26 Photos Of Puglia That Will Make You Wonder Why You Thought The Amalfi Coast Was The Best Italy Has To Offer

Positano, who?!

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If you haven't heard of Puglia, it's the stunning region of Italy in the "heel" of the boot.

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Puglia is often overlooked by tourists planning their Italian travels — most people head to the Amalfi Coast in search of those dramatic sea views!

But I'm here to tell you that just across the peninsula... there is a region that is even more beautiful (there's a reason Meryl Streep owns a house there). 

1. Puglia is filled with gems, some hidden and some not so hidden... my favorite being the natural pools of Marina Serra.

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Enjoy the day sunbathing on rocks overlooking the Adriatic Sea and cooling off in these natural pools. 

Address: Via Carlo Mirabello, 73039 Marina Serra LE, Italy

2. Also, for us 💜purple people💜...yes, the algae is our ~aesthetic~!

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It might seem silly, but the whole coast is lined with purple algae, and I think it's cuter than the ugly green stuff. 🤢

3. Also, let's be honest. The best way to judge a place is by how it dresses up for the holidays, and wow Puglia SHOWS UP!

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I don't know about your streets, but this sure beats my dollar store wreath and strand of lights with a whole section blacked out.

4. Also, have I mentioned the beaches?

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They're ALL this beautiful. Some have more powder sand, others are more rocky, but none disappoint.

5. And don't get me started on the food! As expected, Puglia has the freshest seafood.

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If you're ever in Polignano a Mare, you have to eat at Pescaria. They have a few other locations in major cities (like Milan, Rome, and Bologna), but the Polignano location is obviously the best.

Address: Piazza Aldo Moro, 6/8, 70044 Polignano a Mare BA, Italy

6. And if you're into picnic culture, don't worry, you can get your panini to go. Imagine eating here.

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Just you, your panini, and the clearest waters. A true vibe! 

7. But if you hate takeaway, there are plenty of rooftop cafes with sea views.

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And they have the creamiest frappes 🤤

8. The coast is lined with grottos, some that are easy to find...

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Like Grotta Della Poesia...

Address: Strada Statale San Cataldo, Via Otranto, 73026 Roca Vecchia LE, Italy

9. And some that are a bit more hidden.

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If you dare to enter this dark cave entrance, you see the brightest glowing blue waters!

On a sunny day, the light will shine right through the water and illuminate the grotto from underneath. It's really a sight to see.

10. The region has architecture unlike anything I've ever seen. Head to the town of Alberobello for a glimpse of these traditional Trulli homes.

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There are Trulli homes all throughout Puglia, but in Alberobello you'll find they're everywhere you look! Rows and rows of these gorgeous white buildings with a cone shaped roof.

11. Then there's the rock formations of Torre Sant'Andrea.

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I'm pretty sure the photos speak for themselves.

Address: 73026 Melendugno, Province of Lecce, Italy

12. You'll want to grab some gelato after a long day at the beach. Thankfully, you're never too far from a gelateria.

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Throughout the region, there's a local gelato chain called Martinucci Laboratories, that's well worth the visit. Don't skip the panna (a type of whipped cream)!

You can get two flavors (due gusti) for 2 euros, or snag a third flavor (or panna!) for only 2,50 euros!

13. Now it's time to talk about my favorite town, Polignano a Mare.

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Somehow the water is both incredibly clear and bright turquoise at the same time

14. It literally looks like blue Gatorade!

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Maybe even bluer than blue gatorade?

15. The town is best known for two things. First, this restaurant.

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Grotto Palazzese is a hotel and restaurant built into one of the many caves of Polignano a Mare, and offers amazing views of the sea while you dine. 

Address: Via Narciso, 59, 70044 Polignano a Mare BA, Italy

16. And second, this beach.

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A little slice of heaven.

17. Polignano a Mare is a town built on sea caves, which is what makes it so unique!

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The town has plenty of "balconies" as they call them, where you can look out onto the water and catch a glimpse of the caves across the way.

And my favorite part is swimming through the caves from one side of the balcony to the other.

18. And if you like desserts, don't worry — there are plenty of pastries to go around.

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Puglia is well known for its pasticciottos, which are cream filled pastries often filled with egg custard or ricotta. 

You can often find a pasticciotto for as cheap as one euro.

19. I can assure you waking up for sunrise is worth it!

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She's moody, she's glowing, she's Polignano a Mare. 

20. But for all us night owls, it's gorgeous throughout the entire day.

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Like tell me you'd rather be waiting in line at the Colosseum with a soggy sandwich? I dare you!

21. If you love burrata, you'll be happy to know that Puglia is the birthplace of this iconic cheese — and you'll find it on menus across the region.

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Cheese lovers rejoice, you'll absolutely need to try the burrata. Part mozzarella, part cream, all delicious.

22. Fish when they hear about burrata...

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But seriously, I wasn't joking when I said the waters were clear. You can actually see the fish!

23. Also, side note: If you're looking for a place to stay in Lecce, you just might meet this absolute BABY of a cat.

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I highly recommend Urban Oasis Hostel in Lecce. 

The vibes are very chill and perfect for making friends, but it's not a party hostel. It's also a great point for visiting the nearby beaches and grottos.

24. In case you're worried there aren't enough grottos to choose from, there's also Grotto del Ciolo.

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If you needed a morning swim into a cave, this is the place for you.

Address: Litoranea, Via Madonna di Leuca, 73034 Gallipoli LE, Italy

25. And when you're all grotto'd out, you can explore the cute maze of streets.

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The feminine urge to take photos of doors everywhere you go.

26. Wherever you go in Puglia, you'll find something beautiful.

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There's so much to see, but don't just take my word for it — add Puglia to your bucket list and thank me later!

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What's the first thing you're doing when you arrive?!