While public transport is available, it can be unpredictable, not every town and attraction is well connected, and some of them arent accessible at all. Lastly, consider spending some time for a visit of Pulsano Abbey, located 8 kilometers from the city. Nicknamed "the Pearl of the Adriatic", Trani encapsulates everything Puglia offers: wonderful beaches, a history-rich city center, incredibly tasty food, and a vibrant nightlife. The beautiful centro historico (historic centre) of Locorotondo has made it a borgo pi bella dItalia, an honour bestowed only on Italys most beautiful towns. Read more. Walk the Lungomare. Surprisingly, if you are on a lookout for a new and original Christmas snack, Italy, in particular, Puglia, also has something to offer. Its landscape is really wild, with deep canyons called gravine. You can read about my trip to Prosecco here.) cave system running 60 meters below ground. Dont forget the walk to the highest part of the city were youll find the Santa Maria Cathedral which dominates the entire surrondings. In fact, it is the last surviving portion of what was once a wetland area ranging from Brindisi to Otranto. Hampton Inn Haverhill. Revolving around a huge tree of life, the mosaic depicts animals, biblical figures, pagan characters, mythical beasts and visions of heaven and hell as well as, inexplicably, a cat in boots. The best way to see the city is to book a walking tour of Bari. It protects the house from evil and is an essential part of every family. Therefore, visiting Alberobello is crucial in understanding all sides of the country. This is how that the historian Gregorovius described Lecce. The same company also runs food tours in Lecce. Murgia is a hilly region of valleys and karst outcrops. Puglia holidays offer up a magnificent array of beaches, inimitable history and architecture and natural wonders that provide a superb break for the whole family. Monopoli is not far from the caves. Are you thinking about arranging a romantic weekend, but you are looking for something less known than Paris or Rome? With its white-washed buildings, theres plenty of the kind of Puglian sights youll come to recognise: churches, towers and piazzas. For instance, in the southern half of the Italian Peninsula, there is a very common snack Taralli. For more seclusion, head for the Parco Regionale Porto Selvaggio, 20km north a wild slice of coast peppered with rocky coves and shady picnic spots. Enjoy a relaxing day on Turkish Bay Beach (Otranto), 23. Over 100 metres deep under Puglia's surface lies one of its most spectacular natural wonders. Coastal Polignano a Mare is most famous for the picturesque Cala Porto, a small pebble beach with crystal clear emerald waters hidden gracefully below the citys limestone cliffs and whitewashed houses. Dont forget to climb to the top of the hill to visit the Cathedral. This is a perfect region to cycle around as it is relatively flat. To enjoy the best views, you can have a drive along the coastal road connecting Vieste to Peschici. Also make sure you visit the Ducal Palace with its colourful mural interior. This charming and unique city is dominated by white washed cone shaped Trulli, an architectural style typical of Puglia. It is an unusual destination for tourists but one worth knowing - and visiting. Create an account or log in to save your wishlist, Do you already have an account? COVID-19 update: See the added health and safety measures this property is taking. Go trekking in the canyon of Terre delle Gravine National Reserve, 12. Farms, vineyards and oil mills offer the ideal opportunity to sample the irresistible flavours of the area. Clifftop Vieste has a rough-and-ready charm that feels more authentic than some of Puglias prettified towns. It occupies a vast area called Murge in the provinces of Taranto, Brindisi and Bari. Gargano is surrounded by the Adriatic Sea on 3 sides and it is one of the most popular natural areas of Southern Italy. 10. This is exactly how photojournalist Lorenzo Scaraggi found a previously undiscovered Apulia while travelling in a camper van from the 1990s. Its definitely one of the best towns to stay in Puglia. Ops! The historic centre is full of atmosphere buy a gelato or a pastry from one of the cornetteria and just soak up the atmosphere as you stroll around. With so many things to see and to do here in Puglia, here we give you a list of the best things to do, those things you cant really miss if you are visiting our region. Book a spot on one of the after-dark tours, when guides lead torch-lit expeditions to see the caves array of stalactites and stalagmites. The city also has a Roman amphitheatre. Originally seen as a poor food, Frisellais today very popular on the tables of Puglia as well on the street food markets. As you may see, there is a lot to enjoy in Puglia. Bari is the capital of the Puglia region and a popular starting point for most tourists, given that its home to the largest international Puglia airport. Besides the waterslides and swimming pools, a wide variety of water games and activities are organized all day long. With so many locations it is hard to decide where to try out one of the previously mentioned fabulous dishes. Unmissable sites What to see in Puglia Cities Sea City The Violet Cave owes its name to the violets growing on the banks and to the violet tint of water due to the presence of a particular species of seaweed. How to do it: You can book a masseria dairy tour here. The All Ways Puglia tour takes visitors through hidden gems of this incredibly charming Unesco World Heritage city. As one of Italy's southernmost towns located on the Salento Peninsula, Otranto Puglia is a highlight on any Puglia trip. Sign in. The school houses its own souvenir shop which is open daily, you can see the masters as they work the clay. The mosaic is said to have been created by a monk called Pantaleone from 1163 to 1165, but no one really has any clue quite what he was trying to say. Explore the canyons of Terra delle Gravine Natural Park (Taranto), 5. Take a hot air balloon ride above the Gravina, 18. Amazon, Bluehost and Prosecco tours) that provide a commission to me if you buy through these links. Built without mortar, the houses mostly date from the 14th century, but the building technique has been used since ancient times. Be sure to visit Trullo Sovrano - a two-storey trullo, which is also a museum and Sant'Antonio Church - the towns trulli church. If youve got more time to spare, continue along the coast to the likes of Cala Paradiso andLido Colonia, or even all the way up to Porto Ghiacciolo and Lido Santo Stefano which overlook historic Castello di Santo Stefano. Closed now : See all hours. An error occurred while sharing your content. Martina Franca is the areas most attractive town, ringed by watchtowers and walls, and largely dates from the early Middle Ages. My granny makes them every Sunday, they are delicious! Very nice post! Monte Gargano is the oldest shrine in Western Europe under the protection of Archangel Michael and has been an important pilgrimage site since the early Middle Ages, as though according to the legend, St. Michal appeared here three times in the 5th century. But the most fascinating part of Bari has to be the maze-like old town of Barivecchia which stretches along the Adriatic Sea, the longest seafront in all of Italy, with many important historic buildings including the grand Castello Svevo, Basilica San Nicola and Romanesque Basilica Cattedrale di San Sabino. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in January. This part of the city is surrounded by the sea on 3 sides and its connected to the modern districts by a bridge. For more information visit here. First of all, eating in Italy is very different. The second one lasts 2 hours and is 2Km long. 6) Masserie Puglia. Torre Dell'Orso. It has been awarded several times with the prestigious European Union Blue Flag. Puglia is an amazing region on Adriatic Sea coast that allows you to enjoy entirely unusual landscapes. Whats especially striking about Castel del Monte is its octagonal shape with each side punctuated by a tower. It was built to house the mortal remains of St Nicholas (better known as Father Christmas). It also includes the Puglia restaurants from my post about food in Puglia. Here you will find destination guides and travel advice to make your next trip unforgettable. Dont miss to watch a live show of Pizzica, one of the most famous Italys folk dance the pizzica pizzica is a traditional music and ballet of considerable social and cultural importance which is becoming more and more popular. One of the biggest draws to Bari is the Basilica San Nicola, a large and imposing church that sits in the center of the old town.. Thus was born Puglia Fuori Rotta (Apulia Off Route), a documentary centred on a 30-day journey that, thanks to little-trodden paths, reveals a region with a mysterious and surprising side. Admire the dolphins on a half-day cruise (Taranto), 17. Open on Saturdays from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm, you'll find everything from fresh produce and cheese to clothes and handmade knickknacks. Get behind the wheel for stirring views across the Adriatic, and access to several small coves and beaches that are well off the beaten track. Here are some of the places you absolutely must visit in Puglia. This ancient fortified village has remained unchanged during the centuries, together with its beautiful castle. They are made of pizza dough and can be stuffed with meats, cheeses, and/or vegetables. Head to the hilltop town of Altamura . We have reviews of the best places to see in Puglia. This town is called The Ionian Pearl for its elegance, its sandy beaches, and its ancient and picturesque Old Town district built on an island. Lecce may be called the Florence of the Baroque. In a unique location, the hypogeum complex of the Madonna di Grottole, the living crib scene of Polignano a Mare, is a true theatrical representation. Although theyre a popular summer getaway for Italian tourists, go in the shoulder seasons and youll likely have the islands mostly to yourself. A stay at a Masseria is so much more than just accommodation, with most offering tours of their land and the working farms, tastings of their products including Puglia olive oil, wines and cheeses, and even home-cooked dinners enjoyed alongside your hosts and other guests. Although it is a both small and pebbled, thanks to the water, Cala Porto is one of the best beaches in Puglia. Its worth a stop if youre travelling south from Trani to Altamura. If youre not visiting Tuscany or Florence on this trip, Santa Maria del Casale is a good place to see the white and rose patterned church exterior seen further north. An off-the-beaten-track trip is what is needed to bid farewell to monotony, break out of your routine and venture into the hidden heart of the Bel Paese. How to travel in Puglia:There are far too many beautiful destinations and fantastic things to do in Puglia to spend your entire time in one place, therefore the best way to experience the best of this amazing region is on a road trip. The Gargano promontory is mostly entirely occupied by the National Park of Gargano. Located inland, the best thing to do in Lecce is to wander around and take in its many architectural masterpieces, including the impressive Cathedral of Maria Santissima and other buildings of Piazza del Duomo, the intricate facade of Basilica di Santa Croce and the unusual Church of Saints Nicol and Catald. Olive oil + pitcher. Spend a whole day admiring nature from an unusual perspective. The rock formations make it easy to descend for a dip in the water and you will see plenty of people jumping off the cliffs to cool off in the summer. In 2010 the city has been listed in Best in Travel 2010 by Lonely Planet. A: Top activities in Puglia include: Private Wine Tour from Ostuni with Lunch including Alberobello and Locorotondo. Castellana Caves - La Grotta di Castellana. Immersed in history, this fabulous city This is one of the newer villas in the Bookings For You Puglia collection and is managed by the company's local partner agent, Raro Villas. Private walking tour in Alberobello. It is being said that the orange juice, which is blessed by Saint Valentine, acts as a love potion. This material is used to produce both artistic and common objects. With a beautifully rustic historical centre, stunning beaches, unique churches and heritage based on Byzantine, Roman and Arab influences, Otranto Puglia is the perfect place to spend a day. The Castellana Caves are a karstic cave system dating back 90 million years, made up of large canyons and caves filled with fascinating formations like stalactites, stalagmites, concretions and fossils. The tour continues to the Alta Murgia National Park, amidst expanses of steppes, barren pastures and karst rocks that will connect you completely with nature. You'll find it included in many fall foliage tours from Boston. By the way, try those with cream and black cherries, they are super delicious. Puglia is one of the most beautiful region in Italy and offers a huge choice of activities to do, places to visit and food to eat. Puglia has several different faces and Cisternino is one of them. Visit outside of the peak summer months and you can explore its hilltop towns, castles, clifftop villages, beaches and olive groves in peace and quiet. See the top things . As you stroll the Old Town Bari, you'll find a tight-knit community with doors and windows wide open, random bursts of loud Italian conversation, and buzzing Vespas whirling the smell of garlicky tomatoes and freshly baked bread through the narrow streets. Visit outside. The main draw, of course, is these viewpoints, which are best enjoyed with a Spritz if you ask me. Trulli is a traditional Apulian dry stone hut with a conical roof. Patron of the city is no other than Saint Valentine himself and every year on the 14th of February there is a big love celebration. All products and brands mentioned in this article are selected by our writers and editors based on first-hand experience or customer feedback. As an alternative, you can book a walking tour of Monopoli that will introduce you to the citys legends (and includes some local food recommendations). Two different tours can then be taken inside: the classic tour (the shortest one) lasts 50 minutes and is 1Km long. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996, Alberobello is known for its high concentration of trulli; distinctive mortarless limestone houses with domed roofs that are symbolic of the surrounding Valle dItria. The Puglia Fuori Rotta tour ends at Punta Palascia, Italy's most easterly headland, with a panorama that takes one's breath away and fittingly brings to an end this awe-inspiring journey. Washington. At 6,288 feet, extreme weather is known to rip through the summit and endanger hapless hikers. Bari is the capital of the region of Puglia and is situated on the Adriatic Sea. In order to really see the best of Alberobello, try staying overnight. Meaning castle of the mountain, Castel del Monte is perched on a hill near the city of Andria. This snack is very similar to the German pretzel and it can be either sweet or savory, with very different flavorings. Trulli houses are very different from what we perceive thinking about Italy, they showcase an undiscovered part of the region. 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