PUGLIA TRAVEL GUIDE
All you need to know before visiting Puglia
Whether you have already visited it, or you have never been there but you wish to visit it, if you are reading this post it is because Puglia has touched the strings of your heart. Or at least awakened some curiosity in you.
Well, you are in good company: Puglia is the most clicked, most sought after, most dreamed, most desired, most requested region of last years. And it still keeps its authenticity, its nature, its soul.
Its breathtaking landscapes and monuments, its genuine food, its welcoming inhabitants have made Puglia famous everywhere, and the images of such beauty are traveling all around the world.
Towns and Cities in Puglia
In Puglia you will find some of the most charming towns and cities of Italy. Find here the most enchanting ones that you can’t miss.
Alberobello
Alberobello is the Capital of Trulli and World Heritage site since 1996. It’s recognized as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy and is the only village whose historic center is made up of Trulli, conical dry stone constructions that give Alberobello an absolute uniqueness.
Ostuni
Perched on top of a hill and surrounded by strong defensive walls that separate centuries-old olive trees from clusters of whitewashed houses, Ostuni is an extraordinary sight and a must-see on a trip to Puglia.
Monopoli
In Monopoli you can walk around the beautiful little harbor, watch the boats lulled by the sea, the fishermen arrange the nets and multitudes of fish splash in the blue water. Monopoli is a city for all ages and offers everything from historical sites to cultural attractions, beaches, nightlife.
Polignano a Mare
Whitewashed historic town, rocky outcroppings that lead into the blue-green sea.
Martina Franca
Martina Franca is a charming baroque town a few kilometers from Alberobello and is the largest town in the Itria Valley (the Trulli Valley). Here you will find it in many civil and religious buildings whose style has taken different characteristics from the other variations of this artistic and architectural current, so much that we can speak of Martinese baroque.
Cisternino
Cisternino is one of the most fascinating villages in the whole area, rich in traditions and where it is a pleasure to get lost in its alleys and small squares. A charm due to its popular and unplanned architecture that distinguishes the historic center.
Locorotondo
Locorotondo is included among the most beautiful villages in Italy. Locorotondo (literally “Round place”) owes its name to the perfect circularity of its historic center shape which encloses cozy corners, small arches and narrow streets that hardly leave visitors indifferent.
Castellana Grotte
Famous for the Castellana Caves, which are one of the most important attractions of Puglia and constitute a natural heritage of inestimable value. The Castellana Caves began to form about 90 million years ago.
Conversano
Elegant hilltop town a stone’s throw from Polignano a Mare, full of art and history. The stunning Castle with his incredible story, the Cathedral and its many fascinating small streets make Conversano a town of great interest.
Carovigno
Carovigno is a concentrate of everything you may want from a holiday: the settings of a village on the hills, one of the most beautiful stretches of coast in Italy, a Nature Reserve where to experience slow, regenerating and respectful tourism. Carovigno is just 15 minutes by car from Ostuni.
Lecce
Lecce is a stunning town which is situated in southern Italy. Its characteristic element is the Baroque influences which is the reason why Lecce is called the “Florence of the South”. Do not forget to arrange a short trip to the countryside, as the town is surrounded by a beautiful landscape.
Bari
Bari is the capital of Puglia, a beautiful sunny town full of tradition and charm that leans over the Adriatic Sea. Its spectacular waterfront is one of the most famous walks in the town and a unique opportunity to admire a series of buildings in late Liberty style.
Matera
Located in Basilicata, at a very short drive to Puglia, Matera really deserves a day visit to see the “Sassi“, such as the numerous caves in the city have inhabited since the Paleolithic period. The story of Matera over the last 60 years is marked by unbelievable events. It’s UNESCO world heritage site since 1993.
Beaches
Puglia offers tourists enchanting beaches for all tastes: there are the beaches of the Ionian Sea and those of the Adriatic Sea, there are sandy and rocky beaches, coves and long beaches, beaches suitable for water sports and those most suitable for families for children, in short, there is really plenty of choices.
Best Puglia Restaurants
Traditional Apulian cuisine is essentially a simple cuisine, based on genuine and tasty ingredients combined with simple but delicious recipes. Discover here our selection of the best Puglia restaurants. Find the best restaurants for your tastes.
Local Markets
Weekly local markets in Puglia are a pleasant way to get a taste of traditional life. Every Apulian town organizes a local market once a week.
Flights to Puglia
Puglia has two main international airports – Bari and Brindisi – and has direct flights from all over Europe. Please find here useful information on flights organized by departure country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Some of the frequently asked questions are answered here
When are beach clubs open?
Beach clubs are normally open from June to September. In the other period you are free to use the public beaches.
What are restaurant opening hours? Is it better to book the table?
Italian restaurants generally open in two different shifts: 12.30-14.30 for lunch and 19:30-22.45 for dinner.
We recommend booking in advance throughout the summer but especially for reservations on Saturday evening and Sunday lunchtime.
What are the opening times of supermarkets?
Supermarkets are generally open Monday to Friday from 08.00 to 20:30. On Sunday mornings from 8:30 to 13:00, some smaller supermarkets may be closed all day.
Can I move around with public transportation?
You will find local trains and buses, but using them to move from one town to another or to cross the region will take much longer and you will find some limitations in particular times.
When is it better to go to the beach?
Do not miss the opportunity to discover our wonderful beaches. We recommend opting for the beach in the morning, to enjoy the peace, the sun and cleaner water and leave the afternoon the discover the old towns.
Are pets allowed in most public places and restaurants?
Generally, in public places and local restaurants our four-legged friends are welcome, for greater security, we advise you to specify it during the booking.
How do car parking work in Puglia?
Do not be scared by the different colors that you will find for your car park, below you’ll find a small guide.
A parking lot is indicated by the blue sign with the white letter P or the parking phrase.
-Blue lines mean payment parking
-White lines indicate that you can park, and it is free (check for any special signs)
-The yellow lines are reserved for disabled card holders or residents of the historic center
There are also official and unofficial paid parking lots.
If you opt for paid parking, there will always be a sign indicating the hourly cost and any limitations. Vending machines are easy to use, but make sure you have some coins (not all of them accept card payments), and place the ticket on the front windshield.
Are there cycling routes in Puglia?
There are not routes reserved for cycling. However, Puglia is a great place for lovers of nature and breathtaking views.
Are there routes for trekking enthusiasts?
Yes! In Puglia you can find some beautiful trekking routes.
Read this article for more information.