It was summer 2025, and six friends (myself included) were craving a short escape filled with sun, sea and Italy at its finest. Destination: Puglia! Four days, no kids, no obligations—just pure enjoyment. Here’s our story.
Day 1 – Arrival & instant holiday vibes
We landed early in the morning in Bari and immediately picked up our rental car. Destination: Le Palme Beach Club in Capitolo. Within an hour, we were lounging on the most comfortable sunbeds, surrounded by white sand and turquoise waters. The Adriatic Sea was calling, and I think we took a refreshing dip at least ten times. In the evening, we drove to the charming town of Monopoli and settled at CarloQuinto, right by the water. Fresh seafood, a chilled white wine, and the sun slowly sinking into the sea… this was exactly what we had been looking forward to for four days.
Day 2 – Cliffs, cocktails, fairytale villages & the best wine tasting ever
We woke up in our dream villa with a private pool (seriously, just book it) and drove to Polignano a Mare. The views from the cliffs are unreal—Lama Monachile never fails to impress, no matter how many times you see it. We had breakfast in a sunny square in the old town, wandered through narrow streets, and picked up a few charming souvenirs.
Around noon, we relaxed at Porto Ghiacciolo, a small cove near Monopoli with a view of an ancient fort. The beach bar serves the tastiest cocktails and local bites at prices that make you smile. A perfect afternoon!
On the way to our wine tasting, we couldn’t resist a short stop in Alberobello, the UNESCO-listed trulli village. What a fairytale! Everywhere you look, those pointed white stone houses with gray roofs—it’s like Hobbitland, but Italian and way more stylish. We wandered for about half an hour, snapped photos at the most beautiful trulli (Rione Monti is touristy but so charming), and picked up a tiny bottle of local olive oil. Just enough to feel the magic without getting caught in the crowds—perfect for those of us who had a wine tasting planned.
And then came the real highlight: a wine tasting at I Pastini, just outside Alberobello in a stunning vineyard. First, a tour, then tasting paired with delicious snacks—each wine was better than the last. Of course, we bought a few bottles to enjoy that evening. Back at the villa, we fired up the pizza oven, made our own pizzas, and sipped the wine on the terrace. Pure happiness on a plate and in a glass.
Day 3 – Underground wonders & a white city at sunset
The morning was reserved for the Castellana Caves—a true must-see in Puglia. For an hour and a half, we wandered in awe through stalactites and stalagmites that take your breath away. Afterward, it was back to the beach for a cooling dip and a cold drink.
In the evening, we drove to Ostuni, the “White City” perched on a hill. We wandered the narrow streets adorned with flowers and twinkling lights, picked a restaurant with a view, and dined for hours. Antipasti, pasta, more wine… and endless laughter. Our final evening—time flies when you’re having fun.
Day 4 – Sweet indulgences & farewell to the sea
The alarm went off early—we wanted to make the most of every last minute before our flight. On the way to Bari, we indulged in one final treat: tette delle monache, the infamous (and absolutely delicious) “nun’s breasts.” Pastries so good, they should almost be illegal.
In Bari, we took a moment to relax at Lido San Francesco, a city beach where you swim among locals—super fun! One last dip in that heavenly blue water, one last taste of the sun on our skin.
As the cherry on top, we wandered through Bari Vecchia and marveled at the famous Via delle Orecchiette, where elderly women still make orecchiette by hand. A quick pasta lunch, an espresso, and then it was truly time to head to the airport.
On the flight back to Amsterdam, we looked at each other: these four days were magical. Puglia had stolen our hearts—the beaches, the food, the people, the atmosphere… everything was perfect.
Want to discover the enchanting beauty of Puglia for yourself? Book your stay through Leisure Time and enjoy the most beautiful accommodations in this magical region. Whether you choose an authentic masseria among the olive trees, a luxurious trullo with a private pool, or a stylish apartment in the heart of historic Lecce—your unforgettable Puglia adventure starts here.
