The flights are booked and the accommodations are booked for 2 weeks in Puglia in September. Three nights in Monopoli, three nights at a masseria near Ostuni, four nights in Lecce, and three nights in Matera, with a rental car. The goal is slow travel and not having a massive checklist of sights to see, but we still need things to do in between meals! I would appreciate suggestions for tours and activities that you especially enjoyed. We like food tours, cooking classes, learning about local culture. Any market days that are particularly worth seeking out? I know there's lots of info on this site and other sites; I'm looking for personal recommendations that will make the trip special. Thanks in advance!
Posted by
SoCal and Bordeaux
2433 posts
We enjoyed visiting the two cities on the inside of the boot, Taranto and Gallipoli. Much easier for those with a rental car, as the trains are rustic and slow.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
17945 posts
Otranto (from Lecce)
Gallipoli (from Lecce)
Polignano (from Monopoli)
Castellana Grottoes (from Monopoli)
Alberobello and Locorotondo maybe, if you have time, Martina Franca and Cisternino (from Monopoli or from Ostuni)
Posted by
CA, USA
1444 posts
As you plan your time keep in mind that in Puglia most shops/churches/museums close about 1pm until around 5pm and restaurants close by 2pm for the riposo. Tourism mainly happens before lunch or in the evenings and the afternoon is spent out of the sun or at the beach.
Lecce has The Awaiting Table cooking school. I have not taken one of their classes but have read good things about them.
Posted by
new york
1667 posts
I don't know of any market days in those towns..there are some, but much of the goods are underwear, socks and cheap household equipment, you are better off in shops--are you asking about buying food to bring home?
With a car there are some great returns you could visit....no need for the car in Matera, of course...
Are you keen on finding great restaurants?
Posted by
OP
Brookfield, IL
42 posts
I have read that food markets and antique markets are held in many of the small towns on different days, and that it's a fun thing to see to get a taste of the local life. This is what I was asking about.
Any restaurant recommendations in any Puglia towns would be very much appreciated! It's always good to have a list of places that others have vouched for.
Posted by
Saint Paul, Minnesota
2201 posts
I kind of hate to give restaurant recommendations from years ago (and these are from 2018), but on the other hand, whenever we've gone back to a restaurant in Italy years later, it's always been as good as we remembered.
Osteria Monacelle (favorite place in town) in Ostuni
Vicolo 45 in Ostuni (it's in a cave)
Osteria del Tempo Perso in Ostuni
Trattoria Fiori di Zucca in Lecce (outside the walls)
Pizzeria Doppio Zero in Cisternino (different ancient grains used in the dough)
L’Antica Locanda in Noci (interesting vegetables like wild grape hyacinth bulbs in spring)
Posted by
new york
1667 posts
ANTICA LOCANDA in Noci
MASSERIA BARBARA near Minervino
ANTICHI SAPORI in Montegrosso, near Andria
CIBUS in Ceglie Messapica
IL PURITATE in Gallipoli
FARMACIA DEI SANI in Ruffano
LOCANDA DI MARTUME in Fasano
I could go on and on; here are comments about our two meals at Cibus last fall:
If you will be near Fasano I can give you a lot of info on where to eat in that town and in Savelletri....we returned last week.
Here are photos of ANTICA LOCANDA, MARTUME, and some other, from last month:
https://www.hungryonion.org/t/puglia-2026-fasano-savelletri-valle-ditria-towns/47923