Puglia, is a truly enchanting area in Italy and it has long been a favourite summer holiday for Italians. Once a hidden gem, it’s now grown in popularity with more and more travellers going every summer.
While it may not have the polished appeal of northern Italy, Puglia’s laid-back charm is what makes it so special. Crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, enchanting trulli buildings, and some of the most mouthwatering local cuisine and wine waiting to be tasted. It’s no wonder it’s the place everyone wants to visit.
But there’s so much more to Puglia than the Instagram-famous Polignano a Mare and Alberobello. Having spent 4 months here and being lucky enough to get married in Puglia (at the wonderful Castello Monaci, highly recommended) we have manage to discover some of the hidden gems.
Here’s our tips for exploring the real Puglia and all the unique sights it has to offer. I for one can’t wait to go back…
TOP 20 PUGLIA SIGHTS:
1.Taste the Sea: Taste the freshness of crudo and sea urchins. Fresh off the boat, try crudo prawns, mussels, scallops, octopus and Riccio de Mare (sea urchins) if you are lucyy enough to be there in season. My favourite spot is La Lampara Lab
2. Discover the Florence of the South: Fall in love with Lecce, a stunning Baroque city that rivals the iconic charm of Rome, Milan, and Florence. Visit the Basilica di Santa Croce, admire the amazing architecture and get lost in the historic streets.
3. Cliff-top Views: Take a cliff-top walk in Polignano a Mare to see the dramatic cliffs against the clear water. (Keep an eye out for the famous Cave restaurant Grotta Palazzese & the Volare singer Domenico Modugno statue)
4. Sparkling Waters: Whilst many people head to the popular Punta Prosciutto and Polignano a Mare beaches, head to the beautiful crystal clear beaches in Porto Cesareo, Torre Canne and Gallipoli to relax and refresh.
5. Charming Trulli Villages: Alberobello is the UNESCO site and a very enchanting town to see the trulli’s, but it’s not the only place to see these cone shaped, stone houses. Avoid the crowds and head to beautiful Martina Franca, or Locorotondo and discover the unique charm of both towns.
6. The White City: Wander through the striking streets of Ostuni. Seeing a whole white-washed city is a visually stunning sight. Walk up to the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary for a spectacular view or take the fun tuk tuk’s as an alternative mode of transport, as it’s quite a climb to the top!
7. Historic Taranto: Discover Taranto’s rich history and culture. Explore the impressive Taranto Castle – Castello Aragonese, dating back to 1492 and discover the unique naval history this city has to offer.
8. Aperitivo Time: No Italian trip is complete without indulging in the traditional pre-dinner aperitivo. Take your pick of spots from busy piazza’s, to serene ocean views all making the perfect backdrop to sip on your spritz and enjoy the local taralli and olives.
9. Wine Tasting in Salento: Indulge in tasting some of Puglia’s delicious local wines with Negromaro and Primitivo, 2 of the main varities. They both promise not to disappoint. (Apollonio Vini & Castello Monaci both offer tastings – recommend pre-booking)
10. Stay in a Masseria: Another unique building to the Puglia region is the Masseria. Many of these fortified old farmhouses have been renovated to offer luxury accommodation, offering the perfect place to experience the beautiful countryside in style.
11. Charming Streets of Nardò: Roam around Nardo’s picturesque alleys. A town that has the charm of a smaller Lecce, minus the crowds. Explore its enchanting streets and don’t miss the impressive Cathedral at the heart of this lovely town.
12. Long Lunch in Otranto: Sit back and enjoy a leisurely seafood lunch with stunning views in Otranto. Fresh seafood and water views make for the perfect spot to soak up the relaxed way of Puglia life.
13. Festivals and Celebrations: The Italians love a celebration, from religious festivities to impromptu fireworks and football celebrations. Embrace the vibrant local culture and get swept up in the fun.
13. Bari Highlights: Explore the harbour, walk through the old town, and visit the resting place of Saint Nicholas, in Puglia’s capital city.
14. Eat Like a Local: Pugliese food is some of my favourite in Italy. It’s very simple, local flavours that taste amazing. Some delights not to be missed include – burrata, orecchiette, rustico leccese, bombette and pasticciotto.
15. Explore the Markets: From food markets to vintage and clothes markets – shop amongst the locals and discover great produce and flavours along the way. (We loved Gallipoli’s markets and roadside food stalls for our fresh produce shopping)
16. Passeggiata: Start your evening off the right way with a passeggiata, the beloved Italian evening walk. The ideal way to relax and explore the beautiful Puglia towns before enjoying your evening meal.
17. Relaxed Entertainment in Martina Franca : Be entertained as you relax in Piazza Maria Immacolata with local performers and admire the beautiful surroundings in this charming town whilst eating the local coppa and sipping on your delicious wines.
18. Embrace Local Coastal life in Monopoli: Set by the sea, this quaint town has a laid back vibe surrounded by local fishermen and restaurants serving up delicious catches of the day.
19. Go to the end of Puglia: Visit Santa Maria di Leuca, the southernmost tip of Puglia. It’s also the point where the Adriatic sea meets the Ionaian sea, making it a beautiful spot to explore.
20. Drive through the country-side: The best way to discover the beauty of Puglia is to get out and explore the country-side, visiting local small villages, trying local restaurants, seeing the olive trees and vineyards and stumbling across hidden beaches along the way. Just be prepared for some tight, bumpy roads as you go.
Explore more tips for Puglia here… https://spritzinguplife.com/ultimate-guide-to-gallipoli-top-things-to-see-eat-and-do/
