Apulia
Sun-drenched olive groves, whitewashed trulli, and baroque cities on Italy's heel.
About Apulia
Apulia is where Italy goes on holiday. The heel of the boot stretches from the rolling olive groves of the Valle d'Itria to the crystal-clear waters of the Salento coast. The region is a feast for the eyes: Alberobello's fairy-tale trulli houses, Lecce's exuberant baroque architecture, and the blindingly white towns of Ostuni and Locorotondo. The food is gloriously simple—orecchiette with cime di rapa, burrata so fresh it weeps cream, and focaccia from Altamura that locals will argue about for hours. This is slow-living Italy at its finest.
Best Time to Visit
May to June or September to October. Summers are hot and the Salento coast gets crowded in August. Spring brings wildflowers and pleasant temperatures for exploring.
Local Tips
- Beyond Alberobello's trulli.
The trulli zone is much wider than just the tourist town. A local will take you to the countryside between Locorotondo and Martina Franca, where you can stay in a trullo surrounded by olive groves.
- Do the masseria circuit.
Apulia's ancient fortified farmhouses (masserie) have been converted into some of Italy's best agriturismo stays. A local knows which ones serve the best home-cooked meals.
- Swim in a sea cave.
Forget the beach clubs. A local will point you to the Grotta della Poesia near Lecce—a natural swimming pool in an archaeological site—or the hidden coves of the Gargano promontory.
(the local lens)
Meet the Local Experts
Your on-the-ground insiders . The ones who know the enduring favourites, the quiet corners and what’s worth your time.
Manuela
Palermo, Florence +13
0.0(0 reviews)Born and raised in Rome, with family roots in Sardinia, I developed a deep appreciation for Italy’s regional diversity and cultural identity from an early age. For years, I have accompanied my guests across Italy, gaining hands-on knowledge of the country’s landscapes, traditions, and local communities. My approach is rooted in authenticity, meaningful connections, and a true understanding of how Italy works beyond the surface.
Isabella
Bari, Lecce +3
0.0(0 reviews)Ciao! I'm Isabella From Puglia. I grew up in a small town near Ostuni and have spent my whole life exploring every corner of Puglia — from the whitewashed streets of Locorotondo to secret coves along the Salento coast. I know where to find the best orecchiette, the most scenic sunset aperitivos, and beach clubs where locals actually go! I love helping tourists experience Puglia’s rhythm — slow, authentic, and full of warmth.
Chiara
Bari, Lecce +7
5.0(4 reviews)I am a local tour guide with over twenty years of experience in Venice and it’s lagoon. As a native of the area and a resident nearby, I have a deep and authentic connection with this extraordinary land, which I know not only historically and artistically, but also in its most authentic and everyday aspects. I love sharing Venice’s natural beauty, artistic and cultural heritage, centuries-old traditions, and the unique identity that makes the lagoon a place like no other. Over the years, I have gained extensive experience that allows me to offer personalized itineraries, combining great masterpieces with lesser-known gems, offering an authentic and engaging experience. I also pay great attention to food and wine, guiding guests to discover the typical flavours and culinary traditions of Venice. My goal is for you to experience Venice not just as a tourist destination, but as an emotional, cultural, and sensorial experience, leaving you with an indelible memory of this unique city.
Rosa
Florence, Pisa +13
5.0(1 review)Hi, I’m Rosa - your local Italy travel planner based in Florence. I'm 26 and I live in Florence, in the heart of Tuscany. Italy is not just where I live, it's what I love sharing with others. Over the years, I've explored many cities like Bologna, Milan, Venice, Rome Naples, Sicily, Sardinia, Puglia and many more. Each region has its own flow, flavors and traditions, and understanding these differeces is what makes a trip truly special. I help travelers experience Italy beyond the typical tourist path. From selecting the perfect area to stay, to reccomending authentic restaurants, wineries and hidden villages. I desing trips that feel personal and deeply Italian. If you want to experience Italy with local insight and thoughtful planning, I’ll help you create a journey you’ll never forget.