Puglia, Italy

• More about your oliver guide: Jennifer Tombroff
• Trip type: Adult, Group getaway, Beach
• Activity level: easy
• Ideal length of trip: FOUR DAYS WAS GREAT, ALTHOUGH STAY LONGER IF YOU CAN!

to & from

Depending on where you are coming from, there are direct flights from NY and most major European cities, but the most choices from London Heathrow, Rome and Milan into either Brindisi or Bari (the two largest towns in the region).

Where to Stay

We went for a friend’s 50th who had a house there, but guests stayed in different places South of Bari (one of the major towns of the area). This region is known for charming farm/country houses often surrounded by olive trees, vineyards or produce farms called Masserias. It can be fun to stay in this type of dwelling to get a sense of the region.

• Borgo San Marco (Fasano). Beautiful grounds surrounded by millenary olive trees. Great pool.
• Masseria Marzalossa (Fasano)
• Masseria Mozonne (Montalbono di Fasano). This is where we had the party. Great fun and well organized.
• Masseria Montalbono (Ostuni)
• Masseria Cimio (Savelletri di Fasano)
• Masseria Villa Cenci (Cisternino). Good food!
• La Sommita (Otsuni)
• You can also find other charming hotels on this site: www.hote-italia.com

Where to Eat and Drink

Lecce: Capital of the Puglia region, known for it’s baroque architecture.

Cisternino: Coastal hamlet with white-washed buildings.

Ostuni: Hilltop town with white-washed buildings overlooking the sea.

Fasano: A town that encompasses both sea and field.

• Trattoria Le Zie
• Dopio Zero. Fun place. Portions are huge by European standards
• Martina Franca
• Cibando (wine bar)
• Locorotondo
• BBeP (drink)
• Dock 101
• La Capase
• Enoteca Il cucco
• Osteria Santa Ana
• Tempo Perso (in a cave). Great food and atmosphere. When you book your table make sure to be seated in the in the cave portion of the restaurant.
• Al Solito Posto Pizzeria.
• Piazzetta Cattedrale
• La Mela Bacata (bar)
• Cafe Riccardo (bar just below Tempo Perso restaurant).
• Anticalama. We did not go, but looks very nice and was recommended.
• Ceglie di Messapica
• Cibus. 1 star Michelin

What to Do

• Best to get lost in the different villages, going in and out of churches, stop for the best coffee and cappuccinos, end the day watching the sunset sipping a Spritz for your aperitivo.
• Monopoli: Lovely city with beautiful port with blue fishing boats.
• Locorotondo: Old town which overlooks the valley of Itria with it's ancient typical Trulli houses.
• Martina Franca: We did not go, but apparently wonderful town and good restaurants and shops.
• Alberobello: Capital of Trulli country. It's actually quite small, and a bit touristy, buth worth seeing the ancient houses.
• Cisternino: Lovely town.
• Ostuni: We loved this town. Reminded us a bit of the Greek Islands with it's white walls and sinuous streets.
• Polignano a Mare: Beautiful white medieval town on the sea. Beautiful restaurant: Grotta Palazzese.
• Lecce: Beautiful town further south past Brindisi. Stunning baroque palazzi and churches.
• Galipoli: worth a visit as well.

inside scoop

• Best to go off season (May or September). Summer time must be VERY hot and crowded.
• If you like red wine, order Amativo (mix of Negroamaro and Primitivo Di Manduria).
• Internet is not the best.

skip it

We did not stay long enough to skip anything. There is much to discover in a way that feels leisurely.