Charming whitewashed hilltop town attracts its visitors with beautiful and yet undiscovered old town district and especially central piazza that fills up with people in restaurants and cafes. The water is gin-clear and theres plenty of history: the remains of hippopotamuses, horses, rhinoceroses, elephants, and even bears have been found inside the caves. For instance, in the southern half of the Italian Peninsula, there is a very common snack Taralli. Youll find Altamura bread makes an appearance throughout Puglia but here you can try a loaf from a bakery, fresh out of the oven. Here you will find destination guides and travel advice to make your next trip unforgettable. Each Thursday of Carnival sees Putignano come alive with masked parties and festivities, while on the last three Sundays of the Carnival, a procession of huge satirical papier-mache floats parade through the citys streets, accompanied by live music, street entertainers and food stalls. Rich in lush forests and valleys, the Daunia Mountains offer their visitors astonishing views of landscapes, medieval castles and architectural beauties. Multi-day tours . 798 Reviews. If youre not visiting Tuscany or Florence on this trip, Santa Maria del Casale is a good place to see the white and rose patterned church exterior seen further north. 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. Also dont miss the local speciality, Capocollo a large, marbled cured meat that melts on the tongue. Hire bikes - a great thing to do in Puglia with kids. Inspiration Puglia. 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? 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. 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. The citys old town sits on a tiny limestone island connected to the mainland by a 16th century bridge and surrounded by defensive walls dating back to the 14th century. 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. Its definitely one of the best towns to stay in Puglia. Between art, culture, sea and mountains, amusement parks and Unesco sites, there is something for everyone in Italy. Discover the hidden gems of this Italian paradise in this in-depth travel guide to Puglia! Sign in. The Apulian hinterland is just as deserving of exploration as the coast. This snack is very similar to the German pretzel and it can be either sweet or savory, with very different flavorings. Surprisingly, if you are on a lookout for a new and original Christmas snack, Italy, in particular, Puglia, also has something to offer. This ancient fortified village has remained unchanged during the centuries, together with its beautiful castle. The tomb has notable beliefs with Biblical stories and can perfectly enhance your religious sightseeing trip. 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. Subscribe for weekly inspiration and deals from The Times and The Sunday Times. Try a Frisella, its literal description is: bagel-shaped toasted roll. Hampton Inn Haverhill. The beautiful bay of Torre dell'Orso is divided in three beaches: L'Orsetta in the north, Li Tamari at the center and La Sorgente in the extreme south. It also has some excellent seafood restaurants wander along the marina at dusk and take your pick. You can read about my trip to Prosecco here.) Puglia is a smaller but beautiful upcoming tourist destination that is worth a visit. 9) Christmas Markets Alberobello. Here are the 5 stages of Puglia Fuori Rotta, each to be explored with all the senses. 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. Unusual Things to Do . Bisceglie is an essential stop for those who love time travel: its Floating Nautical Museum will enchant you with the many boats that have shaped the history of the place. Walk the Lungomare. My granny makes them every Sunday, they are delicious! This article contains links which are ads and if you click on a link and buy a product we will earn revenue. Monte Gargano is the oldest shrine in Western Europe under the protection of Archangel Michael and has been an important pilgrimage site since the early Middle Ages, as though according to the legend, St. Michal appeared here three times in the 5th century. Today it possesses merely ornamental function, nevertheless equally beautiful and authentic. Prices start at 304 a night and rise to 2,200 a night. Wetland of Southern . 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. I also took a boat trip while I was there, which is a wonderful way to spend half a day, enjoying the sea breeze. Two things you have to do in Polignano a Mare are witnessing a sunrise and sunset over the sea. Puglias trullis date back to the 16th century and were designed to be easily dismantled in the event of a royal inspection in order to avoid the regions rulers paying property taxes to the King. 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. This part of the city is surrounded by the sea on 3 sides and its connected to the modern districts by a bridge. Discover huge ancient olive trees by following the Giants Itinerary (Ostuni). Brindisi also has a port, lido (beach), park and museums to explore. Farms, vineyards and oil mills offer the ideal opportunity to sample the irresistible flavours of the area. Although theyre a popular summer getaway for Italian tourists, go in the shoulder seasons and youll likely have the islands mostly to yourself. Therefore, visiting Alberobello is crucial in understanding all sides of the country. Evo Ristorante. 8. We are a real community of friends. In Trani, youll find a focus on fresh, local products and the benefits can be found in every bite. To fully enjoy the beauty of the natural scenery, come here in June or in September to avoid tourist crowds. You will be surprised by some of the unique things to do and places you can explore at this hidden destination. 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? If youve got more time to spare, continue along the coast to the likes of Cala Paradiso andLido Colonia, or even all the way up to Porto Ghiacciolo and Lido Santo Stefano which overlook historic Castello di Santo Stefano. Despite the origin of the name, this is now an idyllic place where you can admire both the sea and the Mediterranean vegetation in a peaceful atmosphere. Polignano a Mare is rightly one of the most famous destinations in Puglia. 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. Visit late in the day, ideally in spring or autumn, for the most rewarding experience. Focus on the Old Town (Bari Vecchia) & the Murat (Centro Storico). This diving spot is located just in front of Leucas lighthouse, where Ionian and Adriatic melt. Such cheese will be your perfect accompaniment to an exquisite glass of the Italian wine. Grottaglie area is very rich in clay and it is, therefore, a fertile ground for the emergence of a flourishing pottery crafts. Moreover, Puglia has a rich historic and cultural heritage, so that its a perfect destination for all tastes. Completed in the 12th-century to house the relics of Saint Nicholas, the church took over 100 years to build and is a must for any Puglia itinerary!. The citys most prominent building is the Basilica di San Nicola, a splendid church built in the Romanesque style, and one of the earliest Norman churches in Puglia. Cisternino has been listed as one of the most beautiful small towns in Italy. 60 things to do in Puglia. 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. Look out for pilgrims graffiti it was a custom for penitents to trace outlines of their hands and feet into the walls. Give a billion thumbs to you. 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). The Daunia Mountains include 30 charming villages and the area is well known for being the green heart of Puglia. You can have a guided tour that will lead you through sceneries that seem to belong to a fantasy tale. We have reviews of the best places to see in Puglia. 2. Another of the best places in Puglia is the unusual, historic town of Alberobello. It is a 13th-century fortress built on top of a hill. Youll taste locally made focaccia, salamis, cheeses and gelato, as well as panzerotti (small savoury pastries). Masserias are some of the most beautiful places to stay in Puglia. Its fine sand and turquoise water are the reason why this entire coastal area is often referred to as the Salento Maldives. Enter dates Filters Attractions Traveller favourites & up & up & up Florence Historic Center Oltrarno Santo Spirito San Babila Free Entry Good for Kids Budget-friendly Good for Couples who offer charming and spacious private trullis right in the historic center. Or if you prefer, you can book a guided tour of Castel del Monte. How to do it: You can book a masseria dairy tour here. Day Tour of Ostuni, Martina Franca, Alberobello from Bari. An error occurred while sharing your content. With so many locations it is hard to decide where to try out one of the previously mentioned fabulous dishes. Best things to do in Puglia Enjoy fresh marmalade, some olive oil and also the organic nuts. Luxury & Special Occasions Sporting Events Air, Helicopter & Balloon Tours Shopping Tours Special Offers Weddings & Honeymoons Likely to Sell Out Yoga Classes Hammams & Turkish Baths Popular Cities in Puglia Bari Puglia, Italy Lecce Puglia, Italy Gallipoli Puglia, Italy Porto Cesareo Puglia, Italy Ways to tour Puglia This Baroque Architecture and Underground Walking Tour will take you around the highlights. Lunch can be as late as 5pm and dinner in some cases can start as late as 11pm! While you give free reign to your imagination, make sure you know everything before you leave. In order to really see the best of Alberobello, try staying overnight. The Gargano promontory is also known as the spur of the Italian boot, it extends into the eastern part of Puglia and is surrounded by the Adriatic Sea. It only covers about 60km, but youll need to devote the best part of a day once you factor in sightseeing. Be sure to visit Trullo Sovrano - a two-storey trullo, which is also a museum and Sant'Antonio Church - the towns trulli church. Do you fancy seeing an alternative Italy that offers exciting undiscovered locations? How to do it: Be sure to pre-book your table in advance online as it books quickly. Nice town as well, i suggest to visit the castle . The town is filled with historic structures, churches, etc. Ive also included a Google Map at the end with each of the destinations included. Puglia is an amazing region on Adriatic Sea coast that allows you to enjoy entirely unusual landscapes. Please check Foreign Office advice and testing/quarantine requirements in your destination before booking. Plus dont forget to visit the citys unusual sunken Roman Amphitheater, which still hosts a series of concerts, shows, opera, plays and ballets. You can have a walk in the city center and discover many small craft shops or places selling typical products or local food. 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