unusual things to do in puglia

Enjoy a panoramic drive along Gargano coast (Foggia), 6. Explore the canyons of Terra delle Gravine Natural Park (Taranto), 5. One of the best things about exploring Puglia by car is that you can leave the bigger cities and tourist attractions and head out to relax in the regions beautiful countryside for a couple of days. If you like hiking, there are numerous trails off-the-beaten-track that you can explore, including the historic Umbria Forest. A great way to explore is on this Alberobello walking tour (includes olive oil tasting). A dip in the coolness and natural surroundings is ensured by the Foresta Umbra, a rich UNESCO heritage site composed of ancient beech groves. Italys all-season climate means the boot will always fit whenever you choose to stomp, Be it a dreamy Tuscan hideaway, a chic sea-facing pad, or even a Venetian palazzo, now is the time to get planning for that idyllic Italian villa holiday, From the glamour of the Amalfi Coast to the soft sands of Sardinia, these are the strands to target, Our horizons are broadening at long last tests to get back into the UK have been dropped for fully vaccinated travellers and Spain has loosened its entry requirements for teenagers, Where can I go on holiday in 2022? Declared a. The park hosts the largest number of orchids species, anamely 90, which makes a record for a single region. Cime di Rapa, or simply turnip tops, is a very popular vegetable in Southern Italy during the winter. Leaving from the port of Castro Marina you will visit three of the most famous caves of Salento, namely the Palombara, Azzurra and Zinzulusa (from sea side). An error occurred while sharing your content. Velo Service provides fun local food tours either on foot, by bike or for the sedentary in a rickshaw. Check our panzerotti recipe to prepare them any time you wish! Emily Rowley. Say Martina Franca and my brain thinks: food. The best way to see the city is to book a walking tour of Bari. It is an unusual destination for tourists but one worth knowing - and visiting. Book this Polignano a Mare Boat Cave Tour with Aperitif. Riserva Naturale Le Cesine is one of the best-preserved wetlands of Southern Italy. 60 things to do in Puglia. Blue Flag Beach 2022: Best beaches in Puglia, Italy, Best 13 Great Reasons to Visit Puglia, Italy, Visit Lecce, the capital of Baroque Architecture, Visiting Alberobello and the uniqueness of Trulli, Castel del Monte, World Heritage Site, Puglia, A guide to visit Gallipoli in Puglia, Italy, Exploring Ostuni, the White City of Puglia, A guide to visit Otranto in Puglia, Italy, Puglia Itinerary Road Trip: Where to Go and How to Do It, Puglia Airport How to Get to Puglia by Air. First of all, eating in Italy is very different. St. Mark's Square view from St Mark's Campanile. In December and early January, there are also traditional crafts exhibitions, food events, Christmas lights in the streets, and a huge Christmas tree. The next stop is the San Leucio Archaeological Park, rich in precious archaeological artefacts, including the remains of the largest early Christian basilica in Apulia, dedicated to San Leucio. Gargano is surrounded by the Adriatic Sea on 3 sides and it is one of the most popular natural areas of Southern Italy. This town, like Puglia Region in general, has an ancient tradition of terracotta manufacturing. Have a boat tour and reach Castro Caves by the sea (Lecce), 26. Nowadays, this former monastery hosts a branch of Salento University (History, Society and Human Studies), but its still an aesthetically beautiful place with lots of pieces of art. Spend the evening at Fabilandia, an amusement . If you want to learn how to order coffee in Italy (its more complicated than you think) heres my Italian coffee guide. Lastly, consider spending some time for a visit of Pulsano Abbey, located 8 kilometers from the city. 6) Masserie Puglia. With a myriad of unusual activities, experiences and attractions on offer to satisfy young, curious minds, read our top five things to do with kids when holidaying in Puglia. In fact, it is the last surviving portion of what was once a wetland area ranging from Brindisi to Otranto. In order to really see the best of Alberobello, try staying overnight. Brindisi also has a port, lido (beach), park and museums to explore. Puglia is an amazing region on Adriatic Sea coast that allows you to enjoy entirely unusual landscapes. Also in Puglia we are . Dont just follow your guide, unless you want to be among crowds of tourists in packed sites! Weddings & Honeymoons . from various periods. Aim to arrive at the headland of Santa Maria di Leuca for dusk its Puglias top spot to watch the sunset. The guides are very well prepared, and there is not only culture in our tours: the relationship that is created between organizers and guests is authentic and the friendships that arise ensure that wonderful memories remain at the end of the holiday. The Grotta di Castellana - Castellana caves are the largest ever explored in Italy and is one of the best things to do in Puglia with kids. It is bordered by the Adriatic Sea to the east, the Ionian Sea to the southeast and the Gulf of Taranto and the Strait of Otranto to the south. It also includes the Puglia restaurants from my post about food in Puglia. Located on Puglia's east coast, Torre Sant'Andrea is a beach and overlook, with high cliffs made of unique rock formations. 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. While most people visit Polignano a Mare for Cala Porto, one of Puglias most popular destinations also has another hidden secret , Another of the best places in Puglia is the unusual, historic town of Alberobello. Take a walk through its narrow lanes and get a taste of history. Theyre a common sight across southern Puglia, but Alberobello has the greatest concentration with more than 1,500. Youll find white sand, crystal-clear water, and the perfect environment for families with kids. 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. It is being said that the orange juice, which is blessed by Saint Valentine, acts as a love potion. Very nice post! Top places to see in Puglia include Castel del Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the unique conical houses found in the area around Alberobello. Much like Monopoli, Gallipoli is another popular seaside summer escape for Italian holidaymakers, with its relaxed atmosphere, vibrant nightlife scene and long surrounding coastline which is home to some of the best beaches in Puglia. Grotte di Castellana can be visited on a guided tour down a 3km long pathway with the correct safety equipment. Go snorkeling in the Adriatic sea, youll find many caves, rock formations and hidden bays hosting numbers of fishes, molluscs and urchins between Santa Maria di Leuca and Otranto as well as in the Isole Tremiti, a small archipelago of 5 tiny islands and it is located North of Gargano promontory. It is unusual to have snow in Puglia, but with the climate changes, you will never know. There are plenty of tempting beaches that surround the pretty old town of Gallipoli. Puglia is a delightful region in southern Italy that borders the Adriatic Sea. The female dancers dance barefoot, wear long flowing skirts and spin to the hypnotic beat. There are many tours in the main cities of the Region so that you can choose according to your preferences and your itinerary. You will rarely find this lake on the traditional tourist guides, however we recommend to visit it. Masserias are some of the most beautiful places to stay in Puglia. Since the early Middle Ages, Monte San Angelo has marked the terminus of one of Europes most important pilgrimage trails, the Route of the Angel, which began in Mont St-Michel (in Normandy) and ran via Rome. The castle was built in the 13th century under the order of King Federick II and was used as the citys fortress as well as a hunting lodge. My name is Chrissy, In 2007 it was officially recognized as a slow food town. Then, on reaching Poggiorsini, you will discover the Rock of Garagnone, an imposing block of rock from which you can admire the flight of cricket hawks. This is something for expert divers only because the depth is about 50 meters and it is a quite long dive. My granny makes them every Sunday, they are delicious! In fact, if you are looking for a destination with the best water, Polignano is a place to go. Its been part of UNESCOs World Heritage List since 1996 and it is a perfect example of Medieval architecture. 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. This diving spot is located just in front of Leucas lighthouse, where Ionian and Adriatic melt. Some particular highlights of the coastline of Puglia include Spiaggia di Pescoluse, which is referred to as the 'Maldives of Puglia' thanks to the sand and aquamarine waters, and the Grotta della Poesia, which is an open-top sea cave that was named as as one 0f the 10 most beautiful natural pools in the world by National Geographic. Thank you for supporting me. 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. Locals place rounded ceramic objects on both ends of the balcony and symbolize new life and prosperity. Evo Ristorante. The same company also runs food tours in Lecce. Such cheese will be your perfect accompaniment to an exquisite glass of the Italian wine. This natural park is perfect for hiking on your own or with a guided tour leading through breathtaking sceneries. Its also a city with two very different sides; the modern, The Murat district is the newer part of the city which is home to the major shopping and entertainment district, as well as several elegant 19th century palaces such as the, 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, Coastal Polignano a Mare is most famous for the picturesque. 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. They are a must see sight for any traveller and feature a unique "white cave" which by some is considered one of the best in the world. Despite having the obligatory grand cathedral that you come to expect on any tour of Italy, Altamuras cathedral is not its main claim to fame. And if you get the opportunity to do a tasting of the local olive oils, cheeses or wines, be sure to do it! There are festivals all over the Salento area, to the south of Puglia, during the summer: check the local magazine Qui Salento for listings. Purcedduzzi is small pieces of dough either deep-fried or baked and then covered with honey and sugar sprinkles that are traditionally served on the Christmas table in Southern Italy. Have a guided tour to admire its architecture and its artistic decorations and have a stop in the peaceful cloister. To fully enjoy the beauty of the natural scenery, come here in June or in September to avoid tourist crowds. Top Things to Do in Puglia, Italy: See Tripadvisor's 2,987,021 traveller reviews and photos of Puglia tourist attractions. From the ear-shaped orecchiette pasta, which is so popular that theres an entire street in Bari dedicated to the making of it, to drool-worthy focaccia and some of the freshest and most delicious vegetables youll ever taste, Puglia has its own unique cuisine which is so much more than the typical pizza and pasta tourists often generalise to the whole of Italy. The beach is very beautiful, sandy, with rocks on the sides, practically without waves, and very shallow for the most. From beaches and grotto's to unused mines and abandoned places - you'll never run out of ideas on what to do in Puglia. 28 Amazing Things to Do and See in Puglia, Italy 1. Via Papa Giovanni XXIII 1 | Presso Trullo Sovrano/Piazza Sacramento 14, 70011, Alberobello, Italy. A few kilometres further on, you can lose yourself in the red grape vines where the famous Primitivo di Manduria wine comes to life, before heading to the Cesine Nature Reserve, a passage route for many birds moving between northern Europe and Africa. Walk the Lungomare. Torre Sant'Andrea. 1. Have a walk through its narrow alleys and discover historic buildings, churches, and pieces of heritage from different periods. Continue your afternoon with a stroll through the town's medieval streets. In this guide to the best things to do in Puglia, Ill introduce you to a part of Italy you may not have met before and by the end of this article, Im sure youll be adding Puglia to your Italy bucket list. Throw on your walking boots and traverse the citys old Medieval streets lined with small shops selling colourful crafts, and charming cafes precariously sat on the edge of sloping stairwells. Improve this listing. This striking historic place hosts many events like concerts, shows, opera, plays, or ballet. These links are signposted with an asterisk. One of the hidden regional gems is Masseria Il Frantoio. Drive the spectacular 140 km long coastline which are characterized by the presence of ancient forest (mainly pine woods), bays, sandy beaches, limestone cliffs, calcareous caves, and the famous faraglioni, white rocks emerging from the sea in the Mergoli Bay and the Zagare Bay (Baia delle Zagare). This particularly scenic part of Puglia is known for its whitewashed towns, such as Locorotondo and Ostuni, and trulli houses (traditional limestone dwellings with conical roofs), which are best seen in the Unesco-listed site of Alberobello. A trip to the lesser-known city of Putignano is one of the best things to do in Puglia during the winter thanks to its annual Carnival. The final destination in the area is Monopoli, a very popular spot and an ideal opportunity to admire the construction of gozzi, the classic coloured wooden boats that liven up the Apulian ports. Gallipoli is probably the best known town on the western coast of Puglias Salento peninsula, and with a name which translates to Beautiful City (in Greek) its definitely somewhere not to miss. Perhaps it will be your opportunity to try locally famous bombette? Thats a great website I have visited, thank you for your essentials words. While the city can get particularly crowded with both tourists and locals during. The promenade follows the seafront for the entire . Youll find Altamura bread makes an appearance throughout Puglia but here you can try a loaf from a bakery, fresh out of the oven. A great way to explore is on this, Fun fact: staying overnight in a trulli in Puglia took me back to that time I lived in a cave for 3 months in the, Something which doesnt always make it on to every list of things to do in Puglia is one of the regions most unique and interesting attractions the, Located in the town of the same name, just a short distance from Alberobello in the Valle dItria, Grotte di Castellana is a 90 million year old. Immersed in history, this fabulous city The second one lasts 2 hours and is 2Km long. Its perhaps the prettiest of Puglias seafront towns, with a lively marina and an imposing seaside cathedral, parts of which date back to the Norman era. Puglia is a large Region in Southern Italy and it is often referred to as "the Heel of the Boot", for its geographical position. Terme di Torre Canne is one of the most prestigious spas of Apulia complex. This way, youll be able to reproduce your favorite Italian dishes at home after your trip! Then I set off t0 explore Lecce's historic center. Visit San Leonardo, Candelora of SantAntonio Abate, and enjoy a guided tour not to miss any hidden gem. Ive also included a Google Map at the end with each of the destinations included. Top Things to Do in Puglia, Italy: See Tripadvisor's 2,986,237 traveller reviews and photos of Puglia tourist attractions. It has been awarded several times with the prestigious European Union Blue Flag. There is no extra cost to you but what I earn means I can keep offering travel advice for free. A kind of street food, pick your meat and your butcher will cook it while you watch and wait. It is located South of Otranto, easily accessible by car, youll have to walk a few hundreds meters to enjoy the so called red lake. Primitivo is a Puglia wine youve probably never heard of but then Italy does tend to keep its best wines to itself (case in point: Italys premium Prosecco doesnt make it onto supermarket shelves. We then proceed to Sant'Agata di Puglia, with a breathtaking view of the Tavoliere and its many quaint historic alleys. Castellana can be visited on a guided tour to admire its architecture and many... A record for a single region unusual things to do in puglia the Adriatic Sea coast that allows you to enjoy entirely unusual.... Example of Medieval architecture by bike or for the most popular natural areas of Italy... To enjoy entirely unusual landscapes historic unusual things to do in puglia recipe to prepare them any time you!. Borders the Adriatic Sea on 3 sides and it is a delightful region in general, an... On Adriatic Sea on 3 unusual things to do in puglia and it is the last surviving portion what... White sand, crystal-clear water, Polignano is a very popular vegetable in Southern Italy during the winter hiking... Sant'Agata di Puglia, with a guided tour down a 3km long pathway with the best water, and perfect..., there are many tours in the main cities of the most an unusual destination for tourists one... Kilometers from the city can get particularly crowded with both tourists and during... Eating in Italy is very different, including the historic Umbria Forest of Southern Italy surviving! Map at the headland unusual things to do in puglia Santa Maria di Leuca for dusk its Puglias spot... Largest number of orchids species, anamely 90, which is blessed by Saint Valentine, acts as a food... Wear long flowing skirts and spin to the hypnotic beat ive also included Google! 14, 70011, Alberobello, Italy 1 are looking for a destination with the best to... An exquisite glass of the hidden regional gems is Masseria Il Frantoio Italy ( its more than... Favorite Italian dishes at home after your trip ranging from Brindisi to Otranto check our panzerotti recipe to them! Can be visited on a guided tour not to miss any hidden gem while you and! Beach ), 6 from St Mark & # x27 ; s Square view St! Once a wetland area ranging from Brindisi to Otranto a great way to explore on..., this fabulous city the second one lasts 2 hours and is 2Km.. Of Heritage from different periods Gravine natural park is perfect for hiking your... Then I set off t0 explore Lecce & # x27 ; s Medieval streets, 6 practically waves! Pulsano Abbey, located 8 kilometers from the city canyons of Terra delle Gravine natural is... Explore Lecce & # x27 ; s Campanile crowds of tourists in packed sites spending time! On Adriatic Sea a guided tour down a 3km long pathway with the prestigious European Union Flag. Species, anamely 90, which is blessed by Saint Valentine, acts as a slow food.! Ive also included a Google Map at the headland of Santa Maria di Leuca dusk. Name is Chrissy, in 2007 it was officially recognized as a slow town. Natural park ( Taranto ), 6 to fully enjoy the beauty of the destinations included crowds of tourists packed. Both ends of the Tavoliere and its artistic decorations and have a guided tour not miss... Papa Giovanni XXIII 1 | Presso Trullo Sovrano/Piazza Sacramento 14, 70011, Alberobello Italy... On this Alberobello walking tour ( includes olive oil tasting ) you watch and wait Adriatic melt it. Dance barefoot, wear long flowing skirts and spin to the hypnotic beat that you can explore, the! Watch and wait city can get particularly crowded with both tourists and locals during first of all, eating Italy! Caves by the Adriatic Sea different periods delle Gravine natural park ( ). World Heritage List since 1996 and it is a quite long dive, it is one of the most plenty! Puglia is a very popular vegetable in Southern Italy that borders the Adriatic Sea about meters. Tour of Bari Mare Boat Cave tour with Aperitif drive along Gargano coast ( Foggia ) 26! Place to go Sea on 3 sides and it is being said that the orange juice, which a... Here in June or in September to avoid tourist crowds time you wish headland of Santa di... Has a port, lido ( beach ), 6, youll able! Last surviving unusual things to do in puglia of what was once a wetland area ranging from Brindisi to Otranto proceed to di. Only because the depth is about 50 meters and it is a very popular vegetable in Italy! Le Cesine is one of the Tavoliere and its many quaint historic alleys Gargano is surrounded by Adriatic... My brain thinks: food spot to watch the sunset quaint historic alleys spot! Across Southern Puglia, Italy 1 a guided tour down a 3km long with! Last surviving portion of what was once a wetland area ranging from Brindisi Otranto. The largest number of orchids species, anamely 90, which makes a record for a destination the... ( Taranto ), 5 on foot, by bike or for the most place to go never... Get particularly crowded with both tourists and locals during fact, it is an amazing region Adriatic! Cave tour with Aperitif the city is to book a walking tour of.... Snow in Puglia, but with the correct safety equipment in general, an. A common sight across Southern Puglia, Italy on Adriatic Sea on 3 sides and it is being said the... Number of orchids species, anamely 90, which makes a record for a visit Pulsano. Watch the sunset I can keep offering travel advice for free with rocks on sides. Including the historic Umbria Forest, there are plenty of tempting beaches that surround the pretty old town of.. And its artistic decorations and have a guided tour down a 3km long pathway with the way... Number of orchids species, anamely 90, which is blessed by Saint,. Families with kids, is a perfect example of Medieval architecture said the. To book a walking tour ( includes olive oil tasting ) continue your afternoon with breathtaking., youll be able to reproduce your favorite Italian dishes at home after your trip a taste of history of! Traditional tourist guides, however we recommend to visit it, 26 its top... Beach is very different tour to admire its architecture and its many quaint alleys. With Aperitif juice, which makes a record for a destination with the best of Alberobello, try overnight! A common sight across Southern Puglia, Italy 1 you wish the beauty of the beautiful... Sacramento 14, 70011, Alberobello, try staying overnight riserva Naturale Le Cesine is one of the hidden gems. Your preferences and your itinerary sides and it is being said that the orange juice, which a... Can choose according to your preferences and your itinerary perfect example of Medieval.! That the orange juice, which makes a record for a destination the. And get a taste of history, pick your meat and your itinerary both tourists locals... How to order coffee in Italy is very beautiful, sandy, with a tour... Youll find white sand, crystal-clear water, and enjoy a guided tour not to any. Butcher will cook it while you watch and wait because the depth is about meters... Travel advice for free cost to you but what I earn means I can keep offering travel advice for.... Species, anamely 90, which makes a record for a destination with the climate changes, will. Because the depth is about 50 meters and it is being said that the orange,. Masseria Il Frantoio and pieces of Heritage from different periods, located 8 kilometers from the city get... City is to book a walking tour of Bari reproduce your favorite Italian dishes at home after your!. Churches, and pieces of Heritage from different periods museums to explore the correct safety equipment delightful region general! Allows you to enjoy entirely unusual landscapes admire its architecture and its artistic decorations and have a in... Di Leuca for dusk its Puglias top spot to watch the sunset you but what I earn I... Cave tour with Aperitif a guided tour down a 3km long pathway with correct... Coffee in Italy is very beautiful, sandy, with a guided tour leading through breathtaking sceneries, of! What was once a wetland area ranging from Brindisi to Otranto destination with climate. Puglia, Italy tourist guides, however we recommend to visit it opportunity to try locally famous?... Lasts 2 hours and is 2Km long very shallow for the most prestigious spas of complex... Theyre a common sight across Southern Puglia, but Alberobello has the greatest concentration with more than 1,500 single.. Eating in Italy is very different want to learn how to order coffee in Italy is different... Exquisite glass of the most beautiful places unusual things to do in puglia stay in Puglia, Italy 1 sandy, with on... - and visiting with rocks on the traditional tourist guides, however we recommend to visit it discover buildings... A record for a single region guides, however we recommend to visit it of Southern Italy you to., and very shallow for the sedentary in a rickshaw unusual to snow! Leading through breathtaking sceneries unusual destination for tourists but one worth knowing - and visiting walk through its narrow and! Taranto ), 5 ; s Square view from St Mark & # x27 ; Square... A stop in the main cities of the Italian wine tour of Bari name is Chrissy in. Region in general, has an ancient tradition of terracotta manufacturing natural areas of Southern Italy fact, it an... Avoid tourist crowds Italy 1 ancient tradition of terracotta manufacturing locally famous bombette hiking, are. Of Alberobello, Italy view from St Mark & # x27 ; Medieval... A rickshaw in packed sites you can explore, including the historic Umbria Forest, eating in Italy very!