Open left menu Apulia. Apulia. Southern Italy Where is Puglia

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, and 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.

If someone tells you that (Puglia) is comparable in beauty to Tuscany, and the city Lecce(Lecce) this is southern Florence: kill the one who says this, and fry his liver with thyme and rosemary and eat it, because it is a lie, f... and provocation.

Terre di Puglia, Puglia is a part of Italy, which is located in the southeast of the Apennine Peninsula, popularly called the “Italian boot” and there is a necessary part of it - a heel with a spur.
According to Wikipedia, this region of Italy ranks first in winemaking and olive oil production.

I readily believe this: the vineyards and olive plantings in the region are constantly an eyesore.
But nevertheless, on the roads of Puglia you will not find tasty and welcome signs Vino Testing, Oil Vende.
These places are hidden from prying eyes, the eyes of tourists, and therefore one has to be content with visiting wine shops in villages and small towns.

The landscapes here are sad and dull: a plain planted with cultivated plantings of trees or shrubs.
The plain is plowed and planted with wheat.
The plain is cut by low fences made of stacked stones, as well as some ruins of the same cobblestones.

Small towns and villages here are dull and sad: identical boxes with flat roofs, made of foam concrete and plastered in pastel colors.
The streets are rectangular and in general the whole thing is very reminiscent of some Kolpino or Kapotnya with standard houses cut down to the second floor.

People here speak Italian, but they understand few jokes and make contact.
The proximity to Albania, it seems to me, has influenced this part of Italy, so that I suspect a potential Albanian in every resident of Puglia I meet.

The food here is not interesting at all. Moreover, I want to say that in this area of ​​​​Italy the Italians became Albanians and forgot how to cook.
Local gastronomic specialties are based on breads: these are bagels and pasta with huge holes into which you can stick... your fingers, as well as pasta reminiscent of our “ears”.

Apparently all the fish were caught, since in restaurants local fish costs from 70 euros per kilo, the octopuses here are prepared in such a way that it is better to immediately throw them into the handbag hanging behind the next chair. Puréed peas plus stewed greens reminiscent of roadside weeds – these are all gastronomic specialties of Puglia.

What kind of seafood is more or less represented: clams and mussels, the fishing for which is established and there is even a small flotilla of ships that deliver fresh food to restaurants.

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Primitivo wine is the most famous and I can say that I like it.
At least I like something about Puglia. Any red. Take it and drink it - you can’t go wrong: in terms of richness and softness, it reminds me of my recent experience in Georgia with Kinzmarauli.
The color is dark ruby, it is easy to drink and goes well with cheeses and soft cottage cheese, which is also produced here.
White Chardonnay is more noble than classic Chardonnay, which I’m simply afraid to drink because of the floral and fruity aftertaste (for example, in Australia, Chardonnay can only be used for the production of moonshine).

An interesting serving of wine in Puglia: here, when asked for a liter of “casa wine”, a bottle is placed on the table.
Well, I didn’t find homemade wine here in jugs, but we already have a set dose for dinner - 1 liter.
You have to take 2 bottles and take the unfinished one with you.

What else can I add about Puglia?

Probably worth writing about beaches in this region since the local coastline is the longest of all regions of Italy.
As you yourself probably know: quantity (in this case length) does not always translate into quality.
I can say that the sandy beaches I have seen are something of a waste, which of course will be removed with a rake for the season and a price tag will be set for a sunbed and umbrella per day.
In the first two days there was bad weather in this region: it rained and stormed, and therefore I could not and will not be able to convey a correct review of the beaches and the sea, but you can see what I saw in the photo below

The water is icy. At night the wind is +12 during the day - in general, in May it is quiet and deserted here - the beach hotels are closed, and who would even think of staying in a beach hotel in Puglia at the end of May (although I swam on the Amalfi coast of Italy on the May holidays)

But if you are still planning to come to these parts to relax by the sea, I would advise...
I won't recommend anything.

A little about the cities?
Not much at all, since I avoid cities - they make me sad and I can only use them as a place for shopping ( about shopping in Bari I wrote in a separate article:) or an emergency overnight stay when all restaurants in rural areas are closed.

In the historical center Bari It’s nice to take a walk late in the evening - when the buses have already taken away the Korean tourists, and the Albanians have gone to work in their parts of this port city. Narrow streets through which it is pleasant to wander and even, dare I say it, to inhale the scent of laundry perfume that is dried according to the ancient Albanian tradition - under a film from dust, or rather from rain.

Trulli(trulli) in Alberobello- these are traditional dwellings that were built not by trolls, but by completely law-abiding Italians.
These dwellings have a clear and recognizable conical roof as well as walls made of uneven cobblestones.
The walls are thick, whitewashed on the outside - so in summer these dwellings are cool. But in the cold season, you will need good heating to warm such a pencil.

Why am I writing about this so confidently?
Yes, because yesterday we lived in such a house. I can recommend the hotel - a very good owner, who, without my asking, added me to his friends on Facebook as soon as he saw my passport.

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If we perceive Italy as a boot-shaped country on the map, then Apulia is its heel. It stretches along the eastern coast and has always attracted conquerors, which is not at all surprising. Puglia is a region of beautiful landscapes, rich culture and ancient cities, which has long won the attention of tourists.

Location of Apulia

The region is located in the southeast of the Apennine Peninsula. In the north and east, its borders are washed by the Adriatic Sea, and in the south by the waters of the Ionian Sea. Among all the regions of Italy, it is Apulia that has the longest coastline. The region has excellent transport links, which makes travel as comfortable as possible. Several train lines connect Puglia with other parts of Italy. And there are international airports in Brindisi and Bari.

Puglia map

Major cities of Apulia

The main city of the region is Bari, a popular tourist destination with a rich history. Many call it the cultural capital of Southern Italy, especially when it comes to religious tourism. Christian (including Orthodox) shrines are concentrated in Bari, for which believers travel to the city even from neighboring Greece. Bari is divided into a historical part with numerous monuments from different eras and a new part with picturesque squares, museums and restaurants.

Among the major cities of Puglia is Lecce, which is often compared to Florence for its abundance of Baroque monuments. However, not only buildings in the Baroque style shape its appearance. Lecce has Roman, Greek and Austrian heritage. To see at least some of the sights, you will have to stay in the city for several days.

Climate of Apulia

Apulia is characterized by a typical Mediterranean climate - with mild winters (at least +6°C) and hot summers (on average +33°C). However, the heat is easier to bear than in northern Italy. The reason is that there are no high mountains in the region and nothing restricts the air flow. Mountains occupy only 2% of the territory - a rarity by Italian standards.

Book a hotel in Puglia at the best price

Sights of Puglia

A significant part of the region's monuments are concentrated in Bari. The local 12th-century cathedral is an interesting example of Romano-Apulian architecture. The three naves inside the structure are separated by 16 columns. The cathedral contains valuable icons and relics, and fragments of the Byzantine chapel that previously stood on this site have partially survived. Another religious shrine of Bari is the Basilica of St. Nicholas. Thousands of pilgrims come here to venerate the relics of the saint. The decoration of the basilica uses cornices, capitals and reliefs from ancient Byzantine monuments. Particularly noteworthy is the 12th century episcopal throne, carved from marble.

Near the city of Andria there is a monument from the 13th century - the Castle del Monte. It was perfectly preserved and arrived in almost its original form. There is debate about the purpose of the castle. Some scientists are sure that it served as the hunting residence of the ruler Frederick II. Others disagree: del Monte's decoration was too chic. Now many of the castle's interiors are open to tourists, including the throne room.

Puglia is often associated with the small fairytale town of Alberobello. The trulli - white houses with a conical dome roof - brought him fame. Similar structures are not found anywhere else. It may seem that all trulli are exactly the same. But in fact, they differ in the masonry of the dome and the mark of the master. Some trulli serve as houses, while others house museums or souvenir shops.

The Gargano is a protected natural area that deserves attention. This national park is home to dozens of species of rare orchids and trees. To admire the beauty of the Gargano, you can rent a bicycle and explore the paved trails. Or take a boat to the neighboring islands, which are also part of the protected area. The Monte Gargano mountain range is located in the reserve. It is famous for the Sanctuary of the Archangel Michael, a popular place of pilgrimage.

Holidays in Puglia

Hospitable Puglia offers dozens of options for spending your holiday. And since kilometers of beaches are the main natural wealth of the region, Italians fell in love with it as a resort destination. However, not every city is equally suitable for a beach holiday. For example, the coast near Bari is predominantly rocky. It is better to choose Salento with its quiet sandy bays and shallow, clear sea. Vieste has been repeatedly noted for the purity of its water. Its coastline is surrounded by quaint grottoes, which is why the beach is popular with divers.

Those who are tired of a standard holiday should take a closer look at wine and gastronomic tours. This type of holiday is popular among connoisseurs of Mediterranean cuisine and quality wines. The secrets of Puglia's cuisine are revealed during visits to the best wineries, ancient bakeries, family cheese dairies and master classes.

Puglia is also attractive as a pilgrimage destination and a region for active recreation. The best way to explore its nature and monuments is to join a cycling or walking tour.

Shopping in Puglia

While holidaying in Puglia, it is worth taking advantage of the region's shopping opportunities. Most large cities offer a wide variety of boutiques from both emerging Italian designers and the most famous brands (Armani, Gucci). For shopping, it's worth going to Bari with its bustling shopping areas and multi-brand stores. Near the city there is an outlet with 150 boutiques. It is believed that clothing prices in Puglia are lower than in Northern Italy.

If you want to take home traditional souvenirs or products, it is worth remembering: each province of Apulia is known for its unique goods. For example, the province of Foggia is proud of its excellent delicacies, as well as rose and red wines. It is worth bringing textiles, shoes and wooden products from Barletta and Murge. And you can take away interesting antiques from the city of Brindisi - they are sold during the monthly fair on the square. Teresa.

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A land characterized by great diversity, which does not immediately reveal all its many faces - this is Apulia, “heel” Italian "Boot", a region that enchants with its beauty and riches - nature, history, traditions, delicious cuisine and high spirituality. You can come here all 12 months of the year!

Those who love seaside holidays will be delighted with the breadth of choice: you can bask on the magnificent sandy beaches Torre del Orso And Porto Cesareo, or you can go to the most picturesque rocky shores Otranto and in Santa Maria di Leuca, the place where the waters of the clear and serene Ionian and bright blue Adriatic seas meet, or go to any of the resorts located between the “pearl of Salento”, the town Gallipoli, and the “Spur of the Italian Boot”, Cape Gargano, jutting out into the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic, where Tremiti Islands.
Kingdom of virgin nature - Murge National Park and the Gargano Park, whose territory includes the virgin Foresta Umbra forest, salt marshes and lakes. A visit to the marine reserve is a must. Torre Guaceto, look at the deep ravines of the Laterza region and the wide valleys of the region Altamura, - a typical landscape of the interior of the region.

For those who wish to immerse themselves in history, Puglia offers a range of sites that tell the story of the ancient origins of this area: from prehistoric times to the period of Ancient Greece, from the Roman Empire to the Renaissance and the magnificent Baroque monuments in the town of Lecce and in the Salento region.
Vivid evidence of the region's peasant past are the unusual white houses with conical roofs made of gray stone - "trulli", for example, in the Valle d'Itria, and numerous castles constitute a real treasury of the southern coast of the region, reminiscent of those times when both goods and dangers came to Apulia from the sea.
Lovers of traditions and folk music should definitely visit at least one of the many festivities and gastronomic festivals that take place in the summer period in turn in many Apulian towns.
Provinces of Apulia: Bari(administrative center of the region), Barletta Andria Trani ,Brindisi , Foggia , Lecce , Taranto .

There are plenty of attractions in Puglia to suit every taste, from monuments of Antiquity to the Middle Ages and the Baroque era, from castles lined up along the sea coast to small medieval towns “borghi”, where local artisans make real masterpieces.

All travelers, and especially pilgrims, should definitely visit the town San Giovanni Rotondo in the province of Foggia. There is a grave, memorial sites and shrines associated with the life of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina: monastery of the Capuchin friars of Santa Maria delle Grazie, where he died in 1968 Padre Pio, as well as a new church, opened in 2004, designed by the famous Italian architect Renzo Piano.

You need to stop by Alberobello - a wonderful town where you can fully immerse yourself in history and local traditions. Alberobello is home to the ancient, characteristic stone houses with conical roofs, built by hand without the use of any cement mortar - "trulli". These unique structures have been under the protection of UNESCO since 1996.

Not far from the city of Andria there is another monument from the UNESCO World Heritage List, a unique masterpiece medieval architecture- Castel del Monte castle, built in the 13th century by Emperor Frederick II of Hohenstaufen. It is curious that the “magic” number of this castle is the number 8: the building has an octagonal shape in plan, on the first and second floors there are 8 halls, forming an octagon, and there are also 8 massive towers surrounding the castle, and, of course, each of which has 8 faces.

Paradise in miniature and a treat for the eyes five islands Tremiti archipelago: San Domino, San Nicola, Capraia, Cretaccio and Pianosa.
Here, nature and history are perfectly combined in the splendor of alluring landscapes.

Puglia is washed by seas on both sides, so there are options active rest in the bosom nature there are plenty here. Those who like to discover a fascinating and mysterious world will not be bored either. seas.

Crystal clear waters Tremiti Islands combined with stunning views of bays, caves and the depths of the sea, they are decorated with dense vegetation and inhabited by different types of fish. Santa Maria di Leuca, located on the border between Ionian and Adriatic seas, is also worthy of the attention of travelers. The depth of the seabed in some places reaches 90 meters, and the life forms inhabiting the local underwater kingdom create a unique color scheme. Water sports enthusiasts can practice all year round windsurfing And kitesurfing.

And yet Apulia is not only the sea.
You can discover the nature of this region, its history and traditions by bicycle. You don't have to be experienced at all cyclist To go on a trip on two wheels: just be willing to try something new, and don’t forget to wear a hat to protect yourself from the bright sun. The choice of routes is huge: you can enjoy nature while cycling along the trails Gargano reserves(Parco del Gargano) or Murge(Parco delle Murge); study history, contemplating the numerous monuments, or go deeper into the region to enjoy the relaxed lifestyle of these regions, away from the bustle of big cities.

Throughout the year, many festivities, gastronomic festivals and theatrical reenactments of memorable historical events take place throughout Puglia. The most popular are the carnival in Putignano, St. Nicholas Day in Bari and the historical duel Disfida di Barletta. Young people and others should at least once in their lives attend the festival of traditional local dances: pizzica and tarantella, held annually at the end of August in the town of Melpignano. Guests from all over Europe come to attend the festival, called the Night of Taranta (Notte della Taranta), to sing and dance together in the moonlight to the sound of drums.

The cuisine of Puglia, long known as the "cuisine of the poor" due to the simplicity of the products used, is able to satisfy the whims of even the most demanding gourmet. It is based on three main ingredients: durum wheat, vegetables and olive oil, which in combination with meat and fish create original dishes with a natural, incomparable taste. The basis of local cuisine is homemade pasta. For the dough, durum wheat or a mixture of hard and soft flour is used. A unique symbol of the region is “recchietelle” or “orecchiette” - in all the variety of dishes prepared from them, “strashinati”, which were once considered the food of the poor and today enjoy great success in the best restaurants. Other original pasta products are also popular in Puglia: “minuicque”, “fenechechie”, “troccoli”, “sagne ncannuate”, “cicatadde”; they are still prepared according to old recipes. But it is in the combination of pasta and vegetables that the main feature of Apulian dishes lies: "strashinati" with cabbage and fried brisket or spaghetti with green beans, tomatoes and cacioricotta cheese. Puglia is, in fact, a large colorful vegetable garden, full of vegetables with unique taste and aroma, which, in combination with homemade pasta, fresh sea fish or fresh meat, give an unforgettable taste sensation. This amazing region, washed on both sides by seas with a coastline 800 km long, will simply spoil fish and seafood lovers with a choice of all kinds of fish dishes. Seafood prepared in a variety of ways will satisfy the tastes of any gourmet: fresh fish, raw or marinated, excellent thick fish soups and even fish combined with cacio cheese. There are also many temptations for those with a sweet tooth: a variety of delicacies based on dried fruits, honey, thick grape syrup "vino cotto", candied fruits and chocolate. Among the excellent quality food products that have earned the designation DOP (Protected Designation of Origin) or IGT (Indication of Geographical Origin), it is worth mentioning the very popular aromatic, crispy city bread from the town of Altamura; “Clementine” tangerines growing on the shores of the Tarantian Gulf, famous for their sweet and juicy pulp; Bella della Daunia olives, grown since the 15th century in the vicinity of Foggia; as well as famous wines and extra virgin olive oil. Each type of wine or olive oil has its own unique taste depending on the place where it is grown and produced.

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, stretching 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 Puglia

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.