Discover 10 locations in awesome Apulia
Apulia (Puglia) is one of Italy’s most stunning regions, known for its whitewashed villages, crystal-clear beaches, ancient history, and amazing food. Located in the "heel" of Italy’s boot, it offers a mix of cultural heritage, beautiful landscapes, and authentic Italian charm. Here are 10 must-visit places:
1. Bari – The Region’s Capital
Basilica di San Nicola – A beautiful church housing the relics of Saint Nicholas (Santa Claus!).
Bari Vecchia – The old town with charming narrow streets, great seafood, and local women making fresh orecchiette pasta.
Lungomare di Bari – A scenic seafront promenade perfect for an evening stroll.
2. Polignano a Mare – Cliffside Beauty
Lama Monachile – The iconic beach surrounded by dramatic cliffs.
Grotta Palazzese – A unique restaurant inside a sea cave.
Domenico Modugno Statue – A tribute to the singer of Volare, with a panoramic viewpoint.
3. Alberobello – Fairytale Trulli Houses
Trulli District – UNESCO-listed traditional stone houses with conical roofs.
Trullo Sovrano – The largest and most famous trullo, now a museum.
4. Ostuni – The White City
Centro Storico – A maze of whitewashed streets with beautiful views.
Ostuni Cathedral – A stunning Gothic-Romanesque church.
Stay @ ddò Relais di Puglia
Stay @ Little Dolce
Play @ ebike Puglia
5. Lecce – The Florence of the South
Piazza del Duomo – A breathtaking baroque square.
Basilica di Santa Croce – A masterpiece of intricate baroque architecture.
Roman Amphitheater – A well-preserved ancient ruin in the city center.
6. Matera (just outside Puglia but worth a visit!)
Sassi di Matera – A city of ancient cave dwellings carved into the rock.
7. Otranto – Crystal-Clear Waters
Otranto Castle – A fortress with great sea views.
Cattedrale di Otranto – Features an impressive 12th-century mosaic floor.
Baia dei Turchi – A stunning, unspoiled beach.
Stay @ Masseria Casina Baronale
Stay @ Masseria Longa
Stay @ Masseria Mongio dell' Elefante
8. Gallipoli – The Ionian Gem
Centro Storico – A charming old town on an island.
Spiaggia della Purità – A beautiful beach right in town.
9. Gargano National Park & Vieste
Pizzomunno Rock – A huge limestone monolith rising from the sea.
Foresta Umbra – A lush green forest great for hiking.
10. Monopoli – Coastal Charm
Porto Antico – A picturesque fishing harbor.
Cala Porta Vecchia – A stunning beach with clear waters.
What to Eat & Drink in Puglia
Orecchiette con le Cime di Rapa – Handmade pasta with turnip greens.
Focaccia Barese – Thick, crispy focaccia with tomatoes and olives.
Burrata Cheese – Fresh, creamy cheese originally from Andria.
Taralli – Crunchy, ring-shaped snacks perfect with wine.
Seafood Specialties – Try raw seafood in Bari or grilled octopus in coastal towns.
Wine - Puglia, known for its fertile soils and sunny climate, is a top wine-producing region in Italy, particularly famous for bold reds like Primitivo di Manduria, but also offering crisp whites and refreshing rosés.
How to get there: By plane, train, bus, or car. Plane. Puglia has two international airports, in Bari and Brindisi.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April-June) – Pleasant weather, fewer crowds.
Summer (July-August) – Best for beaches, but very crowded.
Autumn (September-October) – Warm weather, great for sightseeing and food festivals.
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