Discover romance in Puglia
Italy’s best-kept secret
When you think of a holiday for two in Italy, no doubt the usual suspects (Rome, Venice, the Amalfi Coast) come to mind. But nestled away in the heel of Italy’s boot lies Puglia, where you’ll find a combination of charm, rustic beauty, and a deeply romantic atmosphere that’s simply unmatched in the rest of the country. From its unique architecture to dramatic cliffside dining, here’s how Puglia offers couples the perfect blend of discovery and intimacy.
Sleep inside a fairytale: Iconic Trullo stays in Alberobello
Imagine waking up together in a whitewashed stone hut topped with a conical roof right out of a storybook. Welcome to the historic trulli of Alberobello (itself a UNESCO World Heritage site). Many of these trulli have been transformed into elegant boutique stays complete with luxe linens, stone alcoves, and courtyards completely lit up by candles. And because trulli are often tucked away in quiet lanes, you get a great, unique blend of privacy and novelty.
Vineyards, views, and vino: Wine tasting in the Valle d’Itria
What is a trip to Italy without wine? In Puglia, you can spend an afternoon meandering hand-in-hand through vineyards in the Valle d’Itria, sipping glasses of Primitivo and Negroamaro with notes of sun-drenched fruit. Some estates offer private tastings for couples with views over endless rows olive groves. One local vineyard even lets you bottle your own blend so you get a memory of your trip that you can savour together long after you get back home.
Rooftops and romance: Sunset strolls in Ostuni, the White City
Want to get lost together in a magical place? Ostuni is an absolutely labyrinth of cobbled alleys and whitewashed buildings that are best experienced when they catch the golden light just before sunset. Stroll up to a rooftop bar overlooking the Adriatic, then linger over Aperol spritzes as the sky darkens into an unforgettable inky blue. And if you enjoy strolling in charming villages, then imagine how much more you could see if you cycle at sunset in Puglia – going from village to village and stopping off to enjoy local evening life.
Cliffside dining in Polignano a Mare
Is there any experience more cinematic than dining in a restaurant carved into a cliff, as waves crash below? The town of Polignano a Mare offers this in spades, especially at Grotta Palazzese, where you can enjoy a meal as candlelight flickers and dances off the limestone walls. It’s a favourite spot for proposals, anniversaries, or simply lingering over its famed seafood and prosecco.
Vespas, boats, and breathtaking coastlines: Puglia’s hidden shores
Puglia’s dramatic coastline is full of thrilling twists and turns and stunning views. Get the full experience by renting a classic Vespa and hitting the road, or chartering a private boat to more closely explore the many grottoes, secluded coves, and beaches you might have all to yourselves. And don’t be afraid to go a bit off the beaten track for that unique Instagram shot of a hidden gem.
Make Puglia your next romantic getaway
Puglia isn’t about sightseeing, but an invitation for you both to slow down, reconnect, and savour the best of Italy’s pleasures – good food, great wine, and beautiful places. Whether you’re staying in a trullo or sipping wine under olive trees, this part of Italy promises not just a holiday, but a memory that lingers.