Puglia

Italy
Lecce which includes street scenes and heritage elements as well as a small group of people
Charming fishing towns, glamorous sandy beaches and a lively capital city with a youthful atmosphere make this Italian region one of the Mediterranean’s most underrated destinations.

On the southeastern coast of Italy is Puglia, a culturally rich region where miles of beaches meet dense forests and vine-covered hills. Enjoy the sunny climate while indulging in hearty feasts cooked up by the locals, who are known for their culinary prowess and hospitality.

If you are looking for fresh-air adventure, head to the Gargano promontory and amble through the Gargano National Park or ride a bike through Foresta Umbra. After, stop by the clifftop fishing town of Peschici and enjoy a lunch with sea views. For culturally inclined travelers, the Sanctuary of San Michele in Monte Sant’Angelo is a prime spot to study Lombard art.

Shop in boutique stores along the coast in Bari, Puglia’s capital, which is known for its historic old town and vibrant nightlife scene. Hidden inlets in Taranto, nicknamed the “city of two seas” for its location between the Mar Grande and Mar Piccolo, offer places to relax and sunbathe.

Further south, there is lots more to explore including the oceanfront town of Gallipoli, whose historic core sits on a small island and comprises a warren of narrow winding streets. Also worth a visit is the 15th-century Castello Aragonese fortress in the seaside town of Otranto. Venture just outside Otranto to reach Bauxite Lake, a sparkling green lake surrounded by deep orange rocks and Mediterranean scrub. Nearby Lecce is known as the “Florence of the South” for its stunning Baroque architecture, while the town of Arnesano has quaint streets and delightful local cuisine.

Anyone with an interest in history should make a beeline for Foggia, a city built over the ashes of the ancient Italian city of Arpi. Visit the Civic Museum in Palazzo Arpi and marvel at the beautiful architecture of Palazzo Belvedere.

July and August are popular times for Italians to visit Puglia. Come during these months and the coast will be very busy. Travel in May and things will be quieter, though temperatures will still be pleasantly warm. Buses and trains serve the major towns in Puglia renting a car gives travelers extra freedom.

Popular cities in Puglia

Bari which includes a coastal town
Bari
Known for Historical, Cathedrals and Churches
Enter a charming old port town fortified by a medieval castle and discover the architectural gems of the legendary city of Santa Claus.

Reasons to visit

  • Basilica of San Nicola
  • Bari Cathedral
  • Norman-Hohenstaufen Castle
Gallipoli Port featuring a bay or harbour and general coastal views
Lecce
Known for Historical, Cathedrals and Churches
The Florence of the South is an eye-catching southern Italian city blessed with Baroque architecture, Roman ruins and manicured gardens.

Reasons to visit

  • Piazza Sant'Oronzo
  • Porta Napoli
  • Piazza del Duomo
Vieste which includes rocky coastline, a coastal town and a gorge or canyon
Vieste
Known for Historical, Swimming and Cheese
Perched on cliffs on Italy’s Adriatic coast, this town exudes a relaxed charm, reinforced by its picturesque Old Town and stunning sandy beaches.

Reasons to visit

  • Scialmarino
  • Scialara o Castello
Polignano a Mare which includes rocky coastline and a sandy beach as well as a large group of people
Polignano a Mare
Known for Spas, Cheese and Small town
Vacation in this seaside town built on cliffs and appreciate its scenic rocky coastline, cliff-diving opportunities, popular beach and old churches.

Reasons to visit

  • Ponte dei Lapilli
  • Cala Fetente
Monopoli featuring a coastal town
Monopoli
Known for Ports, Trendy and Secluded
Embark on guided tours of old churches, inspect artifacts on display in the museums and climb to the castle summit.

Reasons to visit

  • Spiaggia Cala Incina
Brindisi featuring signage
Brindisi
Known for Ports, Historical and Monuments
Seaside fun, ancient history and beautiful old churches are the big draws of this picturesque city on the Adriatic coast in southeast Italy.