Day Trips and Excursions Hubbed from Villa Ninetta

Welcome to Villa Ninetta! From your perfect central vantage point here in Ostuni, all of Puglia’s finest highlights are easily accessible by car. This guide is designed as a series of day trips radiating directly from the villa, allowing you to comfortably explore the region’s diverse landscapes over a week to ten days.

Generally speaking, the food is exceptional everywhere you go. Below is a suggested itinerary with driving times calculated right from the villa gates.

Exploring Your Home Base – Ostuni (The White City)

Drive time from Villa Ninetta: 5 to 7 mins down into the historic center

Dedicate some time to exploring Ostuni. Built across two hills facing the sea, its majestic cathedral-basilica showcases a beautiful blend of late-Romanesque Pugliese architecture and 16th-century Leccese Baroque. This crossover makes perfect sense, as Ostuni is unique in being the only city that belongs to both the Itria Valley and the Salento region simultaneously. It acts as a cultural transition zone: 5 km north people speak the Bari dialect, while 5 km south they speak Salentino.

  • Where to Eat/Drink in Town: For an unforgettable dinner or drink right in town, try Cielo (Michelin-starred). Traditional Apulian cuisine can be found at La Taverna della Gelosia and Osteria del Tempo Perso, or you can grab premium cocktails at Riccardo. Osteria Piazzetta Cattedrale is an elegant venue offering imaginative interpretations of regional dishes, while Al Cortiletto is a democratically priced spot serving hearty snacks and dishes to accompany a cocktail, a glass of wine, or a beer.
  • Dessert & Gelato Gems: For dessert, Gelateria Pasticceria Ciccio in Piazza is a true gem in Ostuni, celebrated for its extensive culinary research and multiple awards for its gelato; along with gelato, be sure to try their semifreddo, tette della monaca, and other traditional pastries. Don’t miss Gelateria Fior di Palace, where you can try unusual, innovative gelato flavors featuring burrata and olive oil.
  • For a Modern Countryside Vibe: Just a few minutes outside the city limits, please check out Masseria Moroseta for a modern, edgier culinary experience.

The Ostuni Coast

Drive time from Villa Ninetta: 10–12 mins

Beyond the historic center, Ostuni boasts 15 km of pristine coastline featuring both sandy beaches and rocky coves. The road connecting the city to the sea winds through a plain of majestic, millennial olive trees protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

  • Where to Eat Nearby: In the nearby coastal hamlet of Speziale, Agrobistrot at Masseria Narducci features seasonal ingredients sourced directly from the estate’s garden, with every dish beautifully elevated by their own full-bodied and fragrant extra virgin olive oil.
  • Insider Wind Tip: The Adriatic water here is crystal clear, except when the strong Northern Mistral (Maestrale) or Tramontana winds blow. On those specific windy days, do what the locals do: take an easy 50-minute drive (70 km) straight across to the protected Ionian coast where the water will be calm.

The Itria Valley & Fairytale Trulli (Alberobello, Locorotondo, Cisternino, Grottaglie)

Drive time from Villa Ninetta: 15 mins to Cisternino | 25 mins to Locorotondo | 35 mins to Alberobello / Castellana | 35 mins to Grottaglie

The breathtaking countryside of the Itria Valley sits right on our doorstep. Start your morning heading toward the Grotte di Castellana (take the full 3-hour tour to witness the spectacular White Cave). From there, it is just a brief hop to Alberobello, the globally famous town made entirely of conical Trulli houses.

From Alberobello, take a scenic countryside drive back toward the villa, passing through Locorotondo and Cisternino. Both are incredibly charming, whitewashed hilltop villages characteristic of the region. Grottaglie is globally famous for its ancient, fully active Quartiere delle Ceramiche (Ceramics Quarter). Here, dozens of local artisans have carved their workshops and kilns directly into the rocky caves of a natural ravine. 

  • Local Cuisine: Cisternino is highly renowned for the superior quality of its meats, particularly Capocollo (cured pork) and Bombette (stuffed meat rolls). You can choose your meat directly at the counter of the local butcher shops (macellerie) in the historic center, and they will grill it for you on the spot.
  • Where to Eat along the Valley Route:
    • Osteria Il Cucchiaio di Legno (Locorotondo): A fantastic countryside choice for an authentic, slow-paced lunch featuring a magnificent spread of traditional antipasti.
    • Trattoria BROS’ (Cisternino): A wonderful local tavern to enjoy handmade pasta and authentic local specialties.
    • Ristorante Garibaldi: Located in the neighboring town of Martina Franca (just minutes from Locorotondo), perfect for trying slow-cooked stews and local cold cuts.

The Cliffs of Polignano a Mare & Monopoli

Drive time from Villa Ninetta: 30 mins to Monopoli | 38 mins to Polignano a Mare

Head straight north up the coastal highway to Polignano a Mare, rightfully known as the pearl of the Adriatic. Perched dramatically on limestone cliffs, it offers winding white alleys, stunning coastal views, and two legendary dining options:

  • Grotta Palazzese: A world-famous restaurant set entirely inside a natural sea cave overlooking the crashing waves.
  • Ristorante Da Tuccino: Widely considered the absolute best restaurant in all of Puglia for fresh fish and seafood crudi.

The nearby town of Conversano is also well worth a brief visit, especially its Romanesque cathedral, which is one of the most beautiful in Puglia. We highly recommend dining at Vita Pugliese for a wonderful local meal. For a refined gastronomic adventure, book a table at the Michelin-starred restaurant Pashà—just make sure to arrive hungry, as their portions are truly generous!

On your way back south to Villa Ninetta, stop at the neighboring seaside town of Monopoli to walk past its old fishing harbor and historic fortress walls.

High Baroque & Hidden Gems en Route to Salento (Lecce)

Drive time from Villa Ninetta: 55 mins south (approx. 83 km)

Take an easy, straight drive down the main highway south to Lecce. Often referred to as the “Florence of the South,” Lecce is globally unique for its distinct Baroque architecture sculpted from soft local limestone. Spend your day wandering past the breathtaking Duomo, the ancient Roman amphitheater embedded directly into the main square, and its grand 17th-century palaces. It is an ideal city for a slow afternoon stroll and cafe culture.

  • Geographical Food Stops (Just South of the Villa or on the Return Drive): Instead of eating in Lecce, you can explore the culinary hidden gems located just south of Ostuni on your way back to the villa:
    • Osteria Tranquilla (San Michele Salentino): A spectacular hidden gem nestled just 15 minutes south of the villa, renowned for its exquisite culinary offerings and top-notch service.
    • La Locanda di Nonna Mena (San Vito dei Normanni): Offers authentic Apulian cuisine with traditional, zero-kilometer dishes, proudly recognized by the Slow Food Osterie d’Italia guide.
    • Zio Giacomo (Zoki): Located right by the water near Brindisi, this is the ultimate pit-stop for mouthwatering fresh seafood right by the sea on your coastal drive back.

The Two Seas of Salento (Gallipoli & Otranto)

Drive time from Villa Ninetta: 1 hour 20 mins to Otranto | 1 hour 25 mins to Gallipoli

From the villa, you can head deeper south into the Salento peninsula to visit Gallipoli (on the Ionian Sea) and Otranto (on the Adriatic Sea). They are both stunning coastal fortresses that share a similar historic charm but sit on completely different bodies of water.

  • Local Cuisine: Gallipoli’s culinary highlights are its famous raw Gamberi Rossi (red prawns) and fresh swordfish.
  • Beaches: Both areas are surrounded by some of Italy’s finest beaches. On the Adriatic side near Otranto, explore Alimini, Torre dell’Orso, and Castro. On the Ionian side near Gallipoli, visit Santa Maria al Bagno, Porto Cesareo, Porto Selvaggio, and all the way up to Pulsano.

Bari (The Regional Capital)

Drive time from Villa Ninetta: 55 mins to 1 hour north

Dedicate a day trip to exploring Puglia’s vibrant capital. Start your walking tour in Bari Vecchia (the Old Town) departing from Piazza del Ferrarese, and wander through the charming narrow alleys until you reach the Basilica of San Nicola. The Swabian Castle (Castello Svevo) is located just a short distance away. For a completely different architectural vibe, explore the Lungomare (promenade) with its elegant Art Nouveau style, and indulge in some premium shopping along Via Sparano. You can also visit the Russian Orthodox Church, which is one of the largest in the West.

  • Local Cuisine: Try traditional cucina povera (peasant cuisine) like fava bean purée with chicory (purè di fave con cicorie), sun-dried peppers, and tomatoes preserved in olive oil, green beans, savoy cabbage, and turnip greens. Pair these with authentic Altamura bread, friselle, and taralli as appetizers.
  • Dairy Products: The local dairy selection is an absolute must-try. Be sure to sample stracciatella, burrata (the finest are from Gioia del Colle and Corato), smoked scamorza, treccia, bocconcini, Andria’s famous mozzarella, and Murge ricotta.
  • Seafood: In Bari and along the coastal towns stretching from Barletta down to Monopoli, seafood reigns supreme. The ultimate local delicacy is raw allievo (baby cuttlefish), alongside outstanding scampi, slipper lobsters (cicale—highly recommend a pasta course with these), fresh octopus, clams, Taranto mussels paired with cavatelli pasta, cuttlefish, lobsters, prawns, and oysters.
  • Where to Eat: For authentic Focaccia Barese, visit the historic Panificio Magda or Panificio Fiore in the heart of the old town Bari Vecchia. For an excellent seafood dinner, try Il Pescatore or La Taverna del Polpo.

Imperial Castles & Historical Cathedrals (Trani, Castel del Monte & Ruvo di Puglia)

Drive time from Villa Ninetta: 1 hour 25 mins to Trani | 1 hour 35 mins to Ruvo di Puglia | 1 hour 45 mins to Castel del Monte

Heading north past Bari brings you to Trani, famous for its breathtaking Romanesque cathedral built right on the water’s edge and its imposing seaside Castle of Frederick II. Trani features a lovely marina and a historic center that comes alive beautifully in the evening. It is packed with superb seafood restaurants, my favorite being La Quintescienza.

Further inland, nestled within the Alta Murgia National Park, sits the iconic, octagonal Castel del Monte. The Murgia region offers a completely different culinary experience compared to the coast, deeply rooted in earthy flavors like turnip greens, cardoons, and wild cardoncello mushrooms (try dining at Antichi Sapori in the small village of Monte Grosso, or stop in Minervino Murge for a panoramic drive).

On your way back down to the villa through the hinterland, make a stop at Ruvo di Puglia to admire its stunning, ancient cathedral dating back to before the year 1000. While passing through Ruvo, treat yourself to a break at Pasticceria Berardi, one of the finest pastry shops in Italy (the owner served as the longtime president of the Italian Pastry Chefs Association). It is a must to pay a visit to the gelateria Mokambo, one of the oldest artisanal ice cream boutique in Puglia and arguably one of its very best.

Alternate Grand Excursions: Taranto & Matera

Drive time from Villa Ninetta: 55 mins to Taranto | 1 hour 35 mins to Matera

  • Taranto: Built along a spectacular natural gulf, this ancient Greek colony houses the MArTA (National Archaeological Museum of Taranto), home to the largest collection of Magna Graecia artifacts in Italy. Their local cultured Taranto mussels and scampi are legendary. 
  • Matera: Located just over the regional border in Basilicata, Matera is simply breathtaking. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the city of Sassi is a mesmerizing jewel of ancient rock-cut cave architecture and rugged nature. While there, be sure to try Pane di Matera, a famous local variation of sourdough durum wheat bread.

The Far South: Santa Maria di Leuca & Marina d’Ugento

Drive time from Villa Ninetta: 1 hour 45 mins south

If you wish to drive to the absolute southern tip of the Italian heel where the Adriatic and Ionian seas meet, head to Santa Maria di Leuca and Marina d’Ugento. This area offers some of the most dramatic, wild, and beautiful coastal landscapes in the country.