Valentina Lucia & Michael Anthony
Exploring Italy
Matera
Walk through Italy’s oldest inhabited city. Matera is well known for the “Sassi” cave dwellings, which were once thought to be amongst the first human settlements in the Paleolithic era. Now, you can now find rustic hotels, b&bs, spas and museums hidden within the Sassi. Fun fact: James Bond: No Time to Die and The Passion of the Christ were both filmed in Matera. Luxury Hotel: Sexantio Hotel Spa in the Sassi: Locanda San Martino Thermae What to eat: Focaccia and the famous Pane di Matera
Polignano a Mare
Arguably one of the most romantic spots in the region, Polignano a Mare is a rugged slice of land with several caves that has seen its fair share of invaders throughout history along its limestone cliffs. The historical Medieval town is just as pleasant as the adjoining coastline, It should also be noted that Polignano is famous throughout the world for cliff diving. Michael and Valentina jumped off their first cliff together in Polignano! For a very unique, "caffe speciale" visit IL Super Mago del Gelo For an outstanding braciole panzerotti visit La Rotellina
Alberobello
A fairytale town famous for its unique “Trulli” houses. These conical shaped homes were constructed in the 16th century from roughly worked limestone, because this material could be easily dismantled and later reused for reconstruction of the dwelling. The thick stone walls of a trullo shielded the inhabitants from the hot sun creating a pleasantly cool interior in the summer. The small size of the historic center makes Alberobello easy to visit. All of the must-see sights are within walking distance and can be explored on foot, amidst picturesque alleyways and viewpoints. The trulli of Alberobello have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996.
Ostuni
Known as “The White City” or “La citta bianca” for its uniformly white buildings – each year the city is refreshed with a new coat of limestone paint. Take in scenic views of endless olive groves and the Adriatic Sea. The impressive 15th Century Gothic Cathedral is the center of the old town and combines Gothic, Romanesque, and Byzantine Elements. If you are more interested in landscapes and incredible views, Corso Vittorio Emanuele 2nd, is the place to visit. This is the ideal spot to relax and enjoy an aperitif with a view.
Monopoli
Makes for a lovely day trip or visit tagged onto Polignano a Mare! Much like the rest of Puglia, Monopoli is comprised of narrow alleyways and whitewashed buildings with colorful doors and windows. Enjoy the local cafes, excellent seafood dishes and the many churches and squares in Monopoli. Fun historical fact: Monopoli is a city founded by the Greeks, and taken over by the Romans. Researchers believe the town's name translates to "Only City", as it was the only port town and place of rest between Brindisi and Siponto during the rule of Dioniso II of Syracuse. Monopoli has the longest stretch of Via Traiana, one of the most important roads of the Roman Empire (there is now an archaeological site around the ancient road)
Otranto
Nestled onto the coast of the Salento region of Puglia, Otranto is not only the easternmost town in Italy, but a delightful place to kick back, relax, and enjoy a bit of sun and sea! As a popular beach town in Puglia, the best things to do in Otranto range from lots of time spent on the sand to exploring the historic churches in the town’s small-but-charming Centro Storico. But Otranto's real charm and allure is for the adventure-seeking, water lovers. The Otranto region is home to some of the most dramatic and breathtaking coastal cliff formations in all of Italy. Rent a boat for the day or a few hours, and for the adrenaline junkies -- take the (literal) leap of faith and enjoy brilliant cliff jumping opportunities! Don't let Valentina's mom see you do it, though. Most Beautiful Places to reach by boat: I Faraglioni di San Andrea Torre dell'Orso Grotta della Poesia
Lecce
Lecce is the cultural capital of Puglia and is extravagantly Baroque in style. With so many monuments, churches, palaces, and museums that it has been given the nickname, “The Florence of the South.” With its elegant city center and vibrant feel, it’s impossible not to love Lecce. The streets are generously sprinkled with eateries and wine bars, while shopping streets Via Vittorio Emanuele and Via Palmieri are fun to roam. The Roman amphitheater, the cathedral, and the medieval castle are just a few of the things to see here. Pair this with a trip to Otranto if you are looking for a half day at the beach, and half day in the city (20 min from the Adriatic Coast).
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