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Puglia has always been on my mind when thinking about visiting Italy. There was more than one reason to be captivated by this serene region of southern Italy.
I was intrigued by the fact that it’s popular as the “Heel of Italy” as it appears on the map in the shape of a boot. And Puglia’s even lesser-known and bohemian vibe makes it even more appealing.
But as it turns out, Puglia has a lot to offer as a holiday destination. It is known for its olive oil production, which accounts for 40% of the country’s total harvest.
It’s also packed with historical sites, charming beach towns and delicious food – anyone who visits Puglia will be blown away by everything it has to offer.
But what are the best things to do in Puglia and why should you visit it? In this guide we share all the reasons to visit Puglia, highlighting its must-see attractions and unique culture.
Where is Puglia?
Apulia is a region of Italy, located in the southern part of the country’s peninsula. This long, narrow peninsula is bounded by the Ionian Sea and the Adriatic Sea with the Strait of Otranto and the Gulf of Taranto to the south. It is the heel of the Italian boot.
Puglia is also known as Apulia in English.
Best travel time for Apulia
Beautiful view of the historic town of Otranto on the Adriatic Sea, Apulia, Italy
The best travel time for Apulia is summer or early autumn. September through October you’ll see warm weather, but you’ll also see the holiday crowds disperse, making it a great time to visit.
Spring is also a good time to visit, as you’ll see warmer weather and fewer crowds. The Adriatic Sea is warm enough for swimming from May to October, but it can get quite chilly in the winter months, so you may only be able to dip your feet.
Reasons to visit Puglia
Are you ready to discover the best Puglia has to offer? Here are the top reasons to visit Puglia.
1. For the bewitching historical center
If you are a history geek, you would devour the archaeological sites in Puglia.
A city known as the “Florence of the South”, Lecce will enchant you with its ornate Baroque architecture and some fascinating archaeological sites – the Basilica di Santa Croce and Piazza del Duomo, the Museo Faggiano and the Roman Amphitheater to name a few to name.
Besides Lecce, there are ancient churches and museums hidden in every corner of Puglia.
2. Delicious culinary delights
You just can’t ignore the food while exploring Puglia. Because Puglia is an agricultural country, you can enjoy fresh and delicious local produce on your plate.
It’s an excellent excuse to enjoy wine and olives. It’s also a good idea to try a fish dish or two – maybe octopus and squid!
In addition, food in Puglia is not expensive. You can have a healthy sandwich for as little as €1 or €2, cappuccino (regular) for less than €2, wine for €3, pasta or a full meal for €8-10.
Be sure to try local favorites like Punta Prosciutto or Frisella.
3. Azure waters of the sea
Puglia is surrounded by the sea on three sides, making it tempting for beach lovers. The beautiful azure sea looks amazing. You just want to sit still and contemplate the blue tones of the sea.
Puglia is one of the best places in Italy if you like beaches as it is as far south as you can get.
Here you will find crystal clear waters, sea caves and dramatic cliffs that dawn the coastline.
To see the stunning waterfronts in Puglia you must visit Bari (the capital of Puglia) which is also a great city for shopping. and Monopoli, which has a fascinating shipyard with a backdrop of old buildings.
Another great place with beautiful turquoise waters is Porto Selvaggio in the Gallipoli region.
4. The whitewashed old towns
Ostuni is known for its whitewashed buildings – it looks like a Greek town! It feels surreal to stroll through the streets.
It is known to have been rebuilt by the Greeks after being destroyed by Hannibal during the Punic Wars.
I especially loved strolling through the quaint streets and admiring the pretty staircases, windows and balconies.
Some other beautiful and amazing white towns in Puglia are Otranto, Martina Franca, one of the most beautiful small towns in Puglia region.
Brindisi is another seaside town worth visiting for its architectural beauty, although it’s not as whitewashed as the others. Be sure to visit Cisternino, a small municipality near Brindisi that is still rich in traditions.
5. The sweet trulli of Alberobello
Trulli houses
Alberobello is a beautiful little old town of Puglia, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its cone-shaped huts known as trulli.
These shacks look unique and cute, and people actually live in them! However, some of them have been converted into souvenir shops. So you can come and take something unforgettable with you.
Also, it is enchanting to stroll through these huts as they take you into a fairy tale world.
6. The old lanes, side streets and the cobbled paths
Most towns in Puglia have fascinating alleyways, side streets and cobbled pathways that make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. So if you’re a spontaneous traveler like me, most of your time would be taking photos, wandering around, sneaking into a coffee shop on the fly and just being.
7. The idyllic landscape
Windmill in Polignano a Mare, town in the province of Bari,
Puglia has an exceedingly beautiful bucolic side – the olive groves, the vineyards and the rolling hills.
The ideal way to soak up the rural charm is to rent a bike and pedal through the unfamiliar trails.
8. The quiet Masseria stay
Masseria Salamina
A masseria is an old fortified farmhouse found on country estates in the Puglia region and was typically built in the 16th century. To experience the real Apulian lifestyle, you have to stay in a masseria.
There are many cute and pretty masserias that have been converted into guest houses and hotels for tourists. The best thing about staying in a masseria is that you can stay close to rural Puglia, enjoy fresh food and interact with the locals.
9. The “slow and quiet life”
Apulia is a quiet region of Italy. So you have to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of idleness that is so evident in the streets, in the markets, in the cafes and restaurants.
People in Apulia take siestas in the afternoon. All shops and cafes are closed for a few hours and you can hardly hear anything. Either lie down and sleep with them or enjoy the quiet streets in solitude.
10. Friendly locals
The locals in Puglia are friendly people. Although they hardly speak English, they are always willing to help and give a smile.
You can also learn a bit of Italian – Grazie, ciao and bello.
11. For the Gargano National Park
View of the Tremiti Islands. San Domino Island, Italy
Sitting on the Gargano peninsula is one of the most beautiful places in northern Puglia. The Gargano National Park is one of the few protected areas in Puglia and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
If you are an animal lover, you should definitely go to the Tremiti Islands in the park. These islands are teeming with thriving marine life and have epic dive sites.
The most famous island is the island of San Nicola with the 11th century Abbey of Santa Maria a Mare which is simply stunning. This cathedral has a mosaic floor and fine details throughout.
The pine-covered island of San Domino is a great place to find beaches.
12. For the cave dwellings in Matera
Matera is a town in the Basilicata region of Puglia, known for its cave houses carved into the mountainside.
It was evacuated in 1952 due to poor living conditions but has since been refurbished and offers a unique getaway in the region.
Major attractions include the Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario museum and the rock churches of St. Lucia alle Malve.
Where to stay in Puglia
I recommend staying in Ostuni, Brindisi or Polignano a Mare and doing day trips.
These cities are the perfect starting point for exploring the region and have adequate public transport connections to the other areas. You can take a direct train from Rome to Brindisi and Ostuni.
Ostuni is a 5-hour drive from Rome International Airport and Polignano a Mare is a 4.5-hour drive. Alternatively you can take a train from Rome to Foggia and then from Foggia to Polignano A Mare.
Once you’ve found your accommodation, it’s a good idea to hire a car to avoid having to rely on trains and buses. This is especially useful for those who have little time in Puglia.
Frequently asked questions about visiting Puglia
This is what people usually ask us about visiting Puglia…
Do you need a car to visit Puglia?
Yes you do. You will be waiting forever for public transport to arrive and this is the easiest way to get from A to B.
How to get to Puglia
There are two airports you can fly to; Bari to the north and Brindisi to the south. There are also direct trains from Rome to Brindisi.
How many days do you need in Puglia?
The minimum number of days you should spend in Puglia is 4-5 days, but if you have a week you can certainly fill that time.
Before you visit Puglia…
So those are all the reasons to visit Puglia and add it to your bucket list.
Before you leave, remember that life in Puglia moves a little slower than you might need. Pack your patience and plan ahead as you will likely be waiting longer for the food than you are used to.
You should also know that English is not widely spoken, so if you can brush up on your Spanish or pack a phrasebook, it might help!
We hope this guide has helped you plan your itinerary in Puglia and decide which attractions to visit. It really is a hidden gem in Europe and a must see in Italy.
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