Life Beyond the Room Custom Travel
Puglia & Basilicata
Population: 4 million / 562,869
Best time to visit: Fall
Suggested length of stay: 14 days
Must experiences:
- Visit an ancient olive mill and taste the exquisite olive oil
- Visit the Castellana Grotte
- Sail the Salento waters
- Cliff dive at Torre dell’Orso
- Bike through endless olive groves
- Stay in a Trullo
- Sleep in a cave in Matera
- Sip on Primitivo wine
- Eat the bread of Altamura
- Sing Volare with Domenico Modugno in Polignano a Mare
Puglia is a sun-kissed paradise nestled in the heel of Italy’s boot. With turquoise waters lapping at its shores, it boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. But it’s not just the scenery that makes Puglia special, it’s the people and their love for life.
Neighboring Basilicata is a hidden gem with rugged landscapes, ancient hilltop towns and a fascinating history. Basilicata is a world away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. From the other-worldly caves of Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to the dramatic peaks of the Lucanian Apennines, the region is a haven for nature lovers and history buffs alike
The paradisiac region of Puglia, forming the heel of Italy, is home to rocky cliffs, endless olive groves, turquoise waters, and picturesque villages. Looking at a map, it’s easy to see how this region has experienced such a rich and culturally diverse history. Puglia touches the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, and it’s wonderful, welcoming people have a fascinating history. A place where the sky merges into the sea in perfect harmony, Puglia’s unparalleled hospitality and delicious cuisine are just a few of the reasons why this region ranks high on Italian’s favorite places in the country.
Discover the picturesque villages of the Val D’Itria, sail the turquoise waters of the Salento coast, learn about the peculiar trulli and savor the region’s gold – olive oil, Italy’s best. All the while connecting with locals and eating traditional delicacies for a truly immersive cultural experience.
Just an hour from Puglia’s capoluogo Bari, in the region of Basilicata, lies the town of Matera, one of the world’s ancient cities. Famous for its sassi (stone) quarters, the ancient caves have been repurposed into dwellings, churches, and palaces, preserving the original character of the village. A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1993, the sassi represent a unique hamlet throughout Italy. The earliest inhabitants date back to the stone and bronze age. During the middle ages, Matera boasted several monastic communities and later became a vibrant farming center.