Puglia, Italy

Gallipoli, Italy

4 days in Apulia.

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If you only have a few days to spend in this part of Italy, it can seem overwhelming because let’s be honest, there is a lot to see in this region. I had such a hard time narrowing down which places to go to but I also learned to not over book myself when on vacation because I want the chance to be present in these places and not feel like I am constantly on the move. With that being said, here are some spots I went to and found super charming.

How to get there:

I flew in from Palermo to Bari. This is one of the main airports in Apulia. I then rented a car at the nearby rental agency, which is absolutely ESSENTIAL if you want to explore all these places and get around easily. I was trying to plan this trip with just using public transportation but i quickly learned, Southern Italy doesn’t always have the most reliable set ups in terms of this. So yes, get a car if you’re able.

Lecce:

This was my base. I stayed here and honestly, it was the best decision. I rented a room through Airbnb. Lecce is special. Everything from the architecture to the food is amazing.

Lecce (La Bocca Bistrot)

Lecce (La Bocca Bistrot)

Sightseeing/Activities:

  • Visit the Basilica di Santa Croce, Cattedrale dell’Assunzione della Virgine, Chiesa di San Matteo & all the other churches. There are many. Go see them all. You won’t regret it.

  • Walk around the city and get lost. It’s the best way to see everything. I recommend a walking tour.

  • Roman Amphitheatre

  • Piazza Sant’Oronzo

  • Piazza del Duomo

  • Lecce Castello

  • Porta Napoli

  • Villa Comunale di Lecce


Food:

La Bocca Bistrot

  • Have a plate of Orecchiette at one of the many restaurants in the city center. We ate lunch at Osteria Da Angiulino and it was absolutely delicious and delightful. Highly recommend!

  • Indulge in one of my favorite pastries, a Pasticciotto while sipping a Caffe Leccese. I recommend going to Caffe Alvino!

  • Have dinner at La Bocca Bistrot and be sure to order the Cacio e Pepe. It is to die for.


Gallipoli sunsets

Gallipoli sunsets

Gallipoli:

‘Beautiful City’ in Greek. The perfect seaside summer escape for holidaying Italians or other European tourists. It is surrounded by water on all sides and every restaurant you go to you will find seafood on the menu. Walking around feels like you are being transported into an old Italian movie set.

Sightseeing/Activities:

  • The Castello Angioino di Gallipoli

  • Beach it on the Spiaggia della Purita. A beautiful, picturesque city beach. The sunsets during summer are unbelievable and set right in front of you while you’re swimming in the water.

  • Corte Gallo.

  • Visit the many churches, but especially the Cathedral Sant'Agata.

  • Dine al fresco after a long day of exploring in one of the many quaint and affordable restaurants. La Taverna is super cute and the staff was so nice.

  • Take a guided walking tour!

Alberobello

Alberobello

Alberobello:

Whenever I told someone I was going to Puglia, I always got hit with “you MUST visit the trulli.” It is definitely an iconic spot to visit if you catch yourself in this part of Italy. A town of just over 10,000 people, it has become a hit with tourists from around the world but I still think it is worth visiting. I suggest going either early morning or sunset. In the middle of the day will be extremely crowded.

Sightseeing/Activities:

  • Roam the streets. Go into the souvenir shops and just marvel at the amazing, funghi like trulli.

  • Take a cooking class! Learn from an Italian Nonna how to make the best, fresh pasta :)

  • Visit the Sant’Antonio Church.

  • Villa Comunale Belvedere

  • Casa D’Amore

  • Visit the Basilica dei Santi Cosma e Damiano


    Food:

  • Eat gelato at Arte Fredda Gelateria.


Alberobello

Ostuni:

The beautiful white painted city that sits up in the hills of Puglia near the ocean side. We came here for sunset and walked around before we had dinner and it was so charming! Highly recommend.

Sightseeing/Activities:

  • Watch the sunset :) Go to Corso Vittorio Emanuele II and take a seat at the viewpoint.

  • Take a walking tour!

  • Have an aperitivo or dinner in the center.


Lama Monachile

Lama Monachile

Polignano a Mare:

You only need about half or a full day to explore this town. It is small but oh so charming! Between the beaches & the beautiful architecture, you will not find yourself bored. I promise.

Sightseeing/Activities:

  • Walk around Polignano a Mare Centro Storico 

  • Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II

  • Lama Monachile: The very infamous and very touristy beach. It might only be worth viewing from Ponte Borbonico because of how many people are crowded at this beach. Its absolutely stunning, don’t get me wrong, but definitely not a place to visit if you want space while laying out. It’s also all rocks so bring a few towels to lay on & some comfortable water shoes. Sand does not exist here.

  • Sip Local Vintages at Terre di San Vito Winery.

  • Look Back at Polignano from Terrazo Santo Stefano.

Danielle Giordano