The Puglia Podcast

In Puglia we embrace a slower pace of life. Il dolce far niente (sweet idleness). It's part of our culture, reflected in all of our daily rituals. We give you our suggestions to leave behind the noise of daily life and experience Puglia in the here and now. And for visitors from the USA who really like to pack a full itinerary, we offer additional tips to slow down and help manage expectations for a more meaningful, local-friendly stay in Southern Italy. We're taking a summer break. See you the other side of summer. We will still be posting on our website and socials, so be sure to follow us on Instagram for frequent video stories, reels, photos, ideas and other information to inspire your stay in Puglia.  

We meet with US based writer Katerina Ferrara currently exploring Puglia through food, festivals and cultural immersion. Katerina is writing a series of travel guides on Italy, taking readers on a journey with her using festivals as a focus. The 4th book in her series "Ultimate Festival & Travel Guide Puglia" is launched on June 1, 2025. Find out about Katerina's mission on her website katerinaferrara.com. Follow us on Instagram for frequent video stories, reels, photos, ideas and other information to inspire your stay in Puglia.

Take a Chance. Advance to Go! Welcome to Monopoli (the city in Puglia, not the board game). Adjacent to and sometimes overshadowed by its near neighbour Polignano a Mare, Monopoli offers a quieter alternative for lunch or dinner. It has a pretty old town and enjoys a less frenetic pace. The old port with its characteristic light blue and red blue fishing boats and green fishing nets drying under the sun invites you into the beating heart of its centro storico. Its medieval center, characterised by churches and convents, is compact and charming. For details and locations of the beaches, churches and restaurants mentioned in this episode, see our companion Puglia Guys Monopoli City Guide. Follow us on Instagram for frequent video stories, reels, photos, ideas and other information to inspire your visit to Puglia.

Think of Puglia and you will probably picture Alberobello’s trulli - as iconic as Polignano a Mare’s Lama Monachile - and just as likely to grace the cover of the latest edition of The Lonely Planet Guide to Puglia. Although they feature across the Itria Valley, it is the concentration of trulli found in Alberobello that makes it unique. Drawing a stream of visitors all year round tourism takes centre stage in Alberobello. Most trulli in the crowded commercialised Monti district are shops; those that are not are restaurants. Unprepared for its crowds and commercialisation, visitors can leave Alberobello feeling underwhelmed. The crowds, souvenir shops, and selfie sticks can distract from the magic. Yet no trip to Puglia would be complete without visiting Puglia’s trulli. And it is still possible to discover some of the town's quieter, "secret" spaces. For fuller details, including map locations nd full restaurant details, visit our companion Puglia Guys Alberobello Guide. Follow us on Instagram for frequent video stories, reels, photos, ideas and other information to inspire your stay in Puglia.

The masseria is one of the defining features of Puglia's landscape.  And, let’s get one thing straight: a masseria is not a villa. Where northern Italian villas were retreats for the wealthy, all frescoes and fountains, Puglia’s masserie were born of necessity. Masserie (that’s one masseria, two masserie) are living records of a region that has always had to defend itself — from pirates, plagues, bandits, and even bureaucracy.  With our resident Bari Puglia Guy, Andrea Visaggio, we explore the history and timeless legacy that is the Puglia Masseria. For more information and recommended masserie to visit, check out our Puglia Guys Masseria Guide.  Follow us on Instagram for frequent video stories, reels, photos, ideas and other information to inspire your visit to Puglia.

We visit Polignano a Mare, the place with the iconic beach you've probably seen in every guide book to Puglia. The eating is great, from polpo panini, to gelato (Polignano is known for its gelato) and special coffee. There's even a Polignano version of spaghetti all'assassina, with octopus. But there's more to Polignano than seafood and gelato. There's Domenico Modugno. Everybody knows his most famous song, right? It came 3rd in 1958's Eurovision Song Contest. But it spent five non-consecutive weeks atop the Billboard Hot 100, and subsequently became Billboard's number-one single for 1958. In 1959, at the 1st Annual Grammy Awards, Modugno's recording became the first ever Grammy winner for both Record of the Year and Song of the Year. The combined sales of all the versions of the song exceed 18 million copies worldwide, making it one of the all-time most popular Italian songs. We know it as Nel Blu Dipinto di Blu. You know it as Volare (oh-ho)! For more information on the places, restaurants and locations mentioned in this episode visit our Puglia Guys Polignano a Mare city guide. Follow us on Instagram for frequent video stories, reels, photos, ideas and other information to inspire your visit to Puglia.  

We take a trip out of Puglia to nearby Matera, in the neighbouring region of Basilicata.  According to Keith Jenkins, founder and publisher of Velvet Escape, Matera is "one of the most extraordinary towns I've ever laid my eyes on". He explains, "Italy excels in extraordinary cities - I've visited many of them - but Matera surely belongs in the upper echelons of 'the most extraordinary cities' list". In this guide we suggest a walking tour route and a bus tour. Places to eat, including our favourites, and the remarkable cave dwellings and churches to visit. A UNESCO World Heritage List destination, recognised for being "one of the most outstanding organised urban settlements ever created in the world, a real materpiece of human creative genius and capacity to adapt". Map and links for our walking tour suggestions here: Love Matera | From Caves to Culture, Shame to Pride. Follow us on Instagram for frequent video stories, reels, photos, ideas and other information to inspire your stay in Puglia.

Driving in Puglia is a convenient and practical option for getting around our region, whether you’re hopping between towns or heading to the beautiful beaches. However, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a smooth driving experience. In this episode we share our observations and driving tips based on our driving experiences in and around the region and the rest of Italy, plus insights on what to watch out for and expect from other (especially Italian) drivers. IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER | Every care has been taken to accurately represent the legal requirements for driving in Italy as also the law and rules of the road at the time of writing. However these may have changed since the original publication so you should not rely on the information contained in this post, which is indicative only. It is your responsibility to ascertain what these are at the date of your travel and to ensure compliance with Italian law and driving requirements as they apply at the date of your travel. Further information, photos, links and routes are included in the Puglia Guys companion website guide: Navigating Puglia | A Practical Guide to Driving. Follow us on Instagram for frequent video stories, reels, photos, ideas and other information to inspire your visit to Puglia.

Taranto's old town - the borgo antico - is one of our favourite places to visit in Puglia. Much neglected by visitors, like the city itself, Taranto is an antidode to Puglia's favourite tourist hotspots. Packed full of history, with a world class archaeological museum, and with some of the best seafood and seafood restaurants in Puglia, Taranto is raw, gritty and authentic. For full details of the destinations, restaurants and food (with pictures) mentioned in this episode visit our Puglia Guys Taranto guide. Follow us on Instagram for frequent video stories, reels, photos, ideas and other information to inspire your stay in Puglia.

We preview Holy Week in Puglia, the week leading up to Easter. During Holy Week many towns in Puglia hold elaborate processions and ceremonies to commemorate the Passion and Death of Christ. These rituals are often marked by solemn music, prayers, and the use of symbols and images that evoke feelings of sorrow and mourning. From the Vattienti of Martina Franca and the Pappamusci of Francavilla Fontana to the Procession of Maria Addolorata in Taranto. Whether you are a believer or not, there is something deeply moving about the devotion and passion that is on display during la settimana santa. For more detail and photographs from the events mentioned in this podcast episode, visit our Puglia Guys guide to Easter in Puglia: The Passion and Pain | Aspects of Holy Week in Puglia. Follow us on Instagram for frequent video stories, reels, photos, ideas and other information to inspire your stay in Puglia (including videos in our stories from Holy Week events).

We were asked about the music that we use in our opening and closing podcast credits. It is pizzica music, old folk music from Salento, the southern part of Puglia. Like other tarantelle, legend says that pizzica was a cure for women bitten in the olive groves by the spider, explaining its hypnotic energy. In this episode, accompanied by the pizzica music played by our friends, we explore the sound, the stories and the dance moves of pizzica. For more information on Puglia's pizzica festivals, events and how to take part, check our Puglia Guys Pizzica Guide to Pizzica in Puglia.  Follow us on Instagram for frequent video stories, reels, photos, ideas and other information to inspire your visit to Puglia. In this episode we feature our own recording of the pizzica di San Vito, a traditional musical piece, featuring our friends who perform as musicians and singers. Full credits and our video of the recording can be found on our Puglia Guys You Tube channel.  

We are back in Puglia's Valle d'Itria, visiting Martina Franca. Known for its great food and baroque architecture, we walk around the town, discovering its history and taking time to explore the Palazzo Ducale and the Basilica di San Martino. With restaurant recommendations along the way and insider tips, enjoy one of the Valle d'Itria's favourite destinations. Check out our Puglia Guys Martina Franca guide on the PugliaGuys.com website for fuller information and details on the locations vitisited, some more recommendations, and a more detailed guide to Martina's main churches. Follow us on Instagram for frequent video stories, reels, photos, ideas and other information to inspire your stay in Puglia.

Gallipoli has become a hotspot for travellers seeking both history and hedonism. The summer season sees a seismic shift as Gallipoli becomes synonymous with revelry and celebrations extending well beyond the old and new towns. Nearby beaches – especially those in and around Baia Verde – echo with the rhythms of music festivals, vibrant parties, and a diverse crowd.  Our insider tips on when best to visit the old town, where by day fishermen still meet to drink, chat and mend their nets. We recommend some fine seafood restaurants and tell you where we enjoy the best sunset in Salento. Details of the locations on our walking tour of Gallipoli can be found in our companion Puglia Guys Gallipoli city guide. Follow us on Instagram for frequent video stories, reels, photos, ideas and other information to inspire your stay in Puglia.

We walk you around Otranto, its city beaches and visit geologically stunning and popular nearby beaches along the coast, including the Grotta della Poesia, the Baia dei Turchi, the faraglioni of Sant'Andrea and Torre dell'Orso. Otranto is packed with history. From the famous mosaic floor of its cathedral, the castle of Otranto that inspired the first Gothic novel, and the tragedy of the 1480 massacre of 800 martyrs, whose bones are still on display. Plus those city beaches and where to eat the best seafood in Otranto! Details of the locations of the spots visited, the recommended restaurants and parking for the nearby beaches can be found in our companion Puglia Guys Otranto guide. Follow us on Instagram for frequent video stories, reels, photos, ideas and other information to inspire your stay in Puglia.

Puglia is considered to be Italy's 2nd most visited foodie destination. With Andrea in his home city Bari, Puglia's regional capital, we eat out in the old town. Bari Vecchia is one of Puglia's culinary hubs. We talk about the typical must-eat traditional dishes of Bari, along with our favourite restaurants where we go to eat them.  For detailed information on our favourite Bari restaurants and more recommendations visit the Puglia Guys Eat Bari Guide. Follow us on Instagram for frequent video stories, reels, photos, ideas and other information to inspire your visit to Puglia.

We visit Ostuni, Puglia's città bianca - the White City. Because we live in Puglia all year round we keep our finger on the pulse. Insider tips and hacks (parking in Ostuni? We have it covered), plus our recommendations on where to eat = where we eat. Eat like a local. Avoid the tourist traps, recommended by one tourist to another, where no locals would go - because the food is just average, and overpriced. We eat better, for less. We explain why Ostuni makes the perfect base for your Puglia vacation, help you plan the perfect Puglia itinerary from a base in Ostuni, and list the Valle d'Itria's best beaches (and tell you where to park). All that plus a hack on saving money on booking accommodation in Ostuni. For links, addresses and detailed information on the places mentioned in this episode, check out our Puglia Guys Ostuni City Guide. Follow us on Instagram for frequent video stories, reels, photos, ideas and other information to inspire your stay in Puglia.  

We don't all travel equally. Some travel solo, in couples or groups, with families, and with different expectations and aspirations. That's why we don't think there's a "one size fits all" itinerary for visitors. We take a different approach. Instead of suggesting actual itineraries we break down Puglia into bite size pieces so you can mix and match destinations to plan an itinerary that suits your travel style and circumstances. Whether you're here for a quick getaway or a slow immersive experience. For further information on the destinations with links, check-out our Puglia Guys Guide to Planning the Perfect Puglia Itinerary. Follow us on Instagram for frequent video stories, reels, photos, ideas and other information to inspire your stay in Puglia.

Spaghetti all'assassina is the iconic pasta dish of Bari, Puglia's regional capital. It's unlike any other pasta dish you might have tried. On his visit to Bari for the TV show Searching for Italy, actor and food writer Stanley Tucci was blown away.  "This goes against everything I know about pasta... Honestly, I’ve never seen anything like that before… And I’ve been around, too!” We discover the origins of spaghetti assassina, aka spaghetti bruciati (burnt spaghetti), why there are three official academies to protect its heritage, where to eat the best spaghetti assassina in Bari and how to cook it at home. We include the official accademia assassina recipe plus our own adapted Puglia Guys spaghetti assassina recipe. For more spaghetti assassina resources (including these plus more recipes) visit the Puglia Guys Spaghetti Assassina page.  Follow us on Instagram for frequent video stories and reels (including our assassina cooking), photos, ideas and other information to inspire your stay in Puglia.

Our insider travel guide to Lecce, Puglia. What to see and do, and our guide to traditional food, as well as our favourite places to eat. From a pasticciotto and caffe leccese for breakfast, to lunch, aperitivi and dinner. We live in Puglia all year round and provide practical tips on getting around, cultural insights and unique local experiences – from pizzica dancing to wine tastings, cooking classes to road trips.  Follow us on Instagram for frequent video stories, reels, photos, ideas and other information to inspire your stay in Puglia. Fuller details and links referenced in this episode can be found on the Puglia Guys Lecce guide.

Welcome to the rebooted Puglia Podcast by the Puglia Guys, Puglia ambassadors.  Puglia offers endless choices: where to go, when to visit, how to get here, and what to do. Our goal isn’t to dictate your journey, after all, only you know what you want from your vacation in the heel of Italy's boot. Instead we give you the information to make informed choices based on your travel preferences and circumstances.   Do you want to soak up the sun or a lively atmosphere, maybe both? Are you looking to experience the slow rhythm of a southern Italian summer in a small Salento town? Some mindful quiet solitude and off the beaten track wilderness? Or do you want to hop from destination to destination, packing your cases and changing accommodation every day or two, to fit-in as much as possible?   In the rebooted Ep1 we give a brief overview of Puglia as Italy's favourite staycation holiday hotspot. We weigh up the pros and cons of some of Puglia’s better known destinations and some more general considerations to factor in. For links referred to in the episode and more resources, check out our Puglia Guys Guide to Finding the Best Base for your Vacation in Puglia. Follow us on Instagram @PugliaGuys