Puglia, also known as Apulia, is often overlooked by many. Unfairly so, as it’s a fantastic Italy holiday destination. It is an enchanting region with an intriguing history, remarkable cities to rival any in Italy, beautiful scenery and delicious cuisine including many unique specialities.
Top places to visit in Puglia include:
- Exploring the trulli houses in Alberobello
- Wandering the whitewashed streets of Ostuni
- Discovering the baroque architecture of Lecce
Puglia offers a relaxed blend of culture, scenery and authentic Italian charm, making it ideal for exploring at an unhurried pace.
Why Should You Visit Puglia, Italy?
1. Trulli of Alberobello
Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is best known for its distinctive trulli traditional conical stone houses built using dry stone techniques without mortar. These unique structures line the streets and surrounding countryside along the Alberobello to Martina Franca road creating one of the most recognisable landscapes in southern Italy. Many trulli are still used as homes today while others have been converted into shops cafés and small museums offering a fascinating glimpse into local architectural tradition.
2. Amazing Italian food
What is Puglia, Italy famous for? It’s food, of course! This region has produced many unique Italian foods, such as orecchiette pasta, burrata cheese and the Italian version of paella - tiella. Stuzzichini is the word for the small snacks that are often served with an ‘aperitivo’ in Puglia. They might include plump, juicy olives, bites of local cheese, sun dried tomatoes, or Tarallini. These crispy little rings of baked dough, made with extra virgin olive oil and aromatic fennel seeds are lovely with a glass of wine, and are a feature of the ‘treats cupboard’ in every Puglian household!
3. Architecture in Lecce
Lecce is often referred to as the Florence of the South due to its exceptional Baroque architecture and rich Roman heritage. The city is built from the distinctive golden Lecce stone which gives its buildings a warm honey coloured appearance. Its old town is filled with ornate churches elaborate façades and detailed stone carvings that reflect centuries of artistic craftsmanship making it one of the most visually striking cities in the region.
4. Beautiful coastlines
Puglia is home to the longest coastline on mainland Italy stretching along both the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. This extensive shoreline offers a wide variety of beaches from long sandy stretches to hidden coves framed by limestone cliffs. The waters are famously clear and inviting with many coastal areas still relatively unspoilt allowing visitors to experience both lively seaside towns and quieter more natural coastal scenery.
5. It produces a lot of olive oil for Italy
With over 50 million olive trees, it’s an easy answer to the question, “What is Puglia known for?” It makes up to 60% of the olive oil produced in Italy! If you’re looking to experience olive oil tasting in Italy, we recommend visiting Martina Franca, which is considered to be the best in the country. Its olive oil is hand harvested and cold pressed within hours of being picked, helping to preserve its delicious flavour.
6. Bari
Bari, the capital of Apulia region, is more than a transport hub. You will find many architectural and historical gems like the 11th Century church, Basilica di San Nicola. This is where the bones of Saint Nicholas, the inspiration for Father Christmas, used to lay before being stolen by Bari sailors from Myra. The basilica of solid and powerful construction was the only building to survive the otherwise wholesale destruction of Bari by the Normans in 1152.
7. Ostuni
On our Puglia holidays, we’ll usually be based in the town of Ostuni, widely known as the “white city” thanks to its striking whitewashed buildings that cascade across a hilltop setting. The historic old town is enclosed by ancient defensive walls dating back to the Middle Ages, adding to its charm and sense of history as you explore its winding streets and piazzas. From its elevated position, Ostuni also offers spectacular panoramic views across the surrounding olive-covered countryside, stretching all the way to the Adriatic Sea on clear days. It’s an ideal base for exploring the wider region, combining historic atmosphere with scenic beauty and easy access to both inland towns and the coastline.
8. Fantastic weather in Puglia
Puglia enjoys a classic Mediterranean climate thanks to its position between the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. Summers are typically hot and dry with long sunny days, making it ideal for beach visits and outdoor exploring, while spring and autumn bring milder temperatures, fresh breezes and pleasantly warm evenings.
9. Matera
The European Capital of Culture in 2019, Matera is best known for its ancient cave dwellings, the Sassi di Matera, which have been inhabited since the Palaeolithic period! The city also has many museums and art galleries, and is renowned for its contemporary art and culture scene.
10. Puglia wine
Puglia makes more wine than any other region in Italy. Need we say more? The fertile soil, hot sun and sea breezes create an ideal climate for wine production. Reds made with the aromatic Negroamaro and Primitivo grapes are the perfect accompaniment to the rustic ‘Cucina povera’ style of cooking. Saluti!
Ready to discover Puglia?
Take a guided holiday to Puglia with Travel Department and discover this underrated part of Italy. Looking to explore another region? Discover more holidays to Italy and find inspiration for your next getaway, with unforgettable destinations offering rich culture, scenic landscapes and unique regional experiences waiting to be explored across the country.
