798 Reviews. who offer charming and spacious private trullis right in the historic center. How to do it: If youre limited on time, stick to Cala Porta Vecchia, Monopolis most central sandy beach with crystal clear waters right next to the citys sixteenth-century fortified walls. Its naturalistic marine heritage stands majestic and impressive. Bonus: Primitivo Puglia has recently become available in some UK supermarkets. Drive to the Summit of Mt. Alberobello is without question one of the most characteristic towns in Italy and is famous for its traditionally built ancient stone houses called trulli, (which since 1996 have been named a UNESCO World Heritage site). Its main feature consists of its entire layout being built around the number 8 (8 towers, octagonal base, etc). Ops! It's much less touristy for one thing. Thats my guide to the best things to do in Puglia, Italy. Puglia is a large Region in Southern Italy and it is often referred to as the Heel of the Boot, for its geographical position. Polignano a Mare is rightly one of the most famous destinations in Puglia. Here are the best getaways from BA Holidays and Expedia. This part of the city is surrounded by the sea on 3 sides and its connected to the modern districts by a bridge. The shore is characterized by sandy stretches which alternate with rocks; the water is crystal clear with colour ranging from blue cobalt to green. It is one of the most important Italian locations for seaside tourism, thanks to its many kilometers of sandy beaches. With these attractions and the stunningly beautiful city itself, Vico Del Gargano is one of our strongest recommendations in Puglia region. For kids walking in the narrow streets of Alberobello is like entering a fairy tale and they will literally be amazed. Regular ferries run from Vieste out to the Isole Tremiti. Puglia is a smaller but beautiful upcoming tourist destination that is worth a visit. This natural park is perfect for hiking on your own or with a guided tour leading through breathtaking sceneries. Trulli have been part of UNESCOs World Heritage List since 1996. Puglia in December Although it is a both small and pebbled, thanks to the water, Cala Porto is one of the best beaches in Puglia. Monti Dauni, ancient stories and marvellous villages, Gargano, stretches of salt water, unique views and a UNESCO World Heritage forest, From Bisceglie to Monopoli, historical boats and valuable archaeological sites, Murgia and Gravina, the charm of the hinterland, Salento, unparalleled historical and cultural heritage, Apulia Fuori Rotta, 5 unusual stops for a surprising itinerary. Thus was born Puglia Fuori Rotta (Apulia Off Route), a documentary centred on a 30-day journey that, thanks to little-trodden paths, reveals a region with a mysterious and surprising side. Coastal Polignano a Mare is most famous for the picturesque Cala Porto, a small pebble beach with crystal clear emerald waters hidden gracefully below the citys limestone cliffs and whitewashed houses. Framed against the sparkling blue Adriatic, Tranis creamy white buildings have earned it the local nickname of la perla di Puglia (the pearl of Puglia). Not only will it make you relaxed, but also undeniably healthier. This particularly scenic part of Puglia is known for its whitewashed towns, such as Locorotondo and Ostuni, and trulli houses (traditional limestone dwellings with conical roofs), which are best seen in the Unesco-listed site of Alberobello. Enter dates Filters Attractions Traveller favourites & up & up & up Florence Historic Center Oltrarno Santo Spirito San Babila Free Entry Good for Kids Budget-friendly Good for Couples Such cheese will be your perfect accompaniment to an exquisite glass of the Italian wine. Visit the Old town of Gallipoli Known as the pearl of the Ionian Sea, its name derives from the original Greek name 'Kal polis' meaning 'beautiful city'. However, what makes Cisternino truly unique are barbecuing butchers. A stop at Monte Cornacchia, the highest peak in Apulia, is not to be missed. You will rarely find this lake on the traditional tourist guides, however we recommend to visit it. This town, like Puglia Region in general, has an ancient tradition of terracotta manufacturing. Full access tickets are 18 per person and can be purchased on their website. For more information visit here. Take a walk along the beautiful beaches while admiring the unique coastline. Thats a great website I have visited, thank you for your essentials words. In 2010 the city has been listed in Best in Travel 2010 by Lonely Planet. Torre dell'Orso is one of the best places to visit in Puglia because of its stunning 1,5km long beach with fine sand and crystalline water. The small island of San Nicola is home to the 11th-century Abbazia e Chiesa di Santa Maria, and offers good snorkelling and diving, while deserted Capraia is now uninhabited except for seabirds. For around US$22,754.25 a week, you and a loved one can stay at this otherworldly resort and enjoy its opulent amenities. Its a grand old town, with broad boulevards, great shopping and a well-regarded university that supports a healthy supply of bars and restaurants. In fact, you can take your other half to the narrow street of Vicolo Del Bacio, famous throughout the ages as the rendezvous street. The second one lasts 2 hours and is 2Km long. First of all, eating in Italy is very different. This material is used to produce both artistic and common objects. 10. Trulli is a traditional Apulian dry stone hut with a conical roof. 60 things to do in Puglia. This area extends South of the Murge plateau and includes the towns of Alberobello, Locorotondo, Martina Franca, Ceglie Messapica, Cisternino and Fasano. Castellana Caves - La Grotta di Castellana. The islands of the Isole Tremiti lie 36km off Puglias northern coastline. For those seeking ultimate luxury, you can also book an overnight stay in the lavish Grotta Palazzese Hotel one of the best hotels in Puglia. As an alternative, you can book a walking tour of Monopoli that will introduce you to the citys legends (and includes some local food recommendations). The best thing about waking up early for sunrise is that most locals and tourists will be sound asleep. Its worth a stop if youre travelling south from Trani to Altamura. The same company also runs food tours in Lecce. Please check Foreign Office advice and testing/quarantine requirements in your destination before booking. The revenue generated will help us to support the content of this website and to continue to invest in our award-winning journalism. Another of the best places in Puglia is the unusual, historic town of Alberobello. Whats especially striking about Castel del Monte is its octagonal shape with each side punctuated by a tower. A unique place, a cave absolutely to see in its special things. Or if you prefer, you can book a guided tour of Castel del Monte. In the butcheries of this village, you can choose a preferred meat and the butcher will barbecue it for you. G. rotte di Castellana is one of Puglias most amazing natural wonders and very different from the historic port towns and beautiful sandy Puglia beaches the region is more often associated with. If you like hiking, there are numerous trails off-the-beaten-track that you can explore, including the historic Umbria Forest. How to get to Puglia:There are two main international Puglia airports; Karol Wojtyla Airport in Bari and the Airport of Salento in Brindisi. Day 1: Lecce. Have a quick trip to the Middle-Ages at Castel del Monte (Andria), 3. Have a walk through the little alleys of the old town which sits on a small walled island connected to the mainland by a 6th century bridge. Polignano a Mare is one of the more convenient destinations in Puglia to get to by public transport, with its own train station which connects the town directly with several larger cities on the east coast including Bari, Monopoli, Ostuni and Brindisi. Dating all the way back to 1394, not only is Putignano Carnival the oldest of its kind in Europe but its also one of the longest-running carnivals in the world. A deep, intense red wine, thick with tannins, Primitivo is lightened by the natural sweetness of the red grapes grown in the Puglia region. The Gargano promontory is also known as the spur of the Italian boot, it extends into the eastern part of Puglia and is surrounded by the Adriatic Sea. Gallipoli is probably the best known town on the western coast of Puglias Salento peninsula, and with a name which translates to Beautiful City (in Greek) its definitely somewhere not to miss. A few kilometres further on, you can lose yourself in the red grape vines where the famous Primitivo di Manduria wine comes to life, before heading to the Cesine Nature Reserve, a passage route for many birds moving between northern Europe and Africa. hidden gracefully below the citys limestone cliffs and whitewashed houses. Nice town as well, i suggest to visit the castle . Panzerotti are made with the same pizza dough and then deep fried for a crispy taste! What do we start with? The citys old town sits on a tiny limestone island connected to the mainland by a 16th century bridge and surrounded by defensive walls dating back to the 14th century. It means that Orsara di Puglia is a must visit the city for any gourmand, who enjoys natural local ingredients. Local roads are lined and shaded by olive trees and are ideal for a trip around the olive mills and cheese producers. Its also the place to dine on seafood so fresh it practically walks from the water onto your plate. Dont miss to watch a live show of Pizzica, one of the most famous Italys folk dance the pizzica pizzica is a traditional music and ballet of considerable social and cultural importance which is becoming more and more popular. 8. Feel free to email me with any questions at chrissy@travelpassionate.com. Brindisi also has a port, lido (beach), park and museums to explore. It has been broadly organised by location so you can use it to plan your Puglia itinerary, heading south east from Bari and travelling in a clockwise loop. Consider having a brunch at V-ita Vivere Italiano. Patron of the city is no other than Saint Valentine himself and every year on the 14th of February there is a big love celebration. Via Papa Giovanni XXIII 1 | Presso Trullo Sovrano/Piazza Sacramento 14, 70011, Alberobello, Italy. So where do we start? Puglias trullis date back to the 16th century and were designed to be easily dismantled in the event of a royal inspection in order to avoid the regions rulers paying property taxes to the King. The main draw, of course, is these viewpoints, which are best enjoyed with a Spritz if you ask me. Closed now : See all hours. Even in a region as blessed with hilltop towns as Puglia, Lecce still astonishes. We have no booking fees and free cancellation, so you can rest easy and put your energy into planning your dream vacation. Walk the Lungomare. You can save the map offline and create a copy to add your own places. As home to Puglias other international airport, its a good place to start or end your trip. Meaning castle of the mountain, Castel del Monte is perched on a hill near the city of Andria. Have a 2-hour walk in the so-called Plain of Olive Trees, populated by ancient trees up to 3000 years old. Ranked #13 of 130 Restaurants in Alberobello. A great way to explore is on this, Fun fact: staying overnight in a trulli in Puglia took me back to that time I lived in a cave for 3 months in the, Something which doesnt always make it on to every list of things to do in Puglia is one of the regions most unique and interesting attractions the, Located in the town of the same name, just a short distance from Alberobello in the Valle dItria, Grotte di Castellana is a 90 million year old. olive trees. Book this Polignano a Mare Boat Cave Tour with Aperitif. I swear I had the best burrata in Puglia (and Italy). Things to do in Puglia Explore the Trulli of Alberobello The town of Alberobello is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The filling may vary, but the most popular is a mixture of chopped tomatoes, mozzarella and ham. With so many things to see and to do here in Puglia, here we give you a list of the best things to do, those things you can't really miss if you are visiting our region. It was most likely built as a hunting lodge or folly by Frederick II, but some scholars claim the castle may be an architectural symbol of Fredericks religious devotion; during the middle ages, the octagon was seen as a sacred shape, combining the circle (symbolising the divine or infinite) and the square (symbolising the human, or finite world). In this magical land in Southern Italy, sun-soaked beaches meet green rolling hills, and the rich history blends seamlessly with the mouth-watering local delicacies. Search. Olive oil + pitcher. It is one of the most important Italian locations for seaside tourism, thanks to its many kilometers of sandy beaches. Its possible to go inside the castle if you book tickets. 2. But Cisternino has another quirky offering the towns macelleria, meat markets. Whether youre staying in nearby Masseria Torre Coccaro or youre simply in the area, the old town of Fasano and nearby coastal Savelttri are worth a quick stop. An unbeatable dish on the Puglian table in summer time, pucce are a traditional on the go snack in Puglia, in particular in the Salento area. Discover the hidden gems of this Italian paradise in this in-depth travel guide to Puglia! Required fields are marked *, FacebookTweetPinLinkedIn If you are thinking of traveling to the South of Puglia, without a doubt you should include this beautiful, Art & Culture Bari Land Beach & Coast Gargano Info Itineraries Itria Valley Nature & Parks Recipes Salento Top 10 To See Traditions Typical Products UNESCO World Heritage What to do. The system is made up of a series of large canyons and caves filled with incredible formations such as stalactites, stalagmites, concretions and fossils. How to do it: Book your overnight stay with Trulli e Puglia who offer charming and spacious private trullis right in the historic center. Martina Franca is the areas most attractive town, ringed by watchtowers and walls, and largely dates from the early Middle Ages. An error occurred while sharing your content. Also in Puglia we are . The Baia Verde (Green Bay) stretches south of town, with sandy, gentle sweep that allows for great swimming and sunbathing. For more information visit here. How to do it:For a more detailed rundown of what to eat in Puglia and recommended Puglia restaurants, check out my full article on the20 Puglia Foods You Must Eat (and Where To Eat Them). Its also a city with two very different sides; the modern Murat district and older Barivecchia. The tomb has notable beliefs with Biblical stories and can perfectly enhance your religious sightseeing trip. See the top things . In December and early January, there are also traditional crafts exhibitions, food events, Christmas lights in the streets, and a huge Christmas tree. The wonderful setting adds some extra glamour to every show. Uncovered in 1932, Luceras Roman amphitheatre is the largest in southern Italy. Whereas if you are still looking for love, Vico Del Gargano is your perfect option for a dream come true. Whilst its not one for budget travellers (its around 200 per person), the elegant and dimly lit Grotta Palazzese serves fantastic 3 and 4 course set menus and is one of the most romantic and exclusive restaurants in Puglia, if not the whole of Italy. This diving spot is located just in front of Leucas lighthouse, where Ionian and Adriatic melt. This journey begins in the north, in the Monti Dauni, characterised by wild nature, tiny villages and ancient fortresses that tell of a magnificent past. This research association is engaged in the protection of marine biodiversity and promotes education about biology, marine fauna, and the marine environment in general. A kind of street food, pick your meat and your butcher will cook it while you watch and wait. 1. The dunes are up to 12 meters and for a natural barrier between the beach and the road. Do a tour of the rock carved churches in Massafra (Taranto), 21. My granny makes them every Sunday, they are delicious! Bari is the capital of the Puglia region and a popular starting point for most tourists, given that its home to the largest international Puglia airport. Discovering the best of Puglia in a Small Group 6 Days 5 Nights. And if you get the opportunity to do a tasting of the local olive oils, cheeses or wines, be sure to do it! Got any questions or tips, let me know in the comments below. Visit the Ceramic District with its many craftsmens shops to see these local artists at work. While you give free reign to your imagination, make sure you know everything before you leave. This is Puglia, a region of golden beaches and crystal-clear waters, intense flavours and fascinating destinations: Castel del Monte, the trulli, the islands passing through towns kissed by a unique and unforgettable light. Get behind the wheel for stirring views across the Adriatic, and access to several small coves and beaches that are well off the beaten track. Grotte di Castellana can be visited on a guided tour down a 3km long pathway with the correct safety equipment. If youre not visiting Tuscany or Florence on this trip, Santa Maria del Casale is a good place to see the white and rose patterned church exterior seen further north. Visit San Leonardo, Candelora of SantAntonio Abate, and enjoy a guided tour not to miss any hidden gem. At 6,288 feet, extreme weather is known to rip through the summit and endanger hapless hikers. Therefore, visiting Alberobello is crucial in understanding all sides of the country. Once in a lifetime, stop in Puglia to discover its natural landscapes, but also its rich history and cultural traditions! We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Admire the fifteenth century Romanesque-Gothic Cathedral, step inside the fascinating Museum of pre-classical civilization of Southern Murgia, grab an aperitivo in the large Piazza della Liberta, then finally take a sunset stroll along the citys defensive walls with amazing panoramic views over the surrounding countryside. The promenade follows the seafront for the entire . In some towns you can even combine visits to cathedrals and castles with dips in the sea just steps from the historic centre. Explore the streets filled with Baroque buildings in Lecce. Main picture: Gallipoli harbour, Salento (Getty Images). This town is famous for its traditional buildings: they are whitewashed and made of local limestone with a particular conic roof made of layered stone labs. This is how that the historian Gregorovius described Lecce. Unmissable sites What to see in Puglia Cities Sea City With its small historic center filled with alfresco cafes and restaurants, a harbour dotted with traditional blue and red fishing boats, and a long stretch of coastline littered with small, hidden coves, beautiful sandy beaches and clear turquoise waters, Monopoli is one of the best places to visit in Puglia to completely switch off and soak up the sun on a hot summers day. Be sure to visit Trullo Sovrano - a two-storey trullo, which is also a museum and Sant'Antonio Church - the towns trulli church. The towns palazzi, chapels and piazzas were fashioned by some of Italys finest 17th-century architects such is the harmony and homogeneity of its baroque architecture, it even has its own style, barocco leccese. 28 Amazing Things to Do and See in Puglia, Italy 1. The largest natural swimming pool is perfect to take dips from a height of 5m and to swim in salty water. Ive put together a list of all the locations in this post about things to do in Puglia. The town is divided into two parts: the new and the old. The Seagarden Beach Resort is in a great location on the beach and is close to several attractions, including Walter Fletcher Beach, Dead End Beach, and AquaSol Theme Park. It is located near a cemetery and it welcomes its visitors with a nice citrus garden. Although it is a both small and pebbled, thanks to the water, Cala Porto is one of the best beaches in Puglia. It is unusual to have snow in Puglia, but with the climate changes, you will never know. Drive the spectacular 140 km long coastline which are characterized by the presence of ancient forest (mainly pine woods), bays, sandy beaches, limestone cliffs, calcareous caves, and the famous faraglioni, white rocks emerging from the sea in the Mergoli Bay and the Zagare Bay (Baia delle Zagare). Located inland, the best thing to do in Lecce is to wander around and take in its many architectural masterpieces, including the impressive Cathedral of Maria Santissima and other buildings of Piazza del Duomo, the intricate facade of Basilica di Santa Croce and the unusual Church of Saints Nicol and Catald.Plus don't forget to visit the city's unusual . Puglia holidays offer up a magnificent array of beaches, inimitable history and architecture and natural wonders that provide a superb break for the whole family. You will be able to enjoy a swim in the crystal clear blue waters of the sea between Castro and Santa Cesarea Terme. Its definitely one of the best towns to stay in Puglia. Here you can see many fishes like barracudas, groupers, morays but also spider crabs and other shellfishes. Say Martina Franca and my brain thinks: food. Moreover, it shows some particular lighting effects during solstices and equinoxes. 1. Spend a whole day admiring nature from an unusual perspective. Driving south-east from the little village along the road that brings to San Pietro in Bevagna, we find the Park of the Dunes of Campomarino. Its not cheap but is worth it. Puglia might not have as many world-famous sights as Tuscany or Rome, but in many ways, the heel of Italy is a more rewarding place to travel. Some particular highlights of the coastline of Puglia include Spiaggia di Pescoluse, which is referred to as the 'Maldives of Puglia' thanks to the sand and aquamarine waters, and the Grotta della Poesia, which is an open-top sea cave that was named as as one 0f the 10 most beautiful natural pools in the world by National Geographic. Take a walk through its narrow lanes and get a taste of history. Visit Ostuni You see Ostuni long before you reach the town, sitting there on its little hill all white and shiny. Private Tour: Lecce Guided Walking Tour. I also took a boat trip while I was there, which is a wonderful way to spend half a day, enjoying the sea breeze. Throw on your walking boots and traverse the citys old Medieval streets lined with small shops selling colourful crafts, and charming cafes precariously sat on the edge of sloping stairwells. Over 100 metres deep under Puglia's surface lies one of its most spectacular natural wonders. The Ionian Dolphin Conservation Center in Taranto offers tourists and locals the chance to spend about 5 hours on their catamaran to admire the dolphins living in the gulf. Swim into the natural pool of the Poetry Cave (Lecce), 11. The best way to see the city is to book a walking tour of Bari.