La Puglia: Italy's best kept secret
I want to go
Italy is known worldwide for its famous cities such as Florence, Rome, Venice or Sicily.However, beyond these iconic destinations, there are other equally fascinating places that deserve to be discovered.
In this story, I present to you a magical and photogenic region located in the heart of the Mediterranean, embraced by two seas of crystal clear, turquoise waters, with a millenary history and friendly, hardworking inhabitants, and possessing a simple yet delicious cuisine.
I invite you to join me on this journey and together we will explore the secrets hidden in this beautiful region of southern Italy! Andiamo!
We stayed in a classic and beautiful masseria in the town of Nardò, near the city of Lecce. The estate is beautiful and consists of 15 suites nestled among a mantle of olive trees. The service is personal and helpful, full of details that make the difference. We are in heaven! We tried the first Pasticciotto of the trip, a cream-filled cake. Bocato de Cardinale!
After a delicious breakfast with fresh products from the masseria, we set out to explore Puglia. The weather is kind to us, the feared announced rains do not make an appearance and we can start the route.
We arrive at Gallipoli, known as the pearl of the Ionian Sea. The city is divided into two areas: the old town surrounded by Roman and Byzantine fortifications, which rises on an island connected by a bridge to the so-called "new city," the more recent part, designed for nightlife. We cross the bridge and discover a fishing village with narrow streets and a light that invites calm and reflection.
We continue along the main road that takes us to our next destination, the city of Lecce, aptly called the "Florence of the South."
Walking through its streets is like enjoying an open-air museum. From the Basilica of Santa Croze to the Piazza del Duomo, where we discover the Cathedral of Maria de Santisima Assunta and the bell tower while a mime greets us with silent gestures.
The time has come that every traveler and lover of Italy and good food longs for! To taste the local gastronomy, we find ourselves in the region of Foccacia Barisina, where this flat and crunchy bread that makes my mouth water is made. In addition, here is the burrata, a velvety cheese cousin of mozzarella that melts in your mouth. Another typical dish of the region is orecchiette, a delicious pasta whose shape resembles a "little ear" and is highly recommended.
It starts to drizzle as we arrive in Ostuni. A magical place that leaves us speechless. Its white stone buildings in the historic center reflect the sun's rays and provide an almost mystical view. Perhaps my favorite town in all of Puglia. How many have I visited so far?
And speaking of Puglia and its 800 km of coastline, the gastronomic menu of the region could not be complete without the "crudo di mare," fresh and raw seafood. A true explosion of flavor!
If there is a known destination in Puglia and one of its most recognized symbols, it is undoubtedly Alberobello. The gentle rain that falls on Alberobello creates a magical and welcoming atmosphere. The cobbled streets are almost empty, allowing us to enjoy the beauty of the trulli without distractions. These limestone cone-shaped houses, which according to legend, farmers knocked down their own houses when they knew an inspector was coming, and then rebuilt them quickly and inexpensively.
We continue the route to Locorotondo, an extraordinary small town a few kilometers from Alberobello. It is simply a fairy tale.
Today is the day we will enjoy the Adriatic coast in all its splendor. From north to south, we travel the 200 km along the coast, with the sea breeze blowing in our hair. Polignano a Mare is the jewel in the crown, a picturesque little town, one of the most beautiful on the Italian coast.
Finally, we arrive at the Grotta della Poesia, an impressive natural pool surrounded by high, rocky cliffs. We dip our feet in the crystal-clear water and are amazed by the beauty of the place. A must-visit for photography and Instagram enthusiasts.
We continue south and finally reach the Leuca Lighthouse, the southernmost point of the Puglia region. From there, we can admire the beauty of the Adriatic coast. It's time to return to the Masseria.
I am sitting on a rustic and cozy chair, under the shade of a tree, surrounded by olive trees and a fresh sea breeze. The sun is shining in the blue sky, and the birds are singing a soft melody. It's a perfect day to enjoy brunch at the Masseria Corsano
In front of me, on a wooden table, there is a selection of fresh cheeses, freshly baked bread, homemade jams, seasonal fruits, and an assortment of fresh seafood from the Adriatic coast. I finish my glass of wine, close my eyes, and smile.
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