dave&mike
Puglia

Ostuni

May 10 – June 1, 2026

← Italy 2026

Three weeks in Puglia

Flew into Bari and rented a car — about 1 hr 30 min to the villa.

Villa Saracena
Villa Saracena

A wonderful villa nestled in a hectare of ancient olive grove, a few minutes from Ostuni’s whitewashed centro storico and the Adriatic coast. Private pool, outdoor kitchen, and the kind of property that makes leaving feel like a mistake.

Taverna Nuova
Marina di Carovigno  ·  +39 335 321037

A day on the beach and a fantastic meal at this restaurant. About 20 minutes from the villa.

Gigione
Ostuni  ·  +39 0831 334809

Only 6km from the villa. Good food, but way, way too much of it. We were there early in the evening, the only ones at the restaurant — locals started showing up around 9pm as we were leaving.

Enoteca Vini di Puglia
13, SS 16, 72017 Ostuni  ·  +39 0831 339026

About 10km from the villa. Only wines from Puglia — we discovered some new favorites. Wine prices in Italy are so reasonable.

Matera cave dwellings
May 21, 2026
Matera, Basilicata

A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its cave dwellings — a beautiful little town. We stayed at Le Malve Cave Retreat, Via Bruno Buozzi 102 (+39 0835 232485, tel/WhatsApp). One full day with an overnight is plenty. Dining at Osteria al Casale, Via Madonna delle Virtù 29, 75100 Matera (+39 329 802 1190).

Orecchiette pasta with tomato sauce
May 26, 2026
Orecchiette Pasta Making Class

Masseria Casina Vitale, Strada M.ca, 72013 Ceglie Messapica (+39 0831 383138, masseriacasinavitale.it). Booked through Get Your Guide. A fun, quick day trip about 20 minutes from the villa.

Alberobello trulli rooftops
May 30, 2026
Itria Valley — Alberobello, Locorotondo & Martina Franca

Strolled through the streets of Alberobello and all the lovely trulli. Lunch (unmemorable) in Locorotondo. Spent the afternoon in our favorite little town of Martina Franca, with an afternoon spritz, of course.