What to do in Puglia

There are plenty of reasons why Italy always ends up in your bucket list! The region of Puglia is probably one of the strongest reasons why people choose southern Italy for their beach vacation. Milan or Venice provides an entirely different holiday destination but if you are looking for a more ‘authentic’ Italian experience, then you can’t go wrong with Puglia . We are mentioning below the most Puglian things you can do while being there.

Bari: the most important harbor of the Adriatic Coast

Bari is a city of stories, people, and food over attractions I’d say. It features its own Cathedral as and more fabulous churches. You will find the little alleys, small shops, and family living squares as charming as other popular attractions of the city. Bari was regarded as a slightly unsavory destination, but it has been making a tourist comeback in recent years, and in 2019 was also named as one of the best upcoming destinations in Europe.

Lecce: the Baroque gem of the South

Lecce is a mixture of the archaeological remains of the Roman domination and the richness of Baroque style of the churches and palaces. It is the capital of Salento and one of the most beautiful cities of art in Southern Italy. The city was also nicknamed “ the Florence of the South ” Lecce is a city that amazed and fascinated thousands of tourists and visitors.

A walking tour is the best way to discover the city and its attractions.

Discover the Itria Valley

Valle d’Itria is a rich land and is where good food and wine are. This area welcomes visitors with immense expanses of olive trees. This area has also been called the Valley of the Trulli and includes towns such as Castellana Grotte, Alberobello, Cisternino, Ceglie Messapica, Noci, Ostuni, Martina Franca, Putignano and many others.

Stay in a Trullo at Alberobello

Alberobello is world-famous to be a particular town with Trulli, a UNESCO World Heritage. The Trulli of Alberobello date back to the mid-fourteenth century and if you are traveling in Puglia, you might want to spend one night or more at a Trulli.

Martina Franca

Martina Franca is a fourteenth-century town in the middle of the Itria Valley. The city is known for its Baroque architecture and the Valle d’Itria music festival.

Martina Franca is not far from Alberobello but it is not as popular, it is one of Italy’s hidden gems! During summer, the city hosts the musical festival and this is the period when you can see visitor numbers grow. The main square is flanked by a towering Cathedral and has a curved portico style area.

Locorotondo

Locorotondo rises on the Itria Valley , so defined precisely for the characteristic layout of the streets in its historic center, arranged in a semicircle. On top of the hill on which the city stands is the municipal villa, an unmissable stop for those wishing to admire the expanses of olive trees and the trulli. From here you can easily reach the Mother Church of San Giorgio Martire and the Church of Santa Maria della Greca.

Puglia: from Castles to Caves

Castel del Monte

Castel del Monte is a well-maintained castle built around 1240 by order of the Emperor Frederick II of Swabia. It has a breathtaking view, over the Apulian Murgia, in the unique territory of “Imperial Puglia”, just 18 km from Andria. Here is where unique localities coexist, famous for the immense natural, historical and architectural heritage that they preserve.

Castellana Caves

Castellana Caves attract visitors from all over the world, and they have been visited by more than 15 million people since their opening to the public. Walking its underground streets is an amazing experience for sure! The caves are rated among the most beautiful and spectacular caves in Italy and if you are already in Puglia, an experience like this shouldn’t be missed.

Visit the best beaches in the area

Puglia is famous for its marvelous beaches, It features some of the most visited and best beaches in Italy! If you want to know more about the beaches of the area, we have an entire article where you can read about the best beaches in Salento . We are mentioning just a few of them below.

Pescoluse: the Maldives of Puglia

The southern side of Puglia, Pescoluse is one of the region’s best beach destinations . also known as ‘Maldives of Puglia,’ the fine white sands and idyllic azure waters are heavenly.

The beach is over 5km, perfect for long walks at sunrise or sunset, or for jogging along the Ionian seashore.

Margherita of Savoy

Located in the province of Barletta-Andria-Trani, Margherita di Savoia is ideal for holidaymakers seeking utter relaxation.

The famous salt pans are a must-see highlight while the calm waters make it perfect for a luxury family vacation in Puglia.

Polignano a mare

Sitting in the heart of Puglia, Polignano a Mare charms beachgoers with its impressive rocky coast interspersed with some spots of sandy Puglia beaches.

When it’s time to grab a bit to eat, stretch the legs or escape the midday heat the enchanting town of Polignano a Mare beckons.

Torre dell’Orso: the two sisters

Torre d’Orso is located a little closer to Lecce, the region’s treasured baroque gem city.

With its powdery white sands, crystal clear water and two towering sea cliffs known as the Due Sorelle (two sisters), the beach is one of the region’s most dramatic landscapes.

Torre Guaceto: a secluded paradise

As a protected marine area and a nature reserve, Torre Guaceto is a haven for natural beauty. The several kilometers of coastline means there is always a private patch of sand to claim, while the colorful coral reefs and seagrass beckon snorkelers and divers alike.

For the perfect base to explore Torre Guaceto and the other amazing Puglia beaches, Trullo Tito is a wonderful accommodation option. The traditional dry-stone villa features a picturesque conical roof and is also a stone’s throw away from Alberobello, the popular UNESCO world heritage site.