Puglia holidays offer up a magnificent array of beaches, inimitable history and architecture and natural wonders that provide a superb break for the whole family. With its white-washed buildings, theres plenty of the kind of Puglian sights youll come to recognise: churches, towers and piazzas. There are many tours in the main cities of the Region so that you can choose according to your preferences and your itinerary. Trulli houses are very different from what we perceive thinking about Italy, they showcase an undiscovered part of the region. Home Blog Posts Destinations Europe Italy 20 Very Best Things To Do In Puglia Italy. No need to go to the Gran Canyon when you can visit the Terre delle Gravine National Reserve with breathtaking views. Alternatively, you can book a Street Food Tour in Bari or even take an orecchiette pasta making class (pasta making classes can be very expensive in Italy so, at under 35, this is amazing value). Via Galileo Galilei 24, 72017, Ostuni Italy +39 333 129 2341 Website Menu. Puglia is a large Region in Southern Italy and it is often referred to as "the Heel of the Boot", for its geographical position. Monti Dauni, ancient stories and marvellous villages, Gargano, stretches of salt water, unique views and a UNESCO World Heritage forest, From Bisceglie to Monopoli, historical boats and valuable archaeological sites, Murgia and Gravina, the charm of the hinterland, Salento, unparalleled historical and cultural heritage, Apulia Fuori Rotta, 5 unusual stops for a surprising itinerary. All the caves have evocative names like Wolf Cave, Owl Cave, Precipice Cave or Desert Corridor. Every trip to Italy is unique, build it the way you like it, you'll be spoilt for choice. While public transport is available, it can be unpredictable, not every town and attraction is well connected, and some of them arent accessible at all. Please check Foreign Office advice and testing/quarantine requirements in your destination before booking. Visit San Leonardo, Candelora of SantAntonio Abate, and enjoy a guided tour not to miss any hidden gem. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. This town is famous for its traditional buildings: they are whitewashed and made of local limestone with a particular conic roof made of layered stone labs. There are many caves, rock formations, and hidden bays hosting numbers of fishes, mollusks, and urchins. Get behind the wheel for stirring views across the Adriatic, and access to several small coves and beaches that are well off the beaten track. It looks like a durum hard bread biscuit, cut horizontally in half and toasted again in the oven. This journey begins in the north, in the Monti Dauni, characterised by wild nature, tiny villages and ancient fortresses that tell of a magnificent past. Discover the magnificent tradition of the 13th century Castel del Monte. We organize tours in all the main cities of Puglia, departing from different locations. Prices start at 304 a night and rise to 2,200 a night. The town is divided into two parts: the new and the old. The largest is called Il Duomo (the cathedral) due to its church-like proportions. Gargano promontory is also called the Spur of Italy, because of its shape and its geographical position (above the heel of the boot, like Italians call the Country). Torre Sant'Andrea. Its much less touristy for one thing. G. rotte di Castellana is one of Puglias most amazing natural wonders and very different from the historic port towns and beautiful sandy Puglia beaches the region is more often associated with. who offer charming and spacious private trullis right in the historic center. This town, like Puglia Region in general, has an ancient tradition of terracotta manufacturing. Food lovers can indulge themselves by sampling a typical product from Orsara di Puglia, the last stop in the area, unmissable for its typical bread with ancient sourdough starter baked in a straw oven. Ready to be transported into the charming and unspoiled beauty of Puglia? 3. The updated calendar of events can be found here. Mt. Continue your afternoon with a stroll through the town's medieval streets. Youll find white sand, crystal-clear water, and the perfect environment for families with kids. With a beautifully rustic historical centre, stunning beaches, unique churches and heritage based on Byzantine, Roman and Arab influences, Otranto Puglia is the perfect place to spend a day. Are you thinking about arranging a romantic weekend, but you are looking for something less known than Paris or Rome? A unique place, a cave absolutely to see in its special things. In this magical land in Southern Italy, sun-soaked beaches meet green rolling hills, and the rich history blends seamlessly with the mouth-watering local delicacies. Discover Puglia, in southern Italy, the region in the 'heel' of Italy's boot with stunning coastlines, hilltop villages and amazing food. Therefore, visiting Alberobello is crucial in understanding all sides of the country. While its possible to taste Primitivo throughout Puglia, I did a great, informal tasting in Enoteca Tholos in Alberobello. Farms, vineyards and oil mills offer the ideal opportunity to sample the irresistible flavours of the area. The Gargano promontory is also known as the spur of the Italian boot, it extends into the eastern part of Puglia and is surrounded by the Adriatic Sea. Prefer to explore by boat? The taralli are small and circular crackers that are commonly consumed as an aperitif in Italy. . Panzerotti are made with the same pizza dough and then deep fried for a crispy taste! from various periods. Originally seen as a poor food, Frisellais today very popular on the tables of Puglia as well on the street food markets. This Baroque Architecture and Underground Walking Tour will take you around the highlights. Or if you prefer, you can book a guided tour of Castel del Monte. You will be able to enjoy a swim in the crystal clear blue waters of the sea between Castro and Santa Cesarea Terme. It is one of the most important Italian locations for seaside tourism, thanks to its many kilometers of sandy beaches. Youll have the chance to slowly explore the trails and see local flora and fauna while meeting lovely animals like horses. 28 Amazing Things to Do and See in Puglia, Italy 1. All products and brands mentioned in this article are selected by our writers and editors based on first-hand experience or customer feedback. Alberobello is a strange and picturesque destination, which is becoming an important fixture on the travel itineraries of tour operators as well as independent travelers. Youll find Altamura bread makes an appearance throughout Puglia but here you can try a loaf from a bakery, fresh out of the oven. Grotte di Castellana can be visited on a guided tour down a 3km long pathway with the correct safety equipment. Discover the best of Puglia{breadcrumbs.state.code.short.usOnly} with Orbitz. The town is filled with historic structures, churches, etc. Monopoli & Castellana Caves The caves are a fascinating karst complex of underground cavities of considerable speleological and natural importance. Descend deep into the Castellana Caves, 5. This part of the city is surrounded by the sea on 3 sides and its connected to the modern districts by a bridge. Its a great area for hiking, especially around the Forestra Umbra (Forest of Shadows), whose shady beech, oak, yew and Aleppo pines provide a refuge for local wildlife. Apulia Fuori Rotta, 5 unusual stops for a surprising itinerary 29 September 2022 4 minutes Index Monti Dauni, ancient stories and marvellous villages Gargano, stretches of salt water, unique views and a UNESCO World Heritage forest From Bisceglie to Monopoli, historical boats and valuable archaeological sites Its possible to go inside the castle if you book tickets. Another of the best places in Puglia is the unusual, historic town of Alberobello. The citys most prominent building is the Basilica di San Nicola, a splendid church built in the Romanesque style, and one of the earliest Norman churches in Puglia. Topics are varied, covering everything from wine-tasting to market shopping, the Mediterranean diet, southern Italys Jewish cuisine, olive oil making and the art of the perfect tomato sauce. Its most striking buildings are the 17th century Palazzo Ducale and 18th century Basilica di San Martino, dedicated to the towns patron saint. Another of the best places in Puglia is the unusual, historic town of Alberobello. It is located South of Otranto, easily accessible by car, youll have to walk a few hundreds meters to enjoy the so called red lake. You can read about my trip to Prosecco here.) Required fields are marked *, FacebookTweetPinLinkedIn If you are thinking of traveling to the South of Puglia, without a doubt you should include this beautiful, Art & Culture Bari Land Beach & Coast Gargano Info Itineraries Itria Valley Nature & Parks Recipes Salento Top 10 To See Traditions Typical Products UNESCO World Heritage What to do. Bari has a thriving street food scene, but to find the best spots youll need a guide. Enjoy a relaxing day on Turkish Bay Beach (Otranto), 23. In fact, pottery was so essential in the region that it was always possible to find an entire pottery set in each house. For more information visit here. Here youll find a beach which is often considered the most beautiful and exotic one in the whole Puglia Region. Its also a city with two very different sides; the modern Murat district and older Barivecchia. If you want to explore with a local, you can book a walking tour of Trani with olive oil tasting. You can have a guided tour that will lead you through sceneries that seem to belong to a fantasy tale. It is unusual to have snow in Puglia, but with the climate changes, you will never know. As you may see, there is a lot to enjoy in Puglia. A great way to explore is on this, Fun fact: staying overnight in a trulli in Puglia took me back to that time I lived in a cave for 3 months in the, Something which doesnt always make it on to every list of things to do in Puglia is one of the regions most unique and interesting attractions the, Located in the town of the same name, just a short distance from Alberobello in the Valle dItria, Grotte di Castellana is a 90 million year old. Despite the origin of the name, this is now an idyllic place where you can admire both the sea and the Mediterranean vegetation in a peaceful atmosphere. The shore is characterized by sandy stretches which alternate with rocks; the water is crystal clear with colour ranging from blue cobalt to green. Public transport is very limited, bordering on non-existent in some areas, so having a car will give you the freedom to explore. While you give free reign to your imagination, make sure you know everything before you leave. Filled with trulli - small stone houses with conical roofs, it's incredibly picturesque and unique. Say Martina Franca and my brain thinks: food. See the living crib of Polignano a Mare In Christmas time, Puglia is full of living nativity cribs, all beautiful regardless of religious belief. I visited a dairy farm to watch some local cheese making in action and, of course, there was a tasting at the end. We highlight the village of Bovino (listed as one of the Borghi piu belli dItalia), SantAgata and Troia. In December and early January, there are also traditional crafts exhibitions, food events, Christmas lights in the streets, and a huge Christmas tree. In fact, if you are looking for a destination with the best water, Polignano is a place to go. As an alternative, you can book a walking tour of Monopoli that will introduce you to the citys legends (and includes some local food recommendations). We are a real community of friends. This village is located among terraced hills cultivated with typical vineyards. Revolving around a huge tree of life, the mosaic depicts animals, biblical figures, pagan characters, mythical beasts and visions of heaven and hell as well as, inexplicably, a cat in boots. For instance, a very important Byzantine Abbey of Sant Angelo. Moreover, it shows some particular lighting effects during solstices and equinoxes. See the trulli in Valle d'Itria Valle d'Itria, or "Trulli Valley," is famed for its storybook environment filled with trulli (singular: trullo) or former peasant cottages. The first stop is the smallest village in Apulia, Celle San Vito: only 163 inhabitants and a rare language, the Franco-Provenal dialect imported by the Angevins. If you want an even stronger experience, plan your tour at night! With sand and rock color palette it has much more to offer than you would have expected. The relics of Saint Nicholas, the saint who . Its not cheap but is worth it. For those seeking ultimate luxury, you can also book an overnight stay in the lavish Grotta Palazzese Hotel one of the best hotels in Puglia. Got any questions or tips, let me know in the comments below. While the city can get particularly crowded with both tourists and locals during peak times, Ostunis vibrant and exciting atmosphere is like no other youll experience in all of Puglia. There are plenty of tempting beaches that surround the pretty old town of Gallipoli. From here, you can reach the Eremi di Pulsano; lonely, secluded places from which to enjoy an astonishing panorama. Consider having a brunch at V-ita Vivere Italiano. Bonus: Primitivo Puglia has recently become available in some UK supermarkets. Itineraries such as Puglia Fuori Rotta enhance the authentic spirit of the regions of Italy, revealing hidden and little-known corners, places and landscapes that offer unforgettable emotions and adventures. Its also the place to dine on seafood so fresh it practically walks from the water onto your plate. In Altamura and Gravina, you will be fascinated by two of the largest karst sinkholes in the Murgia, the Pulo and the Pulicchio: intriguing chasms created by the underground erosion of rocks that create incomparable scenery. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996, Alberobello is known for its high concentration of trulli; distinctive mortarless limestone houses with domed roofs that are symbolic of the surrounding Valle dItria. Visit late in the day, ideally in spring or autumn, for the most rewarding experience. But the most fascinating part of Bari has to be the maze-like old town of Barivecchia which stretches along the Adriatic Sea, the longest seafront in all of Italy, with many important historic buildings including the grand Castello Svevo, Basilica San Nicola and Romanesque Basilica Cattedrale di San Sabino. The best thing about waking up early for sunrise is that most locals and tourists will be sound asleep. Have a guided tour to admire its architecture and its artistic decorations and have a stop in the peaceful cloister. The second stage of the trip takes you to the Gargano, a land of centuries-old devotion and pilgrims of unparalleled beauty. Grottaglie area is very rich in clay and it is, therefore, a fertile ground for the emergence of a flourishing pottery crafts. It is also the place where Adriatic and Ionian seas. In this region, you can also try an originally looking cheese Caciocavallo. Have a quick trip to the Middle-Ages at Castel del Monte (Andria), 3. This clifftop coast road provides the best road trip in Puglia. A Masseria is a traditional southern Italian farmhouse which usually dates back to the sixteenth or seventeenth century and sits within a larger country estate. My name is Chrissy, The best way to see the city is to book a walking tour of Bari. 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