MAKE IT A
As many of you will be coming from overseas. We highly recommend you reward your long journey here with an extended holiday...
An Opportunity to
DISCOVER PUGLIA
Italy is a country of countless destinations. Many tourists flock to the most iconic sites in Rome and Venice, which are of course incredible but you may also find them cramped and overloaded with tourists.
​
We feel that Puglia offers an opportunity to see a more authentic side of Italy. In fact, many local Italians choose to spend their summers here. From the rich history, to the food, to the crystal blue waters, we don't think you'll regret extending your stay in Puglia and discovering all the unique beauty it has to offer.
MOCK ITINERARY
Having trouble knowing where to start? Let us help with the planning!
Please find a couple of mock itineraries below which outline what we would do if it was our first time visiting Puglia.
​
MOCK ITINERARY #1 : The Adventurer (w/ a car)
You have an appetite for adventure, you want to see it all and you have the wheels to take you there. Make the most of your time in Puglia and hit all the sites!
MOCK ITINERARY #2 : The Pleasure Seeker (no car)
You here to kick back and relax. With an aperol spritz in your hand and the sun on your skin, you enjoy spending a little extra time in each destination and really soaking in the vibe.
These are just recommendations. apart from the wedding event itself, we are not preparing any group travel or events. Guests will be responsible for planning and booking their own vacations.
GALLIPOLI
Ancient Island City
As the closest city to the wedding venue, you'll surely find yourself in Gallipoli at some point and you'll be glad you did. The old town is an ancient city is built on an island (now connected by bridge).
Wonder the narrow maze-like streets admiring the baroque architecture and cathedrals and then stop for a spritz at cafe overlooking the Ionian sea, lighthouse in the distance.
The area is known for having some of the best sand beaches in Italy. The city is literally surrounded with nice beaches. Even having a really great beach in the city itself (Beach of Purity). With calm, crystal clear waters all around, its hard to go wrong here.
MATERA
The City of Stone
If you have to go only to one other city on your trip, go here. This prehistoric city is said to be the 3rd oldest (continuously occupied city) in the world, just after Aleppo and Jericho.
​
This complex network of caverns carved into the mountainside has been called home by some of the earliest human settlers on the Italian peninsula. It's vast history is unmistakable. From ancient civilization, to neglected slums (once called "the Shame of Italy", to a now UNESCO Heritage Site, this city has seen it all.
​
Let yourself get lost climbing the wondering paths, stop for a drink in a cave bar or even stay at one if its cave hotels! This city is a cultural hub full of beautiful sculptures, shops selling unique crafts. Was such a pleasure visiting here, highly recommend!
Alberobello
The Home of Trulli
Lucky you, another UNESCO Heritage site nearby! The Trulli (plural form of Trullo) is a truly unique building technique where rough limestone slabs are stacked into conical shape roofs. Incredible technique and precision was required to build these concrete-less structures that still stand today after centuries.
​
Distinct to this area in Puglia, you can find Trulli scattered throughout the area but Alberobello contains the highest concentration of Trulli as well as a Trullo Chruch which is truly remarkable feat of architecture.
​
*Bonus*: While Alberobello is an incredible heritage site, definitely worth seeing, it can get a bit touristy. We recommend escaping the crowds for dinner and going to Locorotondo for dinner (just a 10 min drive away). It's a charming local city on a hilltop, that has some great eats for a good price. We were really happy to finish the day here.
LECCE
Florence of the South
A baroque city built of limestone. It's world famous baroque architecture has earned its name Florence of the South. A special type of limestone from this region, which is especially soft and workable, making it perfect for sculpture. Nowhere is that more visible than Chiesa di Santa Croce... We got lost in the ornate detail of this church. Sculptures so fine and precise cover every surface forming an almost kaleidoscopic effect when you take it all in.
Polignano a
Mare
Cliffside City
Polignano a Mare is a picturesque town located on the Adriatic coast. Known for its dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and charming historic center. Wander through the narrow, winding streets of the historic center and look out for poetry and quotes inscribed on the walls. One of the most iconic spots in Polignano a Mare is the Lama Monachile, a small pebbly beach nestled between high cliffs. The view from above is breathtaking, and you can also descend to the beach to relax and take a dip in the water.
​
The city is famous for it's sea caves which you can explore via boat tour or 5 star dining experience! If you enjoy the finer things in life, the Grotta Palazzese is a luxury hotel built into the seaside cavern which offers a unique dinning experience with an incredible view (reservation and dress code required!). We haven't been here but would love to!
LINKS
-
Grotta Palazzese (Cave Restaurant)
-
-
Try their "caffè speciale" which is a coffee mixed with lemon, cream, and amaretto. Or one of their many gelato flavors.
-
SANTA MARIA
DI LEUCA
The End of Italy
De finibus terrae, latin for "where the land finishes leaving the space to infinite sea" There's something romantic to seeing the very end of the Italian peninsula, where the Ionic meets the Adriatic. The small but charming city is famous for it's many seaside caves, be sure to take a boat tour and see these natural wonders for yourself. There are many different routes with different caves to choose from. Some caves have hidden beaches inside or even blue lakes. Do your research and choose which route you like best. Typically the boat ride will let you get out and swim multiple times and offer presecco and snacks.
This city is also home to the very end of an ancient Roman Aqueduct that emptied into the sea. If you're lucky enough, you may still be able to catch this cascading waterfall which still releases once a month.
LINKS
-
-
there are many other providers to choose from besides this one
-
GROTTAGLIE
The City of Ceramics
If you're a lover of ceramics like us, you cannot miss Grottaglia. This city maintains it's thousand year old tradition of being a center for ceramics. World famous pieces are made here and shipped all around the world. See the masters at work as most shops are still connected directly to the studio where the pieces are made.
​
And the city itself is an absolute pleasure to wander around. Ornamental ceramics are decorated all throughout the city, adorning alley walls, private balconies and grand churches alike.
LINKS
Capitol Pugliese
BARI
Bari is the capital of the Puglia Region, and also the biggest. Here you can find delicious traditional foods and many shops around the main street Via Sparano. We suggest you to explore the old town “Bari Vecchia”, with its narrow streets and the Basilica of San Nicola (the original Santa Claus) and Castello Normanno-Svevo (historic castle with impressive architecture). Bari is famous for one street where they make the Orechiette pasta live on the street (the most iconic pasta from this region) . We consider it a bit of of a touristy because Aldo’s Mom use to make it every Sunday, but still cool to see.
​
You have to try the Focaccia Barese, its a thick pizza but it's called focaccia because it's cooked in a deep pan (the most traditional version is simply tomato and oregano). Bari is also famous for Spagehtti all’assasina (Assassin Spaghetti), a spicy tomato based pasta where the pasta is not cooked in water but in the tomato sauce itself. A truly unique pasta dish. So far you have a lunch with focaccia and dinner with pasta. You are in italy now, Carbs is your new best friend! But save room for desert because the best ice cream we had in Puglia was here at Antica gelateria Gentile.
OSTUNI
La Città Bianca
It's name "The City of White" needs no explanation. As you approach, you'll see this glistening city of white emerge, standing proudly on it's hilltop. We had so much fun here just wondering the streets and watching the white walls of the city change colors in the setting sun. ​And be sure to catch an apertivo from a restaurant that serves you on a winding staircase that overlooks the vast olive groves and Ionic Sea in the distance.
​
This is definitely one of our favorite destinations in Puglia. Be sure to check it out if you can!
LINKS ​
BEACHES
Puglia is home to many of Italy's best beaches. From otherwordly cliffscapes in the sea to soft sands in crystal water, Puglia has it all! Here's a list of favorite beaches.
LINKS ​
-
Gallipoli Beaches
-
-
Great Beach right in Gallipoli Old Town​
-
-
-
nice beach, walking distance from city free access beach next to a big beach club​
-
-
-
Very nice beach area. Long stretch of beach. Many free access parts. Also many beach clubs where you can rent an umbrella or just get drinks and food. Maybe slightly more party vibe?​
-
-
-
Our favorite beach in Gallipoli. Secluded, no beach clubs, beautiful water. Just don't wonder too far south where it starts getting rocky because it eventually turns into a nudist beach (unless that's what you're after!)​
-
-
-
A close second for favorite beach in Gallipoli. It's the perfect balance of secluded and accessible. Surrounded by a beautiful forest but there's still bathrooms and can even rent a kayak. It's a rocky beach with a small sandy beach area but don't let that deter you, such a nice area to swim and explore, lots of people were snorkeling here as well. It's a bit of walk to get to but there's a €2 shuttle that can take you from the trail head to the beach, running every 20 mins. ​
-
-
-
Beaches on the Adriatic Side
-
-
Incredible otherworldly landscape. Stone archways and pillars sticking out of the sea. You have to go here, there's nowhere else like it. We recommend coming early and bringing something soft to lay on because its all rocky stone here. ​
-
-