Italy’s rugged southern gem
Late in 2018, myself and 3 friends took a 5 day road trip down to Italy’s south coast, Puglia.
FIRST THINGS FIRST
The best way to travel around this part of Italy is with a car. We flew into Rome and started the 3 hour leg direct to the charismatic town of Bari. A little rough around the edges but with a unique charm, we used this town as a lunch spot on our way down to the picturesque town of Polignano a mare.
*Pro tip: Italy has the best “autogrills” (petrol station with a deli style cafe – highly recommend stopping off and filling up of an A-grade coffee and panino)
Looking back, I would recommend setting up a home base in Lecce and using this as an anchor to explore the surrounding towns (which are all within an easy 30 – 60mins drive)
Our first stop was in the now well known, very scenic (and Instagramable) town, Polignano a mare. This famous beach is without a doubt a must see! Be sure to aim to get there at a reasonable hour if you intend to do some sun-bathing, this little piece of paradise fills up very quickly, especially in the busy summer months! This beach is surrounded by a very cute beach side town, perfect place to rome around especially at night, during the summer months (this town comes alive!)
Polignano a mare
STAY
Carone Suite Charme Pool Bed/Breakfast – We stayed at a quaint little bed a breakfast about 5 mins out of the main town. The owners were delightful and offered free shuttles into the city.
EAT
In all honestly, I didn’t have any crazy memorable meals in this town (I did find the restaurants to be very ‘touristy.’) We did manage to find a great little spot for some great people watching, mid-arvo spot for a refreshing spritz in a little piazza called Labella M’briana.
Although the one stand out was a little aperitivo bar with arguably one of the best views in Italy’s south. Situated literally on the beach, this place is a must!
ALBEROBELLO
This tongue twister of a name is a must visit! Known for its trulli, whitewashed stone huts with conical roofs. And I highly recommend staying in one!
STAY
Tipico Resort – We stayed in the most divine little trulli house, situated right in town! Let’s be honest, it was a mission trying to find the apartment (you must be pretty gutsy to drive inside the walls of the towns, in traditional Italian fashion, these were some of the smallest streets I’ve seen.)
EAT
No. 1 rule – beware of the main square, basic ‘tourist’ restaurants – stay away! We were recommended by locals about a well known favorite; Trattoria Terra Madre although was a little too late, recommend booking that day to ensure a table! Also just worth asking around, the locals are super friendly and willing to offer their secret spots.
The next few days we based ourselves futher down south, not far from the town of Lecce. As mentioned before, I would recommend setting this town, Lecce as a preferred base camp to then venture out from.
LECCE
STAY
This town took me by surprise, I did not expect it to have so much beauty and character and wish I spent more time exploring to the town itself. This is the largest ‘town’ in the more southern tip of Italy’s heel.
We stayed a little further in land from the town, it was a hidden gem amoungst the olive groves. It was called Masseria Bosco Di Makyva – Such a quaint little spot. The location was central, rooms were very clean and the surrounding views were beautiful.
EAT / DRINK
Vino – Puglia’s famous wine grape is Negroamaro and boy is it tasty! For a fancy bottle it’ll set you back a heafty 40 Euro (which is nothing!) and is to this day probably one of my favorite reds.
Hosteria alle Bombarde – We came across this gem randomly and was hands down probably the best Italian meal I had this entire trip. It is situated inside an old Church and had the best basic, traditional eats you would want!
BEACHES
Grotta Della Poesia – Yes, this is the one you would’ve probably see on multiple travel websites. It’s definitely worth the visit, gather up the guts to take a plunge into the grotto with some of the clearest waters.
Torre Incina – Closer to what you see when you look up “Pulgia’s best beaches.” This is an incredible little inlet with some great little unexpected characteristics.
Porto Cesareo – One of my favorite little spots, clearest waters and plenty of room to throw down your towel and relax.
Spiaggia di Punta Prosciuto (Riva Beach) – This one, while also very busy has crystal clear waters and had easy access to bars to grab those infamous summer spritz.
Torre dell’ Orso – Looking for a local experience? You got it here! This beach was packed with locals to say the least. Dance beats pumping and everyone enjoying the Italian summer. Wouldn’t say it was my favorite, although I’m sure it was be a lot more enjoyable if not in the middle of the ‘Italian’ holidays (entire month of August.)
OTRANTO
A must visit to this incredible sea side town, day or night, its bustling narrow, winding streets are nothing short of idyllic. We had a short night visit here and were amazed at this cities charm.
La Cambusa Bar – This was a super cool bottle shop / wine bar on the outskirts of the towns center. Grab a wine and sit out the front, with tables made from wooden barrels, it was the perfect little spot to watch the people go by.
Laltrobaffo – Delicious, chic, new-aged Mediterranean restaurant, highly recommend!
That’s a wrap folks!
A
taste, see, experience 