Three days in Puglia: Exploring the Charms of Ostuni, Alberobello and Beyond

First up, Ostuni, our home base for the trip, perched atop a hill overlooking the Adriatic Sea. I booked a stay with my mom at Masseria Cervarolo, a 16th-century restored farmhouse surrounded by orchards and olive groves. Our stay in a trulli suite was cozy and authentic, and we were fortunate to enjoy this unique experience together.

Masseria Cervarolo is featured in the Michelin Guide of hotels and features a pool (perfect for warmer months), a farm-to-table restaurant with daily breakfast, a delicious prix fixe menu for dinner, and a small church and spa. All of the meals were fantastic and featured locally sourced ingredients, adding to the cozy ambiance of the accommodations. Every moment at the masseria was a memory in the making. From the quiet walks around the property at night to mornings on our patio, it was a delight to immerse ourselves in the rich flavors of the Puglia countryside.

On the second day of the trip, we chose to explore the whimsical village of Alberobello, where history and folklore intersect amongst 1,500 iconic trulli houses.

Alberobello is just 30 minutes from Ostuni, and a half-day in the town is enough time to walk the quaint streets, iPhone in hand, of course, to capture pictures of the famous structures juxtaposed with modern dwellings.

Polignano a Mare: Coastal Splendor

Next, we ventured toward the coastal gem of Polignano a Mare. With its agreeable climate and pedestrian-friendly layout, navigating Polignano a Mare was easy, and parking was never a problem.

When visiting the town, take your time to wander along the cliffside promenade and take in the views of the Adriatic. There are so many small restaurants and shops to explore, including the famous Grotto Palazzese restaurant inside a cave on the sea (fun fact: the restaurant is featured in just about every Instagram reel about Puglia).

We saved Lecce for the third day and last full day of our trip as it was the city farthest away from Ostuni. Lecce is the baroque jewel of Puglia, and ideal for a Sunday afternoon adventure.

In Italy, Sundays are synonymous with strolls, shopping, and food. It was amazing to experience the weekend in Lecce like a local, watching families walk along the Piazza Sant'oronzo and stopping at places like Pasticceria Natale for the best pasticcio traditional dessert, and of course, having gelato and espresso.

A few days in Puglia is better than not visiting at all. I so enjoyed my trip, and the enchanting landscapes and cultural tapestries of Puglia – and the 500 miles I drove in it – are forever etched in my memory.

Arrivederci, Puglia – until we meet again.