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Embracing la lentezza
The guiding principle for this journey is la lentezza—the art of slowness. It is an invitation to experience Puglia not as a checklist of sights, but as a rhythm to be adopted. The convertible is a sensory tool. The sun sets around 8:25PM. This itinerary is heat-optimized.
Arrival and Polignano Welcome • Car stays parked today.
After settling in, take a gentle coastal orientation walk along the resort's private paths.
Check-in: 3:00 PM
Cala Ponte, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Località San Vito, Polignano a Mare, BA 70044
📞 +39 804 240 747
MINT Cucina Fresca serves modern Puglian dishes with a seafood focus, or try Pescaria for fish sandwiches and local crudo. Both are 30 minutes from the hotel.
Get Directions to MINTFamily-run restaurant specializing in bombette (pork rolls stuffed with local cheese) served sizzling from the grill. House primitivo wine and outdoor terrace seating available.
Get DirectionsOpens at 7:30 PM—perfect timing for an early dinner before your sunset stroll. Walk-ins welcome for two.
Polignano's terraces offer intimate sunset views over Lama Monachile. The golden limestone cliffs glow as the Adriatic turns deep blue. Walk the ancient streets to the terraces overlooking the famous beach—no distant odysseys required on arrival day.
LocationDon't miss the aperitivo at the clifftop terraces with front-row sunset seats.
Coastal Paths and the Pearl of the Adriatic • 15.5 miles circuit maximum
This protected coastal park stretches from Torre Canne to Torre San Leonardo. The trail (about 3.7 miles) winds through ancient olive groves, past weathered trulli, and along pristine dunes. Start early to beat the heat and catch the morning light filtering through the millenary olive trees.
Trailhead: Park at Lido Morelli
Get to Trailhead🫒 Olive oil tasting available - Award-winning oils with 4 different intensity levels, underground mill tour with centuries-old olive trees
Farm-to-table masseria near Ostuni serving only their own produce. Specialty: "antipasto della masseria" with 12-15 small plates of preserved vegetables, fresh cheeses, and fresh olive oil.
Get Directions📱 Emailed for a reservation. Joey will call to follow up.
Local restaurant near Polignano's historic center specializing in Adriatic seafood. Features lobster linguine and daily fresh catch prepared traditionally. Elegant atmosphere.
Get DirectionsOpens at 7:00 PM—ideal for catching the magic hour. Reservations recommended but not essential for two.
Walk through the old town to reach the terraces overlooking the famous beach of Lama Monachile. Time your visit for the golden hour when the limestone cliffs glow and the Adriatic turns deep blue.
Parking LocationFor a romantic moment, find the "Terrazza Santo Stefano" - less crowded with equally stunning views.
Valley of the Trulli • 12.4 miles circuit walk
A perfect 4.8 miles coastal trail (3 hours) starting in Monopoli's historic port and ending near the hotel. This moderate walk passes hidden coves, ancient watchtowers, and limestone cliffs. (Potentially reverse order, go from hotel to Port)
Start: Monopoli Port (15-minute drive)
Timing: 7:00-10:30 AM (cool sea breezes, avoid heat)
End: Polignano area
Get to Start Point🫒 Olive oil tasting available - Working farm with 100+ year old olive trees, three different oil varieties with apple slice palate cleansers
Family-run masseria between Monopoli and Alberobello specializing in farm-raised meat. Mixed grill includes lamb, bombette (pork rolls with cheese), and sausages cooked over olive wood. Traditional farm vegetables available.
Get DirectionsThey make their own primitivo wine—dangerously drinkable!
Slow Food-endorsed restaurant in a former Jesuit monastery. Serves traditional Puglian land and sea dishes using zero-kilometer ingredients. Family-run with traditional recipes. Free parking available.
Get DirectionsOpens at 7:00 PM—no reservations required for two, though a WhatsApp message ensures the best table. 📞 +39 335 520 0168
Monopoli at sunset is pure magic. Park near the castle and walk along the ancient walls to the old port. Watch the fishermen return with their catch as the sun dips behind the bell tower of the Cathedral. The play of light on the weathered stone and azure water is unforgettable.
Parking LocationTransition to the Salento • Strategic transition route
Before your southern journey, pay homage to Ostuni - "La Città Bianca" (The White City). Its labyrinthine streets glow in the morning light, each turn offering a new composition of white walls, blue doors, and glimpses of the Adriatic. Then, with the convertible top down, transition from the Valle d'Itria to the Salento. The landscape gradually shifts from the white towns to the baroque honey-colored stone of the south.
Check-out from Cala Ponte: 11:00 AM
🫒 Premium olive oil tasting experience - 16th century frantoio with 60-minute sommelier-led tasting of 4 organic extra virgin olive oils, technical tasting with underground mill tour
16th-century farmhouse strategically located between northern base and Lecce. Daily-changing menu with morning-harvested produce. Signature orecchiette with turnip tops. 20+ antipasti dishes featuring local ingredients.
Get DirectionsLocation: En route to Lecce (eliminates backtracking)
Timing: 12:30 PM after morning checkout
The city is compact and walkable. Don't miss the Basilica di Santa Croce—its facade is baroque taken to an almost psychedelic extreme. Wander without an agenda; every corner reveals another architectural gem.
Stop at Caffè Alvino in Piazza Sant'Oronzo for their pasticciotto, Lecce's signature pastry.
Check-in: 3:00 PM
Posia Retreat & Spa | Una Esperienze
Melendugno
27min drive to Posia Hotel from Lecce
Family restaurant in Ostuni's historic center serving traditional recipes passed down through generations. Hand-rolled orecchiette and slow-braised lamb specialties. Local primitivo wine available. Intimate atmosphere with arched windows.
Get DirectionsOpens at 7:30 PM in the historic center. Reservations recommended for this beloved local gem. 📞 +39 328 138 8457
Wild Salento Coast • Flamingo Watch
This WWF-protected wetland on the Adriatic coast offers a completely different landscape. The easy 3.1 miles trail passes through pine forests, marshlands, and ends at a pristine beach. Early morning is magical—you might spot flamingos in the lagoons.
Access: Walk from your hotel - no car needed
Entrance: Via Masseria Cesine
Get to Reserve🫒 Olive oil tasting available - Working farm with own oil mill producing from Leccina & Favolosa olive varieties, farm-to-table olive oil production
Working farm near Otranto serving hyperlocal ingredients, including their own salt from nearby salt pans. Daily menu served family-style based on what's available that day.
Get DirectionsCash only, no menu—just say "yes" to everything they offer!
🫒 Olive oil tasting available - 17th century masseria offering Puglian specialties tasting with regional olive oil varietals
17th-century masseria with dining room in converted stables. Zero-kilometer philosophy using garden vegetables, local cheeses, and handmade pasta. All ingredients from the farm or nearby producers.
Get DirectionsOpens at 7:00 PM under the portico overlooking the masseria's courtyard. Reservations recommended for the finest table. 📞 +39 0832 1826 885 (15min drive from Posia)
Drive to Italy's easternmost point. Park at the lighthouse and walk the clifftop path. This is where the Adriatic meets the Ionian Sea. On clear days, you can see Albania. The sunset here feels like the edge of the world—a fitting penultimate evening.
Get to LighthouseFor a shorter drive, experience the stunning coastal walk between Torre dell'Orso and the natural swimming pool of Grotta della Poesia. The limestone cliffs glow golden at sunset, and you can explore the ancient cave inscriptions. Perfect for a romantic evening stroll along the Adriatic.
Get to Torre dell'OrsoThe Ionian Farewell • 37.3 miles southern exploration
Your final hike is perhaps the most spectacular. This coastal path between Marina di Novaglie and the Ciolo Bridge offers dramatic cliffs, hidden caves, and crystal-clear waters. The 2.5 miles trail is moderately challenging.
Note: Check-out from Posia Retreat tomorrow (July 19) at 10:30 AM
Start: Park at Marina di Novaglie
Get to TrailheadFor a shorter drive on your last morning, explore the hidden coves and crystal waters of the Melendugno coastline. This easier 2-mile coastal walk passes through pine forests and pristine beaches, offering stunning views without the long drive. Perfect for a leisurely final morning while still experiencing Salento's natural beauty.
Get to Melendugno Coast🫒 Olive oil tasting available - Organic farming focused masseria, 6-generation family operation with sustainable agricultural practices
Six-generation family masseria offering a 15+ course farewell menu featuring burrata, wild herbs, and desserts made with almonds from their own trees.
Get DirectionsCome hungry. Very, very hungry.
📱 For a reservation, put it under Cera or Sirrah. It doesn't matter.
Intimate restaurant in Alessano's historic center with Michelin recognition. Chef Fabio serves modern Salento cuisine with daily-changing tasting menu based on local fishermen and farmer deliveries. Wine pairings feature small-production Salento vintages.
Get DirectionsThe sea urchin pasta (if available) is transcendent.
Return to this trattoria for Joey's birthday celebration. Staff recognition and excellent seafood in an unhurried atmosphere. Mention the special occasion for enhanced Puglian hospitality. Fresh catch including whole grilled branzino available.
Get DirectionsBirthday dinner begins at 6:30 PM—mention "compleanno" when you arrive for that extra Puglian magic. The house wine flows even more generously on such occasions.
Drive to the heel of Italy's boot where two seas meet. Climb to the Sanctuary of Santa Maria de Finibus Terrae ("at the end of the earth"). As the sun sets on your Puglian adventure, reflect on six days of la lentezza.
Get DirectionsThe smaller country lanes (strade provinciali) are the most scenic. Keep the top down when possible—it transforms the journey. Carry cash for parking, especially near beaches.
These historic farmhouses are your answer to authentic, non-touristy dining. They practice "zero-kilometer" cuisine—everything comes from their land or immediate neighbors.
Historic centers are off-limits to cars. Always park on the periphery and walk in. This preserves both your wallet (fines are hefty) and the joy of discovery on foot.