Why Puglia Should Be Your Next Italian Escape—and the Seaside Hotel to Book Now

If you’ve already done Rome, Tuscany, or the Amalfi Coast, you’re not alone. But there’s another side of Italy that hasn’t been overrun—yet. On the Adriatic side of the boot, the southern region of Puglia delivers everything that travelers love about Italy, minus the crush of crowds and inflated prices. Think ancient olive groves, whitewashed towns, cliff-backed beaches, and fresh seafood you’ll remember long after your flight home.

While Puglia has slowly gained attention over the past few years, especially among European travelers, many Americans still haven’t made it here. That’s starting to shift thanks to a growing roster of boutique hotels, improved flight access, and word-of-mouth from those who have discovered just how much this region offers.

Torre Canne, a small town on Puglia’s central Adriatic coast, sits roughly halfway between Monopoli and Ostuni. It has a working harbor, a thermal spring, and a long beach that stays quieter than most. Just on the edge of town, Canne Bianche Lifestyle Hotel provides a refined, understated base for exploring the area.

The hotel is steps from the shoreline and intentionally minimalist in design. Whitewashed exteriors and natural stone echo the region’s traditional farmhouses, but the interiors lean modern: light wood, soft textiles, and an indoor-outdoor layout that lets the sea breeze in. Bougainvillea climbs over shaded terraces, and the low-slung profile keeps the focus on the landscape.

Each of the 49 rooms and suites has either a terrace or patio, with layouts that feel airy and intentional rather than styled for Instagram. Entry-level rooms are generous enough for two and include walk-in showers and seating areas; higher categories offer garden or sea views, and some open directly onto the lawn. The colors are neutral and clean (think: white walls, linen curtains, and subtle textures), meant to highlight what’s outside the window, not distract from it.

The hotel’s pool sits just above the sea, close enough that you can hear the waves from your lounger. A few steps beyond the deck, a narrow path leads to the beach, where a low-key setup allows for leisurely swims in the Adriatic. There’s also a lovely spa on-site offering massages and facials using local ingredients like olive oil and citrus, plus a sauna and Turkish bath if you’re in recovery mode after a travel day.

What sets Canne Bianche apart isn’t over-the-top luxury, but a sense of calm and space that’s getting harder to find. You’re not battling for a cabana, and the staff doesn’t hover, but they’re quick to help if you need anything.

You could venture out for dinner, but the two restaurants at Canne Bianche make staying in an appealing option. Autentico Wine & Restaurant is the hotel’s more formal offering, with a menu that rotates seasonally and highlights local producers. Expect handmade pastas, regional seafood, and crisp white wines from Puglia’s best vineyards. The setting is elegant, and the food is delicious.

Giùammare, just off the pool deck, is more relaxed. The menu leans coastal and casual: wood-fired pizza, grilled fish, and a solid list of local wines by the glass. It’s open for lunch and dinner, but the best time to be there is right before sunset when the sky shifts pink over the sea, and the evening starts to unfold.

Canne Bianche is well placed for short drives in any direction. To the north, Polignano a Mare draws day-trippers for its cliffside views and dramatic beaches. Monopoli, a few minutes farther, has a charming old town with lively piazzas and narrow stone lanes. Head inland and the landscape opens to rolling olive groves and Alberobello, home to the iconic trulli (whitewashed coned-roof stone dwellings), which have earned UNESCO World Heritage status.

Ostuni—known as the “White City”—sits high on a hill with panoramic views, stone staircases, and quiet courtyards that feel frozen in time. Lecce and Bari, both about an hour away, are better for longer outings. Lecce is known for its baroque architecture and café culture, while Bari’s old port and lungomare offer a more lived-in coastal feel.

If you’re looking to avoid tourist hotspots altogether, there are also protected dunes and sandy beaches just a short drive from the hotel.

Summer in Puglia can be hot and lively, especially in August when many Italians head south for the holidays. But May, June, September, and October offer a much more balanced experience, and the resort stays open through the December holiday season. The sea is still warm, restaurants are easier to book, and the coastal towns are more relaxed.