Puglia is a region in southern Italy, located at the heel of the so-called “boot” of Italy on the map, on the Adriatic Sea. This charming region of Italy attracts tourists from all over the world who love the glow of the Italian sun. Each city is unique in its own way, offering unique experiences, cuisine and monuments with wonderful architecture. Whitewashed buildings, winding streets, baroque buildings and delicious food, as well as hot sandy beaches with the waving sea at your fingertips – these are the wonderful towns of Puglia.
This region is located between the Adriatic and Ionian seas. The towns located in this part of Italy are extremely cozy, picturesque and safe. Puglia will be a great choice for your holiday.
1. Alberobello
Alberobello is an amazing town with almost one and a half thousand trulli houses built in a circular shape and topped with conical roofs with white walls. Atmospheric narrow streets and Mediterranean vegetation characterize the town. Alberobello is one of the greatest attractions of Puglia, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
2. Polignano a Mare
In Polignano a Mare, white houses are densely packed on a steep cliff, contrasting with the turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea. This town is famous primarily for the most spectacular beach in Puglia. It is small, crowded, and rocky, but it is so picturesquely squeezed between two cliffs that it looks like something out of a fairy tale. Between the white tenement houses there are narrow streets, small squares, viewing terraces, and flowerpots with wonderful plants placed at every step.
At the foot of Polignano a Mare there are about 40 sea caves, some of which can only be seen from the sea. The city has a luxury restaurant and a five-star hotel, Grotta Palazzese. Restaurant tables are placed in a cave by the sea and a little outside the city. This is the most impressive restaurant in Puglia.
3. Monopoli
Monopoli is a beautiful holiday town with wonderful beaches, a charming, tiny port with colorful boats and narrow, atmospheric streets that create a maze with white stone houses. For beach lovers, Monopoli offers several beautiful sandy and rocky beaches with crystal clear water. Beaches such as Porto Ghiacciolo and Cala Porta Vecchia are popular with both locals and tourists. It is also worth seeing the beautiful Garibaldi Square and the castle from the 16th century.
4. Vieste
Vieste is an exceptionally beautiful and perfectly organized tourist resort. Vieste is a seaside town that lies in the easternmost part of the Gargano Peninsula (geographically it refers to the “spur of the Italian boot”). It is truly a perfectly organized tourist paradise thanks to the beach, breathtaking cliffs and crystal clear water. There are two huge, clean and sandy beaches on both sides of the city along the coastline. At first glance, it is clear that the city particularly cares about the quality of its beaches. White marble houses against the blue sky are an extremely pleasant place.
5.Otranto
Otranto is a spectacular seaside place south of the Salento peninsula on the Adriatic Sea. The perfectly preserved castle dominates the historic center. The ancient walls are perfectly preserved and enclose the whole center with its ancient buildings and characteristic streets. On the promenade at the foot of the castle, near the tourist port, you will find the small beach of Caletta del Molo and a little further on, still in the center, a series of lidos and beaches until you reach Spiaggia dei Gradoni. Around Otranto there are some of the most beautiful beaches in Salento such as Baia del Mulino d’acqua and Baia dei Turchi.
6. Porto Cesareo
Porto Cesareo is a picturesque seaside town famous for its beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters and rich history. Thanks to its charming coast and vibrant atmosphere, it attracts tourists looking for a holiday by the sea. One of the main advantages of Porto Cesareo are the beautiful beaches that stretch along the Adriatic Sea.
Tourists can dive in the clear blue waters or engage in water sports such as diving and snorkeling. Porto Cesareo is one of the favorite tourist destinations for the beauty of its coast, thanks to the presence of the Marine Natural Protected Area, the Palude del Conte Regional Natural Reserve and the Isola dei Conigli near the coast.
7. Ostuni
Ostuni is Pulga’s tourist gem, located on a hill overlooking the Adriatic Sea The city is characterized by numerous white houses that attract the attention of tourists coming here from afar. Ostuni’s historic center is a maze of narrow, winding streets lined with charming boutiques, craft shops and traditional restaurants. While walking through this labyrinth, you may come across hidden treasures, such as charming squares decorated with live flowers and ancient churches composed of intricate frescoes. Wonderful delightful beaches: Baia di Camerini, Spiagge della Costa Merlata beach, Costa Merlata beach and others.
8. Gallipoli
Gallipoli, located in the Puglia region of Italy, is a charming town rich in history and picturesque coastal beauty. Town has a historic center which is situated on a limestone island, connected to the mainland by a 16th century bridge. It is a maze of narrow streets where you can come across ancient churches, hidden courtyards and traditional shops offering local handicrafts and delicacies.
Gallipoli is one of the seaside places in western Salento, on the Ionian Sea. Its historic center is distributed partly on an island of limestone, which connects with the mainland through a bridge dating back to the seventeenth century, and partly in the “new village” built on the mainland. Both on the island and on the mainland, in the center, there are wonderful sandy beaches. Not far from Gallipoli it is full of beaches, coves and marinas where you can enjoy the sea and the sun.
Puglia Food
This region has famous many unique Italian foods, such as orecchiette pasta, burrata cheese and the Italian version of paella – tiella. Stuzzichini is the word for the small snacks that are often served with an ‘aperitivo’ in Puglia. They might include plump, juicy olives, bites of local cheese, sun dried tomatoes, or Tarallini. These crispy little rings of baked dough, made with extra virgin olive oil and aromatic fennel seeds are lovely with a glass of wine!
Interesting Fact
The hot, dry Mediterranean climate and the fertile soil make it one of the leading producers of wheat in the country. As a result, bread and pasta are staples of the Apulian diet.
