The region of Puglia is situated in the south of Italy and is huge, meaning plenty of space for everyone. It covers an area of almost 20,000 square kilometres, stretches 350- 400 kilometres north to south and has a very long coastline of some 800 kilometres bordering both the Adriatic and Ionian seas.
The truth is that the Italians have been visiting Puglia for many years and it is especially popular with Italians who live in the north of the country. Yet, international visitors were a little late discovering it, prompting the saying “this is Italy for the Italians”.
The past ten years have seen big changes with visitors from all over the world choosing this uncrowded and beautifully diverse region.
For visitors from the UK, there are two international airports, Bari in the north and Brindisi in the south of Puglia.
For those wanting to see even more of Italy these airports have direct flights to all major Italian cities and also to the islands of Sardinia and Sicily. Lovers of the train have a great choice of train travel.
While many visitors choose to explore as much as Puglia as they can in a given time, either using a hire car or excursions, the distinctive beaches attract many people who
love the seaside vibe and they choose the beach as their base.
The coast, the beaches
The Adriatic coast has pristine, crystal-clear waters, pebble beaches and dramatic limestone cliffs, while on the Ionian side, there are wide, soft, sand beaches earning the nickname “the Maldives of Italy”. On the Adriatic side, famous Lama Monachile in Polignano a Mare is stunning and for the fans of sand, both Punta Prosciutto and Pescoluse are inviting.
Bari, the regional capital
A vibrant city of some 330,000 people and located on the Adriatic Sea. A busy commercial port, a university hub and an ancient medieval old town which all blend perfectly together. A rich history and the only city on the Italian peninsula which was an independent, Muslim emirate (847-871 AD) resulting in a wondrous mix of architecture including some stunning Byzantine buildings.
The lungomare, seaside promenade is one of the longest in Italy at around 15 kilometres. In Bari Old Town, one of the most praised guided tours is the “Bari
Walking and Street Food Tour combining the surprising food specialities of the city (including its raw seafood tradition) with some traditional sightseeing.
Monopoli fishing traditions
This is a traditional fishing town and is particularly striking for the maze of winding streets, historic churches and whitewashed alleys in the centre. The historic harbour (Porto Antico) is where local fishermen bring their daily catch right next to the16-century Carlo V Castle and this very pretty port has wonderful views across the Adriatic. Just 40 minutes from Bari.
Ostuni, the White City
More of a town yet known as “the white city” due to it’s historic, white buildings and endless alleyways, arches and patios which gleam white in the sunshine. The tradition of painting buildings with a mix of whitewash and lime continues today. This reflects the intense sun and helps keep the interiors cool. When locals refer to “ghost villages” they are referring to the ancient, rock-carved cave settlements, long abandoned together with eerie, abandoned rural hamlets. From the top of this hilltop town there are sweeping views of surrounding olive groves which stretch from the base of the hill as far as the Adriatic Sea. Just over an hour from Bari.
Alberobello and Trulli houses
Without question, it is the powerful images of the iconic Trulli houses which have propelled Alberobello in Valle d’Itria (Itria Valley) to fame and the town is now on the UNESCO World Heritage list. These white cottages have the unique conical shape right up to the top of the roof and can also be seen across the valley. Around an hour from Bari. Completely Italy features some beautifully renovated Trulli houses, some with outdoor pool.
Gallipoli, lunch and more
Visitors exploring the Puglia region often say that Gallipoli is the perfect spot for a long lunch stop with the awesome backdrop of the Castello Angioino-Aragonese, a massive medieval fortress which stands at the gateway to the old town. Situated on the coast on the Ionian sea along the Salento peninsula. The historic centre is connected to the modern part by a 17th century bridge. Gallipoli has a golden beach and an incredible choice of seafront restaurants. Just over two hours from Bari.
Lecce, labyrinths and theatres
Known as the “Florence of the South “due to the beautiful Baroque buildings built from the local, golden stone and which line the labyrinthine streets of the town. Children are often spotted playing hide-and-seek there.
There are two impressive ancient Roman theatres, one an amphitheatre which remained hidden until workers found it in 1901and only one third is visible today together with a smaller theatre. Lecce has a very distinct speciality drink called caffe Leccese, a sweet, iced coffee made by pouring hot espresso over ice cubes mixed with rich almond syrup and it is served everywhere. Under two hours from Bari,
Masserias, then and now
These are historic fortresses and fortified farmhouses in the glorious countryside and many have been authentically preserved and converted into charming boutique accommodation and restaurants. A great example of a beautiful masseria is Masseria Montenapoleone.
Olive groves and vineyards
The vast, countryside space and the gentle climate (Puglia is one of the sunniest regions in Italy with over 300 days of sunshine per year ) create perfect conditions for vineyards and olive groves, often side by side. Primitivo, Negroamaro, Nero di Troia are the best-known, sun-ripened, bold red wines. Puglia’s olive oil produces 40-50 per cent of Italy’s total supply and there are three main varieties from Coratino with spicy, somewhat bitter green notes, Ogliarola Barese, the middle one being smoother and fruitier while Peranzana is the lighter more delicate one with a touch of sweetness.
Climate
One of the sunniest areas of Italy, located in the warm, bright heel of the Italian boot, summers are long with hot dry days often reaching the mid 30C’s, even higher. Winters are usually mild yet cooler and November and March often remain around a pleasant 15C. The other winter months rarely drop below 5C. April and May are sunny and pleasant with an abundance of Spring flowers. June is warmer, July and August are hot and September and October are sunny and warm with many people still swimming in the sea into November.
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Puglia, Italy and Dubrovnik, Croatia
If a two country, twin- centre holiday appeals, then these two are a wonderful combination. Bari and Dubrovnik are connected by both regular scheduled flights and a ferry service. The short flight lasts just 45 minutes and the ferry crossing is 7.5-9 hours offering private cabin accommodation, regular seating, restaurants and bars.
Did You Know?
Puglia has indeed been discovered by all kinds of visitors. Meryl Streep owns a property in Tricase, a traditional masseria in the Salento area of southern Puglia.
Sir and Lady Beckham (The Beckhams.) have been spotted several times staying at Borgo Egnazia, an exclusive five-star resort in Savelletri on the Adriatic coast in Brindisi province where the hills of the Itria Valley meet the sea,
The famous Burrata di Andria, the delicious, fresh cheese with the rich, liquid centre was invented in Puglia as were orecchiette, the ear-shaped pasta. Many places offer “olive oil and burrata tastings”
In a nutshell
Puglia retains a more relaxed and rural feel than some tourist-trodden areas and locals often advise visitors to think of “la dolce vita”. They talk of taking life gently with no tight schedules. Quieter spots including Locorotondo, Cisternino and Peschici… are just a few of the ultra-peaceful spots (often with quieter beaches too) that the very same locals insist must stay their secret!
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