Italy
Italy has been one of Europe’s great travel destinations for centuries, and somehow it keeps getting better. Our Italy coverage is currently focused on Puglia — the long, sun-baked heel of the boot — a region that has quietly become one of the most compelling luxury destinations in all of Europe, and one that still rewards travelers who discover it before the crowds fully arrive.
Everything here is based on real visits. No masseria paid to be featured, and no restaurant review is sponsored.
Where we cover in Italy:
Puglia — Southern Italy’s standout destination and one of the most distinctive regions in the country. Puglia is the land of trulli (the iconic whitewashed stone dwellings), ancient olive groves, long Adriatic coastlines, and some of the most characterful boutique hotels in Europe. The best places to stay here are the masserias — converted farmhouses that combine rustic architecture with genuinely luxurious hospitality. See our guide to the best hotels in Puglia, including our picks for the top luxury masserias and boutique stays, and our roundup of the best restaurants in Puglia for where to eat. Puglia is also a quietly excellent destination for families — read our full Puglia family travel guide for the full picture.
Why Puglia over Tuscany? Tuscany is magnificent, but it’s also extremely well-trodden. Puglia offers a more authentic slice of Italian life — fewer tour buses, more genuine local culture, and hotels that feel genuinely rooted in their landscape rather than designed for Instagram. If you’ve already done Rome, Florence, and the Amalfi Coast, Puglia is where you go next. And if you haven’t done any of them yet, Puglia makes a compelling case for starting here.
Our complete Puglia travel guide covers the best towns — Ostuni, Alberobello, Polignano a Mare, and Monopoli — alongside where to stay, what to eat, and how to plan the trip from scratch.
More Italy coming soon. We’re actively expanding our Italy coverage to include the Amalfi Coast, Sicily, and the Italian Lakes. Check back, or sign up for updates below.
Best time to visit Puglia: May, June, and September are ideal — warm enough to swim, uncrowded enough to enjoy the countryside and coast without the summer crush. July and August are peak season: hot, busy, and expensive. Spring also brings wildflowers across the olive groves, making it one of the most beautiful times to visit.
