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Genalda | Travel inspiration 🗺️

@gem_diaries

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There’s just something about Italy that keeps pulling me back 🇮🇹Ever since my first trip, I’ve ended up coming back almost every year. I started with the classics like Rome and Venice, then slowly began exploring different regions… and every single one has surprised me in its own way.This year it was Puglia and Matera, and it felt completely different again 🥰 The slower pace. Long evenings by the sea. Beautiful historic towns. Crystal-clear water. Incredible food. It honestly became one of my favourite trips to Italy so far 🧡I also love travelling in June. Since my birthday falls this month andit’s warm enough for beach days and outdoor dinners, but before the peak summer crowds arrive. It nice because it’s that sweet spot because days are also longer and you don’t have to hassle to find a table at a restaurant or book an experience.I still feel like I’ve only scratched the surface. There are so many places in Italy I still want to explore.So… where should I go next? Tell your favourites please 😇 —Hi, I’m Genalda 🙋🏾‍♀️ your travel bestie sharing travel guides and tips to help you explore the world on a budget while working full-time!Follow @gem_diaries for more travel tips, guides, and hidden gems 🌍🧳Puglia Travel | Italy Travel Guide | Southern Italy by @gem_diaries

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9 days ago

The typical itinerary for Italy, is usually Rome, Venice or the Amalfi Coast. Even in Puglia, most itineraries focus on places like Polignano a Mare, Bari or Lecce.What many people don’t realise before visiting is just how big Puglia actually is.The Gargano Peninsula sits around 2 hours north of Bari, so it takes a bit more planning to include it in your itinerary. But if you have the time, I genuinely think it’s one of the most beautiful parts of the region 😍 The drive itself is part of the experience. You leave behind the olive groves and drive through Gargano National Park, following roads full of bends before finally arriving at the coast.And then suddenly you’re greeted by white cliffs, hidden caves and some of the bluest water I’ve ever seen.What I loved most is that Gargano feels completely different from the rest of Puglia. Here, it’s less about historic towns, although Vieste is still so lovely, and more about nature. Days are spent discovering beaches, swimming in crystal-clear water, taking boat trips to sea caves and simply slowing down.Seeing those huge white cliffs against the turquoise sea is something I’ll never forget 🩵If you’re planning a road trip around Puglia, I’d really recommend driving a little further north and giving Gargano at least a day or two.For me, it wasn’t just one of the highlights of Puglia… it became one of my favourite places in Italy. —Hi, I’m Genalda 🙋🏾‍♀️ your travel bestie sharing travel guides and tips to help you explore the world on a budget while working full-time!Follow @gem_diaries for more travel tips, guides, and hidden gems 🌍🧳Puglia Travel | Gargano | Vieste | Italy Travel Guide | Southern Italy | Italy Hidden Gems#garganocoast #garganopuglia #garganoexperience by @gem_diaries

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9 days ago

I’m not even exaggerating when I say this hotel might have raised my standards forever!I’ve stayed in beautiful hotels before, but waking up to this view of the Sassi every morning felt genuinely surreal 😍The room itself was simple and comfortable, staying true to the traditional character of Matera, but the real luxury was everything outside the window.I booked it myself, loved every minute of it, and I’d happily stay here again.If you’re curious which hotel this is, send me a DM and I’ll happily share it with you 🇮🇹—Hi, I’m Genalda 🙋🏾‍♀️ your travel bestie sharing travel guides and tips to help you explore the world while working full-time.Follow @gem_diaries for more travel guides and hidden gems 🌍🧳| Matera Hotels | Italy Travel Guide | Basilicata Region | Sassi di Matera by @gem_diaries

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13 days ago

Hundreds of little white houses topped with cone-shaped stone roofs cover the hillside, creating one of the most unique landscapes in Italy 😍These houses are called trulli, and they date back several centuries. They’re built entirely from local limestone using a dry-stone technique, meaning no mortar was used to hold the stones together.Legend has it that this clever construction allowed the roofs to be dismantled quickly whenever tax inspectors arrived, helping locals avoid paying taxes on permanent buildings. Today, they’re recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and have become one of Puglia’s most iconic symbols.📍 How to get thereAlberobello is around a 35-minute drive from Polignano a Mare, making it one of the easiest day trips if you’re staying along the coast.⏰ When should you visit?I’d definitely recommend arriving early in the morning or later in the afternoon.⏳ How long do you need?Around 2 hours is enough to see the historic trulli districts and enjoy the viewpoints. If you have more time, stay for lunch, browse the artisan shops or simply enjoy the slower pace of the town.💡 One small tip: although it’s a popular tourist destination, many of the trulli are still homes or guesthouses. If you’re visiting early in the morning, keep noise to a minimum and be respectful of the people who live there.For me, Alberobello completely lived up to the hype. I’d seen countless photos before visiting, but nothing compares to seeing those iconic trulli stretching across the hillside in real life. And if you want the full experience, why not sleep in one? 😊—Hi, I’m Genalda 🙋🏾‍♀️ your travel bestie sharing travel guides and tips to help you explore the world on a budget while working full-time!Follow @gem_diaries for real travel stories & hidden gems 🌍🧳Alberobello Travel Tips | Puglia Travel Guide | Best Places in Puglia#alberobello #arbelobellotrulli by @gem_diaries

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19 days ago

Yes, it gets incredibly busy… but honestly, that’s exactly what I expected.Lama Monachile is actually quite small, with a narrow stretch of pebbles tucked between dramatic limestone cliffs, so it’s no surprise that everyone wants to spend the day there.Would I recommend arriving early to claim a spot?Not necessarily.Even if you get there first, the beach fills up quickly and it can feel quite crowded, especially around the water’s edge.Instead, here’s what I’d recommend:✨ If you want to swim, head through the small tunnel on the left-hand side of the beach. There are flat rocks where you can leave your towel, and you can jump straight into the sea. ✨ Another great option is the rocky area on the right-hand side of the beach. It’s quieter, has some of space to sit, and still gives you an incredible view of the cove.✨ The famous turquoise water only appears once the sun reaches the cove, usually from around late morning until mid-afternoon. Early in the morning, much of the beach is still in the shade, so the water looks noticeably darker.✨ Don’t forget to admire it from above too! From the bridge behind the beach and the viewpoints on each side too.For me, Lama Monachile is absolutely worth visiting. Just go with the right expectations. It’s less about finding a quiet beach day and more about experiencing one of the most beautiful coastal settings in Italy.Would you still visit knowing how busy it gets?—Hi, I’m Genalda 🙋🏾‍♀️ your travel bestie sharing travel guides and tips to help you explore the world on a budget while working full-time!Follow @gem_diaries for real travel stories & hidden gems 🌍🧳Polignano a Mare | Puglia Travel Guide by @gem_diaries

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22 days ago

One of us booked a hotel inside Matera’s beautiful Sassi… and the other carried the suitcase 😇 To be fair, we knew what we were signing up for. The historic centre is full of cobblestone streets and steps, so we chose a hotel that was only a short walk after you enter the Sassi.And honestly? It was completely worth it.We fit a week’s worth of clothes for both of us into one suitcase, stayed right in the heart of the Sassi, and got to wake up surrounded by one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever visited.So yes… there may have been a few minutes (that felt like eternity) of carrying the suitcase.But I’d make the same choice all over again 🥰 Would he volunteer to carry the suitcase again? That’s a different question. 🤭—Hi, I’m Genalda 🙋🏾‍♀️ your travel bestie sharing travel guides and tips to help you explore the world on a budget while working full-time!Follow @gem_diaries for real travel stories & hidden gems 🌍🧳Matera Travel Tips | Italy Travel | Couple Travel | Puglia & Matera by @gem_diaries

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a month ago

One of the highlights of my trip to Puglia was exploring the Gargano coastline by boat. If you’re wondering whether it’s worth it, my answer is a definite yes 😍 Send me a DM with BOAT and I’ll share the link right away!We joined a group tour aboard a gozzo (traditional wooden boat) with just 9 people on board, which made the whole experience feel way more relaxed.The tour starts in Vieste, where you get beautiful views of the old town, the lighthouse and the coastline before sailing towards some of Gargano’s most spectacular natural landmarks.Over the next few hours, we explored several sea caves carved into the white limestone cliffs. Some were closed, others had one or two openings in the ceiling. Seeing these formations up close from the water was something you simply can’t experience from land.We also passed the impressive Arch of San Felice before reaching my favourite part of the tour: Spiaggia Vignanotica. Arriving by sea completely changes your perspective. The towering white cliffs look even more dramatic, making the beach feel tiny in comparison.We anchored just offshore and had almost one hour to swim in the most beautiful turquoise water. If you’re planning a trip to Gargano, I’d genuinely recommend setting aside part of your budget for this experience. It lets you discover hidden corners of the coastline that are inaccessible by land and, for me, it became one of the most memorable experiences of the whole trip.When was the last time you did a tour that exceeded all expectations? 💙@getyourguide @getyourguidecommunity #getyourguidecommunity #getyourguide*Gifted experience—Hi, I’m Genalda 🙋🏾‍♀️ your travel bestie sharing travel guides and tips to help you explore the world on a budget while working full-time!Follow @gem_diaries for real travel stories & hidden gems 🌍🧳Gargano Travel Guide | Puglia Travel | Things to Do in Gargano | Boat Tour Italy by @gem_diaries

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a month ago

Hello from Matera & Puglia 🇮🇹I’ve just come back from an incredible one-week road trip through southern Italy, visiting some of the most beautiful towns and crystal-clear beaches you’ll find and, of course, enjoying plenty of amazing food 😍I started the trip in Matera and actually arrived there on my birthday. Matera is a city in Basilicata, the region next to Puglia. The reason I paired these two destinations in the same trip is because Matera is only a 45-minute drive from Bari Airport, making it the perfect opportunity to explore both.I stayed the first night in Matera. From there, we based ourselves in Polignano a Mare and explored some beautiful neighbouring towns.In my next posts, I’ll be sharing everything you need to plan your own trip, including:✅ A one-week travel itinerary✅ Beautiful towns to visit in Puglia✅ Practical tips to help you plan your road trip✅ Traditional foods you have to try✅ The most stunning beaches✅ Hidden gems and unforgettable experiencesThis trip showed me a completely different side of Italy, and it actually became my favourite region I’ve visited so far. Every town had its own personality, the atmosphere was so relaxed, and those long summer evenings by the sea are something I already miss.What do you want to know about Puglia or Matera? Is there anything else you’d like me to cover? 🇮🇹✨—Hi, I’m Genalda 🙋🏾‍♀️ your travel bestie sharing travel guides and tips to help you explore the world on a budget while working full-time!Follow @gem_diaries for real travel stories & hidden gems 🌍🧳Matera Travel Guide | Puglia Travel Itinerary | Travel Experiences in Italy#basilicatatourism #italytravels #materaitaly by @gem_diaries

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a month ago

I’m not a scientist, but after spending a few days exploring the Côte d’Azur, I think there might be some truth to it.Maybe it’s the sound of the waves below the cliffs. Maybe it’s the sunshine. Maybe it’s the feeling of slowing down and realising that not every minute of the day needs to be productive.One of my favourite moments in Èze wasn’t ticking off sights from a list. It was simply standing here, looking out over the Mediterranean.If you’re planning a trip to the South of France, don’t just rush between destinations. Leave time to sit, wander and enjoy the view.—Hi, I’m Genalda 🙋🏾‍♀️ your travel bestie sharing travel guides and tips to help you explore the world on a budget while working full-time!Follow @gem_diaries for real travel stories & hidden gems 🌍🧳Èze Travel Guide | Èze Travel Itinerary | Travel Experiences in Èze#frenchriviera #cotedazur #southoffrance #francetravel by @gem_diaries

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I expected Menton to be my favourite place on the Côte d’Azur and… it totally lived up to my expectations. 🍋✨Before my trip, Menton was the town I was most excited about visiting.The colourful facades.The beautiful waterfront.The mix of French and Italian influences.The photographs I’d seen online.And somehow, it was even prettier in person.What I loved most was the atmosphere. While places like Nice and Monaco feel energetic and lively, Menton felt slower, more relaxed and effortlessly charming.I spent my time wandering through the pastel-coloured streets, admiring the architecture, enjoying the sea views and simply soaking in the Mediterranean atmosphere.If you’re travelling along the Côte d’Azur, I’d recommend spending at least a day here. It’s easy to reach by train from Nice, but once you arrive you’ll probably wish you had longer.Out of all the towns I visited on the French Riviera, this was the one I found hardest to leave.Have you been to Menton?—Hi, I’m Genalda 🙋🏾‍♀️ your travel bestie sharing travel guides and tips to help you explore the world on a budget while working full-time!Follow @gem_diaries for real travel stories & hidden gems 🌍🧳Menton Travel Guide | Menton Travel Itinerary | Travel Experiences in Menton#menton #cotedazur #frenchriviera #southoffrance by @gem_diaries

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I love a good itinerary.I love researching destinations, pinning places on a map and building the perfect route.But some of my favourite travel memories weren’t planned at all.They came from taking the wrong corner.Following a colourful street just to see where it led.Nice is the perfect place for that 💛Of course, visit the highlights like the Old Town, Castle Hill and Cours Saleya. But leave some space in your day to get lost too.That’s the thing about travel: the itinerary gets you there, but curiosity is what makes the experience memorable.Have you ever found your favourite place completely by accident?—Hi, I’m Genalda 🙋🏾‍♀️ your travel bestie sharing travel guides and tips to help you explore the world on a budget while working full-time!Follow @gem_diaries for real travel stories & hidden gems 🌍🧳Nice Travel Guide | Nice Travel Itinerary | Travel Experiences in Nice#nicefrance #frenchriviera #cotedazur #southoffrance by @gem_diaries

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If you’re travelling through the Côte d’Azur, don’t skip Villefranche-sur-Mer.Located just a few minutes from Nice by train or bus, this colourful seaside town is one of the easiest day trips on the French Riviera.Here’s how I’d spend half a day here:✨ Wander through the old town✨ Walk along the colourful waterfront✨ Explore Rue Obscure✨ Visit Saint-Pierre Chapel✨ Enjoy the views from the Citadel✨ Relax on Marinières BeachWhat I loved most was how relaxed it felt. While nearby destinations can get busy during summer, Villefranche felt slower, quieter and perfect for an afternoon by the sea.Save this for your South of France itinerary 🇫🇷—Hi, I’m Genalda 🙋🏾‍♀️ your travel bestie sharing travel guides and tips to help you explore the world on a budget while working full-time!Follow @gem_diaries for real travel stories & hidden gems 🌍🧳Villefranche-sur-Mer Travel Guide | Villefranche-sur-Mer Travel Itinerary | Travel Experiences in Villefranche-sur-Mer#villefranchesurmer #frenchriviera #cotedazur #southoffrance #francetravel by @gem_diaries

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a month ago