Go slow in Puglia

Located in south-eastern Italy, the region is quieter but has diverse architecture and culture

- Amanda Tan

PUGLIA, Italy - When my husband and I posted our recent travel photos on our social media accounts, friends and family asked: "Where exactly are you guys?"

Most could guess that we were in Italy from our pictures of pasta and espresso, but wondered why the places tagged sounded so unfamiliar.

That is because we were in Puglia, a coastal wedge of southeastern Italy at the country's "heel." Arguably a lesser-known, less crowded part of the country compared with hot spots such as the Amalfi Coast, Tuscany and Florence - Puglia, also known as Apulia, is gaining popularity in a country teeming with tourists.

Puglia is where the Group of Seven (G-7) summit was held in June. Recently, a new sleeper train from Rome to the region was launched to cater to summer holidaymakers. It was also the choice of holiday destination in 2020 for former English footballer David Beckham and his family once Covid-19 lockdowns eased.

Strategically located in the Mediterranean, flanked by the Adriatic and Ionian seas, Puglia has a long, storied history of conquests - by the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and more - that has shaped its diverse architectural, cultural and gastronomic palettes apparent today.

Self-driving is possibly the most convenient way of exploring Puglia, given that towns and sights are far apart, and public transport can be limited. Our road trip through the region over nine days in May was based out of three locations - Bari, Ostuni and Alberobello. From these bases, we made day trips out. These were some of our highlights.

BARI: APULIAN CAPITAL Our trip began in the port city of Bari, the capital of the Apulian region and a 4 1/2-hour train ride from Rome. Easy to navigate, with lots of hotels and food options, it was the perfect foray into the region.