On this publish, I’ll introduce you to among the greatest locations to go to in Puglia. I frolicked in Puglia earlier this yr, and may confidently name it one in every of my favourite areas to journey to in Italy.
Making up the “heel” of the nation’s boot-shaped mainland, this sun-baked nook of Europe is dwelling to among the greatest seashores in Italy. As well as, Puglia is dwelling to many superbly atmospheric cities and villages, a variety of extremely tasty native dishes, and a few wonderful wine.
Finest Locations to Go to in Puglia
Regardless of having a great deal of superb issues to see and do, most of the most stunning locations in Puglia obtain far fewer vacationers than these in different better-known areas (resembling Tuscany, Liguria, and Rome), and with roughly 300 sunny days every year, it’s an exquisite place to discover any time of yr.
Right here’s my choose of the perfect locations to go to within the Puglia area.
1. Alberobello
When visiting Puglia, a visit to Alberobello is a should. This small city, situated within the province of Bari, is greatest identified for its distinctive trulli homes. These conical-roofed houses are made completely of stone and date again to the 14th century.
At present, the city’s trulli homes are a UNESCO World Heritage Web site and one of the vital fashionable vacationer points of interest in Puglia. I visited on the finish of the day and was there for sundown, which was really magical.
Whereas in Alberobello, make sure you go to the Trullo Sovrano, the most important and most spectacular of all of the trulli homes. Permit your self sufficient time to only wander by the city’s picturesque streets, exploring the hidden corners of this superbly distinctive place. See our full publish: 15 Finest Issues To Do in Alberobello.
Location: Alberobello is situated within the province of Bari, about 55 kilometers southeast of the area’s capital. Click on right here for the placement in Google Maps.
Getting There: From Bari, you’ll be able to both drive (1 hour) or take the bus from Through Giuseppe Capruzzi (the street that runs subsequent to Bari Central Station). Alternatively, you would take this tour from Bari (which takes you to each Alberobello and Matera on the identical day).
The place to Keep: Expertise staying in a standard trulli! Take a look at this distinctive trulli lodging – you received’t be disillusioned. Click on right here for particulars.
Issues To Do: Go to the Trullo Sovrano; discover the maze-like Rione Monti district; go to the Museo del Territorio Casa Pezzolla.
Entrance Charge: €1.50 for Trullo Sovrano; €4 for Museo del Territorio Casa Pezzolla.
☞ SEE ALSO: Finest Time to Go to Italy (Climate and Prices)
2. Ostuni
The “White Metropolis” of Ostuni is without doubt one of the most stunning cities in Puglia. Perched atop a hill, this medieval city is a maze of slim, winding streets and whitewashed buildings.
The easiest way to discover Ostuni is solely to get misplaced in its atmospheric streets and alleyways. To greatest orient your self, head to the Piazza della Libertà, the city’s fundamental sq., and climb to the highest of the bell tower for some gorgeous views.
The close by Cattedrale Santa Maria Assunta is made up of an fascinating combination of Gothic, Romanesque, and Byzantine structure and can also be value a go to. When you’re visiting Puglia in October, Ostuni is a good place to expertise the area’s conventional olive harvest pageant. See our full publish: 15 High Issues To Do in Ostuni.
Location: Ostuni is situated within the province of Brindisi, about 30 kilometers northwest of town of the identical title. Click on right here for the placement in Google Maps.
Getting There: The simplest option to get to Ostuni is by rental automotive (35 minutes from Brindisi or 1 hour and quarter-hour from Bari). It’s also possible to take the bus from both Brindisi or Fasano.
The place to Keep: Masseria Cervarolo presents distinctive lodging – each in its fundamental constructing and within the conventional trulli stone buildings. This farm property is gorgeous. Click on right here for particulars.
Issues To Do: Climb the bell tower in Piazza della Libertà; discover the city’s atmospheric streets and alleyways; go to the Cattedrale Santa Maria Assunta; be a part of a strolling tour.
Entrance Charge: €5 for Cattedrale Santa Maria Assunta.
3. Lecce
Lecce is also known as the “Florence of the South” due to its wealth of baroque structure. This stunning metropolis is greatest identified for its ornate church buildings and buildings, in addition to some well-preserved Roman ruins.
Among the greatest locations in Puglia to see baroque structure embody Lecce’s Duomo, the Church of Santa Croce, and the Basilica di Santa Maria degli Angeli.
Take a look at the Piazza Sant’Oronzo within the middle of the previous city, which is dwelling to an historic Roman column with a bronze statue and {a partially} excavated Roman amphitheater.
Lecce can also be an incredible place to attempt a few of Puglia’s best-known foodie specialties, together with orecchiette pasta and polpette (a sort of Italian meatball). See our full publish on the 15 Finest Issues To Do in Lecce.
Location: Lecce is situated inland, about 40 kilometers southeast of Brindisi. Click on right here for the placement in Google Maps.
Getting There: You may take a direct practice to Lecce from Bari, Brindisi, and numerous different cities and cities all through Puglia. Renting a automotive is one other nice possibility.
The place to Keep: The gorgeous Palazzo Lecce presents fashionable lodging with an genuine really feel. There’s an onsite pool and a wellness space. Rooms have balconies, breakfast is included, and the property is inside strolling distance to all the primary points of interest. Click on right here for particulars.
Issues To Do: See the baroque structure; go to the varied church buildings within the previous city; see the traditional Roman ruins; learn to make orecchiette pasta by hand in this class.
Entrance Charge: €9 mixed ticket grants entry to the primary church buildings; €3 for the Roman amphitheater.
4. Gallipoli
Gallipoli is a picturesque seaside city situated on the west coast of southern Puglia (i.e. the within of the “heel” of Italy). The city’s historic middle is located on an island related to the mainland by a slim land bridge.
You’ll want to go to the Castello Angioino, a medieval fortress situated on the island, and the baroque Seventeenth-century Cathedral of Sant’Agata, which comprises numerous intricate work and frescoes.
Gallipoli can also be top-of-the-line cities to go to in Puglia for foodies. Given its lengthy historical past as a fishing port, you will discover some actually wonderful seafood right here. Strive consuming at Trattoria Santa Monaca, within the historic middle, which may be very fairly priced given the standard.
Location: Gallipoli is situated on the west (“inside”) coast of Puglia, within the province of Lecce, round 40 kilometers southwest of Lecce itself. Click on right here for the placement in Google Maps.
Getting There: The easiest way to get to Gallipoli is by automotive. It’s roughly 40 minutes from Lecce or simply over an hour from Brindisi. There’s additionally a bus and a (very gradual) regional practice connecting Gallipoli with Lecce. Click on right here to look for the perfect rental automotive value.
The place to Keep: The highly-rated Xilhotel presents visitors a rooftop bar and sundeck with expansive views of the ocean. Rooms within the historic constructing are well-decorated and clear and a few have balconies. Be taught extra right here.
Issues To Do: Go to the Castello Angioino; see the Cathedral of Sant’Agata; go on an informative strolling tour, wander across the previous fishing harbor; take a enjoyable rickshaw tour.
Entrance Charge: €7 for Castello Angioino.
5. Otranto
Otranto is a pretty coastal city situated on the opposite aspect of the “heel” from Gallipoli. It’s one of many closest factors in Italy to Albania and the Balkans.
Maybe the city’s best-known attraction is its imposing Norman cathedral, which overlooks the traditional harbor and comprises a collection of ornate mosaics and colourful frescoes.
One other place that’s value trying out in Otranto is the Fifteenth-century Castello Aragonese, a medieval fortress that right now homes numerous exhibitions. The view from the highest of the tower out throughout the previous city and the turquoise waters of the harbor is gorgeous.
Location: Otranto is situated 50 kilometers east of Gallipoli and 40 kilometers southeast of Lecce, (within the province of Lecce). Click on right here for the placement in Google Maps.
Getting There: The easiest way to get to Otranto is by automotive, which takes about 40 minutes if touring from Lecce, though there’s additionally a bus. From Gallipoli, it’s about an hour by automotive, and there isn’t any direct public transport connection (you need to go by way of somewhat place referred to as Maglie). Seek for the perfect rental automotive value right here.
The place to Keep: The Bellavista Boutique Lodge has an unbeatable location, only a few steps from the historic middle. Be taught extra about this prime property, right here.
Issues To Do: Go to the Cathedral of Otranto; be a part of a enjoyable strolling tour of town, see the Castello Aragonese; be a part of a cooking class; go to the Church of San Pietro; swim within the clear, heat waters of the harbor.
Entrance Charge: €12 for Castello Aragonese.
6. Polignano a Mare
Polignano a Mare is without doubt one of the prettiest cities in Puglia, on the coast simply down from Bari. Its location and handy public transport connections make this a preferred day journey from the Puglian capital.
Polignano a Mare is principally identified for its dramatic cliffs and film postcard white pebble seashores, in addition to the Roman bridge that spans a slim gorge and presents beautiful views of the Adriatic Sea.
The city will get pretty busy in the summertime months, and its recognition implies that the costs have develop into somewhat inflated in contrast with different locations within the area. I’d advocate visiting as a day journey quite than staying right here in a single day.
Location: Polignano a Mare is situated round 40 kilometers southeast of Bari. Click on right here for the placement in Google Maps.
Getting There: The practice from Bari Centrale to Polignano a Mare solely takes 35 minutes and runs pretty continuously, making this an incredible possibility for these touring and not using a automotive.
The place to Keep: When you select to remain in Polignano a Mare, FonteBlu B&B presents spectacular views, an onsite bar and bicycle rental. Click on right here for particulars.
Issues To Do: Stroll throughout the Roman bridge; go to Lama Monachile (one of the vital photographed seashores in Italy); head to the panoramic Mirador al Bastión de Santo Stefano viewpoint for the perfect views on the town; uncover superb sea caves on this boat journey.
7. Monopoli
Monopoli is one in every of my favourite cities in southern Italy and one of many prime locations to go to in Puglia. Its stunning historic middle (centro storico) is a maze of slim cobbled streets, whitewashed previous buildings, and atmospheric piazzas and little courtyards.
There’s a pedestrianized walkway that runs alongside the sting of the previous city, subsequent to the seafront, and connects the traditional harbor to the seashores which lie somewhat additional south.
Within the evenings, the place involves life with locals who collect right here to satisfy buddies, do a spot of fishing, or simply sit and watch the sundown. See Additionally: 15 Finest Issues To Do in Monopoli.
When you’re eager on some seashore time, head to Cala Porta Vecchia, which is without doubt one of the nicest city seashores I’ve ever seen and is situated simply south of the primary previous city.
Location: Monopoli is situated within the province of Bari, about 30 kilometers southeast of town of the identical title. Click on right here for the placement in Google Maps.
Getting There: The quick practice from Bari to Monopoli takes half-hour. From Polignano a Mare, the journey takes simply 12 minutes. You might additionally hire a automotive to discover the area.
The place to Keep: The small flats at Terrademare are an incredible self-catering possibility, or when you’re simply on the lookout for a bit more room. Positioned near the seashore and providing sea views and balconies, this can be a good lodging possibility.
Issues To Do: Get misplaced wandering the streets of the centro storico; spend time on the seashore at Cala Porta Vecchia; go to the Cattedrale Maria Santissima della Madia; uncover the Castello Carlo V; watch native fishermen land their catch within the historic harbor (porto antico), and ensure to take a look at this fascinating strolling tour.
Entrance Charge: €10 for Castello Carlo V.
8. Fasano
Fasano is an exquisite city greatest identified for its community of cave dwellings and church buildings carved into the rock.
The realm round Fasano is roofed with olive timber and different Mediterranean vegetation that thrives in its sizzling and arid local weather.
Fasano is without doubt one of the best-hidden gems in Puglia. It’s a lot quieter than most of the different cities and cities on this publish, making it top-of-the-line locations to see in Puglia when you’re seeking to escape the crowds, particularly through the busy summer season months.
Location: Fasano is situated within the province of Brindisi, and is about 50 kilometers from Bari, Brindisi, and Taranto. Click on right here for the placement in Google Maps.
Getting There: Fasano has a practice station on the primary high-speed railway line that hyperlinks cities like Bari, Brindisi, and Lecce. The station is situated round 3 kilometers exterior of the primary a part of the city; you’ll be able to both take the bus into the middle or stroll.
The place to Keep: the Masseriola Antiche Fogge presents a swimming pool, a backyard and a terrace. It’s near all the pieces, but presents a calming vibe. Click on right here for particulars.
Issues To Do: Discover the cave dwellings and church buildings (Parco Rupestre Lama D’Antico); go to the Scavi D’Egnazia historic Roman ruins & necropolis, and the adjoining museum. Don’t miss this market tour and meal with native chef, or this enjoyable cooking class.
Entrance Charge: €6 for Parco Rupestre Lama D’Antico caves; €3 for Scavi D’Egnazia Roman ruins.
9. Cisternino
Cisternino is a tiny city (or a big village, relying on the way you have a look at it) in Brindisi province. It was constructed by Byzantine monks within the 14th century and has a pretty historic middle that’s remained remarkably intact for lots of of years.
The city has a number of panoramic viewpoints the place you’ll be able to get pleasure from gorgeous views out over the encompassing space. From these lookouts, you’ll be able to see numerous little clusters of conical trulli homes, gently rolling hills, and conventional farms.
Cisternino doesn’t have many “sights” per se, however it’s an extremely peaceable and atmospheric place to spend time.
One notable function of the previous city is its “barbecuing butchers”. You choose a number of meat and different items, which the butchers then proceed to prepare dinner completely for you over charcoal when you wait. You may both eat them there after which with a glass of native wine, or take them dwelling to get pleasure from later.
Location: Cisternino is situated about 30 kilometers south of Monopoli and 60 kilometers northwest of Brindisi. Click on right here for the placement in Google Maps.
Getting There: The easiest way to get to Cisternino is by automotive. There’s a bus from Brindisi, however it’s not significantly frequent and takes fairly a very long time. Seek for automotive leases right here.
The place to Keep: When you’re on the lookout for a property with a pool, Borgo Canonica is a good possibility! The rooms listed here are beautiful and there’s an onsite restaurant as nicely. Click on right here for particulars.
Issues To Do: Discover the previous city; go to the Thirteenth-century Church of San Nicola; take a look at the engaging Torre dell’Orologio clock tower; eat freshly cooked native meat from the barbecuing butchers. Additionally, take a look at this informative strolling tour.
10. Taranto
Taranto is without doubt one of the bigger cities in Puglia and is situated on a peninsula that juts out into the Gulf of Taranto, on the area’s west coast. The town has a protracted historical past, relationship again to historic Greek and Roman occasions.
The previous city of Taranto is situated on an island, related to the mainland by two bridges. The island is dwelling to numerous fascinating sights, together with the Fifteenth-century Aragonese Fort, and the baroque Cathedral of San Cataldo.
Taranto is without doubt one of the greatest cities in Puglia for followers of historical past. Take a look at the Nationwide Archaeological Museum of Taranto-Marta (“MArTa”), which comprises artifacts and displays on the historical past of town, from Paleolithic occasions to the Center Ages.
When you’re in Taranto on a Sunday, don’t miss the superb Spartan Museum of Taranto (sadly that is solely open at some point per week), which features a guided tour of a powerful historic underground chamber near the waterfront.
Location: Taranto is situated on the west coast of Puglia, 90 kilometers west of Lecce. Click on right here for the placement in Google Maps.
Getting There: There’s a direct practice from each Bari and Brindisi to Taranto. It takes round 1 hour and quarter-hour from both place.
The place to Keep: With greater than 1,000 excellent evaluations, the Lodge L’Arcangelo Boutique Lodge is a superb possibility. Positioned proper within the historic middle, the resort has unique frescos, wood-beamed ceilings, and beautiful stone flooring. Be taught extra right here.
Issues To Do: Stroll throughout the bridges connecting the historic middle to the mainland; go to the Aragonese Fort; see the Cathedral of San Cataldo; go to the museums, and be a part of this historic strolling tour.
Entrance Charge: €4 for Spartan Museum of Taranto; €8 for MArTa museum (€2 when you’re aged 18-25 years).
11. Brindisi
Brindisi is one other main port metropolis in Puglia, within the southeastern a part of the area. The town has a protracted and eventful historical past, a lot of which is obvious in its structure.
The well-known Roman Columns of Brindisi are an emblem of town and seem on its coat of arms. These are discovered near the port, alongside a grand staircase that descends to the waterfront.
Different notable sights in Brindisi embody the Swabian Fort of Brindisi (at present closed to the general public however nonetheless spectacular from the surface) and the gorgeous church of San Giovanni al Sepolcro, which was inbuilt 1743.
Brindisi can also be an incredible place to attempt some deliciously contemporary Puglian seafood, together with spaghetti ai frutti di mare, and fritto misto. I loved my eating expertise at Secca 48, a superb seafood restaurant on the town. There are various issues to do in Brindisi to maintain you busy.
Location: Brindisi is situated in southeastern Puglia, on the coast. Click on right here for the placement in Google Maps.
Getting There: The easiest way to get to Brindisi is by practice. There are direct trains from each Bari and Lecce, and the journeys take between 1-2 hours.
The place to Keep: The attractive rooms and small flats at Filia Solis Previous City Suites & SPA are fashionable and superbly embellished. A sizzling tub, sauna and wellness middle solely add to the attraction. Click on right here for particulars.
Issues To Do: Stroll alongside the seafront promenade to find the Roman ruins on this strolling tour; see the Swabian Fort of Brindisi; look across the church of San Giovanni al Sepolcro; get pleasure from contemporary seafood.
Entrance Charge: €3 for San Giovanni al Sepolcro church.
12. Bari
The capital of the area, Bari is a big, vibrant metropolis on the Adriatic Sea and is without doubt one of the greatest cities to go to in Puglia.
Bari’s most well-known function is its previous city (generally known as Citta Vecchia) which is sandwiched between the trendy middle of town and the busy Port of Bari.
Citta Vecchia is a maze of slim alleyways and aspect streets, with stunning previous buildings, medieval church buildings, hidden piazzas, and engaging little cafes and eating places. Laundry hangs overhead and ladies make pasta by hand on the road – it’s splendidly atmospheric.
Bari can also be dwelling to among the tastiest meals and greatest eating places in all of Puglia and is one thing of a gastronomic hub. Three wonderful eating places that I’d advocate are Al Pescatore, Assaporando le Delizie Pugliesi, and Per Bacco. Learn extra in our publish on the perfect issues to see and do in Bari.
Location: Bari is situated about midway down the japanese Adriatic coast of Puglia. Click on right here for the placement in Google Maps.
Getting There: Bari is a significant transport hub for the area and is related by way of high-speed rail to different main Italian cities. It additionally has a world airport with flights to numerous cities all through Europe, together with London, Paris, Dublin, and Frankfurt.
The place to Keep: There are quite a few locations to remain in Bari, with B&Z Luxurious being an incredible possibility. The clear and spacious rooms are centrally situated and supply breakfast. There’s additionally an exquisite terrace. Discover out extra right here.
Issues To Do: Discover the Citta Vecchia; take a historic strolling tour; go to the Basilica Di San Nicola and Bari Cathedral; take a meals tour; relax at Pane e Pomodoro seashore; go to the imposing Castello Svevo; eat as a lot unimaginable native meals as you’ll be able to.
Entrance Charge: €3 for Basilica Di San Nicola and Cathedral of San Nicola; €9 for Castello Svevo.
13. Trani
Trani is a medium-sized city and fishing port situated 40 kilometers northwest of Bari. The city itself is sort of small and could be explored simply on foot in a day.
It’s greatest identified for its beautiful Romanesque cathedral, which is constructed immediately on the sting of the water and is a superb place to get photographs in Puglia.
Trani can also be dwelling to the medieval Scolanova Synagogue, which was constructed within the Thirteenth century, subsequently confiscated by the church, and at last returned to its unique use in 2006. It’s an interesting place to go to.
Location: Trani is situated 40 kilometers northwest of Bari. Click on right here for the placement in Google Maps.
Getting There: The simplest option to get to Trani is by practice from Bari, which takes round half-hour on the quick practice.
The place to Keep: Positioned within the historic middle, Palazzo Filisio presents visitors an onsite restaurant and exquisite views of the Duomo. The placement is superb and the rooms are beautiful. Be taught extra right here.
Issues To Do: Go to Trani Cathedral and climb to the highest of the bell tower for a tremendous view of town; study Trani’s Jewish historical past on the Scolanova Synagogue; wander alongside the sting of the previous port; see the harborside Castello Svevo, which was inbuilt 1233 and the way homes a museum. Don’t miss this enjoyable strolling tour with olive oil tasting.
Entrance Charge: €5 to climb the Cathedral’s bell tower; €9 for Castello Svevo (€4.50 for guests aged 18–25, or 65+).
14. Castel del Monte
Castel del Monte is an unimaginable Thirteenth-century fortress on prime of a hill in central Puglia. It was constructed round 1240 by Emperor Frederick II and is without doubt one of the best-preserved Gothic castles in Italy. It’s positively one of the vital spectacular issues to see in Puglia.
The fortress has a particular octagonal form, with an uncommon geometric design. It’s been the main target of intensive debate, and historians are nonetheless not sure whether or not it initially served as a defensive citadel or an opulent nation retreat and searching lodge for members of the the Aristocracy.
At present, the fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Web site and a preferred vacationer vacation spot. It’s one of many must-see locations in Puglia for followers of historical past and structure. Tickets have to be bought on-line prematurely of your go to, right here.
Location: Castel del Monte is situated on the sting of the Alta Murgia Nationwide Park in central Puglia. Click on right here for the placement in Google Maps.
Getting There: The easiest way to get to Castel del Monte is by automotive. From Bari, the drive takes roughly 1 hour. It’s also possible to be a part of a day journey from Bari.
Issues To Do: Discover the fortress; go to the gardens and courtyards; climb to the highest of the towers; hike within the surrounding Alta Murgia Nationwide Park.
Entrance Charge: €7 for adults; €2 for EU residents aged 18-25.
15. Matera
The traditional hilltop metropolis of Matera is definitely simply throughout the border within the neighboring area of Basilicata. Nevertheless it’s one of the vital unimaginable locations to go to in all of southern Italy, so I needed to embody it on this Puglia vacationer information.
Matera is without doubt one of the oldest regularly inhabited cities on the planet, and plenty of historians imagine folks have lived right here for at the least 9,000 years. The oldest a part of town is the Sassi district, the place you will discover numerous prehistoric cave homes and church buildings carved out of the rock.
In addition to an interesting historical past, Matera’s location – perched on prime of a rocky mountain – is admittedly gorgeous.
Throughout my most up-to-date journey to southern Italy, I visited Matera and was blown away by this spectacular place. I’d extremely advocate a go to when you get the prospect. Be taught extra in regards to the issues to do in Matera in our article.
Location: Matera is situated within the province of Basilicata, about 30 kilometers southeast of town of Taranto. Click on right here for the placement in Google Maps.
Getting There: The easiest way to get to Matera is by automotive. From Bari, the drive takes roughly 1 hour. Unusually, there’s a bus from Bari airport to Matera, however not from the middle of Bari itself. Click on right here to look for the perfect value on rental vehicles.
The place to Keep: Staying in a cave-turned-hotel is the perfect expertise in Matera. Take a look on the stylish Palazzotto Residence&Vineyard which is in a superb location. Click on right here for particulars.
Issues To Do: Discover the Sassi district; go to Santa Maria di Idris and the opposite cave church buildings; take a historic strolling tour; admire the gorgeous views, and get pleasure from this eating expertise.
Entrance Charge: €4 for Santa Maria di Idris cave church; or €8 for this and two different rock church buildings.
Getting Round Puglia
Most of the hottest Puglia vacationer points of interest are accessible by public transport, and Bari is a significant transport hub for the area.
You may take the practice between among the main cities, resembling Bari, Taranto, and Lecce. There’s additionally a regional bus service that runs between most cities. Nonetheless, this may be fairly gradual and rare, so it’s not the most suitable choice when you’re brief on time.
If you wish to journey off the overwhelmed monitor in Puglia, I like to recommend you set up your personal rent automotive in case your price range will permit it. Wherever you want to go to in Puglia, having your personal automotive provides you with the flexibleness to discover the totally different cities and points of interest at your personal tempo.
An alternative choice is to take a tour, which can take you to multiple place and embody all transport. This might be a superb possibility for individuals who don’t have a lot time and would quite not rent transport.
Fast Itineraries for Puglia
Listed below are a number of easy itineraries that will help you resolve the place to go in Puglia.
For every, I like to recommend hiring a automotive as this can scale back the period of time you need to spend messing round with public transport, enabling you to see extra of the area with no matter time you need to spend there.
3 Days in Puglia
In 3 days, you’ll be capable to get pleasure from the perfect of Puglia, however you’ll have to maneuver pretty rapidly.
Day 1: Begin within the metropolis of Bari and go to the previous city, the fortress, and the seafront. Then take a drive down the coast to Monopoli, the place you’ll be able to loosen up on one of many many seashores. Within the night, get pleasure from some contemporary seafood at one of many eating places overlooking the ocean.
Day 2: Drive inland to Alberobello, dwelling of the well-known trulli homes. Discover the city after which proceed on to the gorgeous metropolis of Matera.
Day 3: Spend your ultimate day exploring Lecce, Puglia’s baroque metropolis. Stroll across the atmospheric previous city, go to one of many many church buildings after which get pleasure from some lunch in one of many conventional pizzerias.
One Week in Puglia
Begin as per the above 3-day itinerary. Then proceed as follows.
Day 4: Drive down the coast to Gallipoli, the place you’ll be able to loosen up on the seashore or discover the historic previous city.
Day 5: Head throughout to Otranto, then make your means again up alongside the coast to Brindisi.
Day 6: At present is all about stress-free. Spend the day at one in every of Puglia’s many seashores, resembling those present in Polignano a Mare or Monopoli. Within the night, get pleasure from a leisurely dinner and watch the sundown.
Day 7: Spend your ultimate day exploring a few of Puglia’s different cities, resembling Fasano and Cisternino.
10+ Days in Puglia
With 10 days or extra, you would in all probability go to most, if not all, of the locations described on this publish, and/or spend extra time in every.
Right here’s the order I like to recommend:
Day 1: Arrive in Bari and spend a day exploring the previous city, fortress, and seafront.
Days 2-3: Drive down the coast, spending time in Monopoli and Polignano a Mare.
Days 4-5: Head inland to discover Alberobello, and Matera.
Days 6-8: Go to Lecce, Gallipoli, and Ostuni.
Days 9-10: Spend time exploring among the different locations talked about on this better of Puglia information, resembling Cisternino and Fasano. When you fancy some extra seashore time on the finish of your Puglia sightseeing journey, you may make time for this too.
Finest Seashores in Puglia
Puglia is dwelling to among the greatest seashores in Italy. Whereas these are nowhere close to as undiscovered or untouched because the seashores simply throughout the Ionian Sea in southern Albania, they’re nonetheless often a lot quieter than these present in different components of Italy.
Listed below are a number of of my favorites. Throughout nice climate and calm seas, you’ll be able to safely swim in any respect of them.
Lama Monachile
Positioned within the fairly city of Polignano a Mare, Lama Monachile might be essentially the most well-known seashore in Puglia. The turquoise water is crystal clear and the small white pebble seashore is situated on the finish of a dramatic rocky canyon, crossed by a Roman bridge.
This seashore is admittedly gorgeous, though it may possibly get very busy through the peak summer season season.
Cala Paura
One other stunning seashore in Polignano a Mare, and often (barely) much less busy than Lama Monachile, is Cala Paura. A small pebble seashore situated on the base of a rocky cliff.
My favourite option to attain it’s by swimming (or paddleboarding) from Lama Monachile, though there’s additionally a steep path that leads down from the primary street.
Cala Porta Vecchia
In romantic Monopoli, Cala Porta Vecchia is a small, sheltered cove with crystal-clear water and some eating places and bars situated subsequent to the seashore.
It’s the proper place to loosen up with a superb e book and a cocktail.
Punta Prosciutto Seaside
Punta Prosciutto Seaside is without doubt one of the greatest seashores on the Puglian coast. It’s a protracted, sandy seashore with crystal-clear water, situated in a protected nature reserve.
There are only a few facilities right here, however it’s the proper place to flee the crowds and luxuriate in some peace and quiet.
Pane e Pomodoro seashore
Pane e Pomodoro seashore is a sandy seashore 3 kilometers southeast of the middle of Bari and is fashionable with locals of all ages. It’s not fairly as picturesque as those above however is an ideal possibility if you need a little bit of seashore time with out having to go away town.
Should-Strive Meals in Puglia
Like most Italian areas, Puglia has a wealthy culinary historical past, and consuming out is without doubt one of the many highlights of Puglia. If you journey to Puglia, Italy, there are a number of native specialties that I like to recommend you attempt. For a full listing, see our publish on the greatest meals to attempt in Puglia.
Orecchiette
Orecchiette is a kind of pasta that originates from Puglia. It’s made with semolina flour and water, and its title comes from its form, which resembles a small ear.
Orecchiette is usually served with a easy vegetable-based sauce. My favourite is one constructed from broccoli rabe (a bitter leafy inexperienced) and garlic – it’s actually scrumptious!
An incredible little restaurant to do that dish is Assaporando le Delizie Pugliesi, in Bari’s previous city.
Focaccia Barese
Focaccia Barese is a kind of flatbread that originates from town of Bari. It’s a bit like different focaccia that you might have tasted, made with a easy dough of flour, water, salt, and yeast, however can also be topped with tomatoes, onions, and olives.
One of the best focaccia Barese I’ve ever eaten is bought at a bakery referred to as Magda, on Bari’s Through Prospero Petroni. Contemporary out of the oven, it manages to be each extremely wealthy and lightweight on the identical time, and isn’t greasy in any respect, not like many different focaccias. Don’t miss it!
Polpette
Polpette are fried dumplings constructed from stale bread, eggs, cheese, and parsley. They often additionally include meat, greens, and/or fish, and could be served both by themselves or in a tomato sauce.
You will discover polpette on menus all through Puglia. When you’re in Bari, a superb place to attempt them is Per Bacco.
Tiella
Tiella is a kind of Puglian layered casserole made with potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, and onions. My favourite model of tiella additionally comprises mussels (unimaginable), though you too can get a vegetarian selection made with eggplant and zucchini.
It’s often baked in a wood-fired oven, which provides it a beautiful smoky taste. An incredible place to eat tiella is Ristorante Tiella in Bari.
Fritto Misto
“Fritto misto” interprets actually as “combined fried”. In Puglia, this basically means a number of deep-fried seafood, often squid, octopus, and fish. It’s usually served as an appetizer however will also be eaten as a fundamental course.
One of the best fritto misto I’ve ever had was from a tiny meals truck referred to as Mare Chef, near Cala Porta Vecchia seashore in Monopoli. Tremendous low cost, contemporary, and juicy, this place is road meals at its most interesting.
FAQs About Visiting Puglia, Italy
Solutions to some generally requested questions on visiting the gorgeous locations in Puglia.
Puglia is a area situated in southeastern Italy, forming the “heel” of the nation’s boot-shaped mainland.
Sure, Puglia is unquestionably value visiting! It’s one in every of my favourite components of Italy.
There are various fashionable locations to go to in Puglia, however among the hottest embody the cities of Bari, Alberobello, and Polignano a Mare.
One of the best time to go to Puglia is within the spring (April-Might) or autumn (September-October), when the climate is heat however not too sizzling, and there are fewer vacationers.
That is considerably subjective, however I feel the prettiest a part of Puglia is the area’s Adriatic Sea shoreline. Among the greatest locations to go in Puglia, Italy are situated alongside this stretch.
Bari, the capital of Puglia, is a good place to base your self. There are a great deal of nice issues to do within the metropolis itself, it’s conveniently situated close to the middle of the area, and is a significant transport hub which makes it simpler to make use of this as a base to go to different locations from.
Puglia is greatest identified for its unimaginable meals (suppose contemporary pasta, seafood, and many olive oil), stunning seashores, conical trulli homes, and distinctive picturesque cities.
Sure, Puglia is simply as secure to go to as every other a part of Italy (which may be very secure total). Offered you are taking the identical smart precautions that you’d anyplace else, you’re unlikely to expertise any issues.
In Conclusion
Puglia is an extremely stunning and welcoming area of Italy, greatest identified for its scrumptious meals, gorgeous shoreline, year-round sunshine, and distinctive cities and cities.
Whether or not you’re seeking to loosen up on the seashore, get pleasure from scrumptious meals, or discover a few of Puglia’s fascinating historical past and tradition, I’m sure you’ll love your go to to Puglia.