Puglia road trip

Our journey starts in Bari, a cosmopolitan city on the Adriatic coast.

Famous for its historic centre and traditional food, Bari welcomes visitors with its unique and fascinating architecture.

The throbbing heart of the city, Bari Vecchia, is an intricate maze of narrow streets that have retained all their historic charm. The Basilica of San Nicola, a splendid example of Apulian Romanesque architecture, is a magnificent monument that testifies to the devotion of the city's inhabitants to the Holy Bishop of Myra. Not far away, the Swabian Castle, built in the 12th century under Norman rule, has a long and fascinating history. While walking past the Cathedral of St Sabinus, you might want to stop and have a look at the fabulous display of fresh fish and local produce at one of Europe's biggest open-air markets. We now leave the old town and head for the maze of streets designed by Gioacchino Murat in 1813. Here we find the Teatro Petruzzelli, one of Bari's best-known cultural and artistic landmarks. The theatre is famous not only for its beautiful architecture and creative design, but also for the great productions staged there each year.

Of course, no trip to Bari would be complete without a taste of the local focaccia, a traditional bread that is the pride of the city. Made from the finest flour, all sourced locally, Bari focaccia has always been a symbol of Apulian cuisine. As you bid farewell to Bari, you'll certainly remember the history, treasures and flavours of this city for some time to come.

Alberobello certainly needs no introduction. Famous worldwide for its historic centre built entirely from "trulli", visitors are always enchanted by these little white houses with cone-shaped roofs.

This unique village attracts thousands of visitors every year. In 1996 it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in recognition of the local culture.

More than 1,500 trulli clustered together on the hillside form a picture-postcard scene worthy of any painting - with the artists being the local stonemasons and the colours the stones themselves.

These dry-stone dwellings are the result of centuries-old construction methods and popular wisdom. With their conical roofs and characteristic symbols, these little houses have become international icons of the Italian way of life.

The quirky charm of the 'trullo' makes Alberobello truly unique, not only from an architectural perspective. It's a place that reflects the real history and traditions of Puglia.

Perched on a high cliff overlooking the crystal-clear sea, Polignano offers breathtaking views of the Adriatic.

The narrow alleyways of the historic centre reflect the typical architecture of the Mediterranean and contain all the colours and flavours of this magnificent region, rich in traditions, culture and art. The Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a stunning example of Romanesque-Gothic architecture, adds an awe-inspiring sacred air to the old town resting beneath its majestic bell tower.

The Lama Monachile bridge, which connects the old town with the port area, offers a surprising view of the cliff on which the town stands. A place in which to admire the beauty and power of nature, letting the wind and the sound of the sea accompany you on a romantic walk that seldom leaves you unmoved.

The soundtrack of our visit to Polignano a Mare is naturally the famous song "Volare" by Domenico Modugno. Born in this very town, Modugno is known nationally and internationally for his ability to express Italian culture, passion and emotions in song.

Ostuni charms you from afar. The whiteness of its houses, which has earned it the name White City, stands out against the green of the olive-clad hills on which the city stands. According to one tradition, the name "Ostuni" derives from the dialectal deformation of the Arabic word 'zaitun', meaning olive. Its historical centre, a true pearl of Mediterranean architecture, still retains the ancient and evocative atmosphere of a medieval village. Wandering the narrow streets of Ostuni is a truly unique experience. You can admire the beautiful Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta with its Baroque façade and splendid rose window. Another must-see is the Church of San Vito Martire, dating back to the 16th century, with its important religious works of art. Climbing to the belvedere, located at the highest point of the built-up area, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the entire city. Your gaze sweeps over the long expanses of olive trees, dotted with typical Puglia trulli, stretching all the way to the Adriatic Sea, a true spectacle of nature and human ingenuity.

Endless wonders await you for an unforgettable holiday among the art, culture, cuisine and sea of the White City.

A short diversion to our Puglia itinerary allows us to reach Basilicata and discover the famous "Sassi", an ancient city carved directly into the rock.

We reach the old town through the public housing areas built after the war to "remove people from the Sassi." In recent years, Matera has developed into a famous cultural and tourist hub: listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993, its fame has grown and it was European Capital of Culture in 2019. To explore this thousand-year-old city is to immerse yourself in a unique atmosphere where archaic sights form a backdrop to interesting museums, shops and traditional restaurants. Take time to visit the National Museum of Medieval and Modern Art of Basilicata in Palazzo Lanfranchi, a place of great cultural importance where works of art by local and international artists are exhibited.

Strolling through the alleyways of the village, among the enamelled ceramic objects, traditional textiles and stone jewellery of the outstanding local handicraft, the scents and colours of typical products invite us to taste the traditional Lucanian dishes: from Matera bread to "Lagana" (a fresh pasta served with toasted breadcrumbs, garlic and olive oil) and the famous "peperoni cruschi" [dried friggitelli peppers]. A harmony of taste and tradition that tells of the history and culture of these magical places.

Inhabited since antiquity, Grottaglie boasts a thousand-year history and is world-famous for its production of artistic ceramics dating back to the Greco-Roman period. Today, Grottaglie is a thriving town and the numerous craft workshops produce ceramic objects that are true works of art. Strolling through the historical centre, we encounter two of the city's most interesting sights: Episcopio Castle and the Mother Church. The Castle, built in the Norman period to protect the city from Saracen raids, now houses the Ceramics Museum and is a reference point for ceramic art from around the world.

Not far away, the Mother Church welcomes us with its monumental grandeur. Built in the 17th century and destroyed in the 1743 earthquake, it was rebuilt at the end of the 18th century and houses several important works of art, including the painting of the Madonna of Grottaglie, the town's patron saint.

A visit to the workshops, where ceramists mould clay with skill and mastery to create unique and original works, is certainly a unique experience not to be missed.

Lecce is art. Best known for its Baroque architecture, rich in detail and decoration, the capital of Salento is also described as the "Florence of the South."

The Basilica of Santa Croce, located in the heart of the historical centre, with its numerous altars and chapels embellished with statues and paintings by local artists, and its rich decoration of animal and plant figures, is a true masterpiece of Lecce Baroque.

The Castle of Charles V is certainly worth a visit. Built in the 16th century by Emperor Charles V as a defensive fortress against Saracen raids, it is now an important cultural centre with an Archaeological Museum inside it.

You can't leave Lecce without a stroll through its narrow streets and ancient squares to discover and enjoy the many local delicacies. Pinnacles of take-away cuisine, rustico leccese, a kind of savoury pie filled with tomato, mozzarella and béchamel, and pasticciotto leccese, a pastry made with shortcrust pastry and custard, are an essential 'stop' to savour the life and culture of this magnificent city.

Otranto is a true artistic and cultural treasure on the east coast of Puglia.

This enchanting city, surrounded by crystal-clear waters and golden beaches, combines ancient and modern art to create a particularly fascinating atmosphere. Its mighty walls enclose unique treasures such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria Annunziata, a marvellous Romanesque church dating back to the 12th century, which houses a precious floor mosaic known throughout the world, as well as frescoes and works of art of great value.

Standing guard over the historical centre, the Aragonese Castle dominates the sea from the top of the promontory and offers a breathtaking view of the city and the surrounding coastline.

Sheltered by the gulf that encloses it, Otranto's magnificent beach is one of the most charming places in the city and, with its crystal-clear waters and golden beaches, attracts many tourists each year, who find this a unique place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty.

The city also offers numerous activities for sports enthusiasts: from windsurfing to kayaking, and scuba diving to sailing. Otranto is a location that never disappoints, offering visitors aunique and unforgettable experience.

Referred to as the 'Pearl of the Ionian Sea', Gallipoli is a charming port city that was already important in Roman times. The numerous historical and cultural treasures make the historical centre of Gallipoli, with its uphill cobbled streets and famous watchtowers, a place not to be missed. The Cathedral of Sant'Agata stands out among the architectural beauty of a thousand-year-old city dotted with numerous Baroque churches. Besides the culture and art of the old town, Gallipoli is also famous for its dream beaches, which stretch for kilometres along the coast. A crystal-clear sea and shallow waters that lap the golden surface of the sand welcome us to La Purità beach. A unique setting in which to relax in the sun, take a break from the city and enjoy relaxation with family or friends. A rich blend of history, art and natural beauty, in short, all seasoned with the typically warm Apulian hospitality, have made Gallipoli one of the most popular tourist destinations in Puglia.