2026 Specchia Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in July)

When people think of Puglia, they usually picture Bari, Alberobello, and Polignano a Mare. But the true magic of the region is often found elsewhere. Here you’ll discover whitewashed hill towns without the crowds, charming fishing harbors, medieval streets, and beaches with water so turquoise it hardly looks real. If you’ve already visited Puglia’s most famous attractions—or simply want to explore something different—save this list for your next trip. 📍 Locorotondo One of the most beautiful towns in the Itria Valley. Its name means “round place,” and the historic center is indeed built in a circular shape on top of a hill. Whitewashed houses, flower-filled balconies, quiet alleys, and stunning vineyard views make Locorotondo one of the most charming places in the region. What to do: ✔ Wander without a map ✔ Taste local white wines ✔ Watch the sunset over the Itria Valley 📍 Cisternino Just a few kilometers from Locorotondo, yet with a completely different atmosphere. The town is famous for its butcher shops that double as restaurants, where you choose your meat at the counter and have it grilled on the spot. What to do: ✔ Try the famous bombette pugliesi ✔ Explore the maze of whitewashed streets ✔ Enjoy dinner in one of the lively piazzas 📍 Monopoli Many travelers head straight to Polignano a Mare and completely overlook Monopoli. That’s a mistake. The town offers a beautiful historic center, a picturesque fishing harbor, and several lovely beaches located right in the heart of the city. What to do: ✔ Walk along the ancient city walls ✔ Photograph the old harbor ✔ Swim in the small coves near the historic center 📍 Specchia One of the most beautiful towns in the Salento region. Surprisingly, only a small percentage of visitors make it here. Stone houses, historic palaces, and a slow pace of life create an atmosphere of authentic southern Italy. What to do: ✔ Enjoy the local atmosphere ✔ Explore the historic center ✔ Taste regional cuisine away from tourist crowds 📍 Otranto The easternmost town in Italy. On a clear day, you can almost imagine the Balkan coast beyond the horizon. Ancient walls, a cathedral with a remarkable 12th-century mosaic floor, and crystal-clear waters make Otranto one of Puglia’s most fascinating destinations. What to do: ✔ Visit the cathedral ✔ Walk along the fortress walls ✔ Spend the day at the beach 📍 Ostuni Known as the White City of Puglia. And one look from a distance is enough to understand why. Thousands of whitewashed houses cascade down the hillside, creating one of southern Italy’s most iconic landscapes. Unlike Alberobello, Ostuni still feels like a living Italian town, where everyday local life continues alongside tourism. What to do: ✔ Climb to the panoramic viewpoints ✔ Get lost in the maze of white alleyways ✔ Watch the sunset over olive groves and the Adriatic Sea ✨ Puglia is so much more than the trulli of Alberobello and the famous beach in Polignano a Mare. Sometimes the most unforgettable experiences are found in the places that never make it onto the covers of travel magazines. Which of these hidden gems would you add to your Puglia itinerary? #travel2026

The service provided by this company was flawless. They were always punctual for the tours, the guides were well-prepared and helpful, and the hotel was well-located and pleasant. Throughout the trip, I didn’t encounter any bad experiences or concerns, as the organization and prior planning were evident. This gave me great peace of mind to fully enjoy all the experiences.

I totally recommend this company. From the very beginning, Miriam was very kind, providing us with information and organizing the package based on our requests. The travel experience was flawless and excellent, with constant communication from Miriam, who even waited for us at the airport. During the excursions with private guides, Elida stands out, always being there to accompany us with her remarkable kindness.

I 100% recommend the experience of exploring Peru with MachuPichu Inti Travel. It was an extraordinary journey where I always received immediate attention and solutions right when needed. An unparalleled experience… if I decide to return, Inti Travel will undoubtedly be my choice again.

We had a beautiful experience traveling with my friend from Argentina. From the very beginning, Miriam, who is such a lovely person, guided us with the tours and the entire trip. We absolutely recommend the agency without hesitation. All the excursions were fantastic, and we had a private guide accompanying us. A special mention goes to Elida, who was our guide for Humantay and Rainbow Mountain—she's amazing! Without a doubt, we’ll return. Everything was wonderful!

Visiting Cusco was an absolutely fantastic experience from start to finish. The place has a unique magic, but what truly made the trip special was our guide, Elit. She was amazing—extremely professional, warm, and incredibly knowledgeable, which helped us connect with the history in a one-of-a-kind way. I highly recommend taking the tour with her if you want to leave with the best memories of Cusco. Five stars don't do it justice!