Puglia is full of the things all lovers of Italy have come to adore: groves of olives, ancient Baroque towns full of history, ornate churches, and incredible food.

More than that, though, Puglia’s rustic openness extends to the character of the locals, reflected in their deep love of sharing their favorite dishes, which are simple and packed with flavor.

One way to delve into the region is to begin with a visit to the Itria Valley, or Val d’Itria. It’s like a “golden triangle,” chock-full of quaint towns, beautiful villages, interesting dwellings, and a fantastic place to take part in some outdoor activities.

Head west to Matera, located just on the border of Puglia in Basilicata, where you can visit one of Italy’s most astounding towns.

Then head further south to Salento for wide-open spaces and pristine natural beauty.

There’s a lot to love about this region: incredible hotels, unique cultural sites, simple, rustic dishes, and a warm, welcoming attitude., Plan your trip around these eight incredible experiences to get a sense of the authentic side of Puglia.

8 Ways to Experience Puglia

1. Kayak the Pristine Natural Landscape of Otranto

Otranto is a jewel of a seaside town, the perfect place for a coastal hiking and kayaking adventure.

Your local guide will help you traverse the coastal paths by bike from Otranto to Leuca, stopping at Bauxite Lake for a rest.

Here, you can marvel at the contrasts of the reddish soil, the lake’s aquamarine water, and the big blue Italian sky or to walk on petrified coral reef.

Hop into kayaks and paddle your way through the clear water. This has to be one of the most delightful ways to explore the sea caves and the coastline.

If kayaking isn’t your thing, there’s always the option to snorkel or swim instead, basking in the sunshine and enjoying the refreshing coolness of the Ionian Sea’s turquoise waters.

2. Prepare Burrata with an Expert Cheesemaker

The secrets of cheese-making are woven into Puglia’s historical and cultural fabrics, and this is your chance to learn their ways.

Local cheese artisan, Giorgio, will show you around his farm and show you what an artform making fresh burrata really is, giving you the chance to try your hand at twisting a knot or two of the mozzarella yourself.

Meet the buffalo that produced the day’s cheese. They live a life of true comfort, with soothing music, massage brushes, lots of shade, and plenty milking times that the cows themselves initiate.

You’ll swear you can taste the effect of the buffalos’ luxurious lifestyles on the quality of the milk used in the cheese.

3. Explore Sea Caves in Polignano

Polignano a Mare is a town set atop the cliffs and is even home to cliff-diving competitions. It’s even known as the “Amalfi of Puglia” for its dramatic landscape.

Hop on board your private boat your boat to explore the grottoes and sea caves that were used by smugglers for centuries.

On board, relax, take in the coastline, and soak up the sun as you sail toward Monopoli. You’ll set anchor and swim in a tranquil, secluded spot before returning to town for gelato, for which Polignano is famous.

4. Picnic Among Ancient Olive Trees

Visit an ancient olive estate, whose mill has been in use since the Bronze Age. Walk the grounds and savor in the delights of an olive oil tasting as you are given a fascinating insight into the production of this golden elixir.

Lunch will be one you’ll never forget, an exclusive picnic within the ancient olive groves. The table will feature the bounty of the local area: fresh, simply-prepared delicacies with (of course) plenty of olive oil. The farm-fresh quality of your meal combined with the incredible setting make this experience truly special.

Instead of going wine tasting or picnicking, consider allowing our friends at Walking Wine Puglia to bring the party to you. Their mobile wine bar can be booked for guided tastings, picnics and aperitifs at sunset.

Our friends at Walking Wine Puglia bring the picnic … and the rose’. … to you!

5. Cycle Past Famous Trulli Houses

Either rent e-bikes, or work with one of our expert cycling guides who will lead you on your discovery of the famous trulli. The trulli are unique, conical structures the Val d’Itria is famous for, and will certainly remind you of hobbit houses.

The majority of trulli are concentrated in the town of Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are over 1,000 of these strange-shaped houses here, and your knowledgeable guide will bring the picturesque town to life.

You can even choose to have lunch in a traditional trullo, getting to know more traditional Pugliese dishes.

After lunch with a view in the picturesque town of Locorotondo, you’ll finish the day in Martina Franca, the perfect place for an afternoon stroll and taste of gelato. Buono!

6. Indulge in an 8-Course Farmhouse Feast

As with most—if not all—Italian regions, food is a huge part of life in Puglia, especially because so much of the culture is centered around sharing meals.

It’s a must-do while in the area to stop in at Masseria Il Frantoio for an elaborate farm-to-table dinner. Tour the beautiful property before dinner, visit the ancient mill, and enjoy a homemade aperitivo.

During your eight courses (yes, you read that correctly!), you will be taken on a journey with the local, seasonal produce grown entirely on the grounds of the estate. Of course, you will also enjoy the excellent wine pairings along the way on this culinary adventure.

7. Sleep in a Cave Hotel

The ancient city of Matera is perched high on a hillside. Your local guide will take you through the gorges of Matera, where you will discover some of the oldest cave dwellings.

After your explorations, you’ll check into the extraordinary Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita, a hotel unlike any other that is literally carved into the time-worn rock.

You’ll be staying in a cave, but don’t worry, your surroundings won’t be primitive. Sextantio has all the comforts of modern living and features stylish design, but it provides the chance to learn the heritage of this ancient city from the inside out.

For dinner, head to a local restaurant to savor the Lucana cuisine of this region, uniquely made up of thousand-year-old cooking traditions.

8. Eat Sea Urchin Fresh from the Water

Ricci di Mare—better known as sea urchin to English-speakers—is a Pugliese delicacy. I would recommend visiting Il Principe del Mare or L’Oasi dei Recci on the coastal road S.P. 90 between Savelletri and Torre Canne.

When you’re there, the sea urchin will be cut open for you and piled high on a plate. You’ll be given a bucket and a heaping bowl of bread, with which you can scoop out the sea urchins’ creamy interiors and chuck the rest in the bucket. This is authentic cuisine at its finest, and it’s really tasty!

Puglia’s quaint towns, glorious natural landscape, and delectable local cuisine make it a delightful place to visit and to delve deep into the culture and history.

Whether you’re kayaking into a sea cave (or sleeping in one), picnicking in an olive grove (or having it delivered to you!), or savoring each bite along the way, you’re bound to leave your heart here when you go. I know I definitely left my heart in Puglia.

Get in touch if you’d like help planning a stunning trip to picturesque Puglia, I’ll help you craft an itinerary that you can book this year, or simply plan ahead for next year.

8 Ways to Immerse Yourself in Puglia