Guide to Castellana Grotte

'Best known for its spectacular caves, bustling Castellana Grotte boasts a charming old town and an excellent position for enjoying Puglia's main attractions.'

Near the Puglian coast south of Bari, this pretty village is extra special for one thing – its mind-blowing, stalactite- and stalagmite-filled caves. In fact, it's so famous for them that it actually changed its name a few years back from plain Castellana to Castellana Grotte.
Aside from these underground marvels, it's a picturesque and convenient place to station yourself. Set on the crest of a hill above vineyard-draped plains that sweep down to the Adriatic, its little centre more than repays some exploring. Laced with 18th century palazzo and no less than five charming churches, it's a brilliant spot for just pottering, writing postcards and watching the world go by. After the caffeine kick of an espresso, take a tour, admiring the piazza's clock tower and Via Roma, the oldest street. Built during the 17th century, this fine road boasts the gorgeously frescoed Palazzo Longo. And on almost every corner, you'll find colourful souvenir shops and lively ristorantes doing a roaring trade.
Of course, no trip here is complete without seeing the caves. Two kilometres away, these extraordinary caverns were discovered in 1938, when a geologist found tunnels leading from a giant chasm, spookily dubbed 'The Grave' by the locals. After heading down into 'The Grave' with its dramatic rock columns, you'll follow corridors into three-kilometres of magnificent chambers, ending in the White Grotto. This jaw-dropping hall looks like snow-laden Narnia, with brilliant-white crystal stalactites, stalagmites and curtains surrounding a luminous lake.
If you prefer things a little lower on the Richter scale, head for the trulli capital of Alberobello. Or for serious R&R, travel to Monopoli, a quaint fishing port framed by idyllic, sun-drenched beaches.

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