Journey through Apulia: An Engaged Itinerary in Salento

Cover photo: Peschici, Gargano Peninsula, Apulia, Southern Italy © Shutterstock / Vadym Lavra

Few regions offer as many emotions, authentic flavours, and meaningful connections in a single journey as Apulia. In southern Italy, between the turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea and endless olive groves, Apulia embodies a radiant, ancestral art of living.

With Teritoria, your stay in Apulia takes on a whole new dimension: here, hospitality is a value, sustainability a concrete commitment, and every step tells the story of the terroir. Head to Salento for an authentic immersion, far from the beaten track, in one of the community’s most beautiful residences: Tenute Al Bano.

Why Choose a Journey to Apulia?

Located in southern Italy, Apulia offers a wealth of treasures: turquoise coastlines, whitewashed villages perched on cliffs, ancient olive groves, vibrant local cuisine, and the iconic trulli houses of the Itria Valley. A stay in this region, often called the “heel of Italy“, promises a lasting and profound change of scenery. Bathed by two seas, the Adriatic and the Ionian, this luminous land draws in both history and nature lovers.

It’s an ideal destination for those seeking a mindful journey, far from standardised itineraries, rooted in genuine connection with the land and the people who bring it to life. The hinterland, stretching between Monopoli, Martina Franca, and the Fasano plain, offers a more intimate glimpse of the region: thousand-year-old olive groves, small farms transformed into masserie, and rural traditions still very much alive. You can plan a road trip through Apulia focused on slow tourism, with selected stops and ongoing contact with the local community.

When is the ideal time to visit Apulia?

Spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October) are the best times to enjoy Apulia away from the crowds. The landscapes are lush, local produce is abundant, and the welcome is as warm as ever. These seasons are also ideal for exploring beaches, historical sites, and villages without the intense summer heat. Outdoor activities like hiking in nature parks or cycling through olive groves are especially enjoyable.

What to visit in Apulia during your stay?

Cities such as Lecce, Ostuni, Monopoli, Trani, and Alberobello are a must-see. Lecce, a true jewel of Italian Baroque, is a maze of narrow streets, golden stone buildings, palaces, and hidden courtyards. Ostuni, the “White City“, perched on a hilltop, enchants visitors with its vibrant historic centre, rooftop terraces, and sweeping views of the Adriatic Sea. Monopoli blends the charm of a working fishing port with the authenticity of its quiet alleyways, far from the crowds of mass tourism.

But Apulia also hides lesser-known treasures: the wild beach of Torre Guaceto, the historic centre of Martina Franca, and the olive groves of Cellino San Marco. In this Salento village, the Tenute Al Bano estate perfectly captures the spirit of the region, with its deep connection to the land, respect for nature, and commitment to local heritage. It’s also an ideal location for exploring Brindisi, the inland villages, and the unspoilt Ionian coast.

The itinerary can also include natural sites such as the Castellana Caves and the beaches of Polignano a Mare, or cultural landmarks such as Castel del Monte. Along the way, gastronomic stops offer the chance to taste typical local specialties: burrata, extra virgin olive oil, orecchiette, and Salento wines.

Tenute Al Bano: the full experience of a private stay in Apulia

In Cellino San Marco, the Tenute Al Bano estate offers a private and intimate stay in Apulia, surrounded by vineyards, vegetable gardens, and Mediterranean woodland. Every corner tells a story, one of authentic, deep-rooted hospitality and respect for life. The estate stands as a model of balance between comfort, immersion in nature, and responsible tourism.

Converted from a 17th-century masseria, this property stands out for its rural setting within the Curtipitrizzi nature reserve. Tenute Al Bano features a full spa, hammam, sauna, jacuzzi, and wellness treatments, called “È la tua vita“, as well as an outdoor pool with a swim-up bar, an animal park, a shuttle service, and rooms equipped with air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and natural stone floors.

The Don Carmelo restaurant, led by chef Annamaria Verri, serves authentic local cuisine made with seasonal ingredients, accompanied by wines from the estate’s own cellar. On-site, you can also take part in cooking classes, guided cellar tours, and tastings.

On the agenda: a natural swimming pool, cooking classes, walks among the trulli and olive groves, and above all, an encounter with the soul of Salento. This private journey through Apulia is a perfect example of slow tourism: immersion in nature, connection with the living world, and experiences deeply rooted in tradition. Here, you can experience la dolce vita in the shade of pine trees, with the land itself as your guide.

Itinerary for a road trip in Apulia: 5 days immersed in culture and nature

Day 1: arrival and check-in at Tenute Al Bano

A personalised welcome with a glass of estate wine, a self-guided tour of the park, and animals roaming freely in semi-wild conditions. Dinner features local ingredients, either grown on site or sourced from trusted artisan producers.

Day 2: Exploring Apulia’s Trulli and Traditional Villages

Visit Alberobello and its iconic trulli houses, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stop in Locorotondo, a circular hilltop village, and enjoy a wine tasting at a local vineyard. Return to the estate for a private cooking class.

Day 3: the Adriatic Sea and the beaches of Apulia

Stroll through the white city of Ostuni, enjoy lunch on a terrace with a sea view, then swim at Torre Santa Sabina or in the crystal-clear waters of the Torre Guaceto nature reserve.

Day 4: Lecce and the heritage of Apulia

A day immersed in local crafts, papier-mâché (litteraly “chewed paper”) and ceramics, a visit to the Basilica of Santa Croce, and a stroll through the narrow streets. At the end of the day enjoy a relaxing massage or a quiet moment at the spa.

Day 5: Discover products of the terroir at the local market and meet with a producer

Spend your final morning discovering local products at a small market, followed by a visit to an olive oil producer. Enjoy a countryside lunch in the shade of olive trees.

Eco-friendly travel in Apulia

In five to ten days, you can explore the region’s diverse landscapes and taste the rich cultural heritage. But every traveller will find their own rhythm: some may prefer a stay focused on Salento, while others might choose a full itinerary reaching the Bari region or the Tremiti Islands. Leave behind impersonal tours and crowded beaches at the height of summer. Instead, choose local markets, hidden beaches, countryside walks, and conversations with local artisans and producers.

Teritoria and its partner establishments, such as Tenute Al Bano, are committed to promoting responsible, sustainable tourism rooted in ethical principles: local consumption, respect for natural resources, biodiversity protection, and authentic experiences. This strong commitment makes Apulia a destination of choice for socially conscious travellers.

Places to avoid in Apulia: what to avoid for a more authentic experience?

Avoid impersonal, overly structured tours, all-inclusive resorts, and crowded beaches in August. For a meaningful trip to Apulia in 2025, choose quiet villages, encounters with local producers, markets, olive groves, and forgotten stretches of coastline. That’s how you’ll discover a different side of Apulia.

How long does it take to visit Apulia: a weekend or more?

How long does it take to truly experience Apulia? In ten days, you can explore the Bari area, the hinterland, the Adriatic coast, and Salento. But even a week is enough for an immersive experience, especially if you stay somewhere like Tenute Al Bano.

Travel to Apulia with Teritoria, a conscious decision

A stay in Apulia with Teritoria is about rediscovering the meaning of travel. The community supports residences committed to sustainability, heritage, and local production. It also means choosing a journey through Italy that respects both natural resources and cultural identity. From the masseria to the winemaker’s hands, everything is designed to offer an experience that’s deeply rooted in place.

Offer a gift box for a stay in hotels and restaurants in Apulia

A gift box or a gift card from Teritoria allows you to treat someone to a weekend for two in Apulia: a night in a committed hotel, a meal made with local produce, a massage with olive oil or a guided tour of Alberobello. It’s a meaningful gift, ideal for any time of year.

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