Nearby
Rutigliano, located near the sea and many attractive towns of Puglia is the ideal launch pad for day trips as well as beach days. Only 30 minutes from the airport, the main train station and the seaport, the well-preserved millennial town of Rutigliano offers a true idyllic Pugliese experience.
Bari
​Just 30 minutes from Rutigliano is Bari. The capital of the region is the largest city, with an international airport, a main train station and a busy port for cruises and ferries across the Adriatic Sea. A true port city, it has a busy business area with world famous stores, a long seaside promenade. Basilica of San Nicola, built in 1089, is where the relics of St. Nicholas (Santa Claus) are kept is a pilgrim destination. The Petruzzelli Theater, just over 120 years old is considered a new edifice in the city. Theatrical and dance companies, orchestras and artists can be viewed here. Norman Swabian Castle, Cathedral of San Sabino are other worthy locations to visit. A walk in the old city and on the seafront are a must. The old town, with laundry hanging from balconies and the ladies who make daily the “orecchiette” pasta is a delight to see.
Polignano a Mare
The most famous and photographed town of Puglia is under 20 minutes away from the Palazzo de Lumi. The old town, through the Porta Vecchia has several viewpoints over the cliffs towards the Adriatic Sea, where diving contests are held. To find a spot on the very famous Lama Monachile Beach located between the cliff (and to find parking) one must arrive early. Most of the photographs are from this exact spot. The Lungomare, offers a coastal walk along the cliffs of about 1 km.
Monopoli
Just south of Polignano a Mare, this very pretty picturesque seaside town has its own little beach as well. The fishermen are still there, with their catch of the day, the narrow streets with long shadows makes strolling in the town easier. The cathedral, white houses, great food, the piazza and incredibly turquoise sea is a must to see in the region.
Matera
Just an hour from Rutigliano, is Matera, one of the oldest cities in the world. The history of Matera goes back to around 7500 years BC, when terracotta pottery was produced in the villages. The “Sassi”, caves inside the mountain where locals lived the 1952, until a forced evacuation, being named “the shame of Italy” due to overcrowding and unsanitary conditions. Overlooked for many years, now it is a World Heritage Site and is an example of a sustainability. Matera has been the backdrop movies like The Gospel according to St. Matthew, The Passion of the Christ and more recently the James Bond film, No Time To Die.
Alberobello
The world renowned trulli village is just 40 minutes from Rutigliano and is sight to see as it is perfect for a day trip. The Trulli has been built since the 1500’s, a house designed to avoid paying taxes. As these were built without concrete, they could be demolished quickly when the tax collectors were spotted. Today they are solid and safe. The town, a UNESCO Heritage site is mostly used for tourism (shops, restaurants, accommodation) There are dedicated parking lots as cars are not allowed after a certain point.
Martina Franca
A town on the hills of Murgia has an incredible panoramic view of the Itria Valley. The original name ‘Martina’ and ‘Franca’ (meaning: free of charge) when Philip I, Prince of Taranto granted tax exemptions to people who moved to town. The historical center has maze of lanes, alleys and small piazzas, surrounding with Baroque architecture, Basilica of San Martino, the Church of San Domenico and the Ducal Palace are worthy of visits. The landscape is attractive, it is possible to explore the Bosco delle Pianelle (woodland) or visit the local caves. The Festival Internazionale della Valle d’Itria, is a popular music festival.
Cisternino
Just a few minutes south of Alberobello, Cisternino is among “I borghi più belli d’Italia” (the most beautiful boroughs in Italy). The historical center preserves its medieval flair, with the spontaneous architecture, meaning buildings were added on according to the changing necessities of life. Historically noteworthy is the tower dating back to the Norman Swabian period, the Torre di Porta Grande and the Chiesa Matrice di San Nicola, a XIV century church. The Sanctuary of Madonna d’Ibernia is a pious church to visit as it was built after the Virgin apparition, who asked for a church be built there. There are other interesting churches. Giardini di Pomona, a botanical conservatory is worth a visit as well. The history of Matera goes back to around 7500 years BC, when terracotta pottery was produced in the villages.
Ostuni
Known as the “White Town” due to its whitewashed buildings rises on top of a hill, about 50 minutes from the Palazzo. Ostuni town walls date back to the Middle Ages and 8 of its towers and 5 city gates still remain.
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The Cathedral, perched at the highest point offers a mixture of Romanesque, Gothic and Venetian styles. Other notable churches are the Sanctuary of Sant’Oronzo, dominating the entire panorama; the Sanctuary of San Biagio, an architecture wonder reachable only on foot.
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The cave of Agnano, is a point of interest as well, just 2 kilometers from Ostuni. Museo di Civiltà pre classiche della Murgia meridionale is a point of interest for archeological enthusiasts.
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The patron saint of the town Cavalcata di Sant’Oronzo is one of the main events during which cavaliers in costume and horseback follow the procession consecrated to the Saint.
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The region of Ostuni has 17 km of coastline, hosting many beaches (sandy and rock) with Blue Flag certification. Noteworthy among them are: Pilone, Rosa Marina, Monticelli, Villanova, Costa Merlata, Santa Lucia-Torre Pozzella.
Lecce
Just about 2 hours south of Rutigliano is the Baroque wonder of Lecce, the second largest city of the region, after Bari and has been the background of many Italian films, notable Mine Vaganti, by Ferzan Ozpetek.
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On the main square, is the Piazza del duomo and the Cattedrale dell’Assunzione della Virgine, the largest cathedral where weddings are held. The piazza is surrounded by Baroque architecture. Piazza Sant’Oronzo is the access to the old city center and the Roman amphitheater.