We then proceed to Sant'Agata di Puglia, with a breathtaking view of the Tavoliere and its many quaint historic alleys. Enjoy a Street Food Tour to taste local specialties and learn something about the typical gastronomy of Puglia. The mosaic is said to have been created by a monk called Pantaleone from 1163 to 1165, but no one really has any clue quite what he was trying to say. If you are trying out different pasta options while on holidays in Italy, pay attention to the Cavatelli. Compare Puglia Unique Experiences - Get the best deals on Puglia Unique Experiences, activities tickets, sightseeing, Puglia day trips and reviews. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in January. Mt. No matter what time of year you visit, the historic center of Alberobello is almost guaranteed to be busy, being one of the most popular places to visit in Puglia. Shallow waters and a large beach protected from the winds by vegetation and sand dunes make it also an ideal destination for families with kids. Here are our top 5 things to do in Puglia to help you plan your visit. Evo Ristorante. Its definitely one of the best towns to stay in Puglia. This snack is very similar to the German pretzel and it can be either sweet or savory, with very different flavorings. What to see in Trani: dont miss the 13th-century fort, Trani cathedral, the harbour and the food. 28 Amazing Things to Do and See in Puglia, Italy 1. Here you can see many fishes like barracudas, groupers, morays but also spider crabs and other shellfishes. Baia dei Turchi. Chief among them is the Grotte di Castellana, 40km southeast of Bari and the largest cave system in Italy, discovered in 1938. Full access tickets are 18 per person and can be purchased on their website. 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. Known as Puglias White City due to its whitewashed old town, Ostuni is an enchanting labyrinth of steep staircases, narrow alleyways and small squares perched on three hills in the Itria Valley. 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. Trulli is a traditional Apulian dry stone hut with a conical roof. Get lost in a magical landscape at Castellana Caves (Bari), 2. The area is famous for the production of renowned red and white wines, like Verdeca or Negramaro, among the most popular ones. Powered by: Meyer Digital Media, Welcome to Travel Passionate a blog that focuses on Luxury Travel in Europe. Search. Focus on the Old Town (Bari Vecchia) & the Murat (Centro Storico). Puglia in December This ancient fortified village has remained unchanged during the centuries, together with its beautiful castle. Dine in a cave in Polignano a Mare. With sand and rock color palette it has much more to offer than you would have expected. Go trekking in the canyon of Terre delle Gravine National Reserve, 12. Ranked #13 of 130 Restaurants in Alberobello. 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. This Baroque Architecture and Underground Walking Tour will take you around the highlights. I guarantee itll be one of the highlights of your entire trip. Here are some of the places you absolutely must visit in Puglia. During your stay in Puglia, dont limit your visit to the most popular destinations! This is why a stop is planned in Cagnano Varano, with its famous cave that conserves the footprints of Saint Michael the Archangel. At 6,288 feet, extreme weather is known to rip through the summit and endanger hapless hikers. The city of Monte SantAngelo is famous in particular for local Sanctuary. hidden gracefully below the citys limestone cliffs and whitewashed houses. Your email address will not be published. Apart from the town itself and its 15th-century cathedral, Ostuni is known for the local DOC Collina di Brindisi olive oil, which is sold in various strengths (delicate, medium or strong) by numerous producers around town. Itineraries such as Puglia Fuori Rotta enhance the authentic spirit of the regions of Italy, revealing hidden and little-known corners, places and landscapes that offer unforgettable emotions and adventures. Top Things to Do in Puglia, Italy: See Tripadvisor's 2,986,237 traveller reviews and photos of Puglia tourist attractions. A stop at Monte Cornacchia, the highest peak in Apulia, is not to be missed. Fun fact: staying overnight in a trulli in Puglia took me back to that time I lived in a cave for 3 months in the Loire Valley, France. Puglia is a large Region in Southern Italy and it is often referred to as "the Heel of the Boot", for its geographical position. This small archipelago is composed of 5 tiny islands and it is located North of Gargano promontory in the Adriatic Sea. olive trees. At Epicwander we suggest you to visit the following locations of Puglia. This is something for expert divers only because the depth is about 50 meters and it is a quite long dive. Lastly, consider spending some time for a visit of Pulsano Abbey, located 8 kilometers from the city. For more information visit here. 1. The porous limestone beneath Puglias soil isnt only good for winemaking, its also created spectacular caves. Its a grand old town, with broad boulevards, great shopping and a well-regarded university that supports a healthy supply of bars and restaurants. Give a billion thumbs to you. Bari is the capital of the region of Puglia and is situated on the Adriatic Sea. Youll have the chance to slowly explore the trails and see local flora and fauna while meeting lovely animals like horses. Read on for our collection of Puglia's top things to see and do 1. Top Things to Do in Puglia, Italy - Puglia Attractions Things to Do in Puglia Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more. Its much less touristy for one thing. 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. Puglia is a smaller but beautiful upcoming tourist destination that is worth a visit. If you want to learn how to order coffee in Italy (its more complicated than you think) heres my Italian coffee guide. This is a perfect region to cycle around as it is relatively flat. Rich in churches and palaces, hidden piazzas and winding alleyways, markets and slow food trattorias, Puglia's towns are a highlight of a visit to the region and reason to entice you away from the endless coastline. For more information visit here. Look out for the Trullo Sovrano, the only two-levelled house. With its white-washed buildings, theres plenty of the kind of Puglian sights youll come to recognise: churches, towers and piazzas. Its one of the best things I did in Puglia and is highly recommended if youre in the region for some luxury R&R. The beautiful centro historico (historic centre) of Locorotondo has made it a borgo pi bella dItalia, an honour bestowed only on Italys most beautiful towns. 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. When in Puglia, eat late! Even in a region as blessed with hilltop towns as Puglia, Lecce still astonishes. Bari has a thriving street food scene, but to find the best spots youll need a guide. Youll taste locally made focaccia, salamis, cheeses and gelato, as well as panzerotti (small savoury pastries). Ops! With these attractions and the stunningly beautiful city itself, Vico Del Gargano is one of our strongest recommendations in Puglia region. Menu. 2. Its possible to go inside the castle if you book tickets. Please accept profiling cookies to share the page. It was most likely built as a hunting lodge or folly by Frederick II, but some scholars claim the castle may be an architectural symbol of Fredericks religious devotion; during the middle ages, the octagon was seen as a sacred shape, combining the circle (symbolising the divine or infinite) and the square (symbolising the human, or finite world). Spend a whole day admiring nature from an unusual perspective. Castellana Caves complex is one of the worlds largest karst complex that has ever been explored by man. The tour continues to the Alta Murgia National Park, amidst expanses of steppes, barren pastures and karst rocks that will connect you completely with nature. I visited a dairy farm to watch some local cheese making in action and, of course, there was a tasting at the end. Alternatively, check out the beautiful Masseria Il Frantoio just a 10 minute drive from Ostuni, or Masseria Rosa Trulli Relais which features traditional trulli close to Alberobello. You will rarely find this lake on the traditional tourist guides, however we recommend to visit it. 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. First of all, eating in Italy is very different. Explore the canyons of Terra delle Gravine Natural Park (Taranto), 5. It is located near a cemetery and it welcomes its visitors with a nice citrus garden. Nice town as well, i suggest to visit the castle too. 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). Dream about Maldives in Pescoluse (Lecce), 15. Dont miss the viewpoint from the Villa Comunale garden, which offers a panorama over the Itria Valley. However, apart from the sanctuary, you can also visit the castle, which is known as a home of the Bianca Lancia ghost, or you might find interesting to take a look at the Tomb of Rothari. It is bordered by the Adriatic Sea to the east, the Ionian Sea to the southeast and the Gulf of Taranto and the Strait of Otranto to the south. Some particular highlights of the coastline of Puglia include Spiaggia di Pescoluse, which is referred to as the 'Maldives of Puglia' thanks to the sand and aquamarine waters, and the Grotta della Poesia, which is an open-top sea cave that was named as as one 0f the 10 most beautiful natural pools in the world by National Geographic. The dunes are up to 12 meters and for a natural barrier between the beach and the road. If you like architecture and history, dont miss to visit Lecce. Over the centuries Monte SantAngelo has attracted saints, kings, pilgrims, tourists and popes, which makes it an important point on the map for analyzing Italian religious side. The building, still perfectly preserved, is characteristic for its octagonal shape. 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. Fun Things to Do in Puglia with Kids: Family-friendly activities and fun things to do. As one of Italy's southernmost towns located on the Salento Peninsula, Otranto Puglia is a highlight on any Puglia trip. This visit can be your perfect recreational opportunity on a road across Puglia region. A great way to explore is on this Alberobello walking tour (includes olive oil tasting). The Murat district is the newer part of the city which is home to the major shopping and entertainment district, as well as several elegant 19th century palaces such as the Teatro Petruzzelli, Teatro Piccinni and Palazzo Fizzarotti. There are many caves, rock formations, and hidden bays hosting numbers of fishes, mollusks, and urchins. Velo Service provides fun local food tours either on foot, by bike or for the sedentary in a rickshaw. Puglia is a delightful region in southern Italy that borders the Adriatic Sea. The largest natural swimming pool is perfect to take dips from a height of 5m and to swim in salty water. From a distance, it looks like an Arab town and its skyline is really picturesque. Would you like to learn about the most authentic experiences to be had in Italy, stay up to date on the most interesting events, discover our special offers and receive lots of insider hints and tips? This striking historic place hosts many events like concerts, shows, opera, plays, or ballet. 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. Puglias cucina povera is renowned across Italy, so this makes a wonderful place for a cooking lesson. Nothing is sweeter than the wait before a trip to Italy. It protects the house from evil and is an essential part of every family. Top Things to Do in Puglia, Italy: See Tripadvisor's 2,987,021 traveller reviews and photos of Puglia tourist attractions. All the ingredients are produced right there on the farm and are as freshest and customized for the season as possible. The second stage of the trip takes you to the Gargano, a land of centuries-old devotion and pilgrims of unparalleled beauty. 01 of 09 Alberobello and the Trulli Zone Jack78 / Pixabay Puglia's most famous sight is the trulli, unique houses with conical roofs found in the area around Alberobello. What to do in Foggia by the sea What to do in Foggia: visit the Gargano National Park What to do in Foggia: visit the Sanctuary of San Michele Arcangelo What to do in Foggia: the 10 cities . All ending on Shrove Tuesday with a funeral procession in which a paper-mache sacrificial pig is lead to Putignanos main Piazza by masked priests where it is ritually burned. Best Things to Do in Bari Visit Santa Claus at Basilica San Nicola. The Promotorio del Gargano bulges out into the Adriatic Sea northwest of Bari, encompassing a craggy coast and forested hills, 120,000 hectares of which is protected as the Gargano National Park. Try ricci (sea urchins) Puglia is famous for its sea urchins. An off-the-beaten-track trip is what is needed to bid farewell to monotony, break out of your routine and venture into the hidden heart of the Bel Paese. All rights Reserved Visit San Leonardo, Candelora of SantAntonio Abate, and enjoy a guided tour not to miss any hidden gem. A short distance away is Lago di Varano, a saltwater lagoon where eels are fished and you can relax in a kayak. 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. You'll find it included in many fall foliage tours from Boston. Have a walk through the little alleys of the old town which sits on a small walled island connected to the mainland by a 6th century bridge. Who doesnt want to travel to a place just to try the bread? Learn something about majolica art in Grottaglie (Taranto), 12. How to do it:For a more detailed rundown of what to eat in Puglia and recommended Puglia restaurants, check out my full article on the20 Puglia Foods You Must Eat (and Where To Eat Them). Locals make it out of sheeps or cows milk and you can immediately recognize this type because of its tear-drop shape. Martina Franca is the areas most attractive town, ringed by watchtowers and walls, and largely dates from the early Middle Ages. Dont miss to watch a live show of Pizzica, one of the most famous Italys folk dance the pizzica pizzica is a traditional music and ballet of considerable social and cultural importance which is becoming more and more popular. Feel free to email me with any questions at chrissy@travelpassionate.com. In fact, you can take your other half to the narrow street of Vicolo Del Bacio, famous throughout the ages as the rendezvous street. You can have a guided tour that will lead you through sceneries that seem to belong to a fantasy tale. Your email address will not be published. Home Blog Posts Destinations Europe Italy 20 Very Best Things To Do In Puglia Italy. The second one lasts 2 hours and is 2Km long. One of the hidden regional gems is Masseria Il Frantoio. From beaches and grotto's to unused mines and abandoned places - you'll never run out of ideas on what to do in Puglia. 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