Puglia's accommodations are a destination in their own right, and part of the fun is experiencing the different types of places to stay as you move through the region. From centuries-old farmhouses converted into luxury masserie to boutique cave hotels and seaside villas, the variety is part of what makes Puglia so special.

• San Michele Suite - a charming luxury boutique hotel, with only 8 rooms, in the historic heart of Polignano a Mare. Here you will find rooms with the iconic and breathtaking sea views that Puglia is known for.

• Borgo Egnazia (Savelletri di Fasano) - one of the most celebrated and ultra-luxury resorts in all of Italy that is a natural fit for families. Built to resemble a traditional Puglian village, it offers spacious family rooms and villas, and exceptional service. This is ideal for families more in sync with resort life, as it caters to foreigners.

• Masseria (Savelletri di Fasano) - authentic villas or masserie (farmhouses) are common and a wonderful alternative for families in this region. We stayed at a luxurious olive farm with magazine-worthy guest villas, private pools, and breakfast delivered daily. The slow pace and chance to immerse ourselves in the surroundings and Italian way of life was one of the highlights of the trip.

Puglia’s food scene is rooted in simplicity, seasonality, and tradition - often referred to as cucina povera, or “peasant cooking.” Meals are unpretentious, with a strong emphasis on local specialties, just a handful of high-quality local ingredients, and time-honored techniques.

• L'Osteria di Chichibio (near Polignano) - on the upscale side; in a beautiful space (think high vaulted ceilings), with warm family hospitality and fresh seafood that you can pick yourself.

• Masseria Il Frantoio (near Ostuni) – A standout for a truly authentic dining experience set on a working farm estate. We had a memorable meal that was the epitome of farm-to-table. It’s also a great place to pick up locally produced olive oil and other artisanal products to take home as gifts or souvenirs.

• OO Doppiozero (Lecce) - in the heart of Lecce’s historic center, this quaint and delicious restaurant was shared with us by a local. Enjoy the scene, have a few Aperols, and order many starters as a meal!

Puglia is a place you experience as much as you see. While there’s plenty to do, the highlights are rooted in its landscapes and traditions. These were our favorite stops:

• Trulli Houses (Alberobello) – the famous whitewashed stone huts with cone-shaped roofs feel almost storybook-like. Wandering through Alberobello can feel a tad like a tourist trap with the crowds, but you can find other ways to explore it. Go beyond the main streets to find quieter corners for a more authentic feel.

• Cooking Class – one of the most memorable ways to connect with Puglia’s culture is through food. Many classes, like the one we chose in Fasano, are hosted in local homes or masserie, often led by a nonna. Our kids picked items from their small garden, prepared tiramisu, and learned how to make classics like orecchiette and ravioli from scratch and by hand. Then, of course, we feasted, so make sure to come hungry.

• Rock Beaches (Adriatic Coast, near Lecce) – along the Adriatic side, the coastline is dotted with dramatic rock formations, clear turquoise water, and hidden coves nestled between cliffs. Cliff jumping was an exhilarating experience for everyone, including the kids.

• Papier Mâché Class (Lecce) —this was rated as one of our kids’ favorite activities during the trip. It combined culture and history with hands-on fun. The art of papier-mâché, known locally as cartapesta, flourished in Lecce during the 17th and 18th centuries as a way to decorate churches and craft lightweight statues for religious processions.

• Boating (Polignano) - if you can, charter a private boat tour, as this is the best way to explore the iconic coastline in Polignano. Seeing it from the water and within the caves was a highlight for the kids, not to mention relaxing for us parents, and we ended our time with a jump and swim.

Puglia offers a mix of local artisan workshops, independent resortwear boutiques, and food producers.

Key Artisan Towns & Specialties

• Grottaglie (The Ceramics Capital) - located near Taranto, the entire Quartiere delle Ceramiche (Ceramics District) is dedicated to pottery. Look for the iconic Pugliese pumo (a ceramic rosebud symbolizing good luck) and traditional speckled splashware plates (schizzata). Top workshops include Enza Fasano and Fasano Ceramiche.

• Lecce (Boutiques & Papier-Mâché) - famous for Baroque architecture, Lecce's historic center (Centro Storico) is home to independent clothing boutiques, artisanal leather goods, and traditional cartapesta (papier-mâché) studios.

• Ostuni & Cisternino (Resortwear & Linen) - ideal for Mediterranean style: lightweight linen dresses, handmade leather sandals, and woven straw bags tucked into white-washed alleyways.

• Martina Franca (Antiques & Textiles) - known for handwoven textiles, tailored clothing, and a large monthly antique market.