Puglia, Italy

Polignano a Mare is one of Puglia’s most breathtaking coastal towns, perched dramatically on limestone cliffs overlooking the Adriatic Sea. With its crystal-clear waters, whitewashed buildings, and a rich blend of history and charm, it’s the perfect place for a day of exploration and relaxation.

What to See and Do

• Historic Old Town

  Wander through the narrow cobblestone streets of the centro storico where whitewashed houses with colorful flower pots cling to the cliffside. Pause at scenic viewpoints like Balconata Santo Stefano for postcard-worthy panoramas of the coastline.

• Lama Monachile (Cala Porto)

  Polignano’s iconic beach is tucked between two cliffs and features dramatic rock formations and turquoise waters. It’s a great spot for a refreshing swim or people-watching from the nearby bridge.

• Ponte Lama Monachile

  This Roman bridge offers a striking view of the cove below and serves as one of the best photo ops in town.

• Domenico Modugno Statue

  Visit the statue honoring the famous singer of “Volare,” who was born in Polignano. The viewpoint next to the statue offers sweeping sea views and is a favorite spot for sunset.

• Poesia Balconies

  Polignano is known for its poetic spirit. Look closely and you’ll see handwritten verses painted on doors, staircases, and walls throughout the town — a romantic touch unique to this village.

Drinks & Aperitivo

• Café Acquamarea
  The only rooftop bar in town, make sure to visit at sunset for incredible views over the cliffside city.

• Moonshine
  A cozy speakeasy-inspired spot offering craft cocktails and a cool, intimate setting off the main drag.

• La Casa del Mojito
  A beloved little bar tucked into an old town alley, serving up fresh mojitos and a lively, local energy.

• Il Super Mago del Gelo
  A timeless classic in Polignano’s center, famous for its “special coffee” with cream, amaretto, and lemon peel—a must-try local tradition.

Dining

• Grotta Palazzese – An iconic fine dining experience set inside a dramatic sea cave, offering unforgettable views and elevated cuisine.
  Note: Grotta Palazzese is truly one of the most scenic and iconic restaurants in Italy - dining inside a natural sea cave carved into the cliffs of Polignano a Mare is undeniably bucket-list worthy. That said, please know that the food and service often receive mixed reviews, especially considering the very high price point. In short, this isn’t the place to go expecting the best meal of your life, but rather for a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience that’s visually unforgettable.

• Restaurant Antiche Mura 
  This restaurant in the caves is a refined spot for seafood dishes and elevated takes of local classics

• Da Vittorino 
  Steps away from the busy city center, lies this true hidden gem. If you're looking for a local, unassuming spot with right on the sea with fresh seafood dishes, this is it.

• Bella ‘Mbriana 
  An excellent choice for a pizza dinner with views over the main piazza, perfect for people watching.

• Ristorante Specchia Sant'Oronzo 
  A hidden gem just outside the center, with a romantic terrace overlooking the city.

Monopoli is a sun-kissed coastal town in Puglia, where history, sea, and local life come together effortlessly. Its charming old town, bustling harbor, and inviting beaches make it the perfect spot to explore, relax, and savor authentic Southern Italian culture.

What to Do and See

• Centro Storico (Old Town)
  The old town is a labyrinth of whitewashed buildings, narrow alleys, and hidden piazzas, offering an intimate glimpse into Monopoli’s history and daily life.
  Must-sees:
  • Cattedrale di Maria Santissima della Madia – A stunning Baroque cathedral with striking marble details and a peaceful interior.
  • Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II – The heart of the old town, lined with cafés and perfect for people-watching.
  • Castello Carlo V – A 16th-century fortress overlooking the harbor, now hosting cultural events and exhibitions.

Drinks & Aperitivo

• Alchemy Bar & Things 
  A trendy bar known for its creative cocktails and laid-back atmosphere, perfect for an evening drink in the historic center.

• My Wine 
  A cozy wine bar offering a fantastic selection of local wines, ideal for sipping and relaxing in a rustic, intimate space.

• Caffè Venezia 
  A bustling café in the main piazza, perfect for enjoying a coffee or cocktail on its spacious terrace while watching the world go by.

• Bella Blu Gelateria 
  One of the best gelaterias in town, offering delicious flavors like ricotta and fig, vegan chocolate fondant, and many other options for all tastes.

• Tuttoapposto Winebar 
  A vibrant, small wine bar known for its excellent antipasti, local wines, and great street-side seating with views of Porto Antico.

• Millefoglie Coffee & Bakery 
  A cozy spot for artisanal coffee and pastries, serving up expertly crafted drinks and a quiet place to relax.

Dining

• La Locanda sul Porto
  A modern-looking restaurant located on the edge of town, known for its fresh seafood, often served raw as antipasti or cooked as a main course, perfect for a memorable group dinner.

• Osteria Perrici
  A great little trattoria specializing in seafood, offering a warm, intimate atmosphere, and fresh dishes that are a favorite among locals.

• Carlo Quinto
  A sophisticated restaurant offering refined Mediterranean cuisine in an elegant setting, perfect for those looking for a more upscale dining experience in Monopoli.

• Trattoria La Locanda dei Mercanti
  A delightful, traditional trattoria in the heart of Monopoli, serving local specialties like orecchiette pasta and fresh seafood dishes, perfect for a casual yet authentic dining experience.

• Osteria Popolare
  One of the best restaurants in Monopoli, this small, atmospheric osteria is ideal for an upscale Italian dinner with a focus on seasonal, local ingredients and excellent service.

• Lido Bianco Ristorante
  A seaside spot with stunning Adriatic views, offering fresh seafood, classic Puglian dishes, and a relaxed yet elegant dining experience, ideal for lunch or a sunset dinner by the water.

Bari is a vibrant port city where tradition, history, and daily life blend seamlessly. From its atmospheric old town to its sunlit seafront, it’s the perfect place to ease into the rhythm of Pugliese life.

What to Do and See

• Bari Vecchia (Old Town)

  Wandering through the narrow alleys of Bari Vecchia, the city’s historic heart. Laundry sways above the streets, locals chat in dialect, and the aroma of fresh espresso fills the air.
  Must-sees:

  • Basilica di San Nicola – An 11th-century landmark cherished by both locals and pilgrims.

  • Cattedrale di San Sabino – A beautiful example of Romanesque architecture with peaceful courtyards and crypts.

  • Arco Basso & Arco Alto – Charming alleyways where you may spot nonne hand-making orecchiette.

• Largo Albicocca

  Known as la piazzetta degli innamorati, this intimate square is lined with red chairs and string lights. It’s a lovely daytime stop for authentic photos or a quick bite, like freshly fried sgagliozze or a warm panzerotto from nearby vendors.

• Castello Svevo

  Castello Svevo is Bari’s impressive 12th-century seaside fortress, built by the Normans and later expanded by Frederick II, now hosting exhibitions and offering a striking glimpse into the city’s medieval past.

• Lungomare (Waterfront)

  Stroll the Lungomare, the city’s iconic waterfront promenade offering wide sea views and a relaxed local atmosphere.

• Porto Vecchio Fish Market

  Located next to Teatro Margherita, this famous fish market buzzes with fishermen selling fresh catches in the morning.

Drinks & Aperitivo

• Gelato at Gentile
  Just beneath Castello Svevo, stop at Gentile Gelateria, the oldest gelateria in town. They craft new flavors daily, making it the perfect mid-morning treat.

• La Ciclatera Sotto il Mare
  A local favorite right by the sea. Sit outdoors with a spritz or a crisp local white wine and soak in the easy, coastal pace of Bari.

• Mercantile Nove
  Located in the main plaza of the old town, this bar is a favorite for its great outdoor seating and delicious aperitivo snacks that complement the drinks.

• La Biglietteria
  With plenty of indoor and outdoor seating along the waterfront, this spot offers a creative cocktail menu, ideal for bar-hopping in the area.

• Portineria 21
  A cozy bistro with a local feel, offering interesting cocktails, aperitivo snacks, and live music.

Dining

• Le Sgagliozze di Donna Carmela
  A beloved street food spot in Bari Vecchia, offering crispy fried polenta and orecchiette with cime di rapa in the picturesque Piazza Largo Albicocca. ​

• Antico Panificio Fiore
  One of Bari's oldest and most famous bakeries, renowned for its focaccia barese and other delicious baked goods. ​

• La Uascezze
  A charming and intimate spot in Bari Vecchia, perfect for enjoying a relaxed meal with friends in a lively atmosphere.​

• Ai 2 Ghiottoni
  A renowned Bari restaurant offering traditional Apulian dishes like risotto and oven-baked bass, complemented by an excellent selection of wines.

• Al Pescatore
  Renowned as one of the best fish restaurants in Bari, located in the heart of Bari Vecchia.​

• Urban l' assassineria urbana
  Famous for Bari's signature "assassina" (burnt) pasta.

Alberobello is one of Puglia’s most iconic destinations, famed for its fairytale trulli—whitewashed stone huts with conical roofs that make the town feel like a storybook village. It’s charming, walkable, and full of local character, offering a glimpse into a unique architectural tradition found nowhere else in the world.

• Rione Monti (Trulli District)
  This is Alberobello’s most famous neighborhood, home to over 1,000 trulli clustered along sloping lanes. It’s lively and full of boutiques, artisan workshops, and panoramic terraces.
  Must-sees:
  • Belvedere Santa Lucia – The best viewpoint for postcard-perfect photos of the trulli skyline.
  • Church of Sant’Antonio – The only trullo-shaped church in the world.
  • Trullo Siamese – A rare conjoined trullo with a fascinating local legend.

• Rione Aia Piccola
  Quieter and more authentic than Rione Monti, Aia Piccola is still a lived-in neighborhood where families reside in traditional trulli. It’s ideal for peaceful strolling and seeing everyday life away from the crowds.

• Trullo Sovrano
  The only two-story trullo open to visitors, Trullo Sovrano offers a detailed look at how wealthier families lived in centuries past. Its interiors are well-preserved, making it one of the most educational stops in town.

• Casa Pezzolla Museum Complex
  This cluster of restored trulli houses an ethnographic museum showcasing tools, furnishings, and traditions that tell the story of rural life in the Valle d’Itria. It’s a great way to dive deeper into the region’s cultural heritage.

• Parrocchia dei Santi Medici Cosma e Damiano
  Overlooking the town, this neoclassical church offers a lovely contrast to the surrounding trulli and is a peaceful place to pause and explore.

• Largo Martellotta
  The main square just below Rione Monti, bustling with cafés, gelaterie, and shops. It's a good starting point for exploring or enjoying an aperitivo with views of the trulli-lined streets.

Drinks & Aperitivo

• Martinucci Laboratory
  A stylish café and pastry shop perfect for morning espresso, gelato, or a sweet break between exploring the trulli.

• Caffè Chimera
  A modern bar-café with outdoor seating and a great aperitivo selection, blending locals and tourists in a relaxed setting.

• Trulli e Puglia Wine Bar
  A romantic little wine bar tucked between trulli rooftops, ideal for sipping local reds at golden hour.

Dining

• La Cantina
  An intimate, stone-walled spot offering regional dishes and an impressive local wine selection in the heart of the old town.

• Ristorante Evo
  A contemporary take on Apulian cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients and a minimalist-chic atmosphere.

• Il Pinnacolo
  Nestled among the trulli, this romantic spot offers traditional dishes and an atmospheric dining experience under the stone domes.

• Corte dei Trulli
  A welcoming restaurant set within the trulli district, featuring traditional recipes, generous portions, and a warm, home-style feel.

• Trattoria Terra Madre
  A beloved local favorite focused on slow food and organic, locally sourced ingredients, with simple yet flavorful dishes that highlight the best of Apulian traditions.

• Ristorante Gli Ulivi
  A peaceful countryside restaurant surrounded by olive groves, offering authentic regional dishes and a relaxed, rural atmosphere.

Ostuni, known as La Città Bianca (The White City), is one of Puglia’s most picturesque hilltop towns. With gleaming whitewashed lanes, sweeping Adriatic views, and a relaxed Southern charm, it’s an easy place to slow down and soak in the beauty of the region.

What to Do and See

• Centro Storico (Old Town)
  Ostuni’s old town is a dazzling maze of whitewashed houses, winding lanes, and flower-filled stairways. Wander freely—getting lost here is part of the experience.
  Must-sees:
  • The Arco Scoppa – An elegant 18th-century arch connecting the Cathedral and Bishop’s Palace.
  • Piazza della Libertà – The town’s lively hub with cafés, gelaterie, and the striking Colonna di Sant’Oronzo.
  • Porta San Demetrio & Porta Nova – Iconic gateways into the medieval quarter, perfect for photos.

• Ostuni Cathedral
  This beautifully restored 15th-century Romanesque-Gothic cathedral crowns the town. Its rose window—one of the largest in Europe—makes it an architectural highlight. Inside, the painted details and historic atmosphere reflect Ostuni’s noble past.

• The White City’s Viewpoints
  Walk along the city walls or head to panoramic terraces like Largo Stella for breathtaking views across olive groves and down to the Adriatic Sea. Sunset is especially magical as the white facades glow warm gold.

• Museo Civico & Archaeological Park
  Located near Piazza della Libertà, this museum showcases Ostuni’s ancient roots, including the famous “Ostuni Woman,” a 28,000-year-old prehistoric burial—an important discovery in European archaeology.

• Vicolo delle Quattro Porte
  A narrow, charming alleyway in Ostuni's old town with colorful plants and quaint, historic houses—perfect for a quiet walk away from the crowds.

• Antiquariato Cillo
  A hidden gem for antique lovers, this charming store in Ostuni’s heart offers beautifully restored vintage items and furniture, perfect for finding a unique keepsake.

• Chiesa di San Giovanni
  A little-known church tucked in the heart of the old town, offering quiet reflection and stunning frescoes without the crowds.

Drinks & Aperitivo

• Borgo Antico Bistro
  A popular bar among locals and tourists alike to have an aperitivo and catch the sunset.

• Vinicolo
  A cozy wine bar with a great selection of regional wines, perfect for casual drinks or tastings.

• Garbato
  A modern cocktail bar known for its creative drinks and laid-back atmosphere, ideal for evening cocktails.

• ACQUASANTA Dispensa e Vino
  A refined wine bar and deli offering local wines and gourmet bites in a stylish setting.

• Riccardo Caffè
  A unique bar, bistro, and club carved in stone, offering drinks and bites in the old town. Popular, so arrive early or expect a wait.

Dining

• Osteria del Tempo Perso
  A historical restaurant carved into a cave, featuring traditional Apulian dishes.

• La Vecchia Terrazza
  A charming restaurant with a terrace that overlooks Ostuni, serving classic Italian meals.

• Ristorante Taverna della Gelosia
  A charming Mediterranean restaurant in Ostuni offering traditional local cuisine in a scenic garden terrace.

• Osteria Ricanatti
  A hidden gem where the food truly takes center stage, offering authentic Puglian flavors in a rustic, welcoming atmosphere.

• Restaurant 700
  A sophisticated eatery known for its innovative cuisine, blending modern techniques with classic flavors.

• Masseria Moroseta
  A luxurious dining experience in a beautifully restored farmhouse, offering farm-to-table cuisine with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients.