Valle d'Itria & Puglian Hilltop Towns
Each of our trulli are ideally located for exploring the beautiful white-washed Puglian hilltop towns that draw tourists worldwide to the area.
Ostuni - 'The White City'. Explore the narrow windy alley's to discover a myriad of churches, restaurants and shops . . . and great views from the escarpment to the sea.
Cisternino - Quaint Puglian hilltop town with lovely 'old town (Centro Storico)' piazza.
Martina Franca - Beautiful baroque hilltop town with a flair of sophistication. Don't miss the cathedral and the inside of the town hall ('Commune')
Ceglie Messapica - unpolished, authentic and probably less frequented by tourists. Known for its gastronomy.
Locorotondo - great place to stop for a bite either on your way to Alberobello or upon your return.
Alberobello
You will be asked by all your friends once they know you've been to Puglia, "Did you go to Alberobello?" So go.
It really is unique and quite beautiful . . . although it will likely be the most 'touristy' place you will visit whilst in Puglia.
Head out in the morning, stroll the lanes and have a nice lunch before all the crowds. Alberobello is approx 35km/22mi (or 35-45 min) from our trulli.
Alternatively, have lunch in Locorotondo on the way to Alberobello. Spend the post-siesta evening in Alberobello and then return in the evening.
Matera
In our opinion, of course depending on how you want to spend your time in Puglia, a visit to Matera is a 'must'.
There is simply nothing similar that you will ever visit.
Matera is a World UNESCO site, where until the 1950's was inhabitated.
Matera is approx 100km/60mi from our trulli. We usually make a day trip because there is so much to explore and soak in. A guide is highly recommended (and we can recommend one of the best!)
Get an early start, explore, eat and then return to your trullo in the evening.
With a reasonably early start, these three beautiful towns can be combined in a loop - Lecce in the morning, Otranto for lunch and then sundowners/dinner in Gallipoli before heading home.
Alternatively, break these into two day-trips: Lecce/Otranto and then a beach day in Gallipoli on the Ionian coast.
Lecce - the Baroque jewel and often referred to as Florence of the south.
Otranto - a picturesque Adriatic seafront beach town with the largest byzantine mosaic in Europe on its cathedral floor
Gallipoli - a small island connected to the mainland by a 100 meter bridge, this colourful town, with winding alleys and a plethora of great seafood restaurants is has a white cresent beach two minutes drive to the south . . . and is lovely for sunsets.
. . . and so much more to make you go, "Ahhhhhh, Pugliah". From wine and olive oil tasting to exploration of ancient ruins or cycling, let our local knowledge assist you in making this an experiential holiday to remember.
