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. It also includes the Puglia restaurants from my post about food in Puglia. Horse-ride in Gargano forest (Vieste), 28. And where there are luxury yachts, fine dining follows. 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. In 2010 the city has been listed in Best in Travel 2010 by Lonely Planet. If you are trying out different pasta options while on holidays in Italy, pay attention to the Cavatelli. Explore, grab an espresso, have a gelato and just enjoy these quieter, less touristed places in Puglia. Try a Frisella, its literal description is: bagel-shaped toasted roll. Framed against the sparkling blue Adriatic, Tranis creamy white buildings have earned it the local nickname of la perla di Puglia (the pearl of Puglia). This part of the city is surrounded by the sea on 3 sides and its connected to the modern districts by a bridge. UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Capital of Trulli is a must for anyone traveling to Puglia with children, who will find very funny these buildings with a conical roof. Ops! 798 Reviews. Mt. It is unusual to have snow in Puglia, but with the climate changes, you will never know. Dont forget to climb to the top of the hill to visit the Cathedral. Its possible to go inside the castle if you book tickets. 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. Every year, hundreds of volunteers and animals commemorate the Nativity with a sort of theater scenography in a historic place of the village. Have a 2-hour walk in the so-called Plain of Olive Trees, populated by ancient trees up to 3000 years old. Starting with the Propaggini (poetry reading) on December 26th, the core of the Carnival celebrations (and the best time to visit) occurs between late January and Shrove Tuesday in February. The largest natural swimming pool is perfect to take dips from a height of 5m and to swim in salty water. 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. Every trip to Italy is unique, build it the way you like it, you'll be spoilt for choice. These cooking classes are often held in masserie, that is local farmhouses in the countryside. Wetland of Southern . Look out for pilgrims graffiti it was a custom for penitents to trace outlines of their hands and feet into the walls. Grotte di Castellana is one of Puglias most amazing natural wonders and very different from the historic port towns and beautiful sandy Puglia beaches the region is more often associated with. Lunch can be as late as 5pm and dinner in some cases can start as late as 11pm! 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. Here you can see many fishes like barracudas, groupers, morays but also spider crabs and other shellfishes. Although it is a both small and pebbled, thanks to the water, Cala Porto is one of the best beaches in Puglia. Puglia is a large Region in Southern Italy and it is often referred to as the Heel of the Boot, for its geographical position. 1. Many visitors skip the capital city of Bari, and thats a shame. Puglia is a smaller but beautiful upcoming tourist destination that is worth a visit. If you wander around among all those olive trees in Puglia for a while, you really don't want anything else than your own oil in such a nice ceramic pouring bottle. And if you linger in the area, check out the locally produced Castel Del Monte Puglia winein a choice of red, white or ros. Bari is the capital of the region of Puglia and is situated on the Adriatic Sea. We have reviews of the best places to see in Puglia. It's a beautiful town characterized by its medieval heritage. Another of the best places in Puglia is the unusual, historic town of Alberobello. If you wish to book an activity in Puglia click here, Have a scroll and admire the magic of Alberobello, a small yet characteristic town located South East of Puglia in the province of Bari. Enjoy silence and peace at Olivetani Monastery (Lecce), 10. Show More Private Guided Tour In Alberobello With Free Tasting: Discovering The Trulli . Book this Polignano a Mare Boat Cave Tour with Aperitif. It was built during the Augustan era, and housed up to 18,000 spectators who flocked here to watch gladiatorial contests and mock battles. 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. Covid-related restrictions may be in place. This ancient fortified village has remained unchanged during the centuries, together with its beautiful castle. This Natural Reserve is a perfect opportunity to spend a day surrounded by nature and unusual plant species. This journey begins in the north, in the Monti Dauni, characterised by wild nature, tiny villages and ancient fortresses that tell of a magnificent past. Local craftsmen use to paint their creations with a colored glaze forming nice decorations, geometric patterns, or floral motifs. 1. Check out the video, click here. A dip in the coolness and natural surroundings is ensured by the Foresta Umbra, a rich UNESCO heritage site composed of ancient beech groves. Its location is also a conundrum, since it does not seem to have been built for any strategic purpose there are no important towns or crossroads near by. +39 320 848 1230. One of the best things to do in Puglia is to visit the Mercato del Sabato. In Altamura and Gravina, you will be fascinated by two of the largest karst sinkholes in the Murgia, the Pulo and the Pulicchio: intriguing chasms created by the underground erosion of rocks that create incomparable scenery. After trying out products from local farmers, you can spend a while strolling around the village discovering authentic regional churches. All the caves have evocative names like Wolf Cave, Owl Cave, Precipice Cave or Desert Corridor. 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. Public transport is very limited, bordering on non-existent in some areas, so having a car will give you the freedom to explore. The city of Monte SantAngelo is famous in particular for local Sanctuary. Two different tours can then be taken inside: the classic tour (the shortest one) lasts 50 minutes and is 1Km long. 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. Create an account or log in to save your wishlist, Do you already have an account? By the way, try those with cream and black cherries, they are super delicious. Give a billion thumbs to you. Do a tour of the rock carved churches in Massafra (Taranto), 21. The first stop is the smallest village in Apulia, Celle San Vito: only 163 inhabitants and a rare language, the Franco-Provenal dialect imported by the Angevins. The main draw, of course, is these viewpoints, which are best enjoyed with a Spritz if you ask me. 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 karstic cave system running 60 meters below ground. Thats my guide to the best things to do in Puglia, Italy. Puglia might not have as many world-famous sights as Tuscany or Rome, but in many ways, the heel of Italy is a more rewarding place to travel. In 2007 it was officially recognized as a slow food town. For more information visit here. 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. Puglias cucina povera is renowned across Italy, so this makes a wonderful place for a cooking lesson. 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. The school houses its own souvenir shop which is open daily, you can see the masters as they work the clay. 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. Enjoy a Street Food Tour to taste local specialties and learn something about the typical gastronomy of Puglia. Its naturalistic marine heritage stands majestic and impressive. It is being said that the orange juice, which is blessed by Saint Valentine, acts as a love potion. How to do it: If youre limited on time, stick to Cala Porta Vecchia, Monopolis most central sandy beach with crystal clear waters right next to the citys sixteenth-century fortified walls. The centrepiece is the monumental Basilica di Santa Croce, celebrated for its ornate and bizarre faade: look out for griffins, dodos, biblical figures, cherubs and even a few sheep in the stonework. 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 Grotte di Castellana(Caves of Castellana). 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. A kind of street food, pick your meat and your butcher will cook it while you watch and wait. It's much less touristy for one thing. Live a day like a nobleman of the 16th century in Acaya (Lecce), 25. 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. Head to the hilltop town of Altamura . Spend the evening at Fabilandia, an amusement . Murgia is a hilly region of valleys and karst outcrops. The city was once home to one of Italys largest Jewish communities and dates back to the 9th century; evident in the medieval maze of streets. You can save the map offline and create a copy to add your own places. Puglia is a paradise of slow food culture, and at Epicwander there are locations that you might especially enjoy. While most Masseria were originally used for practical purposes, many have now been converted into luxurious agriturismo hotels and charming B&Bs. The School of Art in Grottaglie was created in the 18th. Take a walk along the beautiful beaches while admiring the unique coastline. A traditional Masseria stay is a must do in Puglia for those who love authentic local travel experiences. Getting to Bari The city of Bar is well connected by train, buses and flights. At Epicwander we suggest you to visit the following locations of Puglia. Spend one day on Torre Lapillo beach (Porto Cesareo), 14. Monopoli is not far from the caves. 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