Guest Writer By Chris Hurst, Guest Writer
I’ve travelled to Europe on many different occasions, sometimes alone and other times with my partner and 3 children. Italy has always been a top destination of mine to visit, though we never quite got around to making time for it. This year, I decided it was time to dust off my Italian and swap our annual trip to Menton in France for the spectacular Italian coast.
I always like to research a country before visiting, whether that’s reading reviews, estimating travel expenses or speaking to friends who have visited before. In my research, there was one particular place that always seemed to come up – The Amalfi Coast. I’d heard of it maybe once or twice before, though I’d always believed it was an overpriced wedding destination or holiday location for the lavishly wealthy amongst us.
I’m sure my fellow travelers will agree that the more you travel, explore new destinations and immerse yourself in different cultures, the more you find yourself seeking out those hidden gems that remain off the beaten track. I can’t deny that the Amalfi Coast look absolutely breathtaking, and it’s probably somewhere I’d enjoy exploring. Though I like to be surprised by the places I visit, the Amalfi Coast felt somewhat predictable. So, I decided to continue my search…
It took me a good few hours before I stumbled across a destination that I started to consider. I actually found it through a random Reddit comment that someone had posted quite some time ago, but I’m very glad I did. The comment referenced a coastal region located across southeastern Italy. The Italians would pronounce it Apulia, though it’s widely referred to as Puglia. It wasn’t long before Puglia had won me over, so I left no time to waste and booked the first flight over there.
What I noticed instantly about Puglia is that every town, village and coastline road felt spacious and calm, which was particularly surprising considering I was visiting in July – during the country’s peak tourist season. Even the beaches felt serene, busy enough to feel lively, but never overcrowded. The guest house I stayed in was located roughly 20 miles from Bari, the regional capital of Puglia and primary coastal hub. It was surprisingly affordable, much less than I was used to paying on my solo travels in Europe, so you can say that my journey started particularly promisingly.
From there, things only got better. As much as I enjoyed spending time relaxing on the golden sands of the Puglia coast, I wanted to get to know the region a little bit better, so I decided to head to Alberobello, one of the region’s most historic towns. What I found spectacular was that although the area was quiet, there was so much to explore and take interest in. Alberobello is renowned for the Trulli, a series of conical-roofed dry-stone houses originally built in the 14th century! I was encouraged to sample some of the region’s most popular dishes, including the pasqualino sandwiches and bombette meta rolls. I was grateful to have been welcomed into an authentic Italian community where I was able to get a glimpse of their lifestyle and culture. Sometimes in tourist hotspots that’s exactly what you can miss out on, and never really feel like you’ve experienced the real Italy.
Never before had I returned home from travelling and felt so lost and disconnected from myself. Of course, holiday blues as they call them, are expected, but after leaving Puglia, I couldn’t seem to shake them off. For weeks I tried to figure out what it was about this trip that was so different to others. Was it that I enjoyed the independence I had whilst I was away, or the money I was able to save from the affordable lifestyle there? It took me some time, but I eventually worked out why.
It wasn’t the beauty or affordability of the region, but instead, the way it made me feel. There was something so unique about the slower pace of life I got to experience there, and how its community appeared so grateful and warm. Two traits that can sometimes be hard to find in the UK. Completely to my surprise, Puglia made me question whether the life I had already built myself was actually the one I wanted for whatever time I had left on this beautiful earth. Luckily, I have a very relaxed and open-minded wife, so these feelings didn’t feel stressful for her or me.
Of course, we had practicalities to consider, and it was never going to be as simple as leaving and waving a fond farewell to our home country. After Brexit, I’d always assumed that relocating abroad would be a time-consuming and complicated process. I would certainly recommend looking for professional advice and support with the process, as we did, as there are several requirements and potential complications that can arise when transitioning from British citizenship to Italian citizenship. Though I would urge you to absolutely go for it if the transition is something you’re considering. After 5 years here in Puglia, I’ve never looked back.
About the Author
Chris Hurst is a travel writer who draws inspiration from his personal travel experiences across Europe and beyond. Passionate about exploring local cultures and uncovering hidden gems, he uses his first-hand knowledge to create accessible travel guides. His writing offers practical advice, local insights, and inspiration to help readers plan memorable trips and make the most of every travel experience.
