Hidden Treasures of Puglia’s Coast

Make your way to the very heel of <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/places-to-go/europe/italy">Italy’s</a> boot to discover the lesser-known, yet spectacular seaside secrets of coastal <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/places-to-go/europe/italy/puglia">Puglia</a>. With the longest stretch of coast in peninsular Italy, prepare yourself for endless shades of brilliant blue, unspoiled local beaches and ancient towns along the way.

<h3>Beaches and Caves</h3>Hidden along the Salento coastline are some of Italy’s finest and most undiscovered sandy beaches and coves. Follow any path or sheep-tracked trail and you’ll find beaches and bays washed clean by the shimmering, crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic. Away from the bustle of the busy tourist spots, the Salentino coast has Italy’s cleanest waters and best beaches.The coastline also boasts numerous fascinating and important caves. In 1970, Grotta dei Cervi (“Cave of Deer”) was discovered at Porto Badisco. Although not open to the public due to its fragile nature, the cave extends inland more than a kilometre (just over half a mile) to a depth of 20 metres. It contains one of Europe’s most remarkable collections of Neolithic art.Further south is Grotta Romanelli, discovered in 1879 and dating back some 11,000 years, which features the Palaeolithic masterpiece of an ox hit by various spears.

<h3>Santa Cesarea Terme</h3>The seaside town of Santa Cesarea Terme boasts sulphurous sodio-iodic thermal hot springs found in four natural cavities on a cliff over the main sea. These cave waters are an important part of the town’s economy, which focuses on the therapeutic properties of the thermal waters. Various highly sought-after mineral bath and mud treatments are offered at spas throughout the town.Among the art nouveau and Far Eastern-style architecture of the town centre is the Moorish Villa Sticchi. Built in 1885, today the villa is a private residence that captures the splendour of the coast.

<h3>Castro</h3>Castro and Castro Marina are situated in one of the most beautiful bays of the entire Puglia coast. The ancient town of Castro is 98 metres (321 feet) above sea level with a strategic panoramic view of the Adriatic Sea. Castro Marina, sitting at 25 metres (82 feet) above sea level, served as the ancient harbour. Founded by the Cretans during Roman times, the city and port maintained their prominence for trade and defence throughout the Middle Ages. Once again, the city and its architecture were refortified after the <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/places-to-go/europe/turkey">Turkish</a> invasion in the 16th century.Close to Castro, the 150-metre-long (492 feet) Grotta Zinzulusa contains two freshwater lakes, stalagmite and stalactite formations, and its own unique ecosystem: living in the caves is a small shrimp-like animal with long antennae that scientists believe has existed for over 200,000 years.

<h3>Santa Maria di Leuca</h3>The extreme tip of the heel of the Italian peninsula is traditionally believed to be the place where St. Peter landed in Italy to evangelize to the Italians. The location has always been considered a sacred site, the place where the Roman temple to Minerva once stood. In 1694, a Corinthian column was constructed and a sanctuary was built for pilgrims who wanted to retrace St. Peter’s steps. The sanctuary was destroyed several times by the Turks, but has been always rebuilt and remains a popular pilgrimage destination.

Experience the sights, sounds, and tastes of <a href="https://blog.butterfield.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/santamarialeuca732c.png">Puglia</a> for yourself, in a <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/trip/small-group/puglia-biking">small group</a>, <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/trip/self-guided/matera-to-puglia-self-guided-biking">solo</a>, or completely <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/trip/bespoke/puglia-bespoke">bespoke</a>. It's Italy at its most soulful.

Discover the hidden treasures of Puglia’s coast—from secluded beaches and sea caves to charming fishing villages and lesser-known seaside escapes in southern Italy.

Hidden Treasures of Puglia’s Coast | Southern Italy Travel Guide

Discover Puglia

Puglia’s location may be down at the heel, but there’s nothing remotely shabby about the stunning, sun-drenched coastline routes or the whitewashed villages and charming locals. Think Italy, with Greek parents, exquisite organic cuisine and some of the finest, most serene biking we’ve found anywhere.

From olive groves to white-washed villages, explore authentic Italy

Cycle trulli valleys and Adriatic coastlines, walk Salento on small group or private bespoke trips through Puglia, with masseria stays and local meals.

Puglia Bike & Walking Tours | Butterfield & Robinson

Between the sun, the shore and the food, Puglia has a way of making everything more sumptuous. Mozarella’s more delicious when sampled at a cheese-making demo. Cycling’s more serene along the Adriatic. And a post-ride aperitivo&nbsp;is even more refreshing when sipped in our friend’s garden.

Incredible Rides

Vibrant Culture

Local Connections

Between the sun, the shore and the food, Puglia has a way of making everything more sumptuous. Mozarella’s more delicious when sampled at a cheese-making demo led by our friends Domenica and Giuseppe. Cycling’s more serene along the Adriatic. A post-ride lunch is even more delicious when enjoyed in our friend’s masseria. And the sound of live music is more enchanting when paired with an exclusive dinner in a fortified castle. After just a few days here, you’ll quickly see why Puglia has our heart.

Adventure awaits on the Adriatic

The heel of Italy's boot

The itinerary below is a sample and is subject to slight changes in routes, accommodations and activities. Please download the itinerary for your selected departure for precise details.

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Experience Designer

Between the sun, the shore and the food, Puglia has a way of making everything more sumptuous. Mozarella’s more delicious when sampled at a cheese-making demo. Cycling’s more serene along the Adriatic. And a post-ride aperitivo&nbsp;is even more refreshing when sipped in our friend’s garden.

Spend 5 nights biking Puglia in a small group luxury tour. Ancient olive groves, iconic trulli villages and a food culture that rewards every extra kilometre.

Puglia Bike Tour: Ancient Olive Groves, Trulli Architecture & Masserias

Discover the true magic of old Italy, surrounded by olive groves and our charming local friends. We make every step count with routes featuring sublime coastal roads, cobbled paths that weave through whitewashed towns and distinctive stone trulli. End your journey with two nights in UNESCO-listed Matera, with its ancient cave dwellings inhabited for thousands of years.

The magic of old Italy

Bask in olive groves and gorgeous whitewashed villages as you stroll along the aquamarine Adriatic in one of Italy’s most blissfully low-traffic corners (we’re the only walkers here!). Back at hotel Sant’Angelo – a B&amp;R exclusive in UNESCO Matera – feast on the freshest seafood you’ve ever had while you quaff luscious local Primitivo.

Tell the kids you’re are going to Puglia and they’ll ask “where-ya?” Tell them you’re going to snorkel in the sparkling Adriatic, make pasta by hand, and zipline over olive groves and they’ll ask a different question: “when-ya!?”Note:&nbsp;The activities on our Puglia&nbsp;Family Adventure trip are recommended for children age 8 years and older.

Reconnect with the family on a rejuvenating, sprightly and (dare we say) educational adventure along the Adriatic sea.

Pedal past whitewashed villages on quiet routes through the rolling countryside blanketed in olive trees and along the aquamarine Adriatic Coast.

Natural Beauty

Time Travel

Puglia is sun-soaked, salt-kissed and straight-up irresistible. Ride through olive groves, past whitewashed towns and cone-roofed trulli, then feast on seafood and sip wine under the stars. Pair it with neighbouring Matera in Basilicata, with its ancient stone beauty, and you’ve got Italy at its most soulful. History, flavour and southern charm—served with extra olive oil, of course.

Experience old-world Italy in the heel of the boot

In Puglia, the spirit of old-world Italy comes to life

Bespoke travel lets you to take our inspirational cues and craft them into your personalized, private adventure. Collaborate one-on-one with an Experience Designer to put together your tailor-made trip.

Bike Baroque Lecce, hike ancient Matera and eat at trulli restaurants most visitors miss. Southern Italy's finest, tailor-made and privately guided for you.

Puglia Private Tours: Baroque Lecce, Ancient Matera & Trulli Restaurants

Vineyards, grottos, and whitewashed villages set against the Adriatic: myriad landscapes await you in Puglia, the historic hunting grounds of marauding royalty and occupying forces (who clearly come for the nosh). Foodies, get ready to swoon for fresh, local ingredients and rich wines in Puglia and Basilicata, the gardens of Italy.

Authentic Food

Ride through southern Italy where ancient history meets Adriatic eye candy. Spin past olive groves, stone Trulli, and sun-bleached villages that look plucked from a dream (or a very trippy postcard). Explore fortified farms, feast like a local, and cruise serene coastal roads. Matera to Puglia delivers the rarest form of la dolce vita—one that's blissfully free of crowds.

See Puglia at your pace

Experience designer

$5,395 based on two travellers. $4,995 based on four travellers. $4,595 based on six travellers.

Cycle Puglia's Adriatic coast on a tailor-made itinerary. Cave-dwelling Matera, whitewashed Ostuni and masseria estate dinners most visitors never find.