Sun, sea, beaches, trulli, and olive trees that are centuries old. Puglia, a beloved region and popular summer destination in Italy and abroad, is unquestionably all of these things. However, the heel of Italy has an additional, intangible value.
It is the strong experiential component that it provides to all of its visitors. It is, in fact, a region that must be explored with all five senses in order to fully comprehend the traditions associated with this territory's art, history, and culture.
There are numerous places to visit in Puglia (cosa vedere in Puglia per Italiani), but if you want to get a sense of??
We will assist you regardless of what it has to offer. This a thousand-year-old land faces will take you on a well-rounded journey through various settings. From the idyllic beaches of Salento to the wild hills of the Itria Valley, passing through the green Foresta Umbra and the Tremiti archipelago, here are the ten must-see places in Puglia.
1. Bari
Your tour of Puglia must begin in the region's capital, Bari.
The Basilica of San Nicola, the city's patron saint, is the first stop in the historic center. Magnificent example of Romanesque-Apulian architecture, it houses the saint's relics in its crypt and is a pilgrimage destination for the Christian and Orthodox faithful: it is, in fact, one of the few Italian places of worship where the saint's relics are kept. Both rites' functions are celebrated.
Enter the narrow streets of Bari Vecchia, the city's beating heart, from the Basilica of San Nicola.
Stroll through this maze of alleys where, particularly in via Arcobasso, women armed with water, semolina, and pastry boards stand at the doors of houses intent on preparing the famous "stracinet" (orecchiette).
Many churches, including the Cathedral of San Sabino, can be found while walking on the "chianche," the massive stones that pave the lanes of Bari Vecchia.
Every year, on the 21st of June (the summer solstice), the sun's rays pass through the rose window of the facade and illuminate the identical marble rose window on the floor of the nave with 18 candles. Petals: a truly one-of-a-kind spectacle
Do not miss the Fortino di Sant'Antonio Abate with the wall, one of Bari's favorite meeting places for walking along the Lungomare, where you can admire late Art Nouveau buildings while enjoying an incredible view of the Adriatic.
But Bari is more than that: it is a city that will captivate not only your eyes, but also your palate with its delectable cuisine: You will be spoiled for choice between panzerotti, fava bean puree, orecchiette with turnip tops, and other delicacies.
2. Lecce
Lecce, known as "the Florence of the South," is undoubtedly one of the most popular cities for those who decide to take a tour. from Puglia
One of Italy's most fascinating open-air museums, rich in monuments and works of art from the Roman, medieval, and Renaissance periods.
Above all, the city of stylistic excess and Lecce baroque finds its pinnacle in the Basilica of Santa Croce.
Its flamboyant facade is a riot of decorative patterns and ornaments that are unlike anything else in the world. Admire the large central rose window, which is framed by bay leaves and berries, as well as the richly decorated altars and sumptuous coffered ceiling: you will be awestruck!
Following your visit to the Basilica, proceed to the picturesque Piazza Duomo to admire the other jewels of the Lecce Baroque: the Duomo (Cathedral of SS. Maria Assunta) with its 72-meter high bell tower, The Seminary and the Bishop's Palace
From Baroque to Roman art: there are two main monuments from this era, the Roman theater and the Roman amphitheater, both from the 2nd century, which could accommodate up to 14,000 spectators thanks to its elliptical plan.
Both the amphitheater and the cathedral are located in Lecce's most important square, piazza Sant'Oronzo, which features the patron saint's column.
Buildings from various eras and styles coexist harmoniously in this square, including the Palazzo del Seggio, also known as Sedile, and the churches of San Marco and Santa Maria delle Grazie.
3. Peninsula of Salento
Salento, located in the southernmost part of Puglia, is one of the most popular seaside destinations for tourists. the inhabitants of a beautiful country that is a popular summer vacation destination for thousands of Italian and non-Italian tourists each year A conglomeration of majestic historic buildings and paradisiacal beaches that have nothing on the Caribbean's.
The Salento peninsula is also an excellent destination for road trips: the best way to explore it is by car, allowing you to stop in the most picturesque locations. Santa Maria di Leuca is a must-see during a visit to Salento. Located in the peninsula's southernmost region, it is a popular destination for those looking to relax on unspoiled beaches and shores and offers incredible attractions such as the Devil's Cave and the Three Doors Cave.
Did you know that you don't have to travel to the other side of the world to get to the Maldives? They are a short distance from Santa Maria di Leuca, more specifically in Pescoluse. This stretch of coast is known as the Maldives of Salento, with fine white sand, crystal clear water, and an infinite horizon to lose yourself in. What more could you ask for?
Continue your journey by climbing towards Gallipoli, the "pearl of the Ionian," a popular destination, particularly among young people, as the undisputed queen of the Salento nightlife. All you have to do to alternate moments of relaxation with unbridled fun is visit one of the city's many beaches. They are true natural wonders, and they are consistently ranked at the top of the Legambiente rankings. Baia Verde, Punta della Suina, and Punta Pizzo are among the most well-known beaches.
four. the Tremiti Islands
San Domino, San Nicola, Cretaccio and Pianosa, and Capraia - not to be confused with the homonymous islands of the Tuscan Archipelago - are the five wild souls that comprise the Tremiti. Turquoise waters, unspoiled nature, and breathtaking scenery are the main ingredients of the Adriatic's only Italian archipelago. The only inhabited islands are San Domino and San Nicola; Cretaccio and Capraia can be visited on foot, while Pianosa is part of an Integral Marine Reserve. and can only be visited with special permission.
The seabed around the islands is considered a true paradise by diving and snorkeling enthusiasts: it is teeming with fish of all races and sizes and offers extraordinary scenarios made up of underwater caves, inlets, and even wrecks. Several underwater itineraries wind through the waters of the archipelago, which is a Gargano National Park Protected Marine Reserve, but some of the most spectacular diving spots, such as Punta Secca and Cala dei Turchi, are concentrated around Capraia.
Most Tremiti beaches are made of pebbles and rocks, so bring your swimsuit before heading out for a swim among the steep slopes of Mediterranean scrub. Sunscreen, shoes, and a hat are all recommended. And why not bring a camera to capture the most breathtaking views?
Cala Matano and Cala dei Benedettini are two of San Domino's must-see beaches, while San Nicola has few rocky areas for sunbathing. Cala dei Turchi, Cala di Sorrentino, and Cala Pietra del Fucile are three pristine coves accessible by boat or raft from Capraia. All of the Tremiti's coves and bays overlook Caribbean waters, and the best time to swim in the archipelago's sea is from May to the end of September - August is less recommended because it is very crowded.
Alberobello is number five.
Located in the Itria province of Bari Valley, Alberobello is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Puglia. Because in this esoteric village, you can breathe a timeless atmosphere.
Trulli and Alberobello are inextricably linked. UNESCO designated this area as a World Heritage Site in 1996, and the buildings here form a world-class agglomeration. They are made up of a limestone cylindrical base that has been whitewashed and is topped by a stone conical roof. The palette of colors that will appear before your eyes will take your breath away: white walls and gray roofs that stand out against the blue sky.
The majority of the trulli are concentrated in the Rione Monti, where there are 1030 of all types lined up. along the streets' borders Stop in one of the city's trullo-restaurants between districts to taste the region's typical products. If, on the other hand, you want to immerse yourself in the true essence of the region, you can spend the night in a trullo.
6. Ostuni
Set like a white pearl between the sky and the blue sea, Ostuni captivates visitors with the whiteness of its houses that line its streets. Among the most popular destinations on the Salento peninsula, it is known as the "white city" due to the lime roofs that characterize the majority of its homes.
Stroll through the historic district, which is a labyrinth. winding alleys and a series of squares that climb the sides of a hill until you reach the lower part of the village, which is surrounded by an ancient wall with two doors that have remained intact: Porta Nova and Porta San Demetrio.
Visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, one of Ostuni's main attractions, in the upper part of the city. It was built in 1400 and has a beautifully decorated facade as well as the second largest rose window in Europe. Ostuni is also synonymous with sea and relaxation: Torre Guaceto, Torre Pozzelle, Rosa Marina, and Creta Rossa are just a few of the city's and its surroundings' beaches.
7. Castellana Caves
We travel to the south-eastern Murge to visit the Castellana Caves, one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Apulian hinterland. They are one of the most amazing karst caving complexes in Italy, located in the homonymous municipality of Castellana Grotte, a few kilometers from Alberobello.
The entrance to the caves, known as Grave, is a 60-meter-deep cavern formed about 100 million years ago, during the Cretaceous period. Puglia was submerged by the sea at the time, and what we see today are the rocky layers that were once on the surface and were shaped by rainwater over the centuries.
The Castellana Caves have two different itineraries: one that is about a kilometer and a half long and one that is about a mile long. 3 kilometers long Along the way, you can visit many other caves, all with fantastic names, children of the legends that are told about these places, in addition to the huge chasm known as the Grave. You will pass through the Black Grotto, the Cavern of the Owl, the Cavern of the Precipice, and many others while walking among stalactites, stalagmites, and limestone concretions with the most bizarre shapes. The crystal pond, the Grand Canyon room, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa cave, which has a stalactite shaped like the Tuscan monument, are also worth seeing.
Gargano (8)
The Gargano, also known as the " Sperone," is a promontory in northern Puglia that stretches out towards the Adriatic. "Italia". The incredible variety of landscapes in this area is most noticeable, with forests, mountainous areas, lakes, a coast full of white cliffs, long sandy beaches, and villages overlooking the sea.
The Gargano National Park was established to protect the territory, and it is covered by a dense network of paths and areas equipped for excursions and trekking. There are also two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the area: Monte Sant'Angelo and the Umbra Forest. The latter is a symbol of the Gargano, the park's green lung, which covers approximately 10,000 hectares at an elevation of 800 meters. In this nature reserve, you will be able to see lush vegetation, primarily beeches and oaks, as well as specimens of Native wildlife includes roe deer, foxes, badgers, wild boars, owls, and a variety of other species.
Monte Sant'Angelo, on the other hand, is a village in the southern Gargano known primarily for the Sanctuary of San Michele. Do not be deceived by appearances: by going down a few flights of stairs, you will be able to access one of the most beautiful sacred caves in the world, the vault of which acts as a ceiling for the great nave and on the sides of which there are several altars, including "The altar of the footprint," whose stone would bear the Archangel's footprint.
9. Itria Valley
centuries-old expanses The Itria Valley has olive trees on red earth, cacti dotted with prickly pears, dry stone walls, and rows that go on for as far as the eye can see. It is located in central Puglia, between the cities of Bari and Brindisi and Taranto. The area, which includes Locorotondo, Cisternino, and Martina Franca, roughly corresponds to the southern portion of the Murge plateau.
Locorotondo, a true jewel with white houses with sharp roofs (called cummerse), is perched on a ridge overlooking the Itria Valley. Visit the Villa Comunale for a spectacular view over an expanse of trulli and olive groves, and the majestic Church of San Giorgio Martire, with its bell tower nearly 200 years old. 50 meters tall
Cisternino is one of Italy's most fascinating villages. The municipal villa, too, provides an incredible view of the valley, while the Mother Church of San Nicola and the clock tower in the main square are not to be missed on the opposite side. Having an aperitif in the Piazza dell'Orologio is a must, as is stopping for dinner: almost all butchers have been converted into small restaurants, and resisting the heady smell of grilled meat is nearly impossible. The Apulian bombette and local sausages must be tried.
Martina Franca is the final must-see destination in the Itria Valley. The church of Sant'Antonio is the first thing to see, followed by the historic center, which is dominated by the Baroque style. The ducal palace and the San Martino Basilica Before you leave, don't forget to try Martina Franca's signature dish, the capocollo.
Finally, for an even more authentic experience, we recommend staying in one of Puglia's typical buildings: the ancient fortified farms that are frequently used as hotels. In fact, in the Itria Valley, there is only one watchword: masseria. You can choose between a luxurious masseria and a more traditional one: both will immerse you in absolute peace among figs, cacti, and olive groves.
ten. Otranto
Otranto is the boot's easternmost city. This charming seaside village's strength is its excellent blend of art, history, culture, and nature. Let's go investigate! One of the reasons to visit Otranto is The Aragonese Castle, without a doubt. It can be visited in the internal parts, which include the ramparts, basements, and towers, and is surrounded by defensive walls that protected the city from invaders.
Stroll through the historic district, which is comprised of white houses leaning against each other and overlooking the cobblestone streets lined with hanging clothes and shops. Allow some time while in the center to visit the Cathedral, which dates from the second half of the year one thousand. It is dedicated in part to the memory of the 800 Christian martyrs who were killed during the Turkish invasion in 1480 - Otranto is also known as the "city of martyrs."
Reach the Alimini lakes a few kilometers from Otranto and relax. The natural beauty of this protected natural park will captivate you. Many species of migratory birds and other animals that inhabit the lakes can be seen here. Moving along the coast, you'll come across one of Otranto's most famous beaches: the Baia dei Turchi, so named because it appears to be where the Turks landed before invading the area in the 15th century. This uncontaminated area has incalculable landscape value, so much so that it has been included in the Fondo per l'Ambiente Italiano's list of the 100 places to be protected in Italy.