When people think of Italy, they would usually not think of a place like Puglia. When you look at the country of Italy and see its shape, Puglia is located in the southernmost part in the heel of the boot. On the eastern side of the Puglia is the Adriatic Sea and the Ionian Sea is located on the other side.
Puglia is a breath-taking region that has many things to over like beautiful sandy beaches with crystal-clear waters, national parks and historical and UNESCO sites that date back thousands of years.
Although many foreigners may not have heard of Puglia, in the summer months Italians from all over the country come to Puglia for the sun, sand and great nightlife. If you are planning a trip to Italy and want to see a place that is not a crazy with foreigners from around the world, as you will find in Florence, Rome and Venice then Puglia should be the place you should visit. Below is just a few of the places we recommend that you check out when you visit Puglia.
Bari
The picturesque city of Bari, which is found on southern Italy’s Adriatic coast, welcomes guests with a wonderful fusion of its past, present, and future. The Basilica di San Nicola, which houses the remains of Saint Nicholas, the model for Santa Claus, is one of the city’s top attractions. Tourists can also explore the Barivecchia, Bari’s ancient town, which is home to numerous historic structures and monuments.
In addition to having a rich cultural history, Bari also has some stunning beaches, including the well-known Pane e Pomodoro Beach, where guests may relax in the sun and take in the Adriatic Sea’s crystal-clear waters. A 12th-century fortification with breath taking views of the city and the sea is Castello Svevo, another must-see location.
Finally yet importantly, visiting Bari would not be complete without trying some of the regional cuisine. Fresh fish and classic pasta dishes like orecchiette con le cime di rapa are among the city’s most well-known culinary offerings. The best of Italian culture, history, and natural beauty can all be found in Bari, making it a fantastic vacation spot.
Polignano a Mare
Southern Italy’s Apulia area is home to the lovely seaside town of Polignano a Mare. It is a well-liked vacation spot for travelers looking for a gorgeous and lovely retreat because of its breathtaking location perched on the brink of cliffs overlooking the Adriatic Sea.
The town is well known for its stunning beaches and pristine waters, which make it the ideal location for swimming, tanning, and water sports. Lama Monachile, a secluded cove surrounded by cliffs and acknowledged as one of Italy’s most stunning beaches, is one of the area’s most well-known beaches.
Polignano a Mare has a rich history and cultural heritage in addition to its natural beauty. Visitors can stroll through the town’s winding lanes and streets while taking in the historic whitewashed structures and breath taking clifftop views. The Roman Bridge, which was constructed in the second century AD, is one of the town’s most recognisable sights.
Additionally well known is Polignano a Mare’s delectable cuisine, with fresh seafood being a particular standout. The town’s restaurants provide classic fare like seafood pasta and fish that has been caught nearby, all of which may be enjoyed with a glass of fresh, regional white wine. Overall, Polignano a Mare is a fantastic destination for people looking for the ideal fusion of scenic beauty, interesting history, and delicious food.
Alberbello
The Puglia area of southern Italy is home to the distinctive and charming town of Alberobello. The village is well-known for its trulli, unique dry-stone cottages with conical roofs that can only be found there.
A representation of the town’s cultural legacy, Alberobello’s trulli are a UNESCO World legacy Site. Visitors can stroll through the town’s narrow lanes and winding streets to admire the complex designs of the trulli and discover more about its significance and history. Visitors can get a sense of what it’s like to live in one of these unusual homes by visiting some of the trulli that have been transformed into stores, cafes, and even hotels.
Besides its trulli, Alberobello is renowned for its delectable cuisine, with regional specialties like orecchiette pasta and fresh seafood being a particular highlight. The Chiesa di Sant’Antonio and the Palazzo Municipale are two historic structures and museums in the town that are well worth a visit.
For anyone interested in history, culture, or architecture, Alberobello is a must-visit location. An exceptional experience is provided by the town’s distinctive trulli and attractive ambience.
Monopoli
Southern Italy’s Apulia area contains the charming beach town of Monopoli. The town is surrounded by gorgeous sandy beaches and waters that are crystal clean, making it a well-liked vacation spot for anyone looking for sun, sea, and sand.
The Old Town in Monopoli, with its congested cobblestone alleyways and ancient structures from the mediaeval era, is one of the city’s top attractions. Visitors can meander around the picturesque Piazza Garibaldi, which is home to a number of cafes and restaurants, or explore the town’s historic castle, Castello Carlo V, which gives breath-taking views of the Adriatic Sea.
Along with its historic appeal, Monopoli is renowned for its delectable cuisine. Visitors can eat traditional delicacies like orecchiette pasta with tomato and ricotta cheese as well as fresh seafood obtained by neighbourhood angler. Additionally, the town has a number of wineries where tourists can taste some of the regional wines, including the well-known Primitivo di Manduria.
Overall, Monopoli is a great place to visit if you want to enjoy the finest of Italian history, culture, and food against a backdrop of breath taking natural beauty.
Lecce
Lecce, a city in southern Italy’s Puglia region, is well-known for its spectacular Baroque architecture, extensive history, and thriving cultural life. Lecce, also referred to as the “Florence of the South,” is a must-see location for anybody with an interest in art, architecture, or history.
A lot of the city’s buildings feature exquisite carvings and ornamentation, making its Baroque architecture particularly striking. The Basilica di Santa Croce and the Palazzo dei Celestini are two magnificent specimens of Baroque architecture that can be found in the ancient old town, which is open to visitors.
Several museums, galleries, and theatres in Lecce feature regional artwork and performances, and the city is renowned for its vibrant cultural scene. In addition to dining at one of the city’s many restaurants, tourists can shop for trinkets in the neighborhood markets and boutiques.
The greatest of Italian culture, history, and architecture can all be found in Lecce, which is a fantastic place to visit. The city is a wonderful gem of southern Italy, with beautiful architecture, a thriving arts scene, and delectable cuisine.
Ostuni
Ostuni, a charming hilltop town in the Puglia region of southern Italy, is well-known for its whitewashed buildings, breath taking scenery, and extensive history. Visitors can take in expansive views of the surrounding countryside from the top of the hill, where the town’s winding, winding streets and alleys ascend.
The town’s distinctive and captivating attractiveness is a result of the whitewashed buildings, which are a feature of its historic architecture. The Aragonese Castle, which is now a museum, and the Gothic Cathedral from the fifteenth century are both located in the old town’s historical district.
Ostuni is renowned for its food as well, with orecchiette pasta and excellent fish being particular highlights. Visitors can browse the neighborhood markets for fresh vegetables and produce, or they can sample local wines at one of the town’s many wine bars.
In general, anyone wishing to enjoy the best of Italian culture, history, and cuisine should visit Ostuni. The town is a genuine treasure of southern Italy with its gorgeous architecture, breath taking views, and delectable food and wine.
Taranto
Many people reading this article will not have heard of Taranto or many other websites would not have Taranto a must see place to visit when you go to Puglia. However, this city is rich in history and was founded by the Spartans in 8th Century BC. The other name it is known as is la Città dei Due Mari or the City of the Two Seas.
The old town and Città Vecchia was built on the original Doric platform of ancient Taranto. The old town is an amazing maze of narrow alleyways, which many are only allow for single file access and when you look around at the history and architecture of the buildings, it is truly remarkable and breathe taking.
Other attractions in Taranto is the bridge that link the mainland to the old town, the 15th-century Aragonese Castle and the Spartan Museum is definitely worth a visit.
Another notable feature of Taranto is its waterfront, which has a number of beaches and promenades where tourists may unwind and enjoy views of the water. Additionally, the city is renowned for its delectable cuisine, with fresh seafood, octopus, and other regional specialties being particular highlights.
In general, anyone interested in history, culture, or gastronomy should visit Taranto. The city provides visitors to southern Italy with a distinctive and remarkable experience with its beautiful shoreline, historical sites, and delectable cuisine.
Torre dell’ Orso
Southern Italy’s Apulia area is home to the lovely beach village of Torre dell’Orso. The community is renowned for its magnificent beach, beautiful waters, and striking rock formations.
The beach in Torre dell’Orso, which spans for more than two kilometres and is regarded as one of the most beautiful in Italy, is the town’s main draw. The beach is a well-liked location for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports due to its fine white sand, turquoise waters, and surrounding limestone cliffs.
The Grotta della Poesia, a natural swimming hole with clean waters and amazing rock formations surrounding it, is another natural wonder that visitors can explore. The community also has a number of eateries and cafes that serve delectable regional fare, including meals like orecchiette pasta with tomato and ricotta cheese and traditional fare like fresh seafood.
Overall, Torre dell’Orso is a great place to go if you want to see the best beaches and natural beauty of Italy. The town is a genuine treasure of southern Italy with its gorgeous shoreline, beautiful waters, and mouth-watering cuisine.
Torre Lapillo Beach
The gorgeous Torre Lapillo Beach is known for its crystal-clear turquoise seas and fine, white sand and is situated in the Apulia region of southern Italy. More than three km of gorgeous sand dunes and Mediterranean vegetation surround the beach.
Swimmers, snorkelers, and windsurfers are just a few of the water sports available to Torre Lapillo Beach visitors, who can also choose to laze around and soak up the sun. It is a well-liked vacation spot for families with young children due to the shallow seas.
A number of eateries and cafes can be found all along the beach, serving delectable regional fare including fresh fish and typical Apulian meals like orecchiette pasta with tomato and ricotta cheese.
The best Italian beaches and natural beauty can be found at Torre Lapillo Beach, which is a fantastic location in general. The beach is a genuine jewel of southern Italy with its clean waves, fine white sand, and delectable cuisine.
Gallipoli
Gallipoli, the party centre of Puglia and the Italian Ibiza, is undoubtedly the most popular tourist destination in Salento. It is referred to as “the pearl of the Ionian” and is well-known for its breath taking beaches, vibrant nightlife, and beach clubs, among other things.
Tens of thousands of young people come to Gallipoli in the summer to party and have a good time. The beach clubs are situated south of the city, and because to the fantastic nightlife there, both local and foreign DJs visit these clubs every year. Samsara Beach is arguably the best location for nightlife, and Picador Village, one of the biggest clubs in southern Italy, draws a sizable crowd.
You might wish to visit Gallipoli off-season or stay closer to the ancient town if you want to avoid the chaos of people out clubbing and seeking nightlife. The bridge that connects the island-based historic town of Gallipoli to the mainland. From the seventh to the second century BC, the Greeks dominated Gallipoli for about five centuries. However, the Romans destroyed most of the city’s architecture, so what you see today dates from the Middle Ages. You should visit the Old Town because there are a lot of fantastic eateries there.
The Fontana Greca is located in the city’s most recent section. This structure originates from the Renaissance and the Cathedral of Sant’Agata, one of Salento’s finest Baroque structures. Finally, the stunning majolica floor of the Church of Santa Maria della Purità.
