My Favourite Spots in Puglia for Self-Care and Stillness

Written By Gillian Sofia

There’s something about Puglia that invites you to slow down — the warmth of the sun, the stillness of the olive groves, the rhythm of cicadas and waves. Whether you're visiting on holiday or lucky enough to live here, this land has a way of pulling you back to yourself.

Here are some of my favourite quiet places to breathe, reflect, and reconnect — perfect for moments of self-care and stillness.

 
Stone watchtower on the Apulian coast surrounded by golden grass, overlooking the sea under a clear blue sky – a tranquil spot for self-care and stillness.

1. Torre Guaceto Nature Reserve

This protected coastal area feels untouched and wild. Walk along sandy paths, swim in crystal-clear water, or simply sit on the dunes and listen to the sea. No beach bars, no noise — just wind, waves, and sky.


Best for: barefoot walks, sea meditation, quiet solitude

[Photo by Denise licensed under CC by 4.0]

 
Close-up of a hand gently touching olive tree branches in the golden light of sunset in the Apulian countryside – a calming moment of connection with nature.

2. The Olive Groves at Sunset

You don’t need a map for this one. Just take a slow stroll through any of Puglia’s ancient olive groves around San Vito dei Normanni or Carovigno. As the sun drops low and the trees cast long shadows, the air turns golden and still. It’s the perfect time to sit, stretch, or journal.


Best for: grounding, gratitude, watching light shift

[Photo by Pavel Danilyuk on Pexels]

 
Peaceful yoga space with a large window overlooking olive trees and blue sky in the Apulian countryside – a serene setting for meditation and self-care.

3. My Countryside Studio

Tucked away among olive trees and wildflowers, my little outdoor/indoor yoga and aerial silks space is where I go to move, breathe, and reset. Whether I’m hanging from the silks or lying in Savasana, this spot always makes me feel centred and fully present.


Best for: aerial silks, yoga, true peace

 
Charming hidden corner in Ostuni with a vintage bicycle, stone steps, potted plants, and hand-painted signage – a quiet spot in the White City of Puglia.

4. Ostuni’s Hidden Corners

While Ostuni is famous for its whitewashed charm and lively piazzas, it also has beautiful, quiet moments — early mornings before the shops open, or mid-afternoon when the streets are still. Find a shaded bench with a view, sip a cold spritz, and watch the light play on the town.


Best for: mindful wandering, sketching, people-watching, boutique shopping (explore unique handmade jewellery at Buongiorno Puglia in Ostuni’s old town)

[Photo by Manuel Sansone on Unsplash]

 
Sunlit dirt path in the Puglian countryside lined with olive trees and dry stone walls – a tranquil walking route between fig trees and trulli

5. A Walk Between San Michele and Ceglie

The countryside between these two towns is dotted with dry stone walls, fig trees, and trulli. Bring water, walk slow, and let the landscape hold you. There’s something timeless here — a sense of deep, rural rhythm that softens the nervous system.

Best for: slow movement, digital detox, breathing space

 

Your Self-Care Can Be Simple

You don’t need a retreat or a full day off to drop into stillness. A short walk, a stretch under a tree, five deep breaths on a quiet beach — it all counts.

If you're in Puglia and want to go deeper into your practice, I’d love to share a class with you — on the mat or in the air.


Book a Private Yoga or Aerial Silks Session

 
Gillian Sofia