Southern Italy's Hidden Gems: Lecce & Beyond
A road trip through Puglia's lesser-known wonders π First Stop: Alberobello (The "Mushroom Village") Surreal sight: Whitewashed trulli houses with conical roofs under stormy skies Pro tip: Street parking saves the β¬5 lot fee (coins needed for meters) Photo regret: Would've been magical in sunshine - reason to return! ποΈ Lecce - The Baroque Queen Driving in: Watch for ZTL zones! Park outside centro storico Unexpected perks: π Free church entries (unusual in Italy!) Authentic Sichuan restaurants - perfect after Baroque overload Must-see: Basilica di Santa Croce's stone "lace" facade at golden hour π Coastal Wonders (30min from Lecce) 1οΈβ£ Sant'Andrea Nature's sculpture park: wind-carved arches & columns Cliffside views worth the short hike 2οΈβ£ Grotta della Poesia π A swimming hole straight from mythology π¦ Crystal waters in a collapsed sea cave (bring water shoes!) Best light: Midday when sun pierces the cavern βͺ Ostuni Detour (Enroute to Bari) The "White City": π Park at Parcheggio Via Martiri delle Foibe (free) πΈ Walk uphill for that iconic panoramic shot Local flavor: Try orecchiette pasta in a converted olive mill π Final Stop: Polignano a Mare Cliff-diving into turquoise waters Dinner with a view: Grotta Palazzese (book months ahead!) π Unexpected Magic in Bitritto Stumbled upon a midnight candlelit procession - travel's best moments are unplanned! #PugliaRoadTrip #ItalyUntold #BaroqueAndBlue
