Matera is truly special—it has a spectacular setting, fascinating history, and excellent cuisine.

Hotel Recommendations:

(the list below includes mid-range hotels with very good reviews on google or booking.com. In order to get a cheaper price, it is recommended to book directly with the hotel)

Dimore Dei Mercanti (approx. 150 per night for a double room)

Lithos Rooms (approx. 100 per night for a double room)

Euvodia Luxury Rooms (approx. 160 per night for a double room)

Hotel il Belvedere (approx. 125 per night for a double room)

Meteoron Luxury Rooms (approx. 180 per night for a double room)

L'Antica Conceria (approx. 140 per night for a double room)

Residence San Giorgio (approx. 125 per night for a double room)

It is a town nearby the city of Bari, located in the Alta Murgia National Park area. The Gravine are rocks shaped by the erosion of the water that has carved the limestone rock. They can reach a depth of over 100 meters and are very similar to the Canyons. There are rivers flowing at the bottom of the Gravine, they can become torrents that may further sculpt the rock, as they flow by. Thanks to the presence of these watercourses and natural caves located on the rock walls, several populations settled over the years, making these places their houses or using them for defensive purposes.

If you go to Gravina we recommend a quick stop in Altamura, to try the real focaccia and taralli

Where to eat:

https://osteriaradici.it/

Bernalda is a charming medieval village a stone’s throw from the beaches and woods of Metaponto

Where to eat

Ristorante La Mangiatoia

Gelato: https://www.mivacioccolateria.com/

Craco is an abandoned village sitting on a hilltop overlooking a river valley with wonderful scenery. The road approaches the village from the front and affords great photo opportunities.

If you are into trekking and mountain holidays, and you like quietness and amazing food, you should spend at least 1 day in Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa, the most beautiful mountain towns in south of Italy.

The old town of Bari, so called 'Bari Vecchia', is filled with historic sights, mazelike streets, and great food. It's pedestrian-only and, because Bari is not as popular with tourists, it holds on to its authentic charm

With its unique and picturesque Trulli houses, delicious food, rich history, and stunning countryside views, Alberobello is a destination that should not be missed.

Where to eat:

https://www.trattoriaterramadre.it/

With its dramatic cliffs, azure waters, rich historical heritage, and several panoramic spots, this coastal town offers an amazing experience for travelers.

Where to eat: https://www.graecalis.it/

Sitting on Puglia's Adriatic coast around 30km south of Bari, Monopoli is a lovely town for a day trip, possibly in combination with Polignano a Mare just up the coast, mixing a dip in the sea with a good lunch and a wander around the old town centre.

Trani is an ideal destination for a daily trip as it is easily reachable and is a lovely place to explore, wander and relax. It is known for its beautiful historic center, which features a stunning cathedral and a picturesque harbor.

Where to sleep

https://www.doganaresort.it/

Go here if you're seeking an authentic Italian experience. You'll fall in love after admiring the narrow streets, whitewashed houses, and picturesque countryside. Locorotondo remains relatively unknown to many tourists, making it an ideal destination for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path destination

Where to sleep

https://www.dimoragraziana.com/

Cisternino is included in the list of the most beautiful villages in Italy and in the Slow Food towns due to the maintenance of its gastronomic traditions and the protection of local crops and productions.

The views from Ostuni are, by themselves, reason enough to make a trip there. Wonderful vistas abound from all angles, the best of which offer 360-degree panoramas of the surrounding countryside and the Adriatic Sea. It is perfectly positioned as a base to explore the Valle d'Itria and to get to its best beaches

An ideal destination for those who love trekking through breathtaking landscapes and majestic peaks (the highest peak is the Serra Dolcedorme with its 2,267m), it offers the chance to wander amid dense forests of loricate pine, the symbol of the park, and beautiful villages and sites full of history and traditions.

A unique seaside destination, with both beaches and caves to explore and photograph, Maratea impresses everyone with itineraries that lead to the discovery of sacred art connected to the presence of churches, chapels and monasteries scattered throughout its territory.

Lecce is worth visiting because it is one of the most awe-inspiring Baroque cities in the world. Along with its stunning Lecce Baroque architecture, Lecce offers world-class dining, mind-blowing historic legacy and ruins, and plenty of shopping, wine-tasting, and museums to visit.

Home to some of Italy's loveliest beaches and most dramatic rocky coastline, the Salento is a haven for sea lovers.

Salento beaches: sinuous, low, with white and fine sand.

Lido Marini Beach, fine sand and fresh water springs

Torre San Giovanni Beach, between rock and fine sand

Gallipoli between sandy beaches, sea and ancient walls

The beach of Pescoluse The Maldives of Salento

Torre dell’Orso a crystal clear and warm sea, like in the Caribbean

Porto Cesareo, between beach and crystal clear sea

Torre Lapillo stretches between pine forests and light sandy beaches

Punta Prosciutto Beach, white and fine sand and cliff