Agriturismo Masseria Barbera

The 'stiletto heel' of the boot, Puglia has slowly become one of the (if not the most) hottest destinations in Italy. I grew up spending my summers and major holidays here, and it's been an absolute pleasure seeing this special region blossom into one of the most requested holiday destinations in Italy. For years it was simply the place where locals came to lay in the sunny beaches for the months of July and August, but now has activities, restaurants and beach clubs open year-round. It's HUGE, so keep in mind it will probably take you a few trips to the region to see most of it. My advice is to not try and see it all in one try, but instead pick one or two areas and slowly explore (and enjoy) them. Here are my favorite places to eat in Puglia

Planning a trip to Puglia can be overwhelming, since a lot of people don't realize just how big this beautiful Italian region is. Getting from the very northern tip of the region to the very south can take up to 4 hours! You probably don't want to spend the whole trip driving around, so you also need to travel to Puglia with the realisation that you won't probably get to see all of it. I would suggest picking 2 different bases (for a 7-10 day trip), renting a car or hiring a car and driver and explore the towns/areas around your accommodation. I've divided this guide into three areas (North, Central, South). Here are some of my favorite places to stay in Puglia, some I've stayed in, others have been highly recommended by people who work with me and I trust. It's a mix of small hotels and 'Masserie', the typical farmhouse stays of the region. Enjoy!

This is a living guide to the very best places to eat and drink in Apulia&Matera. As I travel back to Puglia - which I do regularly - I will continue to update this list. If you purchase today, you will receive all future updates. Perfect for a first-timer, or someone who wants to go deeper. Recommendations cover major cities, like Bari, but also off-the-beaten-track options in the countryside that are destinations in their own right. Every place has been verified by me and visited multiple times. Tips for each restaurant include dishes to order and background about the place. I've even included some personal anecdotes to give extra color to each destination! Fun Fact: Last year I was featured on Delicious Destinations with Chef Andrew Zimmern as his personal guide to Puglia. Videos from our adventure included in this guide.