Exploring the Charm of Puglia

Puglia is a hidden gem in Italy, it has captivated travellers with its unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. As you travel on your journey through this enchanting region, be prepared for a great experience which is unique to this part of the country.

The Itria Valley is adorned with rolling hills and provides a picturesque backdrop for exploration.

This area is characterised by charming villages, mile after mile of olive groves, historic towns, wooded slopes, vineyards, and the amazing ‘trulli’ (whitewashed, cone-roofed houses) that you see all over the countryside.

Alberobello is perhaps the most famous town in the Itria Valley due to its famous trulli houses. The conical rooftops and whitewashed houses are simply magical. The old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, consists of a maze of streets and steps lined with Trulli drystone dwellings that were built using prehistoric techniques.

Locorotondo translates to mean ’round place’ a town in a circular form on top of a hill. Its hilltop position means that you can see the town from miles away and you will be treated to stunning views of the Itria Valley once there.

Martina Franca is another slightly larger town worth visiting with its cobbled streets and ancient Baroque architecture. The piazzas have cafes and outdoor terraces and are overlooked by churches.

Another part of the town, which you reach with a short stroll from the city gate, is very charming and completely whitewashed! This white neighbourhood is typical of this part of Puglia and makes Martina Franca one of the so-called ‘Citta’ Bianche’ (white cities).

One of the best places in Martina Franca to admire the local Baroque style is the Basilica of San Martino, the city’s Patron saint.

Polignano a Mare is a town which sits on top of a rocky cliff and also has a beautiful beach Cala Porto, one of the best in the region.

The town’s historic centre has many ancient buildings and narrow alleys to walk along while admiring the architecture and soaking up the atmosphere. You will then find the Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II. This square has some fantastic restaurants and bars and is a great place to relax and people-watch.

Monopoli is a hidden gem and not known to many tourists, it has castle ruins and another fabulous more secluded beach. Well worth taking the time out to visit. You also have a Baroque-style cathedral, the Basilica of the Madonna della Madia which is also a must-see.

Salento Beaches sit south of Puglia and are described as the heel of Italy’s boot. These beaches are a sight to behold with crystal clear waters and stunning scenery. The three beaches to visit are called Marina di Pescoluse, Baia dei Turchi and Grotta della Poesia.

You can explore the white dunes or just catch some sun or do some watersports if that's your thing. This area is still under the radar for most international travellers, you do have to travel to the farthest corner of Italy to get there, but you certainly won't regret making the journey.

Gargano is a region in the Foggia province of Puglia and is full of olive groves, dense forests and fantastic coastlines. Gargano also has a lot of charming small towns you can visit, like Monte Sant’Angelo, Peschici or Vieste.

Near here is Baia delle Zagare (Zagare Bay) where you can explore one of Gargano’s most beautiful beaches.

Tremiti islands comprise five small islands – St. Nicholas, St. Domino, Capraia, Pianosa, and Cretaccio, they are part of the Gargano National Park. This tiny archipelago off Puglia was once a penal colony, but today it offers a blissful escape with coves and quiet lanes.

Capraia, Cretaccio and Pianosa are uninhabited and cars are banned on the other two, except for residents. There are many things to do and explore. you can take a boat trip or walk around the most popular island San Domino.

Gallipoli is a town surrounded by fortified walls which gives the town a real medieval castle feel. Gallipoli Castle offers impressive views from Rivellino Tower, which looks over the harbour.

Saint Agatha Cathedral is well worth a visit with its amazing paintings across the ceilings and walls, by artists like Giovanni Andrea Coppola and Nicola Malinconico.

Spiaggia della Purita (Beach of Purity) sits alongside the walls of Gallipoli’s historic centre and is a relaxing place to spend an evening or watch the sunset.

Ostuni, also known as the white city, is one of the most beautiful towns. The white houses attract tourists, and the local government encourages everyone to repaint every two years by paying for half the cost.

For the best view of the countryside surrounding Ostuni, head to the top of the Old Town, which has fantastic views of the surrounding area.

The town is a great place to wander its many lanes and explore the nearby countryside. The town's lanes are a maze and it's easy to get lost in a good way while exploring.

The main street in Ostuni is Via Cattedrale, which makes its way from Piazza della Libertà at the bottom of the hill up to Ostuni Cathedral, Cattedrale Santa Maria Assunta.

Bari Old Town is situated on the eastern coast and is the capital city of Puglia. It has an international airport so is an important gateway to the region. (The airport is connected to most major cities in Italy and Europe). It is a port city and you will find many fishermen and shops selling fresh seafood everywhere.

The old streets again can seem like a maze and having a map will probably help. But on your exploration, you will find many churches, cafes and restaurants to enjoy as well as mingling with the locals.

You can also visit the iconic Basilica of St. Nicholas, an important pilgrimage destination. Go inside to see its fantastic painted ceilings and architecture.