich history, stunning landscapes, and cultural heritage make it a significant destination for travelers. It was named the European Capital of Culture in 2019.
In the 1950s, the Italian government relocated the inhabitants of Matera's ancient cave dwellings due to poor living conditions. This "expulsion" left the Sassi largely abandoned for years. However, the city's unique beauty and rich history eventually led to its restoration, and today, Matera is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Its stunning stone architecture, where homes and churches are carved into the cliffs, creates a dramatic, picturesque landscape that feels frozen in time. Matera’s charm lies in its fascinating blend of ancient heritage and modern revival, making it a captivating destination for travelers seeking both history and beauty. The place is unworldly and while captivating by day, is simply mesmerizing at night. Wander the streets and take in the historical aura.
STAY: Matera (2 nights). When it Matera, opt for an authentic cave experience. Unique to the region, these caves offer an unforgettable experience. Aque Cave, a small five room cave hotel run by the hospitable and not to mention gourmet chef team of brother and sister is an authentic cave experience. Some suites are three levels (not for the faint of heart or mobility impaired!). Sextantio Le Grotte Della Civita, Aquatio Cave Luxury Hotel & SPA, Palazzotto Residence&Winery,
Palazzo Degli Abati, L’Hotel in Pietra, and
Sant'Angelo Luxury Resort will all give a five-star authentic cave like experience.
DO: Wander the Sassi di Matera (the stone districts). These ancient cave dwellings are carved into limestone rocks, offering a fascinating blend of history and natural beauty. Hiking through the labyrinth of these ancient streets, narrow alleys, and staircases allows you to explore a unique, UNESCO-listed area while enjoying scenic views of the surrounding valleys. Though not a traditional hike, walking through the Sassi offers a deep connection to the landscape and history.
DINE: Baccanti. After a long hot day, a cleanup and romantic splurge are in order. The wines, the food, the ambience, within the sassi caves, will make the evening one of the most memorable.
Day 5 - MATERA
HIKES AND CAVE SPAS
DO: Wake up early before the crowds and heat set in and hike across the ravine for an unforgettable experience, combining natural beauty with ancient history. Starting from the Sassi districts, you descend to the ravine and cross one of its rock bridges, providing stunning views of the surrounding cliffs and the ancient Paleolithic caves on the opposite hill, some dating back over 7,000 years. As you walk along criss-crossing paths up the hill, you'll explore ancient cave dwellings and rock-hewn churches while enjoying panoramic views of Matera's iconic stone buildings. This moderate hike, which takes 2-3 hours, provides a unique perspective of the city and its historical significance, making it a must for visitors who want to connect with both the natural and cultural heritage of the area. When we were there the area was blocked and told us not to enter; we did anyway. I was nervous about it, but saw so many other people on our way back, that I regret not just embracing the journey without worry.
EAT: After all that hiking, have a leisurely and comfortable lunch at Pane&pomodoro across from Aquatio or savor some well deserved charcuterie at the L'antica Credenza.
SPA: Book a private bathing session for you and yours at the Spa @ Aquatico, a wellness center within recovered, underground rooms dating back to the 9th century. The largest cave compartment housed old cisterns which were recovered and now transformed into a pool. The couples package comes with champagne and fruit and guarantees the space all to yourself.
DINE: After your pampering, indulge at the Burro Salato Bistrot Crepes Et Galettes or La Lopa, a traditional cave restaurant, with a hidden movie room downstairs playing very moving clips of various movies that have used Matera as a set location.
DRINK: After dinner, nestle into the cozy cave at the Radino Wine Bistrot for a night cap.
DAY 6 - POLIGNANO A MARE
BEACH + CAVE FINE DINING
EAT: Before heading out of Matera for Polignano a Mare, enjoy your final breakfast on the terrace at the hotel. Kiss Matera and the Basilicata region good-bye as you head back to Puglia.
Polignano a Mare is one of Puglia’s most picturesque seaside towns, and one of the most important ancient settlements in Puglia. Spectacularly positioned on the Adriatic coast, it is built on the edge of a craggy ravine pockmarked with caves.
DO: Hang out at Polignono’s picturesque beach, Cala Porto (also known as Lama Monachile). Polignano a Mare's insta famous pebbley beach offers a spectacular view of limestone cliffs, aquamarine waters and white-washed houses.
REFRESH: Grab a drink in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II. Every Italian town has a main square, and this is Polignano’s. Busy in the warmer months of the year, it’s still a wonderful place to grab a morning coffee or an late afternoon aperitif and watch the world go by!
EAT: Grotta Palazzese, a luxury restaurant with a view over a magnificent blue-green sea, carved out of magnificent limestone rocks that lies in an unparalleled location has been enchanting visitors for centuries. The fixed price meal is pricey and, and not the best meal you will have in Puglia, but worth it for the stunning ambiance, view and memorable dining. This once in a lifetime experience alone beckons visitors to Polignano a Mare.
Day 7 - POLIGNANO A Mare
CATAMARANS + CAVES
BREAKFAST: Wake up to the beauty of Polignano a Mare while enjoying a cafe balcony style at Caffe Serafini.
DO: After seeing the caves landside, the caves deserve exploration from water. This morning, get up close and personal and explore the caves by water by either catamaran or SUP.
EAT: Have a refreshing lunch at Malidea - Freschi e croccanti before heading back to Polignano or opt for a quick (if lines aren't long, which they can be) casual lunch at Pescaria.
REFRESH: Grab a coffee original to Polignano a Mare with an Amaretto Del Super Mago del Gelo at the Bar Gelateria. Delish!
SUNSET COCKTAIL: Say goodbye to the everlasting sunset in Polignano a Mare with a cocktail in hand at one of Polignano a Mare's many terraces Terrazze Monachile, or opt for a casual sunset picnic glass from Piettra Piata.
DINE: Savor your last meal in la dolce vita upon the romantic and vine-laden balcony at Specchia Sant'Oronzo.
