09/19/2026
Check out this beautiful region in Italy that doesn't get enough attention! This “hidden gem” in southern Italy is starting to pop up more and more in my itineraries, and it makes sense why. If you love Italy but want something less crowded & more authentic, this is a great option.
🔹 Why Puglia is such a standout:
• Feels like old-school Italy
Fewer crowds than Rome/Florence/Amalfi, slower pace, and way more local charm.
• Iconic trulli houses
Alberobello looks straight out of a fairytale with its cone-roof stone homes. Super unique, super Instagrammable, and not something you get elsewhere in Italy.
• Dramatic coastline (without Amalfi crowds)
Places like Polignano a Mare give you those jaw-dropping cliff views and turquoise water… minus the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds and inflated pricing.
• Food that’s simple and ridiculously good
Fresh burrata, handmade orecchiette, local wines, olive oil straight from the grove. It’s a foodie dream without the big-city markup.
If you love Italy, but want something a little off the beaten path..this is it!