Explore Puglia
Monopoli
With its breath-taking beaches and beautiful historic center with High-Medieval origins overlooking the sea, Monopoli is the place where art, history and entertainment come together harmoniously. Called “the city of a hundred districts” because it is divided into various agricultural sections, each with unique characteristics:: walks on the promenade, visits to the numerous monuments that characterize this charming old village, and nightlife by the sea remain indelible in the memory of those who spend their holidays in this Puglian town.
Tip: Enjoy a walk after a day at the beach and go to Sottocoperta pub, a lovely terrace for aperitivo. Recommended guide: Along Dusty Roads – Monopoli
Ostuni
Ostuni is one of the most picturesque small towns in the spectacular region of Puglia. This charming hillside town is called La Citta Blanca (The White City) because houses, buildings, and city walls are whitewashed. A maze of arches and narrow staircases connects Ostuni alleys. The mazes make it easy to get lost while you discover Old Town. This Puglian town has an upscale feel and vibrant charm filled with many restaurants, gelaterias, bars, and boutiques. Along dusty roads - Ostuni
Polignano a Mare
This beautiful part of Southern Italy is known for its phenomenal beaches, crystal clear waters, a countryside full of olive trees, Trulli and Masserias, the artistic and cultural heritage and of course, incredible food. Read a great guide on Puglia from Condé Nast, or Italy Segreta or find some of our favorite places to visit below.
We love it here! Where we got engaged!While the other towns drift more inland, Polignano a Mare is by the sea. A spectacularly positioned small town of white and golden buildings perched on 20 meters limestone cliffs overlooking the Adriatic. The historic center is a lovely place for a wander or an aperitivo on one of the small piazzas or restaurants overlooking the clear emerald water. A very photogenic town! While you put your towel down to mark your spot at Cala Monachile, you might be lucky enough to see some local cliff divers jumping into the ocean while you cool down. Tip: water shoes! Recommended guide: Along Dusty Roads – Polignano a Mare
Alberobello
The town of Alberobello is among the most famous of the region’s attractions. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site this town is a unique and enchanting place filled with the area’s famous Trulli (whitewashed stone huts with conical roofs that have been around for centuries). With its narrow pedestrianized streets, little shops selling local produce and family run cafes and trattoria offering al fresco dining, Alberobello is worth a pit stop on your Puglian holiday. Tip: Get there early before the tourists arrive and the heat kicks in. Recommended guide: Along Dusty Roads – Alberobello
BASILICATA - Matera
If history’s your thing, then Matera is a must do. As one of the oldest, continuously inhabited civilizations in the world, this artistic town is so rich in culture you can sense the generations of stories. Being the ‘city of the caves’, its natural architecture built up and out of the rock gives feelings of drama, grandeur and disbelief. And it wouldn’t be an Italian town without its sprawling options for food, including its famous local oven-baked bread. Recommended guide: Along Dusty Roads – Matera
ActivitiesSAILING IN THE ADRIATIC SEA
Explore Puglia from the sea by renting a 13 meters sailing boat for up to 12 people or a catamaran for up to 10 people. A unique way to visit the most beautiful villages on the Adriatic coast between Monopoli and Polignano. Price on request via concierge@ottoneweddings.com
RENT AND DRIVE AN ITALIAN CLASSIC CAR
Experience Puglia from behind the steering wheel of Italian cars of the 60s and 70s. Icons of the Italian motor industry, these vintage cars are available to rent to discover the Apulia region. Driving a vintage car is like being in a movie, traveling alongside stone walls, century old olive trees and trulli houses, discovering the mysterious rural buildings of the Apulian countryside and the hidden villages of ancient Sassi di Matera. Price on request via: concierge@ottoneweddings.com
APULIAN COOKING CLASSES
Join an authentic dining and cooking experience for a real taste of Puglia; a celebration of tradition, culture, and flavors. Learn the secrets, techniques and history of Italian cooking. Prepare some fresh pasta, focaccia or taralli as a real nonna! You’ll cook, eat and drink while sharing a table as a family. Each cooking class is also accompanied by wine pairing and an aperitivo.
