Are you a foodie? Or are you interested in art or history? Or maybe you just want to chill with the locals or get lost in streets among other starstruck tourists? There is a town for everyone in the Itria Valley. But which town is right for you? Find out here.
Don’t get me wrong, they’re all worth visiting, but each has something different and distinct to offer based on your interests. Whether it’s art, food, a local vibe, history or more of that tourist vibe. Let’s be honest, you can find the good Apuglian food everywhere! But there are some towns that are renowned for their tradition and technique more than others. Which town is right for you? Find out.
Where to Stay in the Itria Valley
In a trullo–of course!
1. Ceglie Messapica
Visit if: You want to chill with the locals over a good coffee, pastry or dinner.
Here is a slice of the Itria Valley–without the crowds or tourist that that can plague parts of its neighboring towns. Foodies in the know are descending on this pretty Apulian town. Wander through the maze-like streets, eat a biscotto Cegliese from Forno San Lorenzo and grab a Caffè Leccese in a bar by the piazza before nailing down a place to eat dinner at one of the many culinary schools or restaurants such as Osteria da Giuseppe. Osteria da Giuseppe is a true reflection of Trullo a ll’éra‘s persona. Locals wafting in and out of the back door yelling to the owner, sharing drinks and conversation, hopping around from table to table to talk with friends, ordering the “usual” or the special of the day. Order the donkey, it’s a local go-to.
>> Read the full article Towns in Puglia: Ceglie Messapica, A Gastronomic Capital
2. Ostuni
Visit if: You’re a history fanatic and want to know where all the Italian vacationers head after a day at the beach.
The groups of tourists might have tarnished the classic charm of Ostuni for some, but there’s a reason Italians descend on this white-washed town weekend after weekend. Ostuni is just a stone’s throw away from the Adriatic Sea and an arms length away from the trulli in Itria Valley. Its rich history and architecture will have you kinking your neck and wandering around for hours.
>> Read the full article Visit Ostuni: The White City in Puglia
3. Locorotondo
Visit if: You’re a wine enthusiast looking to escape the summer crowds heading for the beach by sheltering in place in vineyards.
A view of this Apulian jewel from outside is otherworldly; a tightly and perfectly circular town propped up on a hill with rolling vineyards as a backdrop. Its circular shape is its claim to fame, but its wine is quiet popular too. Dive into the white-washed alleyways and you’ll discover a glut of restaurants and artisan shops selling wine and crafts. For a real Italian moment, find yourself an Osteria in the heart of Locorotondo in a cool alleyway and order yourself a nice meal mid-afternoon to shield yourself from the scorching sun.
>> Read the full article Visit Locorotondo in an Afternoon: What to Do
4. Grottaglie
Visit if: You are an art lover looking to get lost in artists studios, get hands on with product and go on a treasure hunt for ceramics and wall art.
It doesn’t take long for you to start thinking about how much room you have in your luggage when your walking around Grottaglie. Around every corner is another art studio, ceramic studio or gallery, packed with traditional Grottaglie ceramics. Grottaglie ceramics quarter houses tons of “Master Potters” utilizing ancient techniques from way back when. You’ll find yourself adding pumos, ceramic plates and lamps to your wish-list. Have one of the best meals you’ll ever have in Puglia at Osteria La Capasa, a local favorite where everything is handmade by mamma.
>> Read the full article Visit Grottaglie: The Ceramics Capital of Puglia
5. Alberobello
Visit if: You want to follow the tourists and see the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Time needs to be on your side for a stroll through this UNESCO Heritage Site. With over 1000 trulli to see, Alberobello is something of a mystical fantasy land. And at times, it does in fact feel like Disneyland. Rione Monti is the heart of this operation rich in artisan studios, tourist shops and restaurants. While Rione Aia Piccola is the quiet residential area where locals live across the hill. My favorite stop of all though? A small, unassuming bread bakery on the outskirts of Alberobello called Panificio “Casa del Pane” di Recchia Maria serving local Apulia delicacies and the infamous Panzerotto.
>> Read the full article A Stop in Alberobello, Puglia
>> Next: Drive the Salento Coast: Where to Stop From Otranto to Lecce
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