From south to north, I have explored many regions of Italy, and I have to say Puglia had the most unique experiences.
During our 8 day vacation in the “heel of Italy”, in some instances I had the impression I was in Greece, and in others it felt like I was in Turkey. That is to say the traces of Puglia’s past wars and invasions still remain very strong and can be easily noticeable. For instance, on the interesting features of the towns, the architecture around them, and of course, through their typical and delicious food.
For this reason, there are a few things you must do in Puglia to have a real feel of this incredible region. As I have said before, my favorite way to fully explore any place is by connecting with the locals and by experimenting their traditions. Given that, here are my top 6 unique experiences in Puglia for you to feel like a local.
6 Unique Puglia Experiences – Charming Masseria in Puglia
1. Stay at a Masseria
A Masseria, just as it translates to, is a large farmhouse typically built in the 16th century, during the Magna Grecia and Roman Empire. As you drive along the ancient roads in the southern coastline, you can spot many signs leading to them.
Although some are used as restaurants, most of them were restored and turned into bed and breakfasts and charming hotels, making the perfect accommodations in Puglia. Especially for those who enjoy charming, unconventional, and in some cases, luxurious stays, surrounded by nature and filled with history.
In addition, most of them are family owned and maintain the traditional Italian hospitality. So, during your stay at a Masseria you get to meet the locals closely and to watch as they work to keep their beautiful property. In some cases, you can even roll up your sleeves and give them a hand. How cool is that?
But I don’t blame you if you just want to enjoy the beautiful surrounding, sunbathing by the pool with an Aperol Spritz in your hand. Whatever it is, you can’t go wrong with this unique experience.
- TIP: One thing to keep in mind is that most Masserias are secluded, after all they are surrounded by miles of farmland. This means, if you are not planning on driving in Puglia, you would need someone to drive you around.
6 Unique Puglia Experiences – Trullos in Alberobello
2. Stay at a Trullo
Another authentic Puglia experience is to stay at a trullo.
Although they are most known by the town of Alberobello, which I rated the most unique town in Puglia on my post Best Places in Puglia by Category, you can find these traditional cute and cozy conical roof houses all throughout the Istria region of Puglia. In fact, you can even stay at a trullo villa. How amazing is that?
In some cases they date back to centuries, so you are literally sleeping inside a piece of history.
Obviously, we could not skip this unique experience, so we chose to rent one in the town of Ostuni. It was incredible!
Need help finding the perfect Trullo? Let me do that for you!
6 Unique Puglia Experiences – Olive trees surrounding Locorotondo
3. Have a Complete Olive Farm Experience
Besides the beautiful beaches and whitewashed hill towns, another thing that took my breath away while in Puglia were the olive tree farms. In fact, they are everywhere and make the drive along the southern roads even more charming.
And as you can imagine, where there are so many olive trees, there is abundant olive oil. And what an olive oil! Yumm…
Without a doubt, in Puglia they are very serious about their golden juice. As a result, all the towns have a variety of stores with very knowledgeable staff that specialize only in the olive oil from the region. With that in mind, keep some extra room on your luggage, because I’m sure you will be bringing some home.
But an even more fun and unique Puglia experience, is visiting an olive farm and learning the whole process of making the olive oil.
In some of these farms you can take part in the olive harvest, see the olive mills at work, and of course, experience a guided tasting from the local experts. In this case, you get to take part in a very traditional puglian activity while spending time with the locals and learning something new.
Certainly a remarkable experience!
Not sure where to find this experience? Let me book it for you!
6 Unique Puglia Experiences – Nonnas making Orecchiete on the streets of Bari
4. Take an Orecchiette Making Class in Bari
A must do in Puglia is a cooking class in the capital, Bari.
Unquestionably, Bari’s charming Old Town breathes history and tradition. While strolling past the many arches and historic buildings of its maze-like streets, we experienced a typical Italian day with locals chit chatting on their front doors, buying fresh ingredients on the local market, and running errands on their bicycles and mopes.
But there was nothing that spoke more tradition than the Italian Nonnas at Via dell’Arco Basso street. As we turned the corner we spotted them carefully working their knives and fingers at the dough to make homemade orecchiette, the famous ear-shaped pasta from Puglia.
Given that, this is the place to have a unique Puglia experience learning how to make this traditional Puglian dish at a Pastie’s (as they are known) house.
Can you think of a more authentic and tasty way to dive into the Italian southern culture!
- TIP: If you are like me, and pesto is your weakness, be sure to learn their recipe! In fact, the pesto orecchiette I had in Bari was the best I tried in the region, and is one of my 5 Must Eat Dishes in Puglia.
Not sure where to find this experience? Let me book it for you!
6 Unique Puglia Experiences – Grottaglie ceramics decorating Puglian towns
5. Make Your Own Grottaglie Ceramics
I love to bring special souvenirs from my trips, and I always chose something locally made and related to the local culture. But over the years I learned there is nothing more authentic and special than making my own souvenirs.
For this reason, a unique Puglia experience is taking a ceramic workshop in the town of Grottaglie, in the Taranto area.
Indeed, you can find Grottaglie ceramics in every Puglian town, and if ceramics is your passion it will be love at first sight. But if you are feeling crafty, go mingle with the local artisans, and get your hands dirty making your own souvenir!
Without a doubt, this will be a much more memorable and transforming experience, don’t you agree?
Not sure where to find this experience? Let me book it for you!
6 Unique Puglia Experiences – Grotta Palazzese in Polignano al Mare
6. Eat at a Cave Restaurant
As you probably know, Grotta Palazzese in the coastal town of Polignano a Mare is one of the most famous and most beautiful cave restaurants in the world. Besides tasting delectable dishes under a carved limestone, in this incredible restaurant you also get to soak up stunning views of the Adriatic Sea.
Although this very high end experience may not be at everyone’s price point, that shouldn’t result in a trip to Puglia without a cave restaurant experience.
A couple hours away, in the town of Matera, we had so many options of restaurants in grottoes it was hard choosing where to eat. This city is built on a rocky outcrop, and its Sassi neighborhood sits on a canyon that offers a collection of cave restaurants and even hotels. And the views…. Mamma mia!
- TIP: Although located in Basilicata, it makes the ideal combination for your perfect Puglia itinerary, especially if it includes a road trip to or from Naples. Trust me, you won’t regret it!
Need help planning your Puglia trip? Get in touch!
If there is one thing I learned over the years is that, although crossing out iconic places off a bucket list is fun and exciting, the most heartwarming memories and unforgettable moments come from the unique experiences.
In my case, these memories are from the moments I fully got to connect with the locals and with their culture. Most of them were by getting involved in traditional and enriching activities.
In other words, these experiences I recommend on this post are some examples of activities to bring more purpose to your Puglia trip and make it more insightful. But one thing is for sure! Not every experience is right for everyone, so selecting the ones that speak to your heart is the key to a successful, authentic and unique trip.
And if like me, you seek more than memories, but life changing and enriching experiences on your travels, be sure to check my upcoming posts. And don’t forget to subscribe to my monthly newsletter where I’ll be sharing exclusive tips, articles and travel ideas so you can travel the best way. Your way!
