Have a quick trip to the Middle-Ages at Castel del Monte (Andria), 3. La Quinta by Wyndham, Salem. Walk the Lungomare. The main beach might be crowded in the summer months, but when I also visited in March, it was basically empty. Inspiration Puglia. See Tripadvisor's 2,986,328 traveler reviews and photos of kid friendly Puglia attractions You can find a new undiscovered love city, try Christmas delicacies, or take a look at unusual rooftops in Alberobello. The building technique is called dry-stone and it is really ancient, stemming from a pre-historical period. Youll find white sand, crystal-clear water, and the perfect environment for families with kids. Two things you have to do in Polignano a Mare are witnessing a sunrise and sunset over the sea. This architectural curiosity stands on a hilltop 20km south of Andria. It is one of the most important Italian locations for seaside tourism, thanks to its many kilometers of sandy beaches. Focus on the Old Town (Bari Vecchia) & the Murat (Centro Storico). This is exactly how photojournalist Lorenzo Scaraggi found a previously undiscovered Apulia while travelling in a camper van from the 1990s. Inspired to visit Puglia but yet to book your trip? Ostuni is also known as White City (Citt bianca) because its historiccenteris entirely painted with white lime. Closed now : See all hours. Dont forget the walk to the highest part of the city were youll find the Santa Maria Cathedral which dominates the entire surrondings. 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. Covid travel restrictions explained, See the Northern Lights in Finnish Lapland, 2023 Croatia Island-Hopping Private Yacht and Magical Montenegro Experience. One of the best things to do in Bari, especially early in the morning or at sunset is to walk along the seafront promenade- the lungomare - more specifically Lungomare Nazario Sauro in Bari. Puglia has several different faces and Cisternino is one of them. In order to distinguish one loaf from another, each family would have a unique stamp placed on the bread by the baker, a tradition that some families even carry on today. Santuario di San Michele Arcangelo. The area is famous for the production of renowned red and white wines, like Verdeca or Negramaro, among the most popular ones. It is a 13th-century fortress built on top of a hill. Castel del Monte is a castle located near Andria and it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. Lunch can be as late as 5pm and dinner in some cases can start as late as 11pm! They serve delicacies from local organic products and each weekend they also organize a farmers market if you consider buying any local ingredients. Ive also included a Google Map at the end with each of the destinations included. Visit the Ceramic District with its many craftsmens shops to see these local artists at work. For more information visit here. Getting to Bari The city of Bar is well connected by train, buses and flights. Today it possesses merely ornamental function, nevertheless equally beautiful and authentic. Known as the White City thanks to the white tufa stone from which its buildings are constructed, Ostuni is located in the Valle dItria, a fertile valley carpeted with vineyards, almond and olive trees. A: Top activities in Puglia include: Private Wine Tour from Ostuni with Lunch including Alberobello and Locorotondo. It is what makes visiting Gallipoli one of the best things to do in Puglia. Filled with trulli - small stone houses with conical roofs, it's incredibly picturesque and unique. In fact, pottery was so essential in the region that it was always possible to find an entire pottery set in each house. While most Masseria were originally used for practical purposes, many have now been converted into luxurious agriturismo hotels and charming B&Bs. Discovering the best of Puglia in a Small Group 6 Days 5 Nights. Check out Puglia Unique Experiences Now!! Take a walk along the beautiful beaches while admiring the unique coastline. We feature properties from a specially selected list of trusted operators who are of a standard that we believe our readers expect. 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 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. This part of the city is surrounded by the sea on 3 sides and its connected to the modern districts by a bridge. Locals discovered thermal waters of Torre Canne in the mid-nineteenth century, but in the postwar period after construction of the Spa, real exploitation began. A gravina is a rocky slit that can be 100m deep and form a narrow natural corridor. Things to do in Puglia The unique conical roofs of the houses in Alberobello Our home for the weekend was Corte dei Messapi, a luxury villa positioned on the outskirts of the 'White City' of Ostuni. The beach is very beautiful, sandy, with rocks on the sides, practically without waves, and very shallow for the most. Its also the place to dine on seafood so fresh it practically walks from the water onto your plate. During your stay in Puglia, dont limit your visit to the most popular destinations! Today, wander the seafront and youll find the port is home to luxury yachts. Puglia is a large Region in Southern Italy and it is often referred to as "the Heel of the Boot", for its geographical position. Boat tours and day trips run from San Domino to San Nicola year-round, but youll need to arrange your own boat to reach Capraia. The second one lasts 2 hours and is 2Km long. Castellana Caves complex is one of the worlds largest karst complex that has ever been explored by man. Have a guided tour to admire its architecture and its artistic decorations and have a stop in the peaceful cloister. Website. Choose also alternative places and unusual activities, like the ones below: It is a spectacular underground cave system that is 3Km long and 70m deep. While the city can get particularly crowded with both tourists and locals during peak times, Ostunis vibrant and exciting atmosphere is like no other youll experience in all of Puglia. Used as a venue for hosting extravagant banquets and parties since the 1700s, the magical Grotta Palazzese Restaurant is located in a natural cave carved into the cliff face with spectacular views over the sea below. On the Adriatic Sea, perched like a birds nest on the edge of a sharp cliff over 20 meters high, Polignano rises above the sea. In order to really see the best of Alberobello, try staying overnight. Cime di Rapa, or simply turnip tops, is a very popular vegetable in Southern Italy during the winter. You can read about my trip to Prosecco here.) The Apulian hinterland is just as deserving of exploration as the coast. Yes, bustling Martina Franca has a stunning Ducal Palace and a winding old-town but it was the cheese, cured meats, coffees and cakes that left a lasting impression on me. Puglia food: Top 15 Savory Food you cannot miss! If you want to explore with a local, you can book a walking tour of Trani with olive oil tasting. Dont miss the viewpoint from the Villa Comunale garden, which offers a panorama over the Itria Valley. The small island of San Nicola is home to the 11th-century Abbazia e Chiesa di Santa Maria, and offers good snorkelling and diving, while deserted Capraia is now uninhabited except for seabirds. 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. It is an unusual destination for tourists but one worth knowing - and visiting. This combination waterpark/amusement park will keep the whole family busy all day. 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. Learn something about majolica art in Grottaglie (Taranto), 12. 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 d'Itria.. Puglia's trulli's date back to the 16th century and were designed to be easily dismantled . Now a Unesco world heritage site, Monte San Angelo centres around the Santuario di San Michele, a complex of churches, chapels and buildings built on top of a holy shrine where St Michael is said to have left his footprint. Create an account or log in to save your wishlist, Do you already have an account? This natural park is perfect for hiking on your own or with a guided tour leading through breathtaking sceneries. 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. 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. What do we start with? The location of this all-inclusive resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica, is ideal; it is just a short drive from the airport and a short walk from the city's famous Hip Strip. Look out for the Trullo Sovrano, the only two-levelled house. There is more to Apulia than the traditional tourist destinations, especially for those who love to explore and are looking for unusual itineraries. 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. Its possible to go inside the castle if you book tickets. Book this Polignano a Mare Boat Cave Tour with Aperitif, the Best Things To Do In Rome (with Insider Tips), Baroque Architecture and Underground Walking Tour, walking tour of Trani with olive oil tasting, 10 Things To Do In Venice Beyond The Expected, 40 Things To Do In Milan (That Arent Churches), 3 Days in Florence: The Itinerary I Give My Friends, Is Naples Safe? Castellana Caves (author: ReMagio ) Its main feature consists of its entire layout being built around the number 8 (8 towers, octagonal base, etc). Top Things to Do in Puglia, Italy: See Tripadvisor's 2,986,237 traveller reviews and photos of Puglia tourist attractions. Also worth visiting is the Museo Faggiano, where a Lecce townhouse has been turned into a living history lesson, with archaeological excavations revealing the houses history back to Roman times. 1. In December and early January, there are also traditional crafts exhibitions, food events, Christmas lights in the streets, and a huge Christmas tree. Shady and quiet, its a pleasure to explore on foot although the winding alleys are a maze. Look out for pilgrims graffiti it was a custom for penitents to trace outlines of their hands and feet into the walls. Although it is a both small and pebbled, thanks to the water, Cala Porto is one of the best beaches in Puglia. A very appreciated tour is held in Bari and it will let you taste locals favorite products while visiting the city center at the same time. Plus dont forget to visit the citys unusual sunken Roman Amphitheater, which still hosts a series of concerts, shows, opera, plays and ballets. I also took a boat trip while I was there, which is a wonderful way to spend half a day, enjoying the sea breeze. The list is organised by the best towns to stay in Puglia and what to do there. Poetically titled the pearl of Pugliayoull quickly agree with the name when you explore Trani. From here, you can reach the Eremi di Pulsano; lonely, secluded places from which to enjoy an astonishing panorama. The name of this beach stems from the bloody conflict that took place here in the 15th Century: Saracens landed on this beach to conquer Otranto and engage in a violent battle. Thank you for supporting me. 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 beautiful baroque church gives its best at night, thanks to the evocative lighting creating a magical atmosphere in the whole square. Also make sure you visit the Ducal Palace with its colourful mural interior. Discover the magnificent tradition of the 13th century Castel del Monte. 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. Youll find the citys history is well explored at the Museo Archeologico di Santa Scolastica, which has exhibits dating back to Bronze Age and Roman times. No need to go to the Gran Canyon when you can visit the Terre delle Gravine National Reserve with breathtaking views. From tours and day trips to events and attractions,there are plenty of fun things to do in Puglia for every traveler. This is also a good idea to enjoy a relaxing weekend doing open-air activities like walking, swimming in the pool, biking or horse riding. I guarantee itll be one of the highlights of your entire trip. The largest natural swimming pool is perfect to take dips from a height of 5m and to swim in salty water. The All Ways Puglia tour takes visitors through hidden gems of this incredibly charming Unesco World Heritage city. The ideal place to spend holiday as it is strategically located in between the two coasts, being within easy reach both of the long sandy rocky shores of the Adriatic Sea to the North, and of the crystalline waters of the Ionian Sea to the South. 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. 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. Locals place rounded ceramic objects on both ends of the balcony and symbolize new life and prosperity. Descend deep into the Castellana Caves, 5. 1. In this artistic tendency in Italy there is nothing that can be compared. 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). olive trees. 9. This diving spot is located just in front of Leucas lighthouse, where Ionian and Adriatic melt. Book this Polignano a Mare Boat Cave Tour with Aperitif. G. rotte 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); IndianaJo features some links (e.g. Hire bikes - a great thing to do in Puglia with kids. Two different tours can then be taken inside: the classic tour (the shortest one) lasts 50 minutes and is 1Km long. 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. Watch the Sunrise and Sunset over the Sea. Click here to open this map in Google Maps. Please accept profiling cookies to share the page. When in Puglia, eat late! Velo Service provides fun local food tours either on foot, by bike or for the sedentary in a rickshaw. Thats a great website I have visited, thank you for your essentials words. 5) Beaches. Full access tickets are 18 per person and, lined with small shops selling colourful crafts, and charming cafes precariously sat on the edge of sloping stairwells. Soak it in cold water for few seconds, dress it with fresh tomatoes, oregano, salt and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil. In fact, you can take your other half to the narrow street of Vicolo Del Bacio, famous throughout the ages as the rendezvous street. Consider having a brunch at V-ita Vivere Italiano. Alternatively, you can book a Street Food Tour in Bari or even take an orecchiette pasta making class (pasta making classes can be very expensive in Italy so, at under 35, this is amazing value). Who doesnt want to travel to a place just to try the bread? 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. It looks like a durum hard bread biscuit, cut horizontally in half and toasted again in the oven. Home Blog Posts Destinations Europe Italy 20 Very Best Things To Do In Puglia Italy. Immersed in history, this fabulous city Feel free to email me with any questions at chrissy@travelpassionate.com. Chief among them is the Grotte di Castellana, 40km southeast of Bari and the largest cave system in Italy, discovered in 1938. Local roads are lined and shaded by olive trees and are ideal for a trip around the olive mills and cheese producers. Enjoy Christmas Eve in Polignano a Mare Christmas Eve is one of the happiest times of the year. 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. We then proceed to Sant'Agata di Puglia, with a breathtaking view of the Tavoliere and its many quaint historic alleys. In this magical land in Southern Italy, sun-soaked beaches meet green rolling hills, and the rich history blends seamlessly with the mouth-watering local delicacies. Bari has a thriving street food scene, but to find the best spots youll need a guide. They are shaped as small hot dog buns and some people perceive as the most delicious pasta shape. Besides the waterslides and swimming pools, a wide variety of water games and activities are organized all day long. Youll taste locally made focaccia, salamis, cheeses and gelato, as well as panzerotti (small savoury pastries). hidden gracefully below the citys limestone cliffs and whitewashed houses. If you like architecture and history, dont miss to visit Lecce. Locals make it out of sheeps or cows milk and you can immediately recognize this type because of its tear-drop shape. Yet, Trani has grown up in recent years, building on its already impressive history and status. Whats especially striking about Castel del Monte is its octagonal shape with each side punctuated by a tower. What to see in Trani: dont miss the 13th-century fort, Trani cathedral, the harbour and the food. . 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. A guide to sights and activities in Puglia: hilltop towns, cookery courses, olive oil farms and sandy beaches, Beach break, foodie escape or a long weekend in the city? This ballet is surrounded by religious believes and something mythological which has always fascinated people since old times. First of all, eating in Italy is very different. This huge cave network extends inland for hundreds of metres beneath the coastal town of Castro, and has numerous stalactite-filled galleries. 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. Please check Foreign Office advice and testing/quarantine requirements in your destination before booking. , it & # x27 ; s incredibly picturesque and unique 1Km long activities Puglia. Destination before booking Grotte di castellana, 40km southeast of Bari and largest! 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