These they are, the Pearls of Puglia (Italy)
It's a team effort we like to say and in the case of Puglia the team is unanimous: Puglia (Italy) is crazy! It is not without reason that it is the holiday resort of the Italians themselves and although the area is large (or better: precisely because the area is large), you can't help but enjoy a wonderful holiday among the Italians: the majority of the catering staff ( especially if you sit a little further south than the 'center' around the white town of Ostuni) you don't speak a word of English and anyone who hears Dutch around them will nod to their fellow countrymen (because this is a rarity rather than a source of irritation).
First things first: Puglia is bigWe already said it, and a car is therefore a must. Rent one (a jeep is nice for all country roads to the many masserias) and try to book several hotels/sleeping accommodations so that you can make a mini tour of your holiday: Puglia is ideal for that. Oh, and whatever you do, put a pasticciotto (a type of filled Italian pastry) in your mouth, a local delicacy!
Got the urge at the last minute to see the gems with your own eyes? At Prijsvrij, you can arrange your complete holiday to Puglia without any hassle, from flights and accommodation (with or without a rental car!) in a charming masseria to lovely accommodation on the coast. You can choose all-inclusive, room only, or anything in between.
And there is no shortage of accommodation options either. There are truly many possibilities, such as Residence Il Porto close to the beach with a view of Mattinata Bay, or Dimora Sant'Anna right in the city center. Choose your favorite destination and book your trip to this addictive part of Italy at a great price. Buon viaggio!
We think of Italy. We like to do that. And then the south of the country because suddenly it was there, that oh so beautiful region in the heel of the boot: Puglia. Italian families have known it for years and travel en masse to the Adriatic coast in the summer months. You don't need that much for a fantastic holiday. Completely different from all other parts of Italy where time has stood still and where you sleep in a stone trullo (those round houses with pointed roofs, plural is trulli) or beautiful masserias. Drive through the hills dotted with olive trees from one picturesque village to the next, a pit stop along the coast for a fresh seafood and become a sponge for absorbing the necessary vitamin D on the long sandy beaches. We are talking about Puglia and have fallen in love with this region in one go.
Here they come, the Pearls of Puglia!
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Puglia is just over a two-hour flight from Amsterdam Schiphol. We start in Brindisi, went all the way south in the heel of the boot and end in Bari, but of course that can also be done the other way around. Rent that car and andiamo! There are many villages to choose from and they are all equally beautiful. And it doesn't really matter who you go there with. Cozy as a couple, a group of friends or out with the whole family. This part of the boot fits everyone, so to speak.
With five stars it is thick Masseria a pearl in this list. This beautiful residence, located among the olive trees, has 44 rooms and a number of nothing-wrong-with-chic villas with private swimming pools. The accommodation has four restaurants, so you can eat a different meal every evening. Bringing kids? Believe us, you won't hear them complaining. From water park to swimming lessons and from mini club to horse riding. The interior is reminiscent of an Italian holiday snapshot. Although every room has a different look (read: stress of choice), they are all equally serene and beautiful. With lots of white, natural stone and classic details, every corner is your favorite. The Beach Club is perhaps the nicest place in Masseria. Fancy some pampering or something to do? You can book massages here or elsewhere at the resort, go to the spa or visit the gym for a yoga class. And for the competitive holidaymaker, a round of the golf course. Want to take a little culture home with you? Take part in a bike tour, cooking class or (as a true Italian) a ride on a Vespa.
This is a different part of Italy than Rome or Venice. It has equally beautiful squares, churches and even a Roman theater, but things are a bit slower and more relaxed here. And that's nice. The food, olive oil and wine are local and the great thing is that this city is located close to nice beaches and cliffs.
And here the first pearl with a capital P, La Fiermontina. A masseria in the middle of the old part of Lecce, an oasis of peace through the large gardens surrounded by walls and centuries-old olive trees. You don't have to sleep: reserve an evening there and enjoy a fantastic dinner between the old walls. In terms of restaurants, the choice is certainly huge in Lecce: La Sapore with a cozy courtyard and Whitestone are (TOP)favorites. The place for a delicious cocktail in Cosmopolitanyou drink in the atmosphere How Much Enough.
Close to Lecce (20 minutes drive) you will find Sa Suites, a wonderful base in the region Salento. The Puglia region is divided into six regions, of which Salento is one. As soon as you drive onto the property, you immediately imagine yourself in an oasis of peace. The only thing you hear here is the twittering of birds and the wind that gently blows through the olive trees. Really a place where you don't have to do anything at all. But if you do want to do something, you can hit a ball on the tennis court or take a dip in the swimming pool with jacuzzi. At seven o'clock, Aperitivo is served on the roof terrace by host and bartender Nick. The house specialties are the Amaretto Sour and Lychee Sour: 'n must-try! Then you join for a delicious four-course dinner, prepared by hostess Anja. Once you're here, you don't really want to leave. Oh, and the villa is also beautifully decorated; there's no shortage of design. In addition to the eclectic collection of art, our personal favorite is the enormous eyecatcher of a lamp, designed by our 'own' Rick Tegelaar. Gotta love some Dutch Design.
And then of course you want to know where to make a reservation for the tastiest and nicest lunch in Lecce. We get it. And we now know. Is it coming for Delicacies in Lecce:
- Pescheria Con Cottura – a favorite in the city and a must for anyone who loves fish. The place is beautiful and contemporary and the concept is fun: upon entering you can choose a fresh fish from the display case and indicate how it should be prepared. And then let everything wash over you for the rest of the evening.
- Caffe Cittadino – Ah, Italians and their coffee… In Lecce this is you place to go (although you can also sit down for something to eat)
- Bros' – For when you really want to eat out in the city. A bit complicated, but very good, we were told (however, the degree of complexity held us back).
- Quanto Basta – It is not at all complicated to sit down for a good cocktail at Quanto Basta.
- Tormaresca Vino e Cucina – This Italian restaurant from Milan found its way to Lecce and thanks to the cozy terrace, the friendly service and the tasty, not complicated food, this is our choice (next to Pescheria Con Cottura). 'must visit' when in Lecce.
saint seal is such a coastal town with beautiful cliffs and azure blue water. Ideal for a refreshing dip during a... roadtrip kust langs.
The southern village (not completely southern but a bit in the middle of the south) may be quite touristy, but we absolutely loved it. A holiday from the books, so to speak. Thanks to the small (fine, not painful) pebbles in the water of the city beach, the water of that beach is very clear. We returned a few times for an end afternoon on the beach. Book the photogenic blue-white beds and a parasol in advance Hotel Miramare (there is also a nice parking lot behind the hotel) and make sure you become friends with one of the beach boys here and you will have the perfect day to end the rest of your holiday (especially with a child). You can have a drink after your evening splash across the street Meastral (very nice!) and then join us in the town for pizza and an ice cream afterwards. Bee Al Tartufo restaurant you eat fancy (not mind blowing but nice, especially if you like truffle) and we found the only really good tip at restaurant level in Otranto itself L'Ortale Ristoro SAlentissimo – a hidden gem! In a side street you will find the small caterer with, surprise, a large indoor/backyard where you can enjoy your order from the display case at the front of the shop. You sit under the grape vines and between the herbs. No complete meals here: you eat what you get from a caterer. Cheese, charcuterie, a drink and very tasty bread dishes (a kind of quiches).
Before you read further: if you have Puglia plans and you plan to go a little further south than just Ostuni & co: reserve Bagno Marino Archi! Do it and thank us later. This photogenic place is an unknown icon and really great fun for everyone. No beach but ramps in the water, a hysterical playground (which makes parents itch but which every child likes), slides in the water, a nice nothing-to-happen restaurant (we consider that a real holiday ) and all that in a nothing less than picture-perfect years 60 vibes environment. But: always full!
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If you are in the area: Porto Badisco Beach is a small, idyllic beach where, once again, you can stay among the Italians. There are beds for rent, there is a small 'shack' for ice creams and drinks and that's basically it. O: it is not one of the big well-known beaches and although it is really busy in the high season, it is very good. So far so good.
Ostuni is mis perhaps the most beautiful village in Puglia. Citta BiancaShe is also called the white city. Stroll and get lost through the small streets and alleys and see where you end up. An Aperol Spritz Borgo Antico Bistrot with a beautiful view and you don't need much more. They don't take reservations and that's fine: it's a popular address (understatement), but waiting for an ice cream from the ice cream parlor around the corner is no punishment. Be sure to arrive on time!
And yes, Ostuni has plenty of nice restaurants, but one of our top favorites (that says a lot) is Ristorante Taverna della Gelosia. This restaurant is located between the narrow alleys, even a little hidden, with a staircase down you end up at a magical spot. Does it sound a bit too exaggerated? Sorry not sorry because that's how it really feels. There are tables on various floors in a courtyard and the olive trees with atmospheric lights are also present here.
The White City on the Hill, in other words Ostuni, is a household name in the area and it feels logical - because hey, tourism - to skip it. Still, the city is worth a visit and we would advise everyone to choose their holiday base nearby: then you are perfectly central for exploring the entire area. Be sure to take a look at our (laundry) list the most beautiful and finest masserias in Puglia, supplemented with a number of hotels and Airbnbs: most of them can be found in this corner.
In the city itself Osteria Del Tempo Perso another very nice tip. An osteria and therefore a typical Italian eatery. Can't miss it.
And if you're feeling warm, you'll find it near Ostuni Lido Laguna Blu really a very nice beach. Locals only ;-).
Between Ostuni and Ceglie Messapica you will find Masseria Grieco: a beautiful masseria with trulli (you know, those nice houses with pointed roofs), for the ultimate Puglia experience. It is very nice to stay here, also with little ones. What we like so much about all these masserias is that you can wander around the yard and through the gardens. In addition to a gigantic vegetable garden and walking path through the olive groves, this masseria even has a real petting zoo. There is a cozy bar by the pool, perfect for a spritz at any time of the day, with gelato for the little ones. Once you are on the yard, you don't have to leave. In the evening you can sit down for a delicious dinner in the restaurant. Oh and can we also say that this is really a dream of a wedding location. They know how to organize weddings here like no other. Just sayin'. All in all a wonderful place and so very kid proof. We are crazy about it!
From the moment you drive up the driveway here you imagine yourself in a piece of Puglian paradise where you are completely taken care of. And no, that is not an exaggeration. The masseria is surrounded by beautiful gardens, including vineyards, orchards, a beautiful old citrus garden and a view of the sea. The wellness is also on point: massages, treatments, saunas and infinity pools, you name it. You can also take lovely walks through the gardens and on the way you might bump into Roberto (the house donkey). Well, if you can't relax here, we don't know what will. At Masseria Auraterrae you will find the luxury of a resort, but the authenticity of a boutique hotel. Exactly! A place where every detail is perfect. This also applies to the (cocktail) bar and the restaurant. True works of art are created here. Bartender Saverio mixes the most delicious cocktails with ingredients from the surrounding orchards and gardens. Yep, that's as good as it sounds. In the restaurant you can choose from local classics or more haute cuisine. They know exactly what they are doing here and boy, that is a party good.
Wine lovers cannot not go to Terre di San Vito. Missed opportunity, that's what they call it. The old wine farm produces delicious wines and created a winery around it winery as we know it from Cape Town. And love. Taste, drink and stock up. Wines in bottles, but especially the beautiful hand-painted (wine) jars.
Let's be honest: this list will probably never be completed. Puglia has SO many beautiful places, from restaurants and towns to beaches and bays. They deserve some extra attention. But we don't want to deprive you of these: Polignano a Mare. A small and beautiful coastal town where the narrow alleys are certainly worth a stroll, but where everything revolves around the city bay between the rugged rocks. Please note: it is very busy during the high season, so be on time (or late! It is also beautiful at the end of the day when the sun starts to set and most day guests have packed their bags) and thank us later.
Just around the corner you can also visit the famous restaurant Palazzese cave. A picture to see, that's true, but much overrated: a few plates of food for 190 per person. No, then dive in San Vito take one of the boat rides on offer and watch the diners from the water! Much more fun (and much less pricey).
There are many beautiful places to stay in Puglia, but what you really want is value for money we point is. Of which note Fikus – the Apulian B&B. A picture of a B&B that is simple on the one hand, wonderfully luxurious on the other. The quiet, relaxing small farmhouse just a few minutes from Ceglie Messapica (a beautiful town) is surrounded by the Pugliese countryside. Beautiful is one understatement. Just like the hospitality of owners Francesco, Luisa and Greta! Your breakfast is served in your room and is fantastic and with a bit of luck you will find one of the rooms with a private patio. Everything is more than beautifully maintained, the swimming pool is beautiful and it is just very nice. Anyway, a perfect place to relax and visit the Valle d'Itria and all the nice restaurants in the area.
The Truli house that we were allowed to call our home for a few days was located near Cisternino, a slightly less known town like Lecce and Ostuni, which we therefore love more. The entire village is actually a pearl, cozy and cozy. There are those real Italian pasticcerias where you wake up with good coffee and delicious croissants. There are also cakes, lots of cakes. There is something friendly and relaxed about the town. And a fun fact is that this is really a butcher's village. That always makes us happy. It works like this, on the street side you have the butcher shops, you choose your meat and behind the shop there is a restaurant where you can sit comfortably. Don't expect luxury, but very local and tasty food.
And you eat in Cisternino at Trattoria Bere Vecchie. Red and white checkered tablecloths, in a narrow alley in Cisternino Trattoria Bere Vecchie is hidden away. We wouldn't be quick to sit inside, but definitely outside. For the carnivores among us, there is a lot of meat on the menu, and it is delicious too.
Monopoli stands for 'unique city'. And if you can be called that, then you have something to live up to, so to speak. This town is located on the Adriatic coast, a little further south than Polignano a Mare and worth a visit. Floating fishing boats, old men making fishing nets and a pleasant city center.
Would you like to join us here? Sure! You do that restaurant CarloQuinto. We stumbled upon it by chance, scored a table and then saw one guest after another being sent away. With our noses in the butter, it turned out! A delicious pasta and the place in-town for a good cocktail.
Before lunch is Vini e Panini Here's a very good idea: wine and sandwiches, the good kind!
Cala DiavoloA small bay with a swimming pool. It's wonderful to just lie there for a day with a book in one hand and a delicious cocktail in the other, and then, after a bit of sunbathing, cool off in the pool.
Monopoli has so many delicious places to eat, we could go on and on. So, we've also listed some great restaurants. Ristorante Gran Pavese We love it, because it's delicious food (just like we're used to in Italy) and all with a view of the sea (!). What more could you ask for?
Furthermore Restaurant Piazza Palmieri Also worthy of a place on this list. The view from the beautiful terrace on the square is stunning, and we give the food a solid ten. They are traditional Apulian dishes, refined with a modern, creative twist. And we've been told that it isn't touristy at all. A nice bonus.
Canne Tower is a large stretch of beach where you will find several popular beach bars. Our favorites:
* Lido Bizarro is a nice beach bar run by an Italian family who recognize and welcome you on day 2. No hip stuff, nice and relaxed and very Italian. Reservations for lunch are wise. I already had fresh pasta with it seafruit said? Order it here! And then add a nice plate of calamari.
* Il Principe del Mare is again nothing fancy but a very good (lunch) fish restaurant! You sit on white plastic chairs and you never want to leave. Reservations are a must.
* Lido Bambu however, was our 'everyday' favorite. Beautiful, large place, a really nice beach on your doorstep, beautiful beachy restaurant to sit down for lunch, but also the option to eat a club sandwich or a burger on your bed. If we have to choose the whole day, we always choose Lido Bambù.
Anyone who drives to the southernmost point of Puglia and therefore of Italy will not be disappointed: set course for Spiaggia di Pescoluse and immediately find the most beautiful beach in Puglia. A long busy stretch of beach that is worth seeing. If you want to be sure of luxury, a good lunch and a nice bed, then it is worth it The Five Sails to reserve for the day. Quite a price, that's true, but anyone who needs to lie down (hands in the air) might want to do it anyway. The southernmost town of Puglia is a very beautiful one: Santa Maria di Leuca. Perfect for a round (and an ice cream). For dinner, however, we took a seat a little higher: in the also very beautiful Italian village Presicce where we are Ancient Philosopher's Stone had a wonderful evening: dishes from the area and dining in a narrow alley under the lamps. Vacation, anyone?
Alberobello
We could say the capital of the trullo and perhaps therefore the most photographed place in all of Puglia and therefore also the most touristic. That's because of all those damn nice trulli houses, you only find them in this part of Italy and in this village there are more than 1000 of them. Certainly nice for a stopover during your road trip, but personally not a favorite to stay much longer.
locorotondo
Small cute village, like so many in Puglia, but it is never boring. Here you can join the Via Nardelli street for a tasty, healthy wrap and a fantastic view.
Matera
Ideal for a day trip. Very beautiful city with a lot of Italian history and culture.
The coastal strip between Ostuni and Lecce has many beaches and beach bars. Some are nicer and more fun than others – it must be said. So we joined in Lido dei Pini where it was nothing less than crazy busy and where you could scoop – really tasty and affordable – from large containers for lunch. This is where the Italians hang out, so to speak, and we enjoyed seeing them, but that was the end of it. Lido Tropea is a suit of the same cloth.
Also in the same list – approximately – but smaller and more beautiful Bay of the Turks. No luxury here either, but it is more picturesque. The same goes for, a little further north, Torre Sant'Andrea.
It is also worth driving to the west coast and entering Punta Prosciutto Beach and/or Togo Bay Beach on your navigation: the whitest beach and the clearest water in all of Puglia!
Other fine beaches and beach club being in Puglia The Palms. A beach club where you can easily spend a whole day. Or The Stains: a beautiful sandy beach with nice beds. Okay last one: the happy one LullaBay is also really fun (then we arrive back at the beginning of Torre Canne)!
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Bari is really a city that you should not miss. You need one here appetizer or a delicious one gelato take in Bari Vecchia, the old center of the city. Bee Gelateria Martinucci you arrive in a true ice paradise. It is located on the pleasant Piazza Mercantile.
The person who can tell you everything about Bari and all of Puglia is Jelly van Ciao Bella Moments. The best addresses from very exclusive to cozy and local, the real Puglia Pearls. She fully organizes organized weekends or exclusive trips to small-scale and authentic locations.
And… We are far from done with Puglia and all its pearls!
