A luxury escape to Puglia

Lecce, the ‘Florence of the South’ 

Lecce’s palazzi, chapels, and piazzas, crafted by 17th-century architects, have a unique style known as barocco leccese. A highlight is the Basilica di Santa Croce, famous for its ornate façade adorned with griffins and cherubs. Don’t miss the Roman amphitheatre.  

Close to Lecce, you’ll find the Grecia Salentina, a series of towns populated by the Griko people, who seek to preserve their culture, including the folk music traditions of tarant and pizzica. The area – and Melpignano in particular - plays host to the world-famous Notte della Taranta festival at the end of August. 

Explore Salento, the ‘heel’ to Italy’s ‘boot’ 

There’s much to explore within striking distance of Lecce. At Otranto, visit the stunning 12th-century cathedral, where a captivating mosaic featuring biblical and mythical scenes covers the entire floor; call in at L’altro Baffo for the sea urchin carbonara.

For a spot of sunbathing or swimming, head to Gallipolli’s scenic beaches like Baia Verde, or the secluded coves of the Parco Regionale Porto Selvaggio, both on the Ionian coastline. For a memorable road trip, drive the clifftop coastal route to Santa Maria di Leuca, where you can catch a breathtaking sunset over the Adriatic

Matera and the ‘City of Stones’ 

Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage site in southern Italy, is famous for its ancient cave dwellings and unique stone-carved architecture. Known as the ‘City of Stones’, Matera's Sassi district features homes and churches carved directly into limestone cliffs. The town has a rich history, dating back to the Paleolithic era, and has been a filming location for numerous films, including The Passion of the Christ.  

The foodie road to the coast

On the road from Matera to Torre Cannes, you could choose to stop at Altamura, famous for its traditional Pugliese cuisine, particularly the local bread pane di Altamura and rich, rustic dishes like orecchiette pasta, lamb, and wild mushrooms. Try Pein Assut, which specialises in cucina povera, or visit Everyone at the Table (E.A.T), a cooking studio offering immersive workshops. Don’t miss Bari, with its grand Basilica di San Nicola, fascinating museums, and thriving street food scene—join a local tour to sample focaccia, panzerotti, and other treats. 

Torre Canne di Fasano 

And to your last stop, a small coastal town in Brindisi, on the Adriatic, known for its sandy beaches, thermal baths, and relaxed atmosphere. It’s the ideal place to unwind to end your tour of Puglia. And yet… once again there’s so much to discover within a half hour drive. Either way, you’ll need three days here.  

Polignano a Mare is home to a much-photographed restaurant, Grotta Palazzese, famed for its cave dining experience, or you may prefer to take a boat to explore local sea caves. Enjoy a leisurely coffee in one of Martina Franca’s medieval piazzas and admire the 17th-century Palazzo Ducale and Basilica di San Martino, or head to the ‘White City’, Ostuni, to see its distinctive whitewashed buildings and 15th-century cathedral. Last and by no mean least, Alberobello should be on your list, where you can see Puglia’s iconic trulli houses with their conical roofs. 

Travel Style

Matera is the only place in the world where people can boast to be still living in the same houses as their ancestors of 9,000 years. A stay at Sant'Angelo Luxury Resort puts you right in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you’ll have the unique and immersive experience of staying in a beautifully restored cave dwelling with the most spectacular views over The Sassi. Look out, too, for a new Relais & Chateaux hotel, Vatera Matera, opening next month. 

In Torre Canne, your beachfront stay is at an elegant ‘Small Luxury Hotel of the World’, Canne Bianche Lifestyle Hotel. It feels friendly and thoughtful and looks contemporary with calming tonal neutrals. It’s an ideal place to unwind, with a lovely outdoor pool and extensive spa complete with a chromotherapy shower, Finnish shower, Swedish sauna, and Turkish bath.