Katie Sturino’s Mini Guide to Puglia (with a Packing List)

Megababe founder, Body Talk author, and Instagram star Katie Sturino had honeymooned in the sunny, breathtakingly beautiful Puglia region of southern Italy—and this summer, she went back. “I had to!” she says. “What I love about Puglia is that it’s not a place that caters to tourists as much as the rest of Italy does, so it has more of a small-town, local feel to it. I love immersing myself in the community and blending in with the locals.”

Sturino found herself walking—a lot. “My favorite walking town is Ostuni, known as the White City for all its whitewashed buildings,” she says. There was also a significant amount of swimming: “The beaches are so beautiful—my favorite is Lido Bora Bora. The water is absolutely crystal clear.”

She packed essentials for sunny days—sunscreens, her famous Thigh Rescue, Birkenstocks, and sundresses—and she stocked up on great stuff in the shops, too. “It’s just the best place for a vacation,” she says. “You can’t go wrong.”

The 5 Top Beauty Essentials

Bonus Post-Trip Beauty Tip

Where to Stay

“I’ve stayed at Borgo Egnazia before, and it’s a great hotel. It’s good for families, a little more on the tourist trail, but a fantastic experience. This time, I stayed at an Airbnb. I love the feeling—staying in an Airbnb always helps me immerse myself in the local spots and pushes me to try new things.”

Where to Eat

“Every morning I started my day with a coffee and a delicious pastry from Emalu Pasticceria. I love how in Europe you’re encouraged to sit and enjoy your breakfast. I’m trying to bring this slow-morning tradition back to the States! Our favorite local restaurants for dinner: Il Cortiletto and Locanda di Nonna Mena.”

What She Wore

“Comfort is key—I cannot say that enough. Birkenstocks are my favorite when I’m on foot all day. I love throwing on a casual sundress to go with them, adding a hat, and exploring the city.”

“Layering a few necklaces is my favorite way to finish the look—the more the merrier.”

What She Shopped for on Her Way Home

“I can’t resist picking up a new La DoubleJ piece when I’m in Italy, and this time, I was lucky enough to meet with [founder] JJ herself at the brand’s new store in Milan on my way back from Puglia. If you can, go—I highly recommend it for both sartorial and spiritual inspo.”