Puglia Italy: everything you need to know about Puglia Italy

Puglia: where is located in Italy

Apulia is a region of southern Italy located in the extreme southeast of the Italian peninsula. It forms the heel of the Italian "boot" and is bordered by two seas: the Adriatic Sea to the east and the Ionian Sea to the south, offering over 800 kilometers of coastline.

This strategic position makes it a gateway for transportation and trade in the Mediterranean Sea.

The region is easily accessible thanks to the well-served puglia airports of Bari in the north and Brindisi in the south. The Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport, serving the northern part, and the Brindisi Salento Airport, ideal for those visiting the south of Apulia.

Puglia Travel

To organize your trip to Puglia in the best possible way, it's important to plan your itinerary based on the duration of your stay and your personal interests, whether it's culture, sea, food and wine, nature, or sports. Consider the seasonality: summer is high season, while spring and autumn offer mild climates and less crowding.

If you're traveling with cruises in Puglia or flying into Bari Airport in Puglia and wish to stay in the area, it would be a wise choice to enjoy the welcoming and sandy beaches near Bari.

To enjoy nature, flat and wild coasts, and less crowded beaches, you should fly to Brindisi Salento Airport and visit some of the best beaches of Brindisi or drive a bit south towards Otranto.

The western coast of Puglia, such as the beaches of Lecce, is sandier with less crystal-clear waters. The beaches near Taranto, on the other hand, are where nature embraces the beaches, giving the locations a Caribbean flavor.

The coasts of Puglia have been protected since the 1970s by special environmental regulations. Large areas of the Puglian coast are designated as Marine Natural Reserves, such as the Torre Guaceto Nature Reserve near Brindisi.

No human settlements are allowed in the reserves to avoid interference with nature. Most natural reserves are open to the public with rules to follow to preserve nature and history.

A feature of most Puglian beaches is the presence of stunning coastal dunes.

Coastal dunes are sand elevations formed by the combined action of wind, waves, and vegetation along coastal areas. These natural formations develop behind the beaches and constitute a dynamic and fragile environment, fundamental to the coastal ecosystem.

Over time, the accumulation of sand grows, and plants colonize these areas, stabilizing the dunes with their roots and contributing to their vertical growth.

Holidays in Puglia advices and itineraries

All the info you are looking for for your holiday in Puglia. What is there to know for a dream holiday in Puglia?

Puglia Italy Map

Puglia map is the interactive tool to be informed about Apulian territory and to plan your trip in a smart way.

Puglia Italy Map is using an intuitive user interface. The visitor can find out about the beaches, things to do, places of interest, villages and events.

The map also highlights structures and services that can be choosen  in the area you are travelling to and rented.

You can just inform yourselves in a smart way and plan your trip to Puglia starting directly from the innovative Puglia Italy Map.

Puglia Italy map is te perfect tool to make choices about what to do and where to go in Puglia during your trip.

Or visit directly The map of Hotels, Bed And Breakfasts and holiday homes in Puglia.

What to See in Puglia: Itineraries and Places of Interest

Puglia is rich in fascinating places to visit.

In Bari, the regional capital, you can explore the Basilica of Saint Nicholas, one of the most important places of worship in Christianity, the Norman-Swabian Castle, a 12th-century fortress, and Bari Vecchia, the pulsating heart of the city with its narrow alleys and ancient houses.

Lecce, known as the "Florence of the South," offers treasures like Piazza del Duomo, surrounded by baroque buildings, the Basilica of Santa Croce, a masterpiece of Lecce's baroque architecture, and the Roman Amphitheatre, a testament to ancient Roman Lupiae.

Taranto, with its Aragonese Castle by the sea and the National Archaeological Museum housing the famous "Gold of Taranto," is another unmissable destination.

Brindisi, a historic port city known as the "Gateway to the East," offers attractions like the Roman Columns, marking the end of the ancient Via Appia, the Brindisi Cathedral with its Romanesque façade, and the Swabian Castle, an imposing fortress overlooking the sea. The Regina Margherita seafront is perfect for a panoramic stroll among historic buildings and views of the natural harbor.

Foggia, situated in the heart of the Tavoliere delle Puglie, is a city rich in history and traditions. You can visit the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Assumption into Heaven, rebuilt after the earthquake of 1731, and the Civic Museum, which houses archaeological finds and testimonies of local culture. The surroundings offer archaeological sites like Herdonia and natural areas like Lake Salso.

Barletta is characterized by the majestic Colossus of Barletta, a bronze statue about 5 meters high depicting a Byzantine emperor. Among the attractions to visit are the Swabian Castle, a 13th-century fortress, and the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre, which houses important relics and Crusader symbols.

Among the most picturesque villages, Alberobello stands out for its trulli, unique dry-stone conical dwellings, while Ostuni fascinates with its historic center, a labyrinth of narrow streets and whitewashed houses.

Polignano a Mare offers breathtaking views with its historic center perched on cliffs and the Lama Monachile beach, a cove nestled between rocks.

Monopoli, located on the Adriatic coast, is known for its charming historic center overlooking the sea, with white houses and picturesque alleys. The city is famous for its ancient port and the suggestive coves with crystal-clear waters. Must-see sites include the Castle of Charles V, which dominates the sea, and the Cathedral of Madonna della Madia, famous for the legend of the Byzantine icon miraculously arriving on a raft. Monopoli also offers enchanting beaches and an ideal seafront for walks.

For nature lovers, Puglia offers numerous natural sites of great beauty. The Gargano National Park, with its lush Foresta Umbra, is ideal for hikes along shaded trails and wildlife spotting. The coasts of Gargano also offer enchanting beaches and sea caves to explore.

The Tremiti Islands, known as the "Pearls of the Adriatic," are an archipelago with crystal-clear waters and seabeds rich in biodiversity, perfect for diving and snorkeling.

The Alta Murgia National Park presents unique landscapes characterized by karst plateaus, sinkholes, and a rich variety of flora and fauna. Here you'll also find the famous Castel del Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The Torre Guaceto Nature Reserve, located along the Adriatic coast near Brindisi, is a protected area offering unspoiled beaches, coastal dunes, and wetlands populated by migratory birds.

The Porto Selvaggio Regional Natural Park, in Salento, combines shady pine forests and turquoise waters, making it an ideal place for walks, swims, and outdoor picnics.

The variety of landscapes and places of interest makes Puglia an ideal destination for those wishing to immerse themselves in Mediterranean history, culture, and nature

Beaches of Puglia: The Best Seaside Destinations

The Puglian beaches stretch for 370 km along the 995 km of the Puglian coastline, facing both the Adriatic Sea and the Ionian Sea.

Puglia's beaches are among the most beautiful in Italy, extending along the Adriatic and Ionian coasts. On the Adriatic coast, in the area of the Foggia beaches, the Baia delle Zagare in Mattinata is famous for its sea stacks and clear waters. Meanwhile, in the area of the Lecce beaches, Torre dell'Orso in Melendugno offers a fine sandy beach surrounded by pine forests. Also, Porto Badisco, near Otranto, is a small rocky bay legendary as the landing place of Aeneas.

On the Ionian coast, still in the area of the Lecce beaches, Punta Prosciutto in Porto Cesareo boasts transparent waters and a white beach. Marina di Pescoluse, known as the "Maldives of Salento", offers a paradisiacal environment. In the area of the Taranto beaches, we find Campomarino di Maruggio, characterized by sand dunes and Mediterranean scrub.

The Tremiti Islands, including San Domino and San Nicola, are ideal for lovers of diving and snorkeling.

Puglia's coasts have been protected since the 1970s by special environmental regulations. Large areas of the Puglian coast are designated as Marine Nature Reserves, such as the Torre Guaceto Nature Reserve near Brindisi.

No human settlement is allowed in the reserves to avoid interference with nature. Most natural reserves are open to the public with rules to follow to preserve nature and history.

A feature of most Puglian beaches is the presence of stunning coastal dunes.

Coastal dunes are accumulations of sand formed by the interaction of wind, waves, and vegetation along coastal areas. These natural structures develop behind beaches and represent a dynamic and delicate environment, fundamental for the coastal ecosystem.

Over time, sand progressively accumulates, and plants begin to colonize these areas, stabilizing the dunes with their roots and promoting their vertical growth.  

Gastronomic Experiences in Puglia

Puglian cuisine is a journey through the authentic flavors of the Mediterranean. Among the typical dishes to try are orecchiette with broccoli rabe, a symbol of regional cuisine, fava beans and chicory, a humble yet flavorful dish, and Puglian bombette, stuffed meat rolls typical of the Valle d'Itria. Friselle, dry bread to be soaked and topped with tomato and extra virgin olive oil, are another local specialty.

Puglian wines are renowned internationally. Primitivo di Manduria is a full-bodied red wine ideal with meats and cheeses, Negroamaro is another prized red often used in blends, and Salento Rosato is fresh and fruity, perfect for fish dishes. Numerous wineries offer tours and guided tastings, allowing you to discover the local oenological excellences.

Typical products such as DOP extra virgin olive oil, with Puglia being one of the largest producers in Italy, Altamura DOP bread, the first bakery product in Europe to receive the DOP designation, and Andria burrata, a fresh stretched-curd cheese with a stracciatella center, further enrich the gastronomic offerings.

Activities and Adventures

For nature and adventure enthusiasts, Puglia offers numerous opportunities. You can hike in the Gargano National Park, among forests, lakes, and breathtaking landscapes, or in the Foresta Umbra, the green lung of Gargano, ideal for walks and picnics.

The Castellana Caves are one of Italy’s most important speleological complexes, open for guided tours.

Sports activities include scuba diving in seabeds rich with marine flora and fauna, especially in the Tremiti Islands, kitesurfing and windsurfing in renowned spots like Porto Cesareo and Torre Guaceto, and cycling tourism with bike paths along the coasts and inland.

For wellness and relaxation, the Terme di Santa Cesarea offer beneficial sulphurous waters, while spas and masserie provide wellness treatments in exclusive settings.

Useful Tips for Tourists

The climate in Puglia is generally mild. Spring, from April to June, offers ideal temperatures for cultural visits and outdoor activities. Summer, from July to August, is perfect for the sea, but destinations can be crowded, so early booking is advisable. Autumn, from September to October, has still pleasant weather, fewer tourists, and excellent opportunities for gastronomy.

Regarding internal transportation, renting a car offers maximum freedom, with well-maintained main roads.

Regional trains connect the main cities, although they can be slow, while buses also reach small villages, but it’s important to check schedules.

When it comes to accommodation, early bookings are essential during the high summer season. Choosing facilities managed by locals allows for a more authentic experience, and Puglia offers solutions for all budgets, from luxury to budget-friendly options.

Trying typical dishes in family-run restaurants will allow you to taste authentic flavors.

Puglia Best Hotels

Puglia has some of the most renowned hotels in the world for their originality and their beauty. Puglia Best Hotels are located on the sea side or in the countryside within historical estates. Check out our Map of Hotels in Puglia to easily find out the hotel of your choice.

Ancient farm structures, the Masserie or the Trulli, are often reorganized into Luxury Hotels.

They run within unique structures immersed in beautiful landscapes. Luxury Hotels in Puglia provide unique and unforgettable experiences to visitors.

Browse our contents related to cities, events, beaches in order to obtain contextualized Hotels Offers in Puglia.

Use our Puglia Hotel Map to find easily the best accommodation for you near the place you are going to visit whe in Puglia.

Puglia Luxury Hotels

Luxury hotels in Puglia have the characteristic of being strongly linked to the territory in which they are immersed.
 
Puglia Luxury hotel are immersed in nature, leveraging local history and culture, to amaze customers.
 
A stay in one of the luxury hotels in Puglia is a unique experience for many reasons. The locations are amazing. The quality of the historical buildings is pristine.

The level of services and Mediterranean spirit of Puglia Luxury Hotels will make you wish to postpone departure.

Puglia Villa Rental

Renting a villa in Puglia is one of the favorite ways for groups and families to spend their holidays in Puglia.

You can find modern villas equipped with swimming pools and all other comforts. But you also have the choice for typical countryside structures like Masserie and Trulli. Those are renovated and modernized to accommodate visitors comfortably.

You can easily find out the available best villas to rent in Puglia based on the area you want to stay and the level of services you wish to receive.

As like villas in Puglia also some Masserie and Trulli are equipped with amenities and are considered high-end villas. They have swimming pools, sauna, outdoor hot tubs on gardens with wonderful views over the countryside or the sea.

Puglia Masseria

Masseria are fortified farms build to host owners and workers but most importantly to protect them from the attacks by marauders.

The masseria was a home for the owner, the whole workers and eventually its guards and servants.

The farms are located throughout the whole Puglia territory. They were usually built in the center of large agricultural properties.

Today there are still farms inhabited by large landowners but most of them have been abandoned. Many have been restored and converted into country houses, resorts, hotels or farmhouses.

In a Puglia Masseria you can enjoy the relaxation of the Puglia countryside and get to know the hospitality of the territory.

You can check out a filtered list of the best masseria to rent in Puglia available right now, or choose the areas and cities where you would like to stay to see a list of the available spots.

Many Masseria are equipped with swimming pools and lawns within the walls. Some farms are equipped with spas and wellness centers.

Almost all the farms have their own agricultural production. A bless for the hosts since benefits of healthy, fresh food cooked by lovely experienced local ladies.

Is nice to return to the Masseria in the evening, after spending a day by the sea or on a trip to visit one of the nearby villages. You enter the fresh countryside to stay in a cool place that exudes history and culture and where you can appreciate fresh local food an wine.

Masseria Puglia: the best Masserie in Puglia

Discover the best farmhouses in Puglia, choose your farm near the sea among the best farmhouses in Puglia.

Puglia Festivals

Puglia festivals are strongly linked its territory, to its peasant and maritime traditions.

Festivals in Puglia celebrate agriculture, unique products, religious occurrences or other traditional events.

Festivals are distributed on all territory throughout the year. They often last several days and are enriched by markets, exhibitions and musical events that attract people from all over the region.

During public holidays or during summer live music concerts are organized. Music Festivals in Puglia aim to explore and share with citizens, the importance of traditional bales and songs. 

The most important music festivals in Puglia take place in summer times, from June to September, hosting some of the most known international music artists.

Music festivals in Puglia have great success and international reach, with bands and musical guests from all over the world.

This allows Puglia Festivals to share traditional Apulian music and folk songs with the world.

Music Festivals in Puglia, Events of Summer.

Discover the music festivals of the summer in Puglia. Discover the Folk, Classica, Rock, Elettronica, Pop groups who come to Puglia from all over the world to live unforgettable experiences

Puglia what to see

There is an infinite list of historical places, art pieces, landscapes, towns, cities and events a visitor can see and enjoy in Puglia the whole year.

Puglia has a long history that dates back to the Messapian populations entering the fertile region from east.

Numerous Paleolithic and the Bronze Age testimonies are still visible today in their original beauty. Many caves have been carved into the rock starting from the Gargano up to Valle d'Itria and the "Murge" area, with spectacular rock paintings.

Some other funeral testimony, like the Montalbano "Dolmen", data back to the bronze age (3500 BC).

Puglia was occupied by many populations in last centuries due to the fertility of land, the richness of the territory and the strategic position in the Mediterranean Sea.

Romans, Normans, Swabians, Angevins and Aragonese have succeeded one another over the centuries.

Each of these populations has left interesting historical and architectural testimonies that can be enjoyed by any visitor overall the region: Vieste, Ostuni, Otranto, Lecce, Bari and many other ancient towns both on the see and inland.

The culture and the development of the region was deeply influenced by those populations and that is why the Puglia is one of the most beautiful and most visited regions of Italy.

Check out some of the things to do in Puglia by province:

• Things to do in Bari
• Things to do in Brindisi
• Things to do in Lecce
• Things to do in Foggia

11 best places to visit in Puglia. Guide on the most beautiful places to visit in Puglia.

Trulli

Trulli are ancient buildings unique in the world with the characteristic of having a cone-shaped roof.
 
Visit Itria Valley, between Locorotondo and Martina Franca, to see that Trullo is a very widespread structure in the area.

Alberobello is the only town left in the Itria Valley whose historic center is still almost entirely made up of Trulli.

Trulli nowadays are distributed here and there in the countryside in the various landholdings.
 
Today the Trulli are used as homes or to host tourists who want to live the experience of living in these fairytale homes both in summer and in winter.
 
Staying in a Trullo is a unique experience. The conical roof built in dry stone seen from the inside is a work of art, one wonders how it can stand without the use of cement or lime.

Valle D'Itria

Find out what to see in Valle D'Itria and its beauties. A journey between culture and tradition. From the Trulli of the Itria Valley to the most beautiful places to visit.

Puglia New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve in Puglia is one of the busiest times of the year from the point of view of tourist visits.

Public places as well as private services become stages for the classic New Year's Eve party. Square, bar, disco, restaurants and all other public places need to be booked in advance to be able to join the party.

Municipalities organize musical events and celebrations of various kinds to toast new year.

Puglia New Year events leverage the unique landscapes and the specialties that the territory offers to visitors.

New Year's Eve Puglia New Year's Eve offers and events in Puglia

Where to spend the New Year's Eve in Puglia. Discover the best offers on where to eat and sleep and the events for the New Year in Puglia.

Puglia Christmas

Christmas in Puglia is the period of greatest influx of tourists from all over Italy and the world after summer.

Visiting Puglia during Christmas will make you realize that beaches and summer are not the only attraction to visit the region.

Spend Christmas in Puglia means going back in time and discovering ancient villages traditions.

You can enjoy Christmas evening with you family everywhere in Puglia. Coasts, countryside or promontories in the region offer all great entertainment and services.

Every village celebrates and entertains citizens and visitors. They organize Christmas markets in Puglia, living nativity scenes, concerts, patronal feasts and much more.

Puglia is a region strongly linked to its history. The citizens are truly in  love with the territory. Services continuously aspire to modernize while maintaining strong ties with its traditions. The love for the territory is reflected in the quality of relationships, care and attention to details.

Christmas in Puglia The best places for Christmas

Discover the magic of Christmas in Puglia. Traditions of Christmas in Puglia, the best places for Christmas in Puglia with typical Christmas cuisine.

Puglia Food Culture

Puglia Food Culture is the result of centuries of refinement in preparing great food using only fresh local ingredients.
 
Puglia economy is still strongly linked to its ancient peasant traditions. Puglia can in fact be defined as an open-air vegetable garden. The region supplies the rest of Italy with a lot of varieties of products. The most exported products are Durum Wheat, Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Wine of the highest quality.
 
Puglia has been one of the Italian regions with an agricultural vocation for millennia. Agriculture and fishing are the activities that have made Puglia what it is today, a region proud of its territory and with a desire to innovate.
 
The development of territory and of social life in Puglia are strongly related to its peasant evolution.
 
There was a time when there where no machines helping ease the hard work. All the families were committed to support themselves independently through agricultural productions (for example of vegetables, cereals, fruits, oil, wine, ...) or through processes of transformation and conservation of fresh products.
 
In the peasant tradition the end of agricultural cycles and working seasons meant the end of a hard work period and the begin of celebrations. The party at close of the harvesting celebrated the availability of products and the end of particularly tiring periods.
 
Coming together at work and at celebrations at the end of the harvest were moments of joy and social spirit among the workers.
Helping each other was the glue between the families and is what makes Puglia region a great place to stay and relate to locals.

Puglia Wine

The production and trade of wine in Puglia has a millenary tradition. The luxuriance of the territory and the many ports in ancient times strengthened wine trades and agriculture in general.

Puglia wines are famous throughout the world for their high alcohol content, depth of colors, intensity of aromas and depth of colors.

Production of Puglia wines is a way to keep winery traditions alive,  the final result of a year of hard work and centuries of evolution.

If you like in winery an wine production in general then October is the month to be in Puglia. In October the grapes harvest begins and so the wine production. Discover what it means to produce wine in Puglia hosted by farmers that show you what their secrets are.

You can live and see with your eyes how whine production in Puglia works and check out how some of the best wines in Puglia are made.

Take advantage of the hospitality of farms and country houses, like the wineries in Brindisi, that will host and involve you in one of the most intense and chilling period of the year.

You will contribute to the closure of a cycle that lasted a year and a process of development that lasted centuries.
Enjoy the Puglia Wine production first hand visiting Puglia countryside.

Puglia Grape Harvest

Between the end of summer and before Christmas two events characterized the life of the peasants: the grape harvest and the olive harvest.

The grape harvest is the period in which entire families moved from farm to farm to help harvest grapes by hand.

A lot of effort was accompanied by laughter, jokes and cheerfulness during work. Days were marked by the rhythms of the breaks to eat mid-morning until the end of the day. At evening rich tables were set to welcome all the workers and families to eat together in cheerfulness.

Harvesting before winter, with low temperatures, allowed the total ripening of the grapes and better fermentation and clearing of the wine.

Puglia Wine has been a very important resource not only for wine itself. Grapes are used to produce other drinks, various sweet and savory recipes.

"Vino Cotto" (or cooked wine) is a typical Apulian product, a sort of syrup produced from wine cooked with figs or apples, used in the kitchen and on many other occasions.

Puglia Olive Oil

Puglia Olive Oil is the result of the harvesting and milling of native olives distributed in the region. The most important of the 21 cultivars for the production of oil in Puglia are Ogliarola (of Bari, Gargano or Salento) and Coratina (or Racioppa).
 
These two varieties are among the most present and the most productive in the area. Both are appreciated for their resistance to cold, good yield and an oil with an intense and fruity flavor.
 
The intense aroma and strong taste of Puglia olive oil are unparalleled. It has to be pleasant on the palate and has to "scratch" or pinch in the throat.
 
Only 10% of the weight of olives, the Extra Virgin Olive Oil, becomes Puglia Olive Oil once milled. Puglia Extra Virgin Olive Oil is a product of excellence in the world.
 
In Puglia Olive Oil is used to cook and enrich the vast majority of dishes served in Puglia: sweet or savory, cooked or raw.
It is also widely used to produce preserves in oil or , for aesthetic and pharmaceutical products.
 
To taste the best olive oil you should consume only Mono-culture Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Puglia.
 
Using oil coming from a single cultivar is the healthiest choice. To obtain mono-culture olive oil is either to contribute to the harvest or to contact the producers directly. From them you will be able to obtain the highest quality and purity at fair prices.
 
Puglia Olive Oil maintains its nutritional properties for 2 years and then starts to decade but still can be used. For this reason Italian families tend to buy large quantities of quality oil and store them in a fresh and dark place be ready to use.

Puglia Olive Harvest

The olive harvest is a job that is done between October and December by picking the olives, from the ground or from the branches, of the olive tree.

As for grape or wheat, olive harvest in Puglia also involved many families to collaborate and help each other to speed up the process.

Then the olives would to be taken to the mill to be "ground" and thus transformed into oil.

The anticipation of ripening of the fruits favors collectors who can be outdoors in short sleeves (December days in Puglia can still be hot).

Olive harvest is still one of the activities to be carried out by hand. Some of the most pleasant aspects of the olive harvest nowadays have been kept and that makes tourists and visitors happy to help an collaborate in the process.

The joy while working, the nature and hot weather, the social and festive spirits of harvesting days are an event for the harvester.

The expectation and anxiety for the result of the milling at the mill and the curiosity to taste the results of one's efforts and work is the end of a long year that repeats itself since millennia.

Fresh extra virgin oil at home means enjoying a bruschetta with the family or a traditional preparations made with the new oil.