Now, we’ve at all times liked our visits to Puglia and at all times hire a automobile. It makes it a lot simpler to discover the area, particularly to seek out a number of the smaller spots. That being stated, don’t fret in the event you don’t drive, there are some practice strains, buses and switch choices out there too.
So, to make it good and simple in your journey, I wished to share a number of the finest issues to do in Puglia that I’m certain you’ll love.
Have the most effective time exploring Puglia… and don’t neglect to strive all of the scrumptious meals, olive oil and burrata! You’ll depart stuffed.
1.) Alberobello
In all probability one among Puglia’s most iconic cities, Alberobello is extra well-known for its distinctive trulli homes which can be located throughout the city and are beautiful to see.
Apparently, it’s stated that these homes had been as soon as utilized by farmers who would construct them after which shortly destroy them when the native authorities would try to accumulate their taxes.
Now, I’m going to offer you recommendation we wished we had earlier than visiting Alberobello. Sure, it’s lovely to see the Trulli homes are completely beautiful to see.
That being stated, the fact for us was that we didn’t want greater than 3-4 hours in Alberobello. Now, don’t mistake that as me saying to not go, it’s nicely price visiting, however you don’t want, say, 2-3 days exploring Alberobello.
Oh, and don’t neglect, you’ll see many different Trulli homes dotted all throughout the Itria Valley in Puglia, simply not usually in such a big cluster as in Alberobello.
Fancy staying in a Trulli Home? Effectively, we discovered probably the most beautiful resort about 25 minutes from the centre of Alberobello, proper within the beautiful olive groves of Puglia.
In truth, the resort is totally produced from genuine Trulli homes. It’s bliss and simply top-of-the-line issues to do in Puglia.
2.) Matera
Round a 1-hour drive from Alberobello (and about 10 minutes from the Puglia area), it’s a very historic metropolis that dates again 1000’s of years.
In truth, Matera is taken into account one of many oldest, always inhabited, cities on the planet.
To be sincere, you’ll need to spend most (or all) of your time within the outdated a part of Matera; particularly for the cave accommodations which can be so distinctive. It’s the sort of place that’s completely distinctive and, as most vehicles aren’t allowed within the outdated centre, you’ll have all of the winding streets to your self.
Simply do not forget that level about not with the ability to drive within the outdated centre of Matera; ensure that to safe some parking (like we did) with the resort if you e book. Our resort then picked us up from the storage that they organized and took us on to the resort. It was all really easy.
After arriving, remember to take a look at the Saint Agostino Church, Santa Lucia alle Malve Church and Duomo Matera. The spiritual buildings in Matera are simply lovely to see and steeped in historical past.
3.) Poliganao a Mare
Perched on the Puglian shoreline, visiting Polignano a Mare is among the finest issues to do in Puglia in the event you fancy a seaside city, with a stunning (however typically busy) little seashore.
In truth, I’d go so far as saying that Polignano a Mare has one of the well-known seashores in all of Puglia.
You’ll be able to simply spend a number of, fairly relaxed days right here because it’s fairly small. Although, in the event you’re brief on time, a day journey can suffice.
Apparently, the sunrises are nice from right here, too! Although, we’re by no means in a position to take ourselves off the bed that early within the morning!
Their native seafood is so good, particularly their octopus.
4.) Monopoli
Yeah, this ain’t the board sport! Actually, there’s probably the most beautiful little city in Puglia known as Monopoli and it’s completely price a day journey (or longer if you wish to take it extra chilled).
It’s simply top-of-the-line issues to do in Puglia as you make your method down the japanese coast of Puglia.
When you arrive, ensure that to wander the little streets round Palazzo Palmieri. It’s the sort of city you may go to with no actual plan, however find yourself seeing so many spots.
Oh, and don’t neglect to stroll the coast across the harbour and Cala Porta Vecchia.
For a chew to eat or native Puglian wine, pop into Pinsotti for a number of the finest pizzas within the city. We liked it. That being stated, in order for you some native seafood, pop into Osteria Perricci which was so good for lunch.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Matera
5.) Bari
Bari is often the gateway metropolis to the broader Puglian area, particularly for worldwide guests. You see, that is the place the biggest airport is, with direct flights from cities like London and different greater transport hubs.
Although, don’t see Bari as simply the arrival and departing level to visiting the most effective issues to do in Puglia. It’s a lot greater than its airport.
We spent a number of days in Bari and completely love the outdated a part of town, proper on the seafront (by the harbour).
As soon as right here, remember to take a look at the outdated a part of Bari (Bari Vecchia). It’s the completely beautiful harbourfront space of Bari that’s stuffed with winding cobbled streets, quaint eating places and museums, too.
Reality be advised, we spent most of our time on this space and don’t remorse it one bit. Sure, the ‘newer’ a part of Bari is beautiful, however the true gem is the outdated city.
After strolling round, remember to cease off at San Sabino Cathedral, Castello Svevo and the Bari Museum, too.
Don’t neglect to e book this unbelievable pasta expertise in Bari.
You’ll head out on a guided tour of Bari and even get to make your personal conventional pasta (Orecchiette) and get to style a tipple of native wines from Puglia and gelato too! Simply remember to e book prematurely, locations refill quick.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Bari
6.) Ostuni
Not too removed from Brindisi, Ostuni is the proper metropolis to cease when visiting the most effective issues to do in Puglia within the japanese area.
Perched on a hilly space of Puglia, Ostuni is a good metropolis to go to for a visit to discover its white-washed streets, quaint alleys and lovely little cafes. It’s the sort of metropolis that’s excellent for a stroll.
After arriving, remember to take a look at the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, the world round Arco Scoppa and don’t neglect to identify the Colonna di Sant’Oronzo that’s stood in Ostuni because the 1700s. That being stated, if you wish to take advantage of out of your time and keep away from getting misplaced in all of the little alleys, e book this Ostuni strolling tour that’ll take you throughout the historic centre. It’s a good way to see town, particularly in the event you’re brief on time.
Feeling peckish? Seize some scrumptious pasta from Osteria Del Tempo Perso – the octopus is soo good from right here. Alternatively, if that’s full, seize a desk at Il Posto Affianco; their orecchiette is all selfmade and completely yummy.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Matera
7.) Lecce
One of many issues that makes Lecce so particular is its ornate Baroque buildings and carvings. It’s completely lovely to see and top-of-the-line issues to do in Puglia in the event you love fairly spots.
There’s been historical past in Lecce for 1000’s of years, with Romans utilizing this metropolis as one among their key fortifications in Puglia. When you’ve arrived in Lecce, remember to head contained in the completely lovely Basilica di Santa Croce and the beautiful.
Oh, and don’t neglect to pay a go to to the ruined Roman Amphitheatre. It’s completely spectacular to see.
To make issues simpler, e book this Baroque and underground Lecce strolling tour. It’s such a good way to see Lecce and make sure you entry to spots that you simply won’t take into account when going it alone. We liked it, and the guides are so informative!
Lastly, for an informal lunch, hop into Osteria Da Angiulino. It’s not a elaborate or large spot, however the meals is actually good, particularly for the favorite e cicoria. Simply remember to e book a desk on weekends – this small spot can refill quick.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Matera
8.) Gargano Nationwide Park
Located on the northern fringes of the area, visiting Gargano Nationwide Park is among the finest issues to do in Puglia in order for you a while within the nice outdoor.
If it’s the seashore you’re on the lookout for, ensure that to go to Baia di Campi. Not solely is there a stunning sandy bay, but it surely’s additionally bought some beautiful views of Campi Island, too. Oh, and don’t neglect in regards to the lovely Baia delle Zagare and Baia dei Faraglioni, too. They’re beautiful seashores in Puglia which can be too good to overlook.
Lastly, in the event you rent a ship, remember to take a look at the shoreline round Grotta Sfondata. The rugged shoreline of Gargano Nationwide Park is beautiful to see.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Matera
9.) Grotta della Poesia
Visiting Grotta della Poesia in Salento is definitely top-of-the-line issues to do in Puglia. Now, the broader area of Salento really contains cities like Lecce and Brindisi however one particular spot at all times stands out to us, Grotta della Poesia.
In case you’re driving round (after visiting Lecce and Brindisi), ensure that to go to the coast at Grotta della Poesia (Poetry Cave) that’s not too removed from Lecce itself. It’s a colossal and completely lovely rugged bay, cave and tunnel that’s simply so beautiful to see.
Oh, and don’t neglect you’ve bought Nfucaciucci Bay with its crystal clear waters which can be completely beautiful, too.
Afterwards, as you proceed your journey via Salento, remember to cease off at Gallipoli. It’s one other baroque city that’s picture-perfect to discover.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Matera
10.) Vieste
Surrounded by Gargano Nationwide Park, the coastal metropolis of Vieste is very easy to go to after exploring the rugged shoreline round this northern a part of Puglia.
As soon as right here, ensure that to walk the streets across the Church of Saint Francis, take the paths across the coastal roads and footpaths that meander Vieste and pop for a chew to eat at Vecchia Vieste.
Not solely is the seafood scrumptious however the setting, is simply beautiful.
11.) Trani
Perched between the cities of Bari and Barletta, visiting Trani is among the finest issues to do in Puglia as you’re employed your method up the northern coast of the area.
After parking up, take a stroll all the way down to the historic harbour space and cease off at family-run eating places that line the entrance. That being stated, one among our favorite foodie spots is Ristorante Pescandalo which serves up recent catches of the day which can be introduced into the harbour itself.
Now, we liked Trani, however don’t really feel like it’s essential spend days right here. It’s nicely price going as a part of a wider highway journey and stopping for a number of hours to sit back.
Learn extra: Finest issues to do in Matera
12.) Otranto
A shocking coastal city, visiting Otranto is among the finest issues to do in Puglia when exploring the Salento area. As soon as right here, ensure that to discover the Cathedral of Otranto, Castello Aragonese and cease off for some sundown drinks at Maestrale. An ideal place for an Aperol spritz.
If it’s seafood you’re after, seize an off-the-cuff lunch at SoFish. It’s a street-food-style eatery that has a number of the tastiest catches from the shoreline round Salento. It’s fast, recent and completely scrumptious.
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