Mallory here! I just returned from Southern Italy, where I spent ten unforgettable days exploring Puglia and Sicily. It was a reminder of everything I love about Italy: the warmth, the food, and the people who make you feel instantly at home.

These two regions don’t always get the spotlight, but they absolutely deserve it. Traveling alongside some of Italy’s top hoteliers and partners, I was blown away by how deeply this part of the country celebrates its roots. You feel the pride in every conversation, every meal, every buongiorno. It’s slower, warmer, and somehow even more delicious than I expected.

Puglia: The Hidden Coastline of Olive Groves and Whitewashed Towns

When you fly into Bari, you’re met with miles of olive trees stretching toward the sea — some more than a thousand years old. (Fun fact: nearly 80% of Italy’s olive oil comes from Puglia, not Tuscany!)

My first stop was Canne Bianche Lifestyle Hotel in Torre Canne, a dreamy seaside hideaway where mornings began with espresso and sea views, and evenings ended with candlelight, local wine, and seafood so fresh it was swimming that morning.

Over the next few days, I fell into a rhythm that perfectly captures Puglia’s charm:

• Touring countryside properties like Masseria Torre Maizza and Borgo Egnazia, each blending rustic roots with refined design.
• Joining a full-day “Bread & Stones” experience through Altamura and Matera — where we baked Altamura bread with two nonnas who have worked in the same bakery since they were three years old. (The oven dates back to the 1500s!)
• Dining seaside at La Peschiera, where the Adriatic shimmered as the chef served the catch of the day.
• Wandering the whitewashed streets of Polignano a Mare and Ostuni, towns that make you want to slow down, get lost, and order another glass of wine.
• Ending with a night at Relais Histò, an old masseria overlooking the Mar Piccolo — the perfect place to toast to burrata, orecchiette, and the good life.

And if you go, don’t skip spaghetti all’assassina — a spicy, crispy pasta cooked directly in tomato
sauce. You’ll only find it in Puglia, and yes, I ordered it three nights in a row. No regrets.

Sicily: Dramatic, Delicious, and Endlessly Photogenic

From there, we hopped down to Catania and checked into Zash Country Boutique Hotel, a design-forward retreat tucked between citrus groves and Mount Etna. Sicily has a little bit of everything: adventure, history, food, and wine that rivals the best of Italy.

Highlights included:

• A scenic drive through Alcantara Gorge, Savoca, and Castelmola, ending with espresso at the hilltop bar made famous by The Godfather. We even toured the villa where the film was shot — the owner shared how it’s been in his family since the 17th century.
• Site visits at Atlantis Bay, Belmond Grand Hotel Timeo, and Villa Sant’Andrea — Taormina properties that redefine coastal luxury.
• A Mount Etna off-roading adventure, climbing nearly 6,500 feet up the volcano across lava fields and black volcanic dust — wild, beautiful, and a little bit thrilling

What stood out most wasn’t just the scenery. It was the people: the chefs who insist you try a second dessert, the hoteliers who treat you like an old friend, and the guides who speak about their hometowns with contagious pride.

And good news — starting Spring 2026, United Airlines will launch direct flights from Newark to
Bari, making Puglia easier than ever to reach.

Why These Regions Belong on Your Radar

Whether you’re a first-timer ready to explore Italy beyond the icons or a return visitor craving something more local, Puglia and Sicily deliver the perfect blend of culture, cuisine, and coastal beauty.

If these destinations are calling your name (and they should be), I’d love to help you experience
them in a way that’s thoughtful, effortless, and entirely your own.

Ciao for now,
Mallory

Schedule your consultation call here if these destinations sound like the perfect addition to your future travel plans!

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