Curator’s statement
Puglia has a rhythm all its own — slow, sun-kissed and deeply soulful. From cycling through ancient olive groves to dining inside a seaside grotto, this southern gem is made for families, food lovers and anyone craving authentic, sun-drenched simplicity. It’s one of my personal favorites — a place where luxury comes in the form of warmth, flavor and time to truly connect.
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Where to stay in Puglia
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Things to do in Puglia
Bike through Bari’s old town & pasta streets
Explore Bari by bike and pause in Strada Arco Basso, where local nonnas still hand-roll orecchiette on wooden tables, chatting in dialect and smiling as you pass.
Polignano a Mare’s Cave Restaurant
Book a table at Grotta Palazzese — yes, it’s a bit of a splurge, but dinner in a natural cave with crashing waves below? Unforgettable.
Stroll through Alberobello
Wander past the fairytale trulli houses with their whitewashed cones and stop for artisan gelato in a shady piazza.
Olive oil & wine tasting at a masseria
Visit a local masseria (like Masseria Montenapoleone) for an olive oil tasting under the trees, or join a hands-on mozzarella workshop and learn the art of stretching fresh cheese.
Michelin moments in Locorotondo
Tucked between vineyards and views, Locorotondo offers one of the most peaceful hilltop escapes — and a Michelin-starred dining experience at Ristorante Perbacco (subject to availability).
Places to eat & drink in Puglia
Grotta Palazzese – Polignano a Mare
An icon carved into the cliff. Go for the setting, stay for the seafood and sheer romance.
Coccaro Beach Club – near Savelletri
Set right on the sand, this beach club is part of Masseria Torre Coccaro. One of my favorite meals in Puglia was here – fresh seafood pasta, grilled fish and lemon sorbet, all with my toes in the sand. Truly unforgettable.
Osteria del Tempo Perso – Ostuni
A local favorite set in a limestone cave with regional classics like orecchiette with turnip tops.
Ristorante Perbacco – Locorotondo
Elevated Apulian cuisine and refined wine pairings in an intimate, whitewashed setting.
Trattoria Terra Madre – Alberobello
Organic, farm-to-table dishes right near the trulli streets. Simple, soulful and full of flavor.
Pugliese picnic at your villa
Ask about having a picnic-style setup delivered to your villa: fresh focaccia, burrata, olives and chilled rosé – ready when you are.
Need to know
Best time to visit: May through early July or September — perfect weather without peak crowds.
Getting there: Private transfers from Rome (about four and a half hours) or direct flights to Bari or Brindisi.
Great for: Families, multi-gen groups, couples seeking slow luxury or anyone craving coastal calm.
How to elevate it: Add a cooking class, olive oil tasting or even a private fireworks dinner – I help arrange all the extras.
Sustainability tip: Many masserie grow their own produce and use solar power — ask me which ones go the extra mile. From finding the perfect villa near the coast to arranging a mozzarella workshop for the kids or a private wine tasting under the stars, I help design trips full of memory-making moments. Just tell me your vibe — rustic, refined or a bit of both — and I’ll take care of the rest.
Travel Advisor
Mirjam Shah
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