Puglia on the map of Italy. Apulia (Puglia) Region Apulia

The region of Apulia is located on the southeastern coast of the Apennine Peninsula, occupying the heel of the Italian “boot”. This traditionally agricultural region is also one of the most interesting tourist destinations in Italy. The world-famous trulli city of Alberobello and the relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker in Bari, cozy seaside towns and sunny beaches, huge amusement parks and thermal springs, olive groves, wineries, castles, caves - all this will give travelers a lot of new discoveries and impressions.

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Apulia has the longest coastline in Italy, washed by two seas - the Adriatic and Ionian.

What to see, where to visit

In the capital of the region, the city of Bari, where acquaintance with Italian Puglia most often begins, there is the Cathedral of St. Nicholas, where the relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker are kept. Also noteworthy are the Gothic Cathedral of St. Sabino, the Church of St. George, the Pinacoteca located in the building of the Provinciale Palace, and Fort St. Anthony, within whose walls a museum of modern art is opened.

No less famous is the town of Alberobello, where you can see trulli - small whitewashed houses with conical roofs. The main city temple, the Church of St. Anthony, was built in the same style.

In general, interesting sights can be found in every corner of Puglia. In Andria there are numerous churches, the Candy Museum and the famous “castle on the mountain” Castel del Monte; in Barletta - a white stone castle and a huge bronze colossus erected in honor of the Roman emperor; in Brindisi - Grande Castle and Forte Mare Fortress; in Ostuni - an amazingly beautiful historical center with intricate streets and snow-white houses; in Martino Franca (20 km from Ostuni) - the Ducale Palace, where Leonador da Vinci, Donatello and other Italian geniuses once lived; in Lecce - richly decorated baroque palaces, churches and mansions; in Gallipoli there are impressive architectural monuments of different eras and styles.

In addition, in the region there are several natural parks (Gargano, Pollino, Gallipoli Cognato, Alta Murgia, etc.), and 40 km south of Bari, in the town of Castellana Grotte, there is a unique complex of karst caves, through which a 3-kilometer excursion route.

Beaches

The coast of Puglia in Italy, stretching along the Adriatic Sea, is a long series of picturesque beaches, mostly sandy.

There are excellent beaches in the north of the region - on the rocky shores of the Gargano National Park (resorts of Matinatta, Vieste, Rodi) and on the Tremiti Islands. Towards Bari and further south there are a number of large seaside resorts (Barletta, Trani, Molfetta, Monopoli, Torre Canne, etc.) with well-equipped beaches stretching for tens of kilometers.

In southern Apulia, the most popular beaches are Brindisi, Ostuni, Marino di Odriano, Otranto, Galliano del Cape, Porto Cesareo, Gallipoli, etc. This part of the coast is characterized by expressive landscapes - grottoes, rocky bays and natural panoramic terraces.

Springs and healing

A holiday in Puglia can be combined with treatment at one of the local thermal resorts. The most famous are the Baths of Torre Canne (province of Brindisi), rich in healing mud, which are widely used for respiratory diseases, rheumatic and orthopedic problems; Margherita di Savoia (province of Barletta-Andria-Trani), famous for its salt lakes; Santa Cesaria Terme (province of Lecce) with hot sulfur springs that help in the treatment of rheumatism and dermatological diseases.

Entertainment and active recreation

Vacationers spend most of their time on the beaches - sunbathing, swimming, doing water sports and beach games. You can go for a walk through the vineyards and olive groves (on foot or by bike), go to a nature or entertainment park, or attend a cultural event: each town has its own traditional holidays. No less enjoyable are trips to shops, outlets and markets: antique markets in Gallipoli and Brindisi, craft markets in Alberobello, flower markets in Lecce. In the evenings, tourists will find restaurants, bars, nightclubs and discos. The larger the city or resort, the higher their concentration.

Local cuisine and wines

The local cuisine is based on natural products grown (or mined) here in Puglia. The most famous delicacies are Tarantino oysters and mussels, octopus dishes, fish baked in salt, mozzarella and burrata made from the most delicate cream, lamb cooked in pots, orecchiette pasta with turnips, Apulian cauliflower, etc. Mandatory component - Apulian olive oil, considered the best in Italy.

In addition, it is worth trying original desserts made from fruit and honey, as well as locally produced wines - for example, red Salice Salentino or white Locorotondo.

Family holiday

Puglia has several fun parks for the whole family. Thus, in Italy’s largest safari park Zoosafari (Fasano, 60 km from Bari) you can see dozens of species of wild animals, attend a dolphin show or ride a mini-train through a monkey village. The Miragica amusement park (Molfetta, 24 km from Bari) has an amazing “Land of Giants”, rides and a 4D cinema. Indiana Park (50 km from Bari) offers exciting adventures for all ages and skill levels. 20 km from Brindisi (the village of Cellino San Marco) there is a huge Carrisiland water park, and not far from Lecce there is the Splash water park.

Puglia, known in Italy as Puglia, is a region located in the south of Italy. If you look at the map, Apulia will be the heel of the “Italian boot”.

Until quite recently, Puglia (Puglia - Italian) was not a tourist place in Italy at all, which makes holidays in this region even more wonderful: the local flavor and originality are much more pronounced here than in Rome or Milan.

What is Puglia famous for first of all? Cute towns in the baroque style, traditional local houses (local residents call them trulli), which in appearance resemble a cross between a hobbit’s hut and the house of the inhabitants of Oz. There is a lot of sun, magnificent olive groves and orchards, many kilometers of sandy beaches and delicious cuisine.

And by the way, there is more than one sea here. On the left, Apulia is washed by the Ionian Sea, and on the right by the Adriatic. Although they are part of the Mediterranean, the holiday here is somewhat different. In the hottest months, when the Mediterranean resorts are scorching hot, there is always a light breeze in Puglia.

Puglia is a predominantly rural area whose inhabitants have made their living from agriculture since the days of the ancient Greek colonies. The scale of fruit and olive plantations amazes the imagination even today: these are not just gardens and groves, these are many kilometers of forests that fill the air with a completely unique thick aroma.

Among the attractions here are several ancient Greek cities, Roman settlements, church architecture from the Middle Ages and several majestic castles.

Despite the relatively recent tourism boom, Puglia can offer a lot of options for a comfortable holiday - from modern hotels and apartments to the so-called "masseria" - large manor houses in the center of rural estates.

Often, when staying in a masseria, the owners offer additional services, such as spa treatments at the local thermal springs, of which there are countless, or cooking classes.

How to get to Puglia?

The main airport of Puglia is located in the city of Bari, the capital of the region. Officially the airport is named after Karol Wojtyła. There are regular flights from many European countries here. Often in the summer there are charter programs with direct flights from Russian tour operators and carriers (however, such programs are mainly offered from Moscow).

Bari Airport is quite large and convenient, there is a taxi-free point, a VIP lounge, free Wi-Fi, currency exchange, car rental and other modern services.

Bari Airport metro station, Puglia, Italy

Another way to get to Bari is by high-speed trains from Rome, Milan and other large cities with regular flights to Russia. For example, a trip from Rome will take approximately 2 hours, from Milan - 8 hours. Transportation is carried out by the national carrier of Italy Trenitalia.

There is also a ferry service between Bari and other ports of the Adriatic Sea in Croatia, Montenegro, and Greece (Corfu). Before traveling to Puglia from Montenegro, make sure you have a valid Schengen visa as Montenegro, unlike Greece and Croatia, is not a Schengen country.

To be fair, it must be said that Apulia is also connected with other regions of Italy by intercity bus routes, but it is almost impossible for a foreigner to understand the intricacies of this type of transport. Trips are organized by small local carriers, often without even a clear website.

The drivers and cashiers do not speak English, and the websites are also only available in Italian. There are a lot of route options; you often need to change trains. The schedule is followed very conditionally; the names of the stops may not be announced. So traveling by bus is a guaranteed risk of getting lost, unless you speak Italian.

Climate of Apulia

Puglia has a typical Mediterranean climate. Winters here are quite cool and windy. From December to February, storms and hurricane winds are common. The best time to visit Puglia is from May to October. Moreover, the period from mid-June to mid-September is suitable for a beach holiday - it is at this time that the water temperature remains at a comfortable 23-25 ​​degrees.

But May and October are more suitable for lovers of hiking and sightseeing: during these months there is no sweltering summer heat, the air temperature during the day does not exceed 22-24 degrees, and at night it usually does not drop below 18-20.

Unlike other regions of the Mediterranean, Puglia has a drier climate, so both heat and cold are more easily tolerated than in more humid areas. Another difference between Puglia and most Italian provinces is its flat terrain. There are no mountains in Puglia, so even in the hottest months there is a light breeze.

Transport in Puglia

Most tourists coming to Puglia prefer to rent a car. At the airport and at the railway station of Bari you can find at least a dozen different rental offices, where you will certainly choose the car that suits you.

The requirements are standard: you must be over 21 years old, have an international driver's license and a plastic card from any bank to apply for collateral.

Also, many rental companies offer additional services such as free road guides, navigators, child seats and similar services.

If you have booked a holiday in a small, remote town or rural area, having a car is essential, since transport links in Puglia, as in other provincial areas of Italy, are not very well developed.

In addition, having a car will give you some freedom to travel around the region, since the landscapes of Apulia deserve a short voyage along the coast and inland.

If for some reason car rental is not available to you, you can use local railway lines. It will be an adventure of its own, filled with local flavor and a certain charm. Tiny trains connect the small towns of Puglia with each other and with neighboring regions.

• The schedule of such trains is a little lame, but the pleasure of the trip compensates for these inconveniences.
• The relatively large cities of Puglia have public transport, mainly buses. Tickets are sold at tobacco kiosks (shops with the Tabacchi sign or simply the letter “T”). Sometimes you can buy a ticket directly from the driver
• Many residents and visitors to the region prefer to get around the cities by bicycle. Large and small rental offices can be found in any city, the price is quite reasonable compared to renting a car, and the distances are quite short

Features of holidays in Puglia

Since Puglia has only recently begun to develop as a tourist region, there are several points to take into account when organizing your trip.

• Here, of course, there are no Russian-speaking employees in hotels, restaurants and museums. Moreover, few people speak English either. You should definitely take an Italian phrasebook with you if you are not sure that you can express yourself well enough on your fingers.

• Shops, banks, tourist offices, rental offices and other establishments here operate according to their own schedule, which is not too tourist-oriented. Here you are unlikely to find night buses or 24-hour supermarkets and money changers
• In small villages and towns, such infrastructure may be completely absent. Therefore, survey the area in advance for the establishments that are most important to you and study their schedules so as not to get into trouble.

• Absolutely all establishments here close for siesta - a midday rest that can last several hours. As such, there is no common siesta schedule for everyone; each establishment sets its boundaries at its own discretion, but on average it lasts from 12:00-13:00 to 15:00-16:00

• Italians are not very punctual and obligatory. Here, being 30-40 minutes late is perceived as the norm, 5-10 minutes is not considered late at all. Shops and banks may not open and close at the specified times, buses and trains may be slightly behind schedule
• In small towns, the bus driver can, at his discretion, slightly change or even cancel the route if he feels that there are not enough passengers and the trip is unprofitable

• Unlike the inhabitants of traditional tourist places (Rome, Milan, Venice), who are accustomed to everything, the inhabitants of Apulia are quite conservative, patriarchal and pious. They are simple and friendly in communication as long as you maintain decency (in their understanding)
• If you have shown disrespect in some way, you may be quite emotionally reprimanded or publicly discussed about your “inappropriate” act

• Italians - especially southerners - are not particularly polite. Here it is considered the norm to show your emotions as they are. Unlike northern Europe, here they will not smile at you out of politeness, they may not answer questions like “how to get to the library,” or they will be rude if you have done something wrong. You should not take such moments to heart - this is just a manifestation of the local mentality. Each nation has its own “cockroaches”.

Main resorts of Puglia

Marina di Andrano

Marina di Andrano is perhaps the most popular resort for a beach holiday. The coastline here is indented with small bays, grottoes and rocky capes, which makes the sea calm and protected from the wind in any weather. The entrance to the sea in the bays is quite flat, the bottom is clean sand, and the water is particularly transparent.

In general, the main attraction of this resort is nature, the beauty of sea sunsets and snow-white sand combined with clear turquoise water. The most picturesque grottoes are located in the area of ​​the Zona Botte and Zona Grotta Verde beaches.

The center of the resort is Andrano, a large town by local standards. The main architectural masterpieces of the city are the numerous churches built during the Middle Ages.

Gallipoli

Gallipoli means "beautiful city" in Greek. This is one of the oldest and most beautiful towns in Southern Italy, founded by the ancient Greeks.

Despite its small size, there are quite a lot of attractions from different eras, especially in the Old Town, which is located on an island separate from the modern part of Gallipoli and is connected to it by a bridge.

The city is suitable for a quiet, leisurely holiday. Here is the residence of the Duke of Anjou, one of the rulers of this area in the Middle Ages. Here you will find many amazingly beautiful corners and landscapes.

Gallipoli is also famous for its unique culinary traditions, especially seafood. For an evening pastime, you can find a lot of cafes and souvenir shops, and several attractions for children. The beaches in the Gallipoli area are ideal for families with children.

Galliano del Capo

Holidays in Galliano del Capo are primarily suitable for lovers of long walks and beautiful landscapes. The main attractions here are the rocky coastline, mesmerizing with its views, olive groves sloping down to the sea in terraces, rocky paths along the coast and many historical monuments scattered throughout the surrounding area.

Recently, the regional government adopted a program to restore historically significant objects. Therefore, in the vicinity of Galliano del Capo you can feel the real course of history - from ancient times to the present day.

Trulli house in the vicinity of Galliano del Capo, Apulia, Italy

Margherita di Savoia

Margherita di Savoia is, first of all, thermal springs and everything connected with them. The baths of Margherita di Savoie are considered the best in all of Southern Italy, so the city is very popular among holidaymakers, and holidays here are considered prestigious and very healing.

Local thermal baths can offer a healing course for all types of diseases from ENT to gynecology and disorders of the musculoskeletal system, since local salts and muds have a very wide spectrum of action.

Margherita di Savoia has been known as a thermal resort since the times of the ancient Romans, when only very wealthy and titled people could afford treatment here.

In addition to the thermal baths, Margherita di Savoia boasts unique architectural structures (mainly churches) and the world’s only salt museum, which contains the entire history of the extraction, processing and industrial use of salt marsh deposits.

Santa Cesarea Terme

Santa Cesarea Terme is another thermal resort in Puglia. Unlike Margherita de Savoie, it is relatively young, and the treatment centers here offer therapy sessions directly in karst caves with a unique healing microclimate, which are located in large numbers in the vicinity of the city. Santa Cesaria Terme is located on a rocky coast, and its many terraced streets descend to the sea, which gives special beauty to the local landscapes.

Santa Cesaria Terme began to develop as a thermal resort only in the 18th century. The main clients of the local baths at that time were numerous aristocrats from the surrounding areas, who built luxurious residences and palazzos here. As a result of this popularity, today the city is a jewel of architectural styles popular in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Alberobello

Alberobello is one of the most amazing places in Puglia. This city resembles a fairy-tale village of gnomes, because most of the buildings here are trulli houses, traditional for this area - snow-white round houses with an unusual cone-shaped roof. To complete the experience, you can even stay for a couple of nights in one of the houses.

These houses are unique and cannot be found anywhere else in the world. In 1996 they were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The houses are unique not only in appearance, but also in the peculiarity of their construction: all of them were built without the use of cement or other fastening mortar. When constructing a trulli, the stones are stacked in such a way that when one stone is removed from the foundation, the entire house instantly collapses.

Trulli houses in Alberobello, Puglia, Italy

This feature is historically due to the fact that local peasants did not pay housing taxes. When the tax collectors approached, the entire village in an instant turned into a pile of bricks, and the tax collectors left without a slurp. It all ended with the local rulers issuing a decree prohibiting the construction of such houses. The ban is still in effect today.

Hotel in a trulli house in Alberobello, Apulia, Italy

Matera

Matera is another city of Puglia included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Matera is famous for its houses built right into the rocks. Moreover, the first such settlements here date back to the Neolithic. During the early Middle Ages, Matera was chosen by fugitive Byzantine monks, who, along with their dwellings, built churches and monastic cells in the caves.

Basically, houses in caves were built by the poor for reasons of saving money and building materials: in fact, these are a kind of slums that existed in Matera for many centuries.

In the middle of the last century in the 1950s, the authorities began to forcibly evict the inhabitants of Matera from caves to modern quarters, since the sanitary conditions of these dwellings had long ceased to meet modern standards.

Currently, the surviving cave houses are often used by filmmakers from different countries for filming historical scenes (for example, this is where Mel Gibson filmed his “Passion of the Christ”), some of them house museums, fashionable restaurants and apartments.

Lecce

Lecce is the capital of the region of the same name in Puglia, a city unique in its beauty. Most of the houses here are built from local limestone “leccisu”, the natural structure of which allows the buildings to be given the most bizarre shapes and exquisite decorations.

Thanks to these properties of the material, the architecture of Lecce stands out from other cities with its unique beauty and grandeur of buildings.

In addition, “lecchiza” is characterized by a unique golden hue, which is especially noticeable in sunny weather. Thanks to this, on a clear day in the historical quarters of Lecce, tourists are haunted by the illusion that all the houses are built of pure gold.

Most of the buildings date back to the Baroque era. Also in Lecho you can find numerous buildings of earlier times, starting from ancient times.

Brindisi

Brindisi has been considered Italy's Gateway to the East since ancient Rome. Due to its advantageous position, Brindisi has been an important fort and commercial center since its founding. Over its long history, Brindisi has experienced many rulers, each of whom tried to leave their mark on the architectural appearance of the city.

Among the numerous historical buildings, you can trace the history of the city from antiquity to the present day. Here you can find unique medieval churches and ancient buildings, brutal defensive structures and airy palazzi.

Among the modern buildings, one can note the Monument to the Italian Sailor - a very controversial structure, but definitely memorable for all visitors.

Bari and its attractions

Bari is the second most important city in southern Italy after Naples. Historically, its significance stems from the fact that it was an important strategic point on the Via Trajana, the Roman imperial route to the Middle East.

After the fall of Rome, Bari continued to be a tasty morsel for many empires and conquerors due to its advantageous location.

Saracens and Byzantines, Normans and Venetians, Bourbons and kings of Aragnon fought for the right to own it. Over its long history, Bari was destroyed and reborn several times.

The city experienced its greatest prosperity during the reign of Napoleon. Bari retains its strategic importance to this day. Bari is the capital of the Apulia region.

All the administrative centers of the province, the main universities and government institutions, the largest trade and passenger terminals (both sea and railway) are located here.

From a religious point of view, Brai also plays an important role - it is here that the relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, Santa Claus, the patron saint of all children and travelers, are kept.

Basilica of St. Nicholas

The Basilica of St. Nicholas is an important religious center not only in Apulia, but throughout Italy. It has been in operation since the 9th century. The relics of St. Nicholas are kept here, so the basilica is one of the main objects of pilgrimage throughout the Christian world.

Bari Castle

Bari Castle is a fortification built under the Normans. Over its long history, it was rebuilt many times by different rulers. The castle acquired its main shape during the reign of Aragon.

At various times, the castle served as a fortification, a prison for prisoners, and the residence of local rulers. Currently, the castle houses a historical museum.

Old city

The Old Town is an area surrounded by medieval walls. This part of Bari received its name in the century before last, when city buildings went beyond the old fortress walls. The new quarters, as opposed to the medieval ones, began to be called the New Town.

In the Old Town you can find many old buildings - from churches to residences of noble citizens. The typical atmosphere of the European Middle Ages reigns here with characteristic narrow streets, pavements and architectural masterpieces of different eras.

Pinacoteca Bari

The Pinacoteca is the largest fine art museum in Southern Italy. The museum's exhibition includes a wide variety of paintings, ranging from the ancient period to paintings of the 19th century. It mainly displays works by local artists, as well as examples found during excavations in the Apulia region.

Petruzzelli Theater

Teatro Petruzzelli is one of the largest theaters in Italy. It was built at the end of the 19th century by local patrons and has since served as the main cultural platform for the Bari region and the whole of Puglia.

Puglia is the eastern part of Italy, it is located on the so-called “heel” of Italy. Since this region has the longest coastline in Italy, about eight hundred kilometers, here you can thoroughly enjoy the beautiful sandy beaches, clear sea and incredible landscapes. “Heel” is washed by two seas - the Adriatic and Ionian and includes six excellent provinces, each of which is known for its attractions and beautiful views. Don't know what to see in Puglia? Especially for you, we have compiled a rating of popular places in this region, which includes the most interesting sights of Puglia.

What to see first in Puglia

The most visited place by tourists in Puglia is the capital Bari. There are several architectural monuments here that are definitely worth a visit. For example, Bari Castle, built back in one thousand one hundred and thirty-two. Since the castle was worked on over several centuries, it combines several styles. During its existence, the majestic and powerful building managed to act as a defender from enemies, a prison with barracks, and at the moment a historical museum, as well as a venue for various exhibitions and all kinds of cultural events.

Bari Castle in the capital of Bari in Puglia Palickap

Basilica of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker

The main attraction of Puglia in Italy, the capital of this region of Bari, for which tourists come there from all over the world, is the Basilica of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. Here, starting from the year one thousand one hundred and ninety-seven, his relics are located. Saint Nicholas is one of the most famous saints. This applies to both Catholicism and Orthodoxy. He is the prototype of the beloved and well-known Father Frost or Santa Claus. Being young, he helped poor people in every possible way, and then in the city of Mira he was recognized as a Christian bishop, where his life ended in three hundred and forty-three. The basilica looks very beautiful and majestic. The ancient building is somewhat similar to a medieval citadel. Inside there is not only the tomb of the miracle worker, but also the tomb of Bona Sforza, the famous Polish queen born in these places, and the throne of Bishop Elijah. The Lviv Portal looks majestic. It’s worth coming to Bari just for this miraculous and unique place.

Tomb of Queen of Poland Bona Sforza Porcullus

There is a Cathedral in the city called San Sabino, where the relics of Bishop Savin are located. The remains ended up in Bari in the ninth century. The modern building of the Cathedral makes an indelible impression. It was built between the end of the twelfth and the end of the thirteenth centuries. Previously, the Cathedral of the Byzantine Empire was located on this site; you can even see its remaining traces. During the reconstruction, the saint's relics were located in the Basilica of St. Nicholas. The cathedral building itself is made in the Apulian-Romanesque style. The church has a very austere interior decoration; perhaps only the emporas, the so-called tribunes, stand out.

Cathedral of San Sabino in Bari Berthold Werner

Feel the atmosphere of Puglia in this beautiful video!

City of Alberobello

The visiting card of Puglia is undoubtedly the city of Alberobello, located in the very south of Italy. Translated, the name means “tree” and “war”. The fact is that for a long time entire oak groves were located here. Trees were actively used to build reliable and powerful military mechanisms. This city is definitely worth a visit; here you can not only lie on the Adriatic coast, but also provide yourself with vivid impressions.

Trulla houses in the town of Alberobello in Puglia Mona Varga

The “trulla” houses, which are found nowhere else in the world, brought incredible fame to the city. For their uniqueness, they were included in the UNESCO cultural heritage list in nineteen ninety-six. Externally, they are cylindrical white stone structures with a cone-shaped roof. They are constructed using the dry masonry method. The peculiarity of such houses is that by removing one stone from the base of the roof, it was possible to completely destroy the entire settlement. At the end of the seventeenth century, one count decided to evade paying taxes, so it was decided to build houses that could be quickly and easily destroyed. Such houses have fairly thick walls, which makes it easy to withstand the heat. The light source is the only entrance hole. Everyone can see this landmark of Puglia in Italy.

Lighthouse of Santa Maria di Leuca in the town of Santa Maria di Leuca Mentnafunangann

City of Santa Maria di Leuca

For those who love nature and incredible landscapes, you need to get to the delightful city of Santa Maria di Leuca. It is the junction point of two seas - the Adriatic and Ionian. The name of the city itself translates as “white”, since in this place this color dominates everywhere. The tourist port in this town is one of the largest. The coast has rocky and sandy areas. It is interesting that stone pavilions that served for women are still preserved here. So, while swimming, they were closed from men. The coast is interesting with its mysterious and incredibly beautiful grottoes, which can be reached by fishing boats. Lovers of legends and connoisseurs of beauty should definitely visit these places. Here on the cape is the lighthouse of Santa Maria di Leuca, opened back in one thousand eight hundred and sixty-six. The height is about forty-eight meters above the ground and one hundred and two meters above sea level. On the coast there are beautiful old villas, built at the end of the nineteenth century specifically for the relaxation of the rich. Also in the city you can visit the church of Santa Maria de Finibus Terre, the Tricase forest and much more.

White Grotto - Castellana karst cave in Puglia ReMagio

The Castellana karst cave is one of the most majestic. In fact, the cave is a real underground labyrinth. Located one kilometer from the town of Castellana Grotte. The entrance to the cave itself is a sixty-meter long tunnel. The entire length of this complex is about three kilometers. Karst caves amaze with the large number of stalactites and stalagmites formed over three million years. You can walk through the entire system in two hours, during which time you can thoroughly enjoy the stunning views. The Castellana Cave is one of the most beautiful on the entire planet. Inside is a bust of Franco Anelli, the man who discovered and explored the stunning complex.

Medieval castle of Castel del Monte in Puglia Verity Cridland

Sights of Puglia: what else to visit while in Puglia

Puglia is home to one of the most mysterious and beautiful medieval castles in the whole world - Castel del Monte. Translated, its name means “castle on the mountain”, since it is located on a hill five hundred and forty meters high. The place is very beautiful, there is lush vegetation and water all around. Unfortunately, very little is known about the history of this structure. It is known that the building took ten years to construct. As legends say, it was used as a hunting lodge, a prison, and a refuge during the plague. The building itself has a unique design – the shape of a regular octagon. An octagonal tower was erected at each corner. Inside there is a courtyard of a similar shape. The building is two-story, each with eight rooms. For a long time the castle was abandoned. Only in the twentieth century did restoration begin, and in 1996 it was included in the World Heritage List.

The ideal resorts for a family holiday in Puglia are undoubtedly:

• Marina di Andrano, located in the province of Lecce. There are incredible rocky bays, pristine beaches;

Beach of Torre del Orso in the province of Lecce in Puglia Freddyballo

• Gallipoli, and more specifically the snow-white beach of Lido San Giovanni, just two kilometers from the town of Foggia. The sea here is very calm;

Gallipoli beach in Puglia in Southern Italy Nikater

• Margherita di Savoia, famous not only for its beautiful and cozy beaches, but also for its healing thermal baths.

Margherita di Savoia beach in Puglia Deblu68

These are just a few of the attractions of beautiful Puglia. The whole family can explore the delightful provinces. Majestic cathedrals, stunning capes, karst caves, beaches, bays, cuisine - this is not all that this region has in store for its tourists. Read also about and get inspired for your further journey through Italy.

Puglia is a charming region of Italy, stretching along the sea, delighting every traveler with its incredible beauty. “The heel of the Italian boot” is how Italians affectionately call the region.

And indeed, if you look closely at the map of Italy, Apulia in its shape resembles the heel of a boot with a spur.

Location of Puglia on the map of Italy

In Italy, the region of Puglia is the easternmost of all. The coast of Apulia is the longest on the mainland of the country, washed by two seas - the Adriatic and Ionian. In the south of the region, the Salento peninsula forms the so-called “heel of Italy’s boot.” The region is located predominantly in flat areas. On the territory of Puglia there are two large natural national parks - Murgia and Gargano.

Nature is the main attraction of the province, capable of making even the most fastidious critic fall in love with it. Everything in this region is filled with sun, sea, love and... wine!

Tourists will clearly not be faced with the question of what to see in Puglia; the region can satisfy any tastes and interests.

The region bears the imprint of the Middle Ages and the Baroque era, preserving many architectural monuments, artistic creations and a unique way of life.

Attractions

Puglia in Italy differs from other regions in its attractions.
In Italy, the cities of Puglia are some of the most visited by tourists interested in the architecture and history of the country:

1. Andria– when traveling around Puglia, you should definitely visit this wonderful city, which is the center of olive and almond cultivation in the region. The best wines in Puglia are grown on plantations located around the city. Back in the 13th century, Andria was the favorite residence of Frederick II. The most famous of the Italian castles, Castel del Monte in Apulia, was built by order of Frederick II, 15 km south of the historical center of the city.

   

   Castle of Castel del Monte in Andria

   In addition to Castel del Monte, Andria has a large number of attractions:

   • a 12th-century cathedral with a 7th-century crypt;
   • Doge's Palace;
   • Church of San Domenico (XIV century);
   • city ​​palace;
   • Church of Santa Maria di Porta Santa (XIII century);
   • sanctuary of Santa Maria dei Miracoli (XVI century);
   • Church of St. Francis with a monastery (XII century);
   • Church of San Agostino, built in the 13th century by the Teutonic Knights.
2. San Giovanni Rotondo- a place of pilgrimage for Catholics. Once upon a time, the Catholic Saint Pio lived and died there, whose relics are kept in the Capuchin monastery of Santa Maria delle Grazia. Not far from the city lies the Gargano National Park, famous for its caves, salt lakes and wild forest.

   

   Gargano National Park near San Giovanni Rotondo

3. Alberobello- a city famous for its peculiar stone, white houses with sharp conical roofs - trulli. The architecture of the city that has survived to this day is so unique that the city was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
4. Bari- capital of Apulia. After , Bari is the second most economically important city in Southern Italy. well known as a port and university town, as well as the city of St. Nicholas.
5. Lecce- the pearl of Puglia. Due to its rich variety of Baroque architectural monuments, the city received the nickname "Southern Florence" in Puglia. The city is also famous for its olives and wine, which you can try on special gastronomic tours.

You can admire the sights of Puglia and find out all the details about the region by watching the video:

Beach holiday

It's no secret that Puglia has the best beaches. Starting from the north of Puglia, the rocky Cape Gargano stretches, delighting with its coastal landscape: emerald hills give way to white cliffs, azure sea, golden sands and heavenly pebble coves.

The beaches around Rodi Gaganico, Peschici and Vieste are especially popular.

Heading south down the Adriatic, on the coast between Manfredonia and lively Bari, you'll find a range of sand and pebble beaches, Margherita di Savoia nature reserve and some beautiful cities such as Trani with its fabulous cathedral facing the sea. Sandy beaches are a rarity for the region, you will find them in beautiful cities Polignano Mare and Monopoli, which are definitely worth a visit.



Sandy beaches of Monopoli

Continuing south towards Brindisi (one of the most important ports of Puglia), sandy beaches stretch Marina di Ostuni and a fabulous nature reserve Torre Guaceto. The nature reserve is a naturalist's paradise, with untouched forests, Mediterranean poppies and flocks of flamingos.

Separately, the best resorts of Puglia should be highlighted - Marina di Pescoluse, Torre dell'Orso, Polignano Mare, Margherita di Savoia and Gallipoli.

More details about each resort:

Sports recreation

The two seas of Puglia are ideal for sports holidays surrounded by nature. Those who love excitement will be able to enjoy the charming and mysterious atmosphere of the sea.

The crystal clear waters of Tremiti Island offer incredible views of the sea, lively coves, caves and a deep seabed populated by lush vegetation and a large population of fish.

Santa Maria di Leuca– one of the best places in Italy for scuba diving. Diving to a depth of 90 meters, you can watch amazing species of fish and see sea flowers. Those who want to have fun above the water can go windsurfing or kite surfing.

In Santa Maria di Leuca you can observe underwater inhabitants

But it is not only the sea that provides resources for active recreation in the region. If you want to feel one with nature, be sure to start your acquaintance with it through a bike ride.

You don't need to be an experienced cyclist to enjoy traveling on two wheels.

In natural Gargano Nature Reserve There are wonderful bike paths that allow you to travel around the huge park in just a day.

Festivals

Many festivals, fairs and historical celebrations take place throughout the year in every part of Puglia.

Among them, the most famous are the Carnival of Putignano, the Festival of San Nicola in Bari and the Disfida di Barletta.

And no one should miss night of Taranta in Melpigianano, festival of pizzica and dancing Tarantella, which every August delight visitors from all over Europe, making them sing and dance along with the locals to the sound of a tambourine under the moonlight.

Features of local cuisine

Apulian cuisine has never been distinguished by intricate recipes and is based on simple ingredients. However, it can satisfy every taste. Its main elements are durum wheat, vegetables and olive oil, combined with meat and fish.

In Puglia you will enjoy delicious Italian dishes

A distinctive feature of the cuisine is homemade pasta made from durum wheat varieties or mixtures of different varieties. The combination between pasta and vegetables is unexpectedly amazing. For example, šaršinati is served with cabbage and fried bacon or tomatoes and cachoricotta cheese.

Thanks to its large coastline, the region offers a wide variety of fish dishes (marinated, raw, dried, etc.).

Those with a sweet tooth will be tempted by dried fruits, honey, mulled wine, candied fruits and chocolate. Be sure to try some of the Christmas sweets if you're there in the winter!

How to get there?

To the question of how to get from Moscow to Puglia, there is the most correct answer - by air. The international airport in Puglia is located in Bari. Having flown to Bari, you can take a train or bus to any other city. All detailed flight information can be found here: http://www.aeroportidipuglia.it/homepagebari

You can also rent a car and drive it to your destination yourself. This pleasure is not cheap, detailed information about distances and travel prices (we remind you that the roads in Italy are paid) can be viewed here: http://www.aeroportidipuglia.it/it/web/10181/parcheggi.

If you are traveling “comprehensively” in Italy, then you can by high speed train get to Bari from , Rome, Florence, . Information about routes and ticket prices can be viewed here: http://www.trenitalia.com/tcom-en.

Weather

The climate in Puglia is Mediterranean. Winters in the region are typically cool and windy, with hurricane-force winds possible.
Puglia is at its most “friendly” from May to October. The beach period usually lasts from mid-June to the end of September, the average water temperature during this period is 23-25˚C.

You can enjoy a beach holiday in Puglia from mid-June to the end of September

But to explore the region or enjoy hiking, summer and the velvet season are the most inappropriate pairing - the exhausting heat will quickly tire you.

May and October are the most comfortable months for sightseeing.

On average, the air temperature during the day is 22-23˚С, and at night it does not fall below 18˚С.

The cleanest beaches on the shores of the Adriatic Sea, marked with the highest sign in the form of a blue flag, red earth with contrasting crowns of olive trees, cozy churches and touching veneration of the Madonna, polished pavements and the interweaving of cultures of ancient civilizations, amazingly responsive locals who lovingly maintain order on the coast, and housewives who earn extra money cooking right in front of tourists. All this is the region of Puglia, the easternmost of all the regions of Italy. Those who were lucky enough to visit here remember this slightly authentic corner of the Apennine Peninsula with great warmth. On the map it looks like the heel and heel of an elegant Italian boot with a spur.

The administrative center of the Puglia region is located in Bari, a port city with a long and complex but interesting history. Back in the days of the Roman Empire, land roads, sea routes and pilgrim paths crossed here. Until now, the capital of Apulia is a strategically important settlement in southern Italy.

• Among the regions of Italy, Apulia is considered the leader in wine production. The region produces about 40% of olive oil.
• In the Grotta del Cavallo cave, located in the province of Lecce, two human teeth were found, whose age is 43-45 thousand years.
• Bari has the longest seaside promenade in Italy.
• The relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, revered in Orthodoxy, the patron saint of Bari, were secretly taken to Apulia from Byzantium and placed in the crypt of the Catholic Basilica of St. Nicholas.
• The city of Lecce is called the Florence of the south.
• The most famous castle of the Middle Ages is located in the province of Bari. This is Castel del Monte, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• In Italian, Puglia sounds like Puglia.
• The end point of the Appian Way, which stretched from Rome to the south, was the seaport of Brundisium (today Brindisi). Its construction was completed in the second half of the 2nd century. BC, and the end of the path was marked by two marble columns.
• The Apulian Aqueduct was built only at the beginning of the 20th century. Before this, the region suffered from droughts due to the small number of natural fresh water reservoirs.
• The founder of the school of Italian sculpture, Niccolo Pisano (13th century), and the famous opera singer Farinelli (18th century), who underwent castration at an early age in order to preserve a high timbre of his voice, were born in Apulia.

Cities of Apulia

A little history

Archaeological finds indicate that homo sapiens lived on the territory of modern Apulia back in Paleolithic times. It is assumed that the ancient Greeks appeared in the southeast of the Apennine Peninsula around the 8th century BC. They constantly fought with the aborigines - the Messapians, Davani and Apulians, who gave the region its current name. The battles either subsided or flared up with renewed vigor. And this lasted until at the turn of the 4th-3rd centuries. BC. The Romans did not intervene in the situation.

Apulia after the fall of the western part of the Roman Empire (5th century) was plundered. The Goths and the Byzantines visited here, as well as the Lombards and the Saracens. The heyday came only in the 11th century with the arrival of the Normans to these fertile lands, who again organized trade flows between Europe and the East and included the “boot” in the Kingdom of Sicily. But the suffering of the Apulians did not end there. Spanish rule in the 15th and 16th centuries again brought the region into crisis. Interestingly, despite this confusion, in some parts of Apulia the Greek language continued to exist.

The region joined the united Italy in 1861. A little later, the boundaries of the Apulia region were determined. At first it included three provinces - Bari, Lecce and Foggia. In the 20th century, Brindisi and Taranto were distinguished. The most recent one, Barletta-Andria-Trani, appeared in 2004.

Sights of Puglia

The region is famous for the pristine beauty of its natural reserves and parks. Here you can see ancient burials - dolmens and mysterious stone obelisks - menhirs, get acquainted with architectural masterpieces of different eras and priceless works of art. In Puglia, tourists enjoy visiting cathedrals and medieval castles, farms and museum towns, karst caves and grottoes. Travelers' attention is attracted by ancient villages, monuments, castles and much more.

When to go to Puglia

Puglia weather

The region is characterized by low rainfall, mild winters and hot summers with low humidity levels. Sometimes the Mediterranean climate gives rise to surprise - it can snow here! As for the temperature, in summer it rises to 28-33 degrees, and in winter it remains between 6-15 degrees Celsius. In Puglia there are no natural barriers in the form of massive mountain ranges, and therefore the weather is quite often windy. Rain is a fairly rare occurrence. As a rule, they come in late autumn and winter.

Beaches with golden sands and crystal waters await guests from late spring to late autumn. Most of them fly blue flags, leaving no doubt about the cleanliness of the Puglia coastal area and the highest level of service. Sunbathing here can be combined with boat trips to remote bays and caves, fishing and active recreation surrounded by pristine nature.

Throughout the year, travelers will find historical monuments and cities of art, museums and castles, basilicas and world heritage sites, the most famous of which are the trulli in Alberobello - funny houses with conical roofs. The colorful villages of Puglia await guests at any time of the year. You can time your arrival for one of the traditional holidays. Each of them is accompanied by colorful rituals or theatrical tournaments.

In order to taste local cuisine, sweet delicacies, fish, Negroamaro, Aleatico and Primitivo wine, unsurpassed burrata cheese, Altamura and Laterza bread - you don’t need to choose a special time. Apulians are always ready to offer tourists the most delicious menu!

Apulia on the map of Italy

The hilly and flat terrain of Apulia is located along the sea coasts of the Adriatic and Ionian seas. The length of the coastline is almost 860 km, which is the highest among mainland Italian regions. At the same time, only about 2% of the territory is mountainous, which defines the area as the least elevated. The highest peak belongs to Monte Cornacchia. Its elevation above sea level reaches 1152 meters.

Puglia borders areas such as Basilicata, Campania and Molise. The region unites six provinces. But its territory has another division, including seven historical and geographical zones. Their borders do not coincide with the borders of modern provinces.

How to get to Puglia

9 km north of Bari is the international airport Karol Wojtyła, named after Pope John Paul II. Airplanes flying to/from most European countries, as well as Egypt, Latvia, and Turkey land here. Puglia Airport also serves local airlines. The slightly smaller Papola Casale International Airport is located in Brindisi, 35 km from Lecce.

Puglia is connected by road and rail with other regions of the country. In port cities, maritime passenger traffic is no less developed.