Puglia Slow Travel

Can you visit Puglia without going to Ostuni, Polignano a Mare, and Bari?

Over the past months, I guided five small-group tours through Southern Italy, and now that I’m finally back at my desk, I’m excited to share some highlights with you.

Let’s begin in Puglia — but off th...

Bari – The last Roman town

I am not a city person. We live in a tiny village among green hills, and whenever I am in Milan, Rome or any other big city, I feel that one day is enough. Of course I am impressed by The Last Supper or Bernini's sculptures, and I enjoy laughing with friends at a Trastev...

Procida

I have chosen Procida to be the first destination I write about, because it’s been our most recent trip and also our slowest trip ever. L’Isola di Procida has been on my bucket list for about 10 years. In 2007 I was dating a man from the Amalfi coast, so I spent more time around there than...

Marina Grande

Regardless where you are coming from, Napoli, Pozzuoli or Ischia, your ferry or hydrofoil will be arriving at the Marina Grande in Procida, the main hub of the island. During our stay we returned to the marina several times as we really enjoyed the atmosphere.

This tiny island in t...

Marina Chiaiolella

After arriving at Procida and settling into our apartment, we first headed to the marina with the name that is impossible to pronounce. Chiaiolella harbour is located at the southern end of the island, just opposite from Marina Grande, the main port of Procida.

People say tha...

San Vito

My personal history with Puglia began in San Vito about ten years ago. I was traveling with friends — three small children between us — and we were staying in a masseria not far from Bari. After settling into our apartments, we wanted to head straight to the sea, and our host recommended...

I have been to many amazing beaches in my life. Thailand, New Zealand, Costa Rica and Mexico are at the top of my "favourite beach" list. And Italy, of course, with its turquoise sea and white sand or rocky beaches in Liguria, Puglia, Sardinia or Sicily. To be honest, the beaches of Procida are not...

During our previous trips to Cilento we mostly explored the coastline, so this time we decided to head inland, towards the wilder hills and mountains of the region. The official name of the park is Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park, and today our destination was the Alburni mountains.

We are sitting at Bonora in Castellabate, me with a glass of Aglianico Cilentano and my travel journal. In the age of AI, I still much prefer writing using pen and paper.

Every year in mid-October, I travel to Puglia with my groups. My local guide friend, Giusy, joins me for part of the program, and over the years we've developed a few rituals for our free time.

Life in Cilento is not easy. The territory misses many components of modern life: large factories, high paying office jobs, cruise ships and hyper-tourism. Young people migrate to Naples, Rome, Milan or other countries, searching for a better life. However, there are people who appreciate the values of Cilento and work hard to attract more, conscious travelers to this region.

Have you seen the movie Benvenuti al Sud? If you have, you know what I am talking about. If you haven’t, you should, especially if you are planning a holiday to Southern Italy. It is very funny and shows the negative perceptions and stereotypes of South Italy, which turn out to be mere prejudices.