What can be said about Puglia? It stands as an authentic region where amazing coastlines meet the turquoise waters of the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. This Mediterranean gem attracts travelers to bask in its sun-kissed charm, with its quaint villages, spectacular beaches, and traditions.

Puglia is the essence of embracing 'La Dolce Vita', dictated by the slow lifestyle, the beaches and the amazing old south Italian heritage. A beloved destination among celebrities, Puglia's magnetic pull has captured the hearts of stars like Maryl Streep, George Clooney, and Madonna, drawn to its entrancing spell.

It's a destination of remarkable wonder, and the Secretplaces team has carefully selected charming B&Bs, small guesthouses and self-catering apartments in Puglia, across captivating towns like Fasano, Ostuni, and Monopoli, allowing you to immerse yourself in the area's charm without feeling overwhelmed by crowds.

You can choose to stay in our handpicked, authentic accommodations in Puglia. Select from one of our luxury hotels in Savellestri di Fasano, an elegant holiday villa in Puglia with views of the Adriatic, or one of our carefully chosen boutique hotels in Puglia, as well as our authentic and unique trullo hotels in Noci, Cisternno and so much more.

Alternatively, opt for a charming bed & breakfast or holiday home in the genuine cities of Puglia, such as Lecce or Salve. These towns form a tapestry of coastal treasures along Puglia's shores, where magnificent landscapes, quaint coastal hamlets, and panoramic views envelop visitors in an immersive symphony of beauty, luring them to unveil the captivating essence of this extraordinary region.

We recommend exploring our selection of Puglia accommodations, to uncover its authentic soul and discover the perfect match for your travel ideas.

Apulia has so much to offer that you can easily spend two weeks here and enjoy it thoroughly. The capital, Bari, is known as the city of a thousand facets. Here, you can marvel at the interesting blend of Western and Eastern influences, visit the San Nicola Basilica and the University Palace, or take a stroll along the beautiful waterfront.

In Lecce, the "Florence of the South," you'll be drawn to the spectacular cathedral and numerous museums with sculptures and archaeological remains from Roman times. Did you know that the architectural style in Lecce has its own name, "Leccese Baroque," due to its unique development? Here, you can find a selection of charming bed and breakfasts in Lecce.

You definitely shouldn't miss Otranto, the "Gateway to the East." The easternmost city in Italy captivates with a blend of Oriental and Occidental architecture. Stay in one of our handpicked boutique hotels in Otranto.

Don't miss out on Grotta della Poesia, a magnificent sea cave located close to the city of Lecce. Inside, sunlight illuminates greenish-blue waterways and beautiful rock formations.

While in Puglia, visit Porto Selvaggio, a beautiful natural reserve near Gallipoli. Beautiful cliffs, sparkling lakes, and gorgeous hiking trails across lush countryside await you here.

Hike along the Trulli Trail to properly enjoy the splendor of this location. Put on your walking shoes and enjoy this well-known path, which provides spectacular views of the countryside, antique trulli houses, and attractive villages. Here, you'll encounter the authentic world of trulli, cone-shaped stone huts that have stood for centuries and tell a story of the region's rich history and culture. These authentic accommodations have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996 and are simply part of the Apulian landscape, especially in the unofficial trulli capital, Alberobello, and in the Itria Valley.

Lastly, Puglia has some fantastic beaches to relax on. Enjoy the sun and unwind on the beautiful shores, such as Baia dei Turchi near Otranto, Punta Prosciutto near Porto Cesareo, and the peaceful sands of Torre Lapillo.

Puglia welcomes you to embrace its unique traditions and create amazing memories in this corner of Italy, whether you're drawn to its historic wonders’ culinary delicacies, or coastline splendors.

In general, Apulian cuisine can be described as hearty, home-cooked food. Like in many coastal regions around the world, fish takes the forefront in many traditional dishes here, along with pasta and vegetables. This can be attributed to the region's history of poverty. Meat was a very expensive ingredient until recent times and was rarely found on people's plates.

Apulia is also known for its delicious cheeses – Burrata and Stracciatella di bufala are must-try options. A famous dish from Apulia is Orecchiette with cime di rapa, a pasta dish that is very popular in the region. Focaccia is also a typical Apulian dish, prepared in various variations with onions, olives, tomatoes, or potatoes.

The vast olive groves in the region are also remarkable. Approximately a quarter of Apulia's land is covered with olive trees, which accounts for about 45% of all olive trees in Italy. So, you can look forward to tasting the green gold.

Apulia also has something to satisfy your sweet tooth – Pasticciotto, a pastry filled with vanilla pudding, is often eaten for breakfast or as a mid-morning snack. They originally come from Lecce but can be found all over Apulia.

Apulia is also an ideal destination for wine lovers. The region cultivates wine on nearly 90,000 hectares of land, producing the largest quantity of wine in Italy, especially the typical Primitivo variety.

To delve deeper into the exquisite culinary treasures that grace the beautiful region of Puglia, we invite you to explore our blog, thoughtfully crafted by an Italian connoisseur, offering a journey to uncover the authentic gastronomic wonders of this remarkable place.