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If you’re planning a visit to this southern corner of Italy, nestled in the heel of the country, expect a sensory escape rich in history, shaped by local flavors, and punctuated by charming places to linger and savor.

FOR THE DRINKS & ATMOSPHERE

Ostuni
Coffee & More is the go-to spot for fresh, colorful plates combining cured meats, cheeses (burrata being a local specialty), and vegetarian bites, best enjoyed with a glass of wine for a relaxed aperitivo.

Set on a striking scalinata in the heart of the old town, Borgo Antico Bistrot is our pick for a lively aperitivo in a visually captivating setting. Come for a glass of Puglian wine or a cocktail with sharing boards, and for the energy, though expect a crowd.

Lecce
Just steps from the Duomo, 00 Doppiozero is a vibrant spot where one gladly stops for a glass of local wine, bubbles, and generous antipasti to share on a charming little piazza. Well known and always lively, it’s ideal for soaking up the city’s social pulse.

A local institution and Lecce’s first true cocktail bar, Quanto Basta sits in the heart of the historic center and makes for a perfect aperitivo stop. Classic or creative, the cocktails are consistently well executed.

Polignano a Mare
Grotta Palazzese is one of Puglia’s most iconic destinations, with tables set inside a cave carved into the cliffside, overlooking the sea. Stop by for a drink and take in the view. grottapalazzese.it

Gallipoli
Cotriero is a renowned beach club where afternoons effortlessly stretch into sunset, set to the sound of waves and lounge music. As night falls, DJ sets take over, barefoot in the sand. A festive spot, unapologetically so.

FOR A DELICIOUS MEAL

Ostuni
Even before stepping inside Paragon 700, one is already charmed. This beautifully restored palazzo, now a boutique hotel, is also home to Restaurant 700. Its refined seasonal menu is as much worth the visit as its stone vaults and singular atmosphere. restaurant700.com

Osteria Ricanatti pays tribute to local traditions through a contemporary lens, with a cuisine rooted in fresh, locally sourced ingredients bridging land, sea, and countryside. Chef Gianni Zaccaria spent years away from Puglia, and his restaurant reads as a heartfelt ode to his native region. A discreet, intimate setting, ideal for a dinner for two. osteriaricanatti.it

Polignano a Mare
Mint Cucina Fresca is a delightful vegetarian restaurant run by a local and his Brazilian wife, who welcome guests as if into their own home. Warm, flavorful, and genuinely authentic. mintcucinafresca.com

Gallipoli
Just minutes from Gallipoli, Le Macàre steers clear of clichés, with a setting that feels both warm and refined. We love this somewhat under-the-radar address for the precision of its cuisine, a balanced expression of creative, local, and contemporary flavors. lemacare.it

Lecce
Set within the peaceful and historic surroundings of La Fiermontina, closely connected to the Fiermonte Museum, the restaurant Zéphyr brings together art and gastronomy. The menu, contemporary yet rooted in Puglian traditions, highlights impeccable ingredients in elegant compositions. An exclusive setting, best suited for a quiet, contemplative dinner.

FOR A SWEET BREAK

Ostuni
Caffè Città Bianca is a spot with a perfectly placed terrace for observing local life and a stylish crowd.

Polignano a Mare
The Super Mago del Gelo Mario Campanella. Yes, the name is endless, but it’s an institution. A simple, cult favorite for a refreshing gelato.

Lecce
For a slightly more refined affogato and a more urban, polished experience, try 300mila Lounge Bar.

THE CLASSICS

The villages
Polignano a Mare is a stunning seaside town, with winding alleys and whitewashed houses perched dramatically above turquoise waters. Looking to escape the crowds? Head to Monopoli, a nearby coastal town offering a more relaxed and local experience. Locorotondo, often considered one of Italy’s most beautiful villages, charms with its immaculate facades, flower-lined streets, and stone staircases, all surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. Lecce, known for its baroque architecture, notably the Basilica di Santa Croce, also boasts a flea market filled with vintage treasures. Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site, feels almost dreamlike with its rows of trulli, the iconic cone-roofed stone houses. As it draws large crowds, it’s best explored during the early afternoon nap.

The beaches
Discreet yet striking, Grotta della Poesia forms a natural pool, while the rugged rocks of Bagno Marino Archi frame crystal-clear turquoise waters. The small bay of Gagliano del Capo unfolds beneath a bridge, revealing pristine water at the end of a long staircase. The Gargano National Park offers not only idyllic beaches, but also two UNESCO listed sites (the Sanctuary of Monte Sant’Angelo and the Umbra Forest), along with lakes, rich flora and fauna, hiking trails with breathtaking views, sea caves, and the romantic coastal town of Vieste.

FOR A PERFECT NIGHT’S SLEEP

Ostuni
Masseria Moroseta is a distinctive guesthouse composed of refined modern villas designed by Andrew Trotter. Nestled just outside Ostuni, this luxury bed and breakfast sits among olive groves overlooking the Adriatic Sea and offers everything from boat excursions and gourmet meals to wine tastings, yoga classes, and massages. A captivating and welcoming place, bound to make you fall in love with the region. masseriamoroseta.it

Polignano a Mare
Masseria Le Torri is a restored farmhouse set in the countryside near Polignano a Mare, where the experience revolves around calm, sincerity, and thoughtful hospitality. Far from the more design-driven or showy masserie, it charms with its simple, warm, and well balanced atmosphere, shaped by homemade breakfasts and a slower pace of life. Best suited for a gentle and authentic escape. masserialetorri.com

Gallipoli
Tucked away in the Salento countryside, Tenuta Negroamaro is an intimate retreat where luxury reveals itself through details. We love the clean lined suites, local materials, cultivated gardens, and the overall beauty of the setting, extended through a cuisine rooted in the terroir and ingredients grown on-site. Peaceful, welcoming, and discreet, perfect for those seeking tranquility. tenutanegroamaro.com

Matera
Carved into the rock in the heart of Matera’s Sassi, Il Palazzotto is a singular address with undeniable charm. Rooms are set within former cave dwellings, preserving their raw character while offering impeccable comfort. The hushed atmosphere of this boutique hotel, complete with a beautiful wine cellar, invites quiet reflection... fitting, as these caves date back to the Neolithic era. Far from a conventional hotel experience, it’s truly unforgettable. ilpalazattomatera.com