Apulia (Puglia): Highlights and Hidden Gems in Southern Italy

Sun, pasta and olive trees as far as the eye can see

Puglia. Even the word sounds like sunshine on your face and salt on your skin, doesn’t it? It’s that perfect mix of laid-back chaos, Italian charm, and food that somehow always tastes a little better than at home. So, we went to Apulia. No big plan, just a strong craving for sun, sea, and seriously good food. And what can I say? Italia, ti amo!

Our little paradise under the olive trees

At the start of our Apulia trip, we headed all the way down south, right to the heel of the boot. For the first few days, we stayed in an Airbnb that turned out to be even more magical than we had imagined. It was an old caravan nestled in a huge natural garden, surrounded by olive trees and the sound of chirping crickets. There are only two accommodations on the property, far apart from each other, so you feel like you have the entire place all to yourself.

The owners live in a small house at the entrance of the property, super warm and welcoming, always around if you need anything, but never intrusive. The accommodation itself was simple but absolutely beautiful. There was an outdoor kitchen, which in theory you share with others, though we were lucky enough to have it all to ourselves. A spotless eco-toilet, an open-air shower, fairy lights strung through the trees, and hammocks for lazy afternoons. Honestly, it was perfect.

In the evenings, we sat outside, ate dinner, and listened to the wind whispering through the trees. Even though we only stayed for two nights, saying goodbye was surprisingly hard. We easily could have stayed another week without missing a thing.

Cutrofiano: relaxed Apulian vibes

The nearest little town is Cutrofiano. If you feel like being around people or fancy a restaurant visit, this is the place to go. Typical Apulian charm: narrow streets, bright stone houses, a lovely square with a church, and cafés bathed in the warm glow of string lights in the evening.

We wandered through the old town, letting ourselves be carried along, and eventually ended up at the pizzeria DAda, which had been recommended to us. And yes, it was worth it. While eating, we listened to street musicians and even joined in for a little dance at the end as the atmosphere in the narrow streets grew more lively.

Cala dell’Acquaviva: a little paradise

We really wanted to visit Cala dell’Acquaviva near Tricase Porto because several people had raved about this little cove. And what can I say: they were right. Early in the morning, when the sun just peeks over the rocks and hardly anyone is around, it is simply magical. The small Acquaviva cove is a real postcard scene. Nestled between rocks and fragrant Mediterranean scrub, it feels like a slice of true Italian charm. The name Acquaviva means “living water,” which fits perfectly, because small freshwater springs bubble out of the rocks and mix with the sea. This makes the water crystal clear and wonderfully refreshing, even on hot summer days.

With its turquoise sea, rugged rocks, and lush greenery all around, Cala dell’Acquaviva is one of those places where you just stay longer than planned. It is at its most beautiful early in the morning, when it is still quiet and peaceful.

Tricase Porto: Breakfast with a view

After swimming, we continued to Tricase Porto, just a few minutes away. The small harbor town is really charming, with colorful boats, calm waters, and a relaxed vibe. We found a cozy café right on the harbor and had breakfast there: cappuccino, croissant, and the sun on our faces. Everything you need for a perfect, laid-back morning in Apulia!

There is not much more to see in Tricase Porto, but that is exactly its charm. It is calm, unpretentious, and perfect for a short stop. If you want to explore a bit further, it is worth taking a detour to the town of Tricase itself. There you will find typical Apulian old town streets, an impressive church, small restaurants, and that unmistakable Italian feeling that instantly relaxes you.

Gallipoli: the beautiful seaside town

Gallipoli literally means “the beautiful city,” and that fits perfectly. The old town sits on a small island connected to the mainland by a bridge. Between ancient walls, white houses, and the sparkling sea, you immediately feel like you are in a postcard.

We strolled along the harbor promenade, watched the fishermen mend their nets, and simply soaked up the atmosphere. For lunch, we settled at Café del Mar with a view of the beach and the sea. Later, we wandered through the narrow streets, past pretty shops and cozy cafés, where you just want to sit down and never leave. Gallipoli completely won us over. It is lively, charming, and yet relaxed. Definitely a place you should not miss when visiting Apulia.

Marina di Leuca: The very end of Italy’s heel

At the southernmost tip of Italy’s heel lies Marina di Leuca. Our last trip took us there simply because we wanted to see what it feels like at the very edge of the boot. Honestly, it was amazing. We wandered through the town, enjoyed the sun, and finally had lunch at Smaré in a lovely courtyard, this time without a sea view. And as almost always in Apulia, the food was a total hit.

Afterwards, we went on a boat tour along the coast, passing cliffs, caves, and small coves only accessible from the water. We snorkeled, jumped into the sea, and honestly didn’t want to stop. The water was so clear you could see all the way to the bottom. It was such a beautiful trip, and we could have happily spent a few more hours out there.

Our Trullo: Living Straight Out of a Picture Book

Our next accommodation took us a bit further north to a beautiful trullo near Martina Franca, specifically the Trulli Difesa. Even the drive was dreamy, winding past olive groves and small white villages, until suddenly this round little house with its pointed stone roofs appeared before us.

A trullo (plural: trulli) is a traditional stone house typical of this region in Apulia. They were originally built without mortar so they could be easily dismantled if new taxes were due, which is pretty clever. Today they are the trademark of the Valle d’Itria and absolutely beautiful to look at.

Our trullo was a true little paradise. We had a private pool, a large garden, a sun terrace, an outdoor kitchen, and everything you could wish for. In the evenings we sat outside, cooked, watched the sunset, and could hardly believe how calm and peaceful it was there. We can wholeheartedly recommend Trullo Difesa: an absolute dream spot to relax and enjoy.

Martina Franca: Baroque Beauty in White

Martina Franca is located in the heart of Valle d’Itria and is one of those places where you just start wandering and never want to stop. The old town is a maze of white streets, baroque facades, and small squares where life flows by at a relaxed pace.

Especially around Piazza Plebiscito, half of Martina Franca seems to be enjoying an espresso while you’re still deciding whether to just stay. And if you love good food, you absolutely have to try the famous Capocollo. Here, ham is almost treated like a religion. A visit is definitely worth it, if only to get delightfully lost in the winding streets.

Locorotondo: round, white, and utterly charming

Locorotondo is one of those places where you arrive and immediately think: okay, this is just ridiculously beautiful. The name literally means “round place,” and it fits perfectly, because the old town is actually built in a circular shape and from above looks like a little white whirl.

We just wandered around without a plan and let ourselves drift through the snow-white streets. Flowers hang from balconies everywhere, cats doze in the sun, and from some window you can smell fresh pasta. Along the way, an espresso, some gelato, or just sitting and watching because it is so pretty.

Locorotondo is small, but that is exactly its charm. No stress, no rush, just Apulia at its finest. And yes, they say you should not rush, but we fell in love just a little.

Our last Trullo a paradise among the olive trees

Our final stay in Italy was another real highlight. A Trullo on the property of a lovely family with two kids, two dogs, and a few cats that wandered around completely relaxed.

The Trullo Mar Del Sur itself is simply stunning, beautifully decorated, and exactly the kind of Instagram-worthy spot you secretly dream of. There is no proper stove, but we just bought a frying pan and cooked on the grill – it worked better than expected. The outdoor bathroom is small but charming, and the little pool at the back with views of the olive trees was worth every single jump.

The family is incredibly warm and helpful, and for breakfast they brought us a small, lovingly prepared spread directly to our Trullo. Simply a dream way to end the trip in total relaxation.

Carovigno: Our Favorite Spot

The nearest town to our last accommodation is Carovigno, and honestly, it immediately became one of our favorite spots. It is full of charm, with a village square by the lovely ZTL Club bar that turns magical in the evenings. As the sun sets, the square slowly fills with life. An old movie plays on a screen, people sit on benches outside, voices mix with laughter, exactly the Italian Dolce Vita you imagine.

And if you happen to be there at the right time, you can even enjoy the somewhat quirky festive lights along the main street. Las Vegas in Apulia. Sounds strange, but somehow it fits perfectly with Carovigno’s cozy chaos.

Ceglie Messapica: Authentic Apulian charm and local flavors

Ceglie Messapica is a hidden gem away from the tourist crowds, full of relaxed southern Italian charm with white houses, colorful doors, and cozy streets perfect for wandering.

What we loved most were the many small trattorias serving dishes you rarely find anywhere else. Truly authentic food, no frills, just full of flavor. Our favorite spot was Da Franco, cozy and filled with that beloved boho vibe. If you want to unwind and experience Apulia in its most authentic form, Ceglie Messapica is the perfect place. Ideal for strolling, sipping an espresso, and soaking up the Italian way of life.

Alberobello: the famous Trulli town

On our last day, on the way to the airport, we of course could not miss the ultimate tourist highlight, Alberobello. The town is famous for its trulli, those small white stone houses with pointed roofs that you won’t find anywhere else. No wonder it attracts so many visitors every day.

We arrived early in the morning, as we usually do, to avoid the crowds. It was still fairly quiet, the streets almost empty, and we could stroll leisurely through the charming alleys and really soak in the special atmosphere. By midday, it was starting to get busy. Living right in the middle of it? Not for us, too hectic. But for exploring and marveling at the sights, Alberobello is definitely a must-see.

Our take on Apulia

Apulien hat uns wirklich überrascht. Je länger wir dort waren, desto mehr haben wir die Region ins Herz geschlossen. Zwischen weißen Dörfern, türkisblauem Meer und dem Duft nach frisch gebackenem Focaccia fühlt sich alles nach purem Italien an.

What we especially love: Everything here moves a little slower, and that’s exactly the charm. Instead of to-do lists, there are aperitivo hours, and instead of stress, there is sun, sea, and good food. Honestly, life couldn’t be better this way. Time flies, you eat too much pasta, and you fully sink into the Dolce Vita. We loved every single minute!

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