Girls Guide to Puglia: Polignano a Mare, Monopoli, Alberobello & Ostuni
Puglia is a region in the “heel of Italy,” and an absolute dream come true. You will be amazed by the various landscapes Puglia has to offer from breathtaking seaside cliffs of Polignano a Mare to white-washed villages of Ostuni and Monopoli. We visited Polignano a Mare, Alberobello, Ostuni, and Monopoli on our trip. Each of these destinations have their own unique Italian charm, historic cites and enchanting old towns full of quaint shops and delightful restaurants.
Many Italians say that Puglia will soon become a popular vacation spot for Americans, and recommended that I took this trip before it's "taken over by tourists." I think the greatest lesson I’ve learned through travel is to always listen to a local so we headed to explore the heel of the boot.
Polignano a Mare
We started our trip in Polignano a Mare, with it’s crystal clear waters and white sandy beaches I was ready for a beach day even in the middle of October. The famous beach, Lama Monachile, lies right in the middle of town with beach kitties and fun caves to explore in. There is a beautiful bridge overlooking the beach but my favorite way to see the coast line was from the boat. A must do in Poglinare a Mare is taking a boat out on the waters. Whether you opt for a 40 euro group tour or a private boat experience you wont’t regret your afternoon exploring on the water. The boat tour we chose was Mamma Mia Boats and they took us through the caves of the city, gave us fun facts, and stopped at a lookout spot to pop champagne, have snacks, and enjoy the views while playing local music. Speaking of local music, one of my favorite songs that you'll hear nonstop in Polignano a Mare is Volare by local legend Domenico Modugno, a song inspired by this very place!
Our airbnb was located on the iconic cliffside with steps up to our b&b showcasiing a quote that is part od the old town poetry trail. The poetry trail is scattered around town with poetry by Guido Il Flâneur. This was the cutest B&B by the sea! Amore Dimare is located Cliffside in the historic town with breathtaking views. It is conveniently located by the best shops and restaurants. Each room has a kitchenette, living rooms, and a rooftop terrace to enjoy the stunning views.
A must do in Polignano A Mare is dinner at Grotta Palazzese set inside a cave on the water this experience was a dream. Although it was one of the most expensive meals I’ve ever had, 200 euro per person for a 3 course meal, I still highly recommend it!
Ostuni
Ostuni- “La Citta Bianca” is a white-washed city perched high up on a hill inland with views of the sea and olive grounds. It’s a maze of cobbled lanes and steep steps with Michelin star restaurants and the best orecchiette pasta I have ever tasted. Ostuni is also known for its local cuisine, specifically its olive oil, that comes right from this very region. We stayed in the historic old town which encompasses a maze of cobbled lanes and steep steps with Michelin star restaurants and historic churches. My favorite restaurant we visited was Borgo Antico, this was an ideal place to watch sunset and they had the best oreccheti I have ever tasted.
Monopoli
From Polignano a Mare we took a day trip to Monopoli. Monopoli was founded by the ancient greeks and I felt the similarities of Greece here as I strolled the historic streets. Monopoli is now one of the most famous Puglia destinations to travel to with tourists swimming off the rocks into the crystal clear water and Another coastal town most famous for their picturesque port with colorful boats. Monopoli is also full of stunning beaches conveniently located by the historic old town. Come here for sunset and dinner, and make sure to order the catch of the day, caught right in the local port!
Alberobello
Alberobello is the perfect spot for a day trip in Puglia. It’s home to the iconic trulli and is a storybook village straight out of a fairytale. I recommend coming here on a weekday and early in the morning to beat the crowds! The unique trulli houses were built in the 14th century to avoid paying property tax, but today are cherished historical landmarks. Many of the trulli are now boutiques, bars, restaurants, and charming B&Bs where you can stay!
Puglia was such a special place to visit and I think we got to see so many gems of it. Coming in October was great crowd wise but I think this trip would have been even better in the summertime to enjoy the gorgeous beaches.