Puglia Unseen: A Perfect Destination for Slow Travel
You will read it in: 2 mins
You will learn about: hidden & small towns, where to go for a perfect beach, which city serves the best seafood
I spent 2 weeks slowly exploring the hidden gem of Italy - Puglia. I would like to share my discoveries with you so that your itinerary gets filled with remote, but perfect places for anything that you are looking for.
Polignano a Mare 🌊
My favourite city in the South of Puglia. It is perfect for exploring petite, hidden alleys with their white walls and salty sea breeze 🌊 This city offers innumerable cafes and restaurants (also on the petite size scale) and breathtaking views of the cliffs and sea. It has an opening to the sea called Grotta Piana, which is used as a beach. However, make sure to take an umbrella with you or a good sunscreen as it does not have a shadow.
Grotte di Castellana 🦇
It is the most breathtaking destination in the South of Puglia. Grotte di Castellana is a cave network reaching up to 3.2 kilometres! When I walked in, I felt like being in one of Nicolas Cage's movies. It was a dark labyrinth with magnificent stalagmite statues. The experience is one in a lifetime. Nature has been doing its magic for thousands of years and I had a chance to glance at it. A tip - take a sweater with you, as it is a bit chilly down there.
Ostuni ⛪️
The city centre of Ostuni is a busy, white maze of enchanting alleys that all lead to the gorgeous church on the top of the hill. It is perfect for those who want to wander and lose themselves. You will also find it your cup of tea if you like photographing - be it for the Instagram or professional portfolio. So many beautiful sights!
Savelletri 🦪
If you are after delicious seafood, then Savelletri is your spot. It is a tiny seaport city, with one main road and multiple fantastic restaurants overlooking the city. Be it lunchtime or dinner, you will find a perfect fit for your taste and pocket. I had an excellent meal at 'Mómó pescato e cucinato.' After, I had a sunny walk overlooking the blue, vast sea.
Lido Morelli 🤿
Lido Morelli is an ideal shore for those who are after the sun-kissed skin and white beaches. It has many beach clubs along the shore, so you can pick and choose whether you imagine yourself lying on the white sand or maybe you prefer a chaise long. There is also plenty of car park spaces. So, bring a swimming suit, a couple of apples and a good book.
BONUS 🤩
Beautiful cities in Puglia, which I visited but which didn't make into my top 5:
Carovigno - if you are looking for a perfect pizza, this is your city!
Otranto - good for a stroll and for getting lost in white, hidden alleys.
Martina Franca - I liked it for an afternoon walk.
Locorotondo - charming churches.
Alberobello - nice looking city.
Brindisi - perfect for the night stroll and dinner.
Lecce - it had a couple of charming churches. However, it felt too hyped up in the tourist guides.
Spiaggia di Porto Selvaggio - wild beach, which takes 30 minutes to walk through the pine tree forest downhill to be reached. Take a thicker matt with you and some sturdy shoes, as the beach is on the rock.
