With its deep-rooted cultural traditions, distinctive cuisine, glorious white-washed villages and inviting beaches, Puglia remains one of Italy’s best-kept secrets. Still attracting far fewer international visitors than other parts of Italy, those who discover Puglia for the first time find themselves drawn back time and time again, won over by the region’s authenticity, its wealth of attractions, and the gentle pace of life to be enjoyed here. Whether you are seeking a historical and cultural immersion, a culinary journey, or pure relaxation, we have summarised some of Puglia’s best activities to help you make the most of your time in this very special region.
DISCOVER THE TRULLI OF ALBEROBELLO
Scattered across the undulating plains of the Valle d’Itria, Puglia’s gleaming-white conical trulli houses are without doubt one of the region most emblematic sights. Piercing the horizon in both remote rural farmsteads as well as in dense clusters in Puglia’s white-washed villages, these dry-stone houses date back to as early as the 14th century. The best-preserved concentration of trulli can be found in Alberobello, a UNESCO-recognised town where two distinct trulli districts are connected by tiny, pedestrianised streets dotted with small shops and trattorias. To get the most out of a visit to Alberobello, we can arrange for a local guide to accompany you to the best viewpoints and share the intriguing theories around the proliferation of the trulli.
PUGLIA CULINARY EXPERIENCES
Puglia has a strong culinary identity, where the deeply-rooted agricultural heritage of the region translates into a rich array of local dishes that showcase the bounty of fresh produce, meat and cheese originating from Valle d’Itria’s fertile plains. Being further blessed with over 500 miles of coastline, lovers of fresh fish and seafood will also find plenty to whet the appetite when dining in Puglia. Puglia gourmet experiences not to be missed include:
- Burrata making – This deliciously creamy, mozzarella-style cheese originates from Puglia. Observe centuries-old production methods and enjoy plenty of tastings on a burrata making experience at a family-run farm.
- Apulian cookery class – There is no better gift to return home with than crowd-pleasing recipes that can be reproduced time and time again to bring back delicious memories. During an Apulian cookery class you may find yourself preparing specialities such melezane ripiene, or delicate orecchiete pasta accompanied by a rich lamb ragu.
- Olive oil tours – Puglia’s near-perfect climate makes it a haven for high-quality olive oil production, with over 40% of Italy’s harvest originating from here. We can arrange visits to small local farms offering tours and tastings which will provide a fascinating insight into Puglia’s long history of olive oil production.
RELAX ON THE BEACHES OF THE SALENTO PENINSULA
Puglia’s sun-drenched beaches are an unmistakable draw of the region, offering you the chance to combine a slice of authentic life in southern Italy with some welcome coastal relaxation. Some of the best beaches in Puglia can be found in the Salento Peninsula, where Adriatic and Ionian coastlines wrap around ‘the heel of Italy’s boot’. Many are unashamedly Italian, with their bustling beach clubs and plentiful gelaterie, but there are also quieter coves in pristine natural settings for those who seek them. For those in search of soft, golden sands, calm waters and good set-ups for families should consider Baia Porto Cesareo, Torre dell’Orso, or Baia dei Turchi. If it is quieter coves you seek, consider a visit to the pristine natural reserve of Torre Guaceto. For more inspiration, read our guide to the best beaches in Puglia.
MARVEL AT LECCE'S BAROQUE ARCHITECTURE
Such is the beauty of Lecce that travel writers frequently run out of superlatives and comparisons for describing Puglia’s best-known city. Whether it is being labelled ‘the jewel in Puglia’s crown’ or ‘the Florence of the South’, the truth is that Lecce has an allure entirely of its own. Its ornate Baroque architecture has drawn inevitable comparisons with Florence, but the feel is very different here. It could be due to the lighter colour of the sandstone, the “pietra leccese”, which gleams against Lecce’s vivid blue skies and contributes to the distinct architectural style known as Lecce Baroque. Exploring the city with a private guide will help you uncover the most significant Baroque gems in Lecce, the stories behind them, and also introduce you to the wealth of other attractions including the Roman amphitheatre, Lecce’s café-lined squares, and fabulous ceramics shops.
PUGLIA WINE TASTING
Though not as well-known as the wine producing powerhouses of the north, Puglia has a long-established wine making tradition, and a number of superb varieties are gaining increasing attention. The region is particularly known for its full-bodied reds, with Primitivos receiving particular acclaim, alongside well-respected Bombino Nero DOC and DOCG wines. To learn more about Apulian wines, we can organise tours and tastings at some of the best small wineries in the region, which are guaranteed to open your eyes to a whole new world of Italian wine.
VISIT THE HISTORIC CASTLES OF PUGLIA
Though castles may not be the first thing that spring to mind when thinking of Puglia, you may be surprised to learn that remains of over 100 castles can be found here. This is explained in part by the region’s historic vulnerability to attacks, having been subjected to frequent invasions from both land and sea across many centuries. These days, visiting castles in Puglia is an altogether more peaceful experience, and can add an interesting historical dimension to your explorations of the region. The most impressive castles open to visitors include Castel del Monte, a UNESCO-recognised 13th -century hilltop fortress, and Castello Aragonese, which looks out to sea from the atmospheric port city of Taranto.
VENTURE INTO PUGLIA’S CAVES
Again, though caves may not be at the forefront of your thoughts when first planning a trip to Puglia, they can be well worth a visit if you wish to experience some of the natural wonders of the region. The most impressive caves that can be visited on land are the Grotte di Castellana, a network of dramatic limestone caves pierced by shard-like stalactites and stalagmites. Alternatively, if you are visiting the seaside town of Polignano a Mare, you can observe a proliferation of coastal caves of varying sizes. Consider a sea kayaking excursion to see as many of them as possible, or – for a gentler pace – a number of relaxing boat trips can take you to the best-known sea caves, with opportunities to swim in the impossibly clear waters.
WANDER THE WHITEWASHED STREETS OF OSTUNI
Known as “the White City” due to the gleaming white houses and monuments that line the historic centre, Ostuni is a place not to be missed if you are seeking a cultural immersion in Puglia. The historic centre of Ostuni is a veritable labyrinth of white-washed alleyways, pretty churches, and historic piazzas, making it a delight to explore. The beauty of the city centre, combined with glimpses of the Adriatic Sea and Ostuni’s blissfully unhurried pace of life make it one of southern Italy’s most rewarding places to visit.
