Puglia, Uncovered
by Tony Huffman, Founder & Chairman
Located at the heel of Italy’s boot, or the southeastern part of the country, Puglia has only recently been discovered as an unspoiled travel destination within this ever popular country. Local Italians have been going to Puglia for the last decade or so, but others are discovering it only recently. Its two airports, Bari and Brindisi, are easily reached and are equal distance from the heart of Puglia. We flew to Bari from Milan, and upon departure, flew from Brindisi to Rome. One could easily combine this destination with the Amalfi Coast, Naples, and Capri.
My wife, Pokey, and I joined about 125 other Virtuoso member owners and partners for six days in this most intriguing setting of Italy.
We stayed at Borgo Egnazia, a beautiful and contemporary five-star oasis in the center of Puglia. Owned by the gracious Melpignano family, this lovely property is perched above the crystal blue Adriatic Sea and offers a variety of activities. In addition to taking in the historical sights of Puglia, one should allow enough time for the spa, a round of golf or one of their cooking, mixology or photography classes. So accommodating are the hosts, guests feel as if they are honorary members of the Melpignano family during their stay.
What makes Puglia unique is its relaxed, authentic ‘country’ atmosphere. I found the people to be genuine and friendly, and the scenery spectacular. The area is known for culture and history and is is abundant with medieval castles, Baroque and Romanesque churches, noble palaces, historical residences, ruins, and markets. From Ancient Greeks to the Romans, from the Byzantines to the Normans, many civilizations have ruled over Puglia.
Archaeological excavations have uncovered priceless artifacts and works of art that testify to the various cultures that were once there. In fact, so rich with history is the region, there are villages in southern Puglia that were original colonies of Magna, Greece and ancient Greek is still spoken to this day. It is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites; the fortress Castel del Monte, the trullis of Alberobello (unique drystone huts), and Sanctuary of San Michele Arcangelo, a masterpiece of medieval art and international pilgrimage destination.
Puglia boasts over 500 miles of coastline and is hugged by two seas, the Ionian and the Adriatic, resulting in a variety of coastlines that range from sloping beaches to steep cliffs peppered with small communities. Locorotondo, Alberobello, and Cisternino have been recognized as some of the most picturesque little villages in Italy, but I found the nearby town of Lecce especially charming. It is a shopper’s haven and a gourmet’s paradise. It is known as the ‘southern Florence’ because of its magnificent Baroque architecture. I recommend an early morning start, strolling the streets at leisure and having a wonderful lunch at one of the many restaurants on the beautiful Piazza Oronzo. A word of caution: Puglia is known for its amazing cheeses, particularly fresh mozzarella, as well as olive oil, and wine. In fact, Puglia is one of the top 10 destinations for wine lovers.
This is a fabulous destination for both families and couples who wish to get away from it all and still have plenty to do. It’s certainly a destination for travelers looking for relaxation, but it also offers a plethora of options for the more active traveler to enjoy; golf , biking, swimming, touring, shopping…(and, of course, eating), all in a very casual atmosphere.