The famous singer, Domenico Modugno, grew up here in Polignano a Mare. He is best known for the song “Volare” which you can often hear being played in town. This street has the words of the song, written in lights, strung across the street and it is particularly darling at night. This street seems to the place for aperitivo as well with many bars and restaurants lining it.
About the Region:
Puglia, the sun-drenched heel of Italy’s boot, is a region that remains blissfully under the radar compared to Tuscany or Amalfi, yet offers just as much beauty and far fewer crowds. With its endless coastline of turquoise waters and dramatic cliffs, Puglia is perfect for travelers seeking authentic Italian charm mixed with relaxing beach days.
The region’s coastline stretches along both the Adriatic and Ionian seas, giving you stunning beaches like those near Otranto, Gallipoli, and Polignano a Mare, where limestone cliffs frame luminous blue waters. Inland, you’ll find olive groves stretching to the horizon, dotted with centuries-old masserie (fortified farmhouses) now transformed into boutique hotels and restaurants serving rustic, deeply flavorful cuisine.
One of Puglia’s unique highlights is Alberobello, with its UNESCO-listed trulli – whimsical whitewashed stone huts with conical roofs that look like something out of a fairytale. Explore the baroque beauty of Lecce, often called the “Florence of the South,” with its golden stone buildings and lively piazzas. In Ostuni, the White City, narrow streets tumble down to olive groves and the sea beyond.
Food here is simple and extraordinary: handmade orecchiette pasta, creamy burrata, fresh seafood, and fruity olive oils that taste of the sun-baked land.
Best of all, Puglia retains a slower pace of life. Whether you’re wandering historic towns, lounging on pristine beaches, or dining under olive trees, Puglia’s unpretentious beauty and warmth will make you feel like you’ve discovered Italy’s best-kept secret.