A not-so-hidden treasure in southern Italy, the Puglia region is known for its stunning beaches, rich culture, fascinating history and exquisite cuisine.

Our creative director, Maria Helena, was there at the beginning of summer in the northern hemisphere and, taking advantage of everything the place has to offer, she experienced Modus-MH to the fullest, as expected.

"Welcome to the heel of the boot! A region that still preserves its characteristics, personality and simplicity. Unlike many other summer destinations in Europe, Puglia is still protected from ostentation, glamour and, above all, from what I consider the phenomenon of "pasteurization"! If you expect beach clubs with flying napkins, dubious remixes and pastas with truffle oil, this is not the place. Here, true dolce far niente reigns. You can rest your look, your reels, your worries. Grab your book, spread out your sarong on the beach or in the cave and enjoy true dolce far niente. The real good life."

- Maria Helena

Bari being the capital of the region, Puglia has many other cities that it recommends visiting, such as: Lecce, Alberobello, Fasano, Mattera, Otranto, Ostuni, Polignano Al Mare, Monopoli and Salento, a city in the extreme south and bathed by two seas (Adriatic and Ionian) that is considered the "Maldives" of Puglia.

"The cuisine is one of the region's strong points: there is no refinement, but it is rich in fresh seafood and local products, for an unforgettable appetizer. Puglia is among the largest producers of olive oil in the world and it is also where the delicious Burrata was invented, and you can even find several places to see the preparation process."

- Maria Helena.

Even though she is a fan of the "live then post" approach, she couldn't escape the barrage of requests for tips and references about this magical place. After thinking a lot about how to avoid completely ending her T' (the affectionate nickname for her tendonitis that prevents her from writing as much as she would like) , she decided to satisfy many of her readers' curiosity in a live broadcast, and here we have compiled all the "MH tips: Puglia edition" that came out of this magnificent exchange with you.

"I have separated some tips, but I believe that you need to do some individual research to discover places through your own eyes and, above all, according to your own tastes! Not giving you all the tips is, in a way, encouraging you to discover your own Puglia, the one that pleases your tastes and not just Maria Helena's."

- MH

But first, some addendums:

- MH stayed for 7 days, but recommends staying 10 to see everything calmly

- An important tip is to divide your stay between at least one city in the north (Ostuni or Fasano) and another in the south (Lecce) of the region. Since everything is a bit far away, going back and forth to a single place can be very tiring - you might even want to arrange to rent a car during your stay.

- Another important tip: if you like to eat, plan to eat lunch in restaurants between 12pm and 3pm, after that you will have no lunch options or, alternatively, carry a snack in your bag.

- "Masseria" are old farms that have been transformed into sophisticated accommodation, a great accommodation option for those who enjoy more rural tourism and contact with nature.

- Take a boat trip on each of the seas, you won't regret it!

- Best beach: Sant'Andrea (in the south of the region)

- The best meal in the whole world in Puglia was at Il Pinnacolo. The pasta with pistachio sauce is worth the Cleopatra Seal and +5 stars

- Best ice cream: Gelateria Romana, in Lecce. To eat with your eyes closed.

"Grab the book, spread out your beach towel on the beach or in the cave and enjoy the real dolce far niente. The real good life."
- Maria Helena

That said, let's get to the recommendations:

For the Queen's rest

In Fasano:

- Masseria Calderis

- Borgo Egnazia: this hotel has its own Beach Club for those who enjoy this type of activity

To please the eyes

"The Puglia region is huge! It comprises several small towns, expect ancient villages lined with marble, Greco-Roman ruins, churches covered in mosaics, white cities nestled in hills, others perched on cliffs, caves, beaches with fine sand and water like the Maldives, stone beaches." - MH.

Some of these sights , in addition to suggesting unpretentious walks through the city's alleys to feel like a local, are here:

- Poetry Cave

- Sant'Andrea Beach

- Castellana Grotto

- Tower Of The Bear

To eat

In Bari:

Although she never met Bari, the Queen of the Nile received the following recommendations from people she trusts with her hunger! And there are few human beings who earn this level of trust:

- BIANCOFIORE: Traditional cuisine from Puglia

- U' CURDUNN: Typical cuisine of Puglia

- OSTERIA DEL PORTO: Fresh and well-seasoned fish

Inside the hotels, all excellent for a good dinner

- TORRE MAIZZA MASS FARM

- SAN DOMENICO FARM

- BORGO EGNAZIA (expensive!)

In Ostuni:

The white city with Greek influence is located on a hill and is the best place for those who want to feel like they are in Mykonos, but without "the evil", as Cleopatra would say.

- TAVERNA DELLA GELOSIA: Excellent food and atmosphere

- OSTERIA DEL TEMPO PERSO: Traditional cuisine in a cave

- LIDO BOSCO VERDE: Excellent seafood - check if it's open

- PORTA NOVA RESTAURANT

In Alberobello:

A city where the distinctive architecture of the famous Trullis with their conical roofs attracts tourists. The city is small and charming, and touristy! It has been a historical heritage site since 1996.

- IL POETA CONTADINO: Excellent Italian cuisine. Worth it.

- SALEBLU RESTAURANT: At the La Peschiera hotel, from Small Luxury Hotel

- IL PINNACOLO: The best of all!!!!!!! But be careful: arrive early or make a reservation because it seems that it's not just MH who thinks so!

In Polignano a Mare:

The most touristy of the cities, everything is very crowded - including the beaches - but it is worth visiting.

- GROTTA PALAZZEZE: Natural cave with a wonderful view of the sea. The place is famous for its view, it's worth having a drink to see it! Quite expensive.

- DONNA GINA: Seafood in a beautiful cave

In Lecce:

Known as the Florence of Puglia, it is a younger, university city. If you are looking for something more lively, this is the place to be.

-TORMARESCA WINE AND CUISINE

- CORTE DEI PANDOLFI: Traditional Italian cuisine

- TRATTORIA IL RIFUGIO DELLA BUONA STELLA: Simple but tasty homemade food restaurant

- TRATTORIA LE ZIE: Simple and delicious canteen

In Otranto:

It is a "fortified" city, as if it were a fort protecting the village from invasion by sea, and it is said to have been inhabited since Paleolithic times.

- LILITH: Make an appointment to have lunch at Lilith Restaurant and ask for a table outside in the countryside

To toast life: the region's wines

Pietrabianca – chardonnay from Puglia produced by Tormaresca (Antinori)

- Primitive Salento Red

- Notarpanaro Salento Red

- Salento Passito Le Ricordanze – sweet white

- Primitive Fatalone Bianco

- Dry Garbino Moscato

- Salento Pink Scaloti
 

We hope this list helps you with your future itinerary to Puglia and that you can experience incredible days there too!

 
Edited by Bruna Medina.