Just a heads up: Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you book through them (at no extra cost to you). Your support helps me keep Rachel IRL going, so thank you! To read more, please see my affiliate disclosure.
Unlike some of the towns we ended up visiting in Puglia that were last minute decisions, Grottaglie was always front of mind for us. I mean, a quaint little town mostly off the beaten path dedicated to beautiful ceramics? Rachel IRL bait right there.
We actually ended up loving it so much that we returned to Grottaglie three times in total. To be fair to us, one of those times was to pick up a bespoke piece we had purchased from one of the artists. But still…three times.
I have no idea why Grottaglie seems to be one of the least written-about towns in Puglia that I managed to visit, but everyone else’s loss seems to be our gain, because now I get to introduce you to this perfect little town near Taranto that should be a non-negotiable on everyone’s Puglia itinerary!
Grottaglie, located in the heart of Puglia, is renowned for its centuries-old tradition of ceramics, making it a must-visit for lovers of art and history.
Keep reading for my ultimate guide to visiting Grottaglie in Puglia.
Delve into Italy
Don’t forget to check out the rest of my Italy posts and guides if you’re still planning your perfect trip!
What to Do in Grottaglie
Much like many of the towns in Puglia that I’ve covered, the truth is that there isn’t necessarily a ton to “do” here. Which of course is part of the appeal of the region as a whole, and is certainly the appeal of Grottaglie in my opinion.
Grottaglie has three main “zones”, if you will. There’s the centro storico, the ceramic zone, and what I’m going to call the “new town.” The new town is adjacent to the other two zones and is not going to be the subject of this post, though I’m sure it has lots of lovely places to eat and shop if you have the time.
We’re going to focus on the centro storico and the ceramic zone, which I think are the most interesting parts to visit as a tourist.
Is Grottaglie worth visiting?
YES! Grottaglie is one of the best places I visited in Puglia and I think it should be on everyone’s itinerary. It often gets overlooked because it’s not super centrally located near other popular towns, but this just adds to the appeal in my opinion.
Going to Grottaglie shows you a slice of life in Puglia that most tourists don’t get to experience, and also gives you the chance to pick up a unique and authentic souvenir to bring home.
1. Explore the Famous Ceramic District of Grottaglie
If you look at a map of Grottaglie (you can use the one I have embedded at the top of the post) you’ll see that there is a road that curves sort of around the outside of the centro storico. That is the ceramic zone.
Grottaglie’s Ceramics District is a living, breathing testament to its tradition of craftsmanship. Artisans have been handcrafting pottery here since medieval times, using techniques passed down through the ages.
Did You Know
Historically, Grottaglie’s strategic location near natural clay deposits fueled its growth as a major ceramics hub. Today, the town keeps its cultural heritage alive by blending the traditional crafts and modern artistic pieces.
One of my favorite things about Grottaglie is the way contemporary artists and designers have breathed new life into the craft: the variety of showrooms runs across a much wider array of styles than I ever expected before seeing this town for myself! While you’re here you can explore workshops, galleries, and the Ceramics Museum, if it’s open.
2. Shop the Best Ceramic Boutiques in Town
As for shopping, I recommend parking at the base of Via Francesco Crispi in this parking lot and working from the bottom of the road up the bend, stopping into any shops that are open.
Important Parking Tip
Google Maps is confusingly inaccurate about the parking in Grottaglie.
The lot labeled “Parcheggio delle Ceramiche” (Ceramics Parking) is actually a residents’ only parking area. Stick with the one linked above, which is affordable paid parking just a few meters down the hill!
The Ceramics quarter is home to over 50 workshops, which might feel a bit overwhelming. I’ve gathered my personal favorites below so you can have a slightly easier time!
My personal favorite ceramic shops were:
- Ceramiche Marcello Fasano: A super affordable and pretty standard ceramics shop. If there isn’t anything specific you want, this is a great choice of a store to pop into to get a mug or bowl in any color without spending too much.
- Bottega Ceramica Di Fasano Antonio: Here we got a set of very cool bowls and a mug. We were hoping to purchase a complete set of bowls but they were missing one color – so they custom-made it for us to pick up the next week! The showroom has a bunch of different styles from different artists, so this is a great shop to explore different aesthetics. The owner/shopkeeper is super nice as well, and chatted to us for a while.
- MARCOROCCO: This was one of the most unique shops we visited, where we ended up buying a cool ceramic mirror. This was one of the most design-forward shops we saw in Grottaglie. All of the pieces in here are of a similar postmodern type of aesthetic, and the shop itself – located inside a cave – is pretty cool too. The pieces are a bit pricier than some of the more typical shops, but not outrageously so.
- MENA FUECO studio | ex frantoio: Another showroom style shop that we sadly did not buy anything from because it was too pricey (and we had no room left in our bags), but I’m still thinking about this lavender vase thing that I wanted so badly. This is definitely a shop worth checking out as there are a ton of interesting artists represented with different aesthetics and is definitely more design-forward than most of the other shops.
- Calabrese Markus Ceramiche: Daniel’s mom was really partial to this shop, and I think this is a great place to potentially buy a gift for someone. The artist does a lot of city-scape and sunset ceramic pieces, and from what I recall the options leaned more art piece than functional.
A few other shops worth popping into are: Cinzia Fasano, Antonio Fasano, Bottega Vestita, and Ceramiche Artistiche Nicola Fasano.
Insider Tip
Almost every ceramics shop in Grottaglie offers worldwide shipping!
3. Wander Through the Enchanting Old Town of Grottaglie
There’s honestly not much to specifically note in the old town, but I think it’s well worth a wander around for its winding little streets with tall leaning buildings. It wasn’t crowded at all when we visited in late July so we got to really enjoy the local ambience.
We really enjoyed Vineria dal Medico wine bar for drinks, and Osteria del Lume Vino & Cibo for dinner. Both places had seriously kind staff and some amazing quality food and drinks.
Insider Tip
Ideally I think you should schedule your visit to Grottaglie in the evening so you can spend time in the shops, and then head to the old town to get a drink and then head to dinner.
4. Take Part in a Ceramics Workshop
One of the best ways to experience Grottaglie’s rich ceramics tradition is by getting hands-on in a local workshop. Many of the town’s talented artisans offer classes where you can learn about the history and techniques of this centuries-old craft and even create your own unique piece to take home. It’s a fun, immersive way to connect with the heart of Grottaglie’s culture!
Get Your Hands Dirty in Grottaglie
Where to Eat in Grottaglie
Grottaglie’s dining scene offers a fantastic mix of cozy osterias, modern eateries, and traditional spots where you can savor the best of Puglian cuisine. Whether you’re craving authentic local flavors or looking to try something new, these restaurants are sure to delight with their fresh ingredients and welcoming atmospheres.
- Osteria del Lume Vino & Cibo – A cozy spot with an intimate atmosphere, offering a thoughtful menu of traditional Pugliese dishes paired with an excellent selection of local wines. Super kind family owners too!
- Vineria dal Medico – This charming wine bar is the perfect place to sip local vintages while enjoying a relaxed meal with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
- Osteria nel Borgo – Nestled in Grottaglie’s old town, this osteria serves authentic regional cuisine in a rustic setting, with a focus on hearty, home-cooked flavors.
- Osteria la Capasa – Known for its warm service and delicious local dishes, Osteria la Capasa delivers a true taste of Puglia with a welcoming, down-to-earth vibe.
- Madera – A modern twist on traditional Puglian fare, Madera combines creative plating with fresh, local ingredients in a stylish setting.
- Basiliano – This restaurant offers a refined dining experience, featuring elevated takes on classic Puglian cuisine with a focus on high-quality, seasonal produce.
- Hestia – A beautifully designed space with a contemporary menu, Hestia offers a sophisticated dining experience with a modern take on Italian flavors.
- All’nchianata – Known for its lively atmosphere and hearty portions, All’nchianata serves up generous plates of rustic Puglian cuisine with a focus on grilled meats and traditional dishes.
Where to Stay in Grottaglie
If you’re looking for a place that truly captures the charm of Grottaglie, I’ve got three fantastic options. From a serene masseria with incredible hospitality to a modern boutique hotel with a rooftop terrace, these spots will make your stay just as unforgettable as your time shopping for exquisite ceramics!
Romantic Hideaway | Tranquil Setting | Just Outside Town
Antica Masseria le Monache is an unforgettable escape where hosts Anthony and Andrea offer impeccable hospitality in a beautifully restored farmhouse. With cozy, stylish rooms and exquisite meals crafted from local, homegrown produce, this serene spot is the perfect base to experience the best of Puglia’s charm and tranquility. Whether it’s Andrea’s incredible cooking or Anthony’s warm company, your stay here will be a truly one-of-a-kind experience!
Photo: Booking.com
Historic Charm | Luxurious Spa | Central Location
Housed in a beautifully restored 17th-century building, Monun Hotel & Spa offers modern luxury in the heart of Grottaglie. Guests rave about the friendly, attentive staff and well-appointed rooms, with some featuring private verandas perfect for soaking up the Puglian sunshine. With its central location near ceramics shops, plus an on-site spa and gourmet restaurant, Monun combines relaxation and convenience, making it a top choice for both short stays and extended visits.
Photo: Booking.com
Beautifully Restored | Rooftop Terrace | 2-Bed / 2-Bath
MOH Casa Vacanze offers a spacious, impeccably designed home right in the heart of Grottaglie’s ceramics district. Guests love its arched ceilings, modern amenities, and charming rooftop terrace with stunning views. Perfect for families or couples, this cozy yet stylish home combines comfort and character, making it an ideal base for exploring the town and enjoying an authentic Puglian experience. With thoughtful details and a convenient location, it’s the perfect retreat after a day of sightseeing!
Photo: Booking.com
When to Visit Grottaglie in Puglia
The best time to visit Grottaglie is in the late spring or early fall when the weather is pleasant, and the town isn’t as crowded.
If you want to experience the local ceramics festival, plan your trip in August! Just be prepared for higher temperatures and more tourists during the summer months – although, our experience in July showed that it never gets too crowded!
Planning Cheat Sheet: Every Link You Need in One Place
P.S. When you book using my links, you help support Rachel IRL at no extra cost to you. It’s a win-win!
Ready to explore Grottaglie?
I hope you found this post helpful!
If you’re still trying to plan the perfect trip to Puglia, check out the Puglia archives here, and if you’re still weighing up your options for Italy, check out all my Italy posts here.
Think I missed something? Try my recs and want to tell me about it? Leave me a comment, send me an email, or tag me on Instagram!
And if you’re kind of feeling done with the whole planning process, check out my Google Maps. They’ll give you all my best tips from the blog, plus exclusive extras that didn’t make it to the blog.
Streamline your planning and have the best recommendations on you at all times, IRL.
Downloadable
Google Maps
Save time and explore like a local with my curated Google Maps. Get all my best recommendations, hidden gems, and tips in one easy-to-use guide—no note-taking required!
Liked this post? Pin it for later!
