I recently wandered through Italy’s heel, Puglia, to pursue my version of an "eat, pray, love" summer. Determined to explore as much of the region as possible, I hopped cities and, for my final stop, I settled on a town that many call the "Florence of the South": Lecce. For years, I had seen the sapphire waters and alluring grottos that decorate th...

If you’re on the lookout for the grandest Baroque structures in Puglia, a visit to Lecce is a must. This delightful small town is celebrated as the Baroque heart of the region, sometimes even labelled as the “Florence of the South”. The Baroque architecture you can find in Lecce is truly unique, and can be marveled at all throughout the old town. N...

Puglia has everything. Amazing food, stunning olive fields, inspiring cities, and one of our favorite things: a dreamy coast. I’ve spent long summers exploring Puglia’s quaint towns and villages, sleeping in its traditional masserie, and working with local artisans to design quality linens and woven bags to bring the slow lifestyle into your home a...

Puglia, a region rich in natural and cultural beauty, hides a unique and fascinating place: the Grotta della Poesia. This natural wonder fascinates visitors with its breathtaking beauty and its thousand-year history. Let’s discover the characteristics, cultural significance and experiences that make the Grotta della Poesia an unforgettable place to...

It turns out you don’t need to go to the tropics to find soft sandy beaches and crystal clear waters. Salento, on the very heel of Italy, has it all. Salento has earned the name 'the Maldives of Italy' thanks to its paradise coasts. Part of the administrative region of Apulia, it also boasts a rich cultural heritage, influenced by a blend of cultur...

If you're moving to Puglia or considering a move there, here are the 10 best places to live in Puglia according to expats. Our list differs from a typical list of the best places to travel in Puglia. One expat explains, "If you are only here in the warm months, a seaside location may suit you well; but you might be interacting with a more transient...

The Italian Baroque flourished in the South more than in the North, but while many would suppose that Naples exhibits the grandest face of that flamboyant style, it is in Puglia, where it is most exemplary in a finer tone. So, too, the food of the region had been adapted to a modern style showcasing the seafood and ingredients of the region. Otrant...

When it comes to exploring Italy, many travelers flock to cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice. However, those looking for a more authentic and off-the-beaten-path experience should consider visiting San Giacomo. This small town, located in the province of Lecce in the Puglia region of Italy, is a hidden gem that offers a unique glimpse into the...

Italy Like a Local, the Visit Italy podcast reaches its third appointment. This time we take you to one of the most surprising cities in southern Italy, the city where Ungaretti, referring to its baroque, exclaimed 'a magnificent dress', Lecce. This city is called the "Lady of the Baroque" because of the massive presence of Baroque art spread in th...

I have spent years living in what we call the “alto Salento” part of Puglia, which means the upper part. Puglia is a very big region, full of little towns to discover and I made it my mission, this past summer, to start exploring some of what was situated further south. The Salento coastline in Puglia has also been given the nickname of the “Italia...