Who wouldn’t love 7 Perfect days in Southern Puglia?
Location: Where to stay
Suggest locating in beautiful Centro Storico, Galatina, Italy.
The town has a magical vibe, and the baroque architecture makes you feel like you are in a movie set- except this is authentic Italy! People are kind and generous, the food and wine are superb, and the town is bustling and safe under the fairy-light lyrics of Tarantella.
Luxury Lodging in Galatina
Day 1:
Explore Galatina
Check-in and Tour your new accommodations
Have lunch at Corte del Fuoco in Galatina
Take a mid-day Siesta (People stay out late in Italy)
Tour Basilica Santa Caterina and the Frenzy of Frescos that light up this monument of Faith. Also check out the Churches’ museum which houses the relics including Caterina’s finger- stolen and brought to Galatina to become the treasure the Basilica was built around.
Visit St. Paul’s well and learn the history of Tarantella – the dance of the spider bite
Try aperitivo at Roger 65– an artisan of cocktails
Casual dinner at Tipozero– great pizza
There are a number of pubs and bars in the main square if you still have some energy!
Day 2:
Explore Galatina, Castel di Salve, Specchia and Tricase
(This is a good day for a personal driver)
Go to Pasticceria Andrea Ascalone – These morning delicacies, Pasticciotto, were invented in Galatina- and currently the 11th generation is serving them to the community, though there popularity has certainly spread.
Go for a wine experience at Castel di Salve in Depressa. Learn about Puglian wines and wine estates
Check out Specchia nearby ‘One of Italy’s most beautiful villages- Known for its Medieval charm- labyrinth of narrow cobbled streets, whitewashed houses- relatively undiscovered authentic Italian gem.
Head toward Tricase- beautiful port. Check out Helen Mirren’s Bar Balboa
Try Tavern del Porto for dinner- Fish so fresh, you will feel they jumped right on to your plate.
Day 3:
Galatina, a Message, and Pasta making lessons
Enjoy a Cappuccino, and pastry to start your day in the town Square- It is a great place to people watch
Shop and explore Galatina- get lost in Cento Storico- the cobblestone streets, the galleries, the beautiful architecture- and hidden treasures all over.
Siesta
Enjoy an appointment with message therapists at their studio or in your home.
Pasta making lessons in Corilgiano d’ Otranto. These lessons are like an international dinner party in a locals home- great food and wine- and very fun hosts.. expect people to break out in song
Day 4
Relax at a beach lido in Port Cesareo, Galatina
Try a relaxing Beach day at Togo Beach Bay- near Port Cesareo.
The Lido is known to pamper their guests and have good food. Be sure to make a reservation.\
Here are other Favorite Beach Recommendations
Siesta in the late afternoon
Dinner on the terrace at Il Fienele in Galatina
Day 5
Enjoy Otranto and Castro
Drive to Otranto and see the Cathedral of 800 Martyrs
Enjoy walking around the castle and seeing all the shops
‘Go Fish’ is a great casual lunch spot
Drive to Castro on your way back and tour around the Centro Storico
Have dinner at Da Amedeo Ristorante . Make sure you try their Crudi del Mare appetizer platter with a dozen varied seafood tapas
Day 6
Enjoy Lecce
Drive or take the train to Lecce and tour the beautiful Centro Storico- Google what is happening – always something
(The train is a good option- but the last train may leave Lecce by 11pm- Check schedules)
Take in the historic center (Centro Storico) and explore the Basilica di Santa Croce and Duomo- be sure to see the ancient Amphitheater
Great touring- great shopping-great dining-Such a romantic Baroque city
Many bars and clubs
Day 7
Galatina, Corigliano d’ Otranto
Pastries on the square- Stroll the beautiful cobblestone streets
Check out the Church of St. Peter
Check oit Galatina’s Purgatory Church – Church of the Holy Souls of Purgatory (Madonna delle Grazie) via giuseppe Lillo Galatina, Italy Dedicated to the Anime Sante of Purgatory, and completed in 1708 this octagonal plain exterior, hides rich artistry and history on the interior. Purgatory Churches are specific to Southern Italy and Sicily- Learn more about Purgatory Churches
Siesta
Visit the castle and walk the beautiful streets of Grecia (Italian/Greek) city in Corigliano d’ Otranto
Gin and tonic at Bar Castello
Dinner at Sinodia Ristorante
Great Alternate Days
There are so many possibilities, great options that are interest and weather specific
If you come during the Christmas season- check out this guide
Alternate Day A
Alberobello, and Personal Chef dinner
A as in Alberobello! This didn’t make my top 7 because it is a bit of a drive and pretty touristy- but it is spectacular. It is a bout an hour an 40 minutes- but it is like a fairyland
Trulli houses in Alberobello, Italy are special because they are unique, cone-shaped buildings made of limestone and typically topped with a conical roof. These traditional structures date back to the 14th century and are specific to the Apulia region of Italy.
The origin of Trulli houses is thought to be linked to a tax loophole in the past. By constructing houses without using mortar, the local villagers could dismantle them quickly when tax collectors came around, thus avoiding paying property taxes. Over time, this style of architecture became ingrained in the local culture and continues to be a unique feature of the region. The Trulli houses in Alberobello are now a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular tourist attraction.
Alternative Day B- Beaches and Baroque
Port Selvaggio and Nardo
Visit the natural park of Port Selvaggio for swimming or sight seeing. Explore the Baroque town of Nardo.
You can also visit winery Cantine Bonsegna- Be sure to book your wine experience ahead of time.
