When people dream about visiting Italy, they often imagine sipping wine in Tuscany, cruising down the Amalfi Coast, or lounging by Lake Como. But in May 2017, I got married in a place that most travelers hadn’t even heard of at the time. We chose Puglia, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions we ever made.
We had never been before. At the time, we were living in England and looking for a destination that offered sunshine, fantastic food, and easy access for our families and friends flying in from Panama, Belgium, Sri Lanka, and the United States. I had learned about Puglia through my job in the hotel industry. One of the properties we represented was Borgo Egnazia, and I fell in love with the region the moment I saw that sales presentation.
Why We Chose Puglia
We knew we didn’t want the obvious. Amalfi, Tuscany, and Lake Como are beautiful, but they come with a price tag and a level of polish that didn’t feel like us. We wanted something coastal, charming, and a little more off the beaten path. Puglia offered exactly that. It had whitewashed villages, olive trees, incredible local cuisine, and a laid-back vibe that felt authentic. The aesthetic felt modern and clean while still being rich in character. We were drawn to the region’s simplicity and warmth.
The Setting: A Masseria in Fasano
We ended up choosing a venue in the town of Fasano, a quiet corner of the region with countryside charm and proximity to the sea. Our wedding took place at Masseria Don Luigi, a beautifully restored farmhouse that we rented for exclusive use. It was surrounded by olive groves, and the setting felt completely private and serene.
The night before the wedding, we welcomed guests with drinks in the orange grove. The ceremony took place outdoors, under olive trees, with the sun filtering through the branches. On the day of the wedding, our reception dinner was served in their partially enclosed garden space. Although we hoped for a calm evening fully outdoors, it turned out to be a little windy that day. Still, it was gorgeous. We served aperitivo on the lawn and opted for two long communal tables for dinner. We didn’t want a traditional top table and preferred to sit among our guests so that everyone felt connected.
The Food: Local and Unforgettable
If there was one thing we knew we had to get right, it was the food. Puglia is a region that takes its culinary heritage seriously, and our wedding menu was a celebration of everything we loved.
We had multiple aperitivo stations offering freshly made mozzarella, panzerotti, fried seafood, and other local favorites. For our pasta course, we chose sea urchin pasta, which was unexpected and delicious. Our cake was a light vanilla sponge filled with crema pasticcera, topped with chantilly cream and fresh berries. We also had a gelato bar and finished the night with warm Italian cornetti filled with chocolate.
The wine was all local, including a refreshing Verdeca, a bold Negroamaro, and a sparkling white. The quality was incredible, and the prices were almost unbelievable. In Puglia, you can still find excellent bottles of wine for two or three euros. After the wedding, we traveled to the Amalfi Coast, and the contrast in pricing was hard to ignore.
The Vibe: Relaxed, Warm, and Underrated
What makes Puglia so special is its atmosphere. It is relaxed, unpretentious, and filled with charm. Unlike other parts of Italy that are polished for tourists, Puglia still feels like real life. You see older women chatting on corners, kids playing in the streets, and restaurants filled with locals.
We spent time exploring nearby towns like Ostuni, known for its white architecture and lively food scene, and Polignano a Mare, a picturesque seaside village perched on cliffs. We visited Monopoli, a working fishing town with colorful boats and waterfront restaurants. One of our favorite side trips was to Alberobello, famous for its trulli houses that look like they belong in a fairytale.
We also made it down to Lecce, a city known for its baroque architecture and rooftop bars. Though we flew into Bari and didn’t spend much time there, it was our gateway to the region (Brindisi is also an option). Even in the simplest towns, people were welcoming, patient with our minimal Italian, and eager to help.
We took the train across much of the region and were pleasantly surprised at how clean and punctual it was. If you want to explore smaller towns or head to places like Otranto or Matera, renting a car is a good option, but the trains are a viable and comfortable alternative.
What Our Guests Thought
Most of our guests had never heard of Puglia before receiving our wedding invitation. After spending time there, they were hooked. They still talk about how relaxed, beautiful, and fun it was. The food, the wine, the slower pace—it all made an impression. Several friends have already gone back since our wedding.
If You’re Thinking About Visiting Puglia
Go. Just go. Whether you are planning a honeymoon, a summer escape, or a wine and food adventure, Puglia delivers. It is a region that feels like it has been kept secret for a little longer than it should have been. It still feels untouched in many ways, but that is changing. More travelers are catching on, and the time to visit is now.
May was the perfect time to go. It was warm enough for swimming during the day and still quiet before the summer crowds. The beaches were peaceful, and the towns were lively without being packed.
Why Puglia?
If someone asked me, “Why Puglia?” I would tell them this:
You have to discover it for yourself. It is not what you expect, and that’s exactly the point.
It is a place where you can slow down, eat and drink like royalty, and fall in love with a side of Italy that most people overlook. The wines are exquisite, the burrata is divine, and the experience is completely unforgettable.
We cannot wait to go back—whether for an anniversary, a getaway, or simply to eat our way across the region all over again.
This blog post was written by team member Stefanie Colburn.