Open left menu Apulia. Puglia - the land of the sun, fabulous trulli and magical landscapes Apulia on the map of Italy
It is no secret that Italy occupies almost the entire Apennine Peninsula, which is shaped like a boot. The region of Puglia is located on the Salentina peninsula and is considered its heel.
Puglia is located in the southeast of Italy and has the longest coastline among the mainland regions of the country. The main city of the region is (Bari), which is located from (Roma), the capital of Italy, at a distance of 430 km.
4 million people live in Apulia, and its area is 19 thousand km2. The main language is Italian, but French and various dialects are also common here: Tarantine, Franco-Provençal, as well as Italo-Rumean, derived from Greek, Arbere (mixed with Albanian) and some others.
The region includes six provinces:
- Foggia (Provincia di Foggia) – north;
- Barletta-Andria-Trani – between Foggia and Bari;
- Bari (Provincia di Bari) – in the center;
- Brindisi (Provincia di Brindisi) - between Bari and Lecce, in the east of the region;
- Taranto (Provincia di Taranto) - between Bari and Lecce, in the west of the region;
- Lecce (Provincia di Lecce) is the southernmost province.
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In the southeast, Apulia is washed by the Adriatic Sea (Mare Adriatico), in the southwest by the Ionian Sea (mar Ionio). Both bodies of water are part of the Mediterranean Sea (Mar Mediterraneo). In the west, Puglia borders on the regions (Campania) and (Basilicata), in the north – on Molise.
There are few mountains here: 53% of the territory is occupied by plains, 45% by hills. The highest point in the region is the limestone mountain Monte Cornacchia, whose height is 1152 m. It is located in the north-west of the region in the Monti Dauni mountains.
There are two national parks in the region - Gargano (Parco nazionale del Gargano) and Alta Murgia. There are also 11 regional parks and 24 nature reserves. At the same time, forests occupy only 7.5% of the region's area. This is the lowest rate in Italy.
In the north of Apulia, towards the Adriatic Sea, the Ofanto, which is 170 km long, and the Cervaro, 93 km long, flow. Large rivers include the Carapelle, which is 98 km long, and the Candelaro (70 km).
Story
The name Apulia means “exodus” in ancient Greek. But these lands were inhabited much earlier than the ancient Greeks came here. In the region, a skeleton of a Neanderthal man was found, who lived here 250-187 thousand years ago. He is known as the Man of Altamura (L'Uomo di Altamura) because he was found near this city.
In VIII Art. BC. Greeks settled on the lands of Apulia. At that time, the Apula and Messapa tribes lived here, so the Hellenes began to call the local inhabitants Iapygians. The main settlement was Taranto, which became a major trading center.
The Romans came here in the 3rd century. BC, after the Greeks lost to the Italian tribes. But they also had to fight with the Samnites. When the resistance was broken, the Romans began to settle down, and in honor of the ancient inhabitants of the region they named the region Apulia.
During the times the region prospered. The city of Brindisi became the largest seaport of the Romans on the shores of the Adriatic Sea, and 100 thousand people lived in it. All Roman trade with the countries located in the east passed through Brindisi and Taranto. Roads were built in the region that connected major cities and Rome. The main export goods were wheat and olive oil.
In 216 BC. On the banks of the Aufid River (modern Ofanto), the Battle of Cannes took place, during which Hannibal's troops from Carthage completely defeated the Romans, who were significantly superior in strength. This battle was included in the list of the bloodiest battles in human history in terms of the number of soldiers killed per day.
In the 5th century The fall of the Western Roman Empire occurred, and the Ostrogoths settled on the territory of Apulia. After this, the region changed hands for a long time, and therefore military operations here almost did not stop until 1861, when Apulia became part of the united Italy (Regno d’Italia). Since then, there has been relative calm, which has created conditions for the normal development of agriculture, which continues to flourish to this day.
Climate
What has attracted people to Puglia since ancient times? First of all, it is the sea, sandy beaches and a typical Mediterranean climate.
There are more sunny days than cloudy and cloudy days, snow is a rare occurrence. The weather in Puglia by month is as follows:
- January: 7°C during the day, 1° at night, sun – 12 days, rain – 3 days;
- February: 8°C during the day, 2°C at night, sun – 8 days, rain – 4;
- March: 12°C during the day, 4°C at night, sun – 14 days, rain – 4;
- April: 17°C during the day, 6°C at night, sun – 14 days, rain – 5;
- May: 20°C during the day, 8°C at night, sun – 18 days, rain – 6;
- June: day 25°C, night 12°C, sun – 22 days, rain – 6;
- July: day 29°C, night 14°C, sun – 28 days, rain – 3;
- August: day 29°C, night 14°C, sun – 29 days, rain – 2;
- September: 24°C during the day, 12°C at night, sun – 19 days, rain – 4;
- October: 18°C during the day, 9°C at night, sun – 14 days, rain – 5;
- November: 13°C during the day, 6°C at night, sun – 11 days, rain – 5;
- December: 8°C during the day, 2°C at night, sun – 16 days, rain – 2;
Such weather and a long beach line attract tourists from all over the world.
The beach season begins in June, when the water temperature warms up to +22°C. But some brave souls start swimming in May at a sea temperature of +17°C. The beach season ends in September. Although the waters are cold in October, it is a good time for sightseeing in Puglia.
Cities and landmarks
Puglia is a region with a long history. There is a lot to see here, so tourism is very well developed here. Castles, ancient temples, museums, national parks and reserves, olive groves attract the attention of people from all over the world.
Bari
The province of Bari is located on the Atlantic coast. To the north is Barletta-Andria-Trani, to the south are Taranto and Brindisi. It is the most populous province of Apulia, home to more than 1 million people. It is in this province that the city of Altamura is located, near which the remains of a man two thousand years ago were found.
In the main city of the region, Bari, at Largo Abate Elia, 13, the Basilica di San Nicola is located. This temple appeared in the 11th-12th centuries. for storing the relics of St. Nicholas, who were brought to the city in 1087. They are located in the crypt, which can only be accessed by organized groups of pilgrims by prior arrangement.
This basilica should not be confused with the Church of St. Nicholas (Chiesa di San Nicola), which was built in Bari at the beginning of the last century in the style of Russian architecture of the 15th century. and belongs to the Moscow Patriarchate. It is located at Corso Benedetto Croce, 130, and is also known as the Patriarchal Compound of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker.
Tourists will definitely enjoy the symbol of the city, the Norman-Swabian Castle (Castello Normanno-Svevo), the construction of which dates back to the 12th century. The burgundy and white Petruzzelli Theater (Teatro Petruzzelli) with statues on top, which is the fourth largest temple of Melpomene in Italy, looks original. Artists such as Luciano Pavarotti, Carla Fracci, Eduardo De Filippo performed here.
Brindisi is located south of Bari, to the east is the Adriatic Sea. The length of the coast is 81 km, and partly it consists of beaches, partly of their cliffs. There are no major rivers flowing through the province, but there are many freshwater lakes.
The main city of the province is Brindisi. It is a major seaport. The history of Brindisi dates back to the ancient Romans, and it was from here that they traded with countries to the east. In 40 BC. in this city the military leader Mark Antony (Marcus Antonius) and the founder of the Roman Empire (Octavianus Augustus) reconciled, and twenty years after this meeting the poet Virgil (Publio Virgilio Marone) died in Brindisi.
During the reign of the Romans, 100 thousand people lived in the city. It lost its significance during the Middle Ages, when trade moved to Bari. Nevertheless, this is where the Crusaders' journey to the Holy Land began.
Currently, there are few old buildings here. These are mainly churches, a castle by the sea Castello svevo (Brindisi), a sea fort. There is also an ancient column that signified the end (Latin: Via Appia). It was the most important public road leading from Rome.
Taranto is located south of Bari and Lecce, west of Brindisi. Its shores are washed by the waters of the Ionian Sea. There are both plains and hills. The height of the highest hill, Monte Angiulli, is 440 m.
The main city of the province is Taranto. It was founded by the Spartans in the 8th century. BC. Their descendants lived here for several centuries until the Romans captured the city, selling 30 thousand inhabitants into slavery. They turned Taranto into a major seaport, which it still is today.
Many ancient buildings have been preserved here. Here you can find not only Christian churches, but also places of pagan cults, the remains of a Greco-Roman necropolis and burial chambers. Of course, there are castles, defensive forts (Castello Aragonese, Fortezza de Laclos), and numerous museums. Among them is the underground Spartan Museum (museo spartano di Taranto), where you can see the history of the city from its founding to the 18th century.
Barletta-Andria-Trani
Barletta Andria Trani is the youngest province in the region. It is washed by the waters of the Gulf of Manfredonia, which belongs to the Adriatic Sea. In the south is the province of Bari, in the north is Foggia. This province is administered from three cities at once - Trani, Barletta and Andria. The first two cities are located on the coast, and therefore are considered resorts, the third is far from the sea.
There are a lot of palaces and churches in Barleta. Among them are the Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore (Basilica di S.Maria Maggiore), the Church of the Holy Sepulcher (Basilica del Santo Sepolcro). You can also highlight defensive structures - walls, gates and Barletta Castle (Castello di Barletta). Its construction dates back to the 12th century. Another attraction of the city is the huge statue of the Roman emperor, which is known as the Colosso di Barletta.
The city of Trani is also interesting. Here is the Cathedral of St. Nicholas Pellegrino (La Cattedrale di San Nicola Pellegrino), the church of Santa Maria di Colonna (La chiesa di Santa Maria di Colonna) and the adjacent monastery. The Swabian Castle (Castello svevo) is noteworthy. Also in Trani there are several towers of the 11th century, city gates and a lot of palaces.
In Adria you can look at the city gates, castles, and see the clock tower from the time of Francis II del Balzo, who lived at the end of the 15th century. You can also book a tour of the dungeons and caves of the city, where people lived and worshiped God in medieval times.
Lecce
Lecce is the southernmost and easternmost province of the region, which lies entirely on the Salentina Peninsula. Its uniqueness is that it has access to both the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. It is predominantly flat, with a few hills in the south of la Serra dei Cianci.
The coastline is 222 m, sandy beaches are constantly replaced by rocky cliffs. Along the southern coast of the Adriatic Sea there are many caves, among which is Grotta Zinzulusa. This cave goes at least 250 meters deep, and during the tour you can see stalactites, stalagmites, and several lakes of crystal clear water. Bats and sea inhabitants also live here, which you will not find anywhere else.
The capital of the province of Lecce bears the same name. There are many ancient cathedrals, castles, forts, and towers. There is also an amphitheater with a seating capacity of 25 thousand. It was built in the I-II centuries. AD
Foggia
Foggia is the northernmost province of Apulia, which is washed by the waters of the Adriatic Sea. It is one of the least arid provinces in the region, as it is home to the Ofanto, which is a natural border with Barletta-Andria-Trani, and the Fortore. The province is notable for the fact that 50% of Italy's tomatoes are harvested here.
The main city of the province bears the same name. He suffered from . However, many historical buildings have been preserved here. Among them are the Cathedral (la Cattedrale di Foggia), the national monument Church of the Crosses (La chiesa delle Croci), as well as the Church of St. Thomas (la Chiesa di San Tommaso), the oldest basilica of the city, built in the 11th century. You can also go to the city of Leccera, where the Staufen Fortress (Fortezza svevo-angioina) rises on a hill, and there is also an ancient amphitheater.
Resorts
One of the most popular resorts in Puglia is Marina Di Andrano located in Lecce. Rocky shores, numerous bays, and clear sea water attract tourists from all over the world. The most famous beaches are Zona Grotta Verde and Zona Botte. On one of them there is a beautiful cave La Grotta Verde.
Another resort in the province of Lecce, Gagliano del Capo, is no less in demand among tourists. It is located almost in the southeast of the province at an altitude of 150 m above sea level. In addition to the beaches, there are many cliffs and several interesting historical caves. Diving enthusiasts can go to Porto Cesareo.
But for people who prefer thermal springs, Santa Cesarea Terme is suitable. This resort is also located in this region.
(Ostuni) in the province of Brindisi boasts a beautiful coastline. Monopoli in the province of Bari, where there are twenty-five beaches, is considered one of the most popular holiday destinations.
Those who like to combine beach and active holidays can go to the Gargano Peninsula in the province of Fuji. This place is called the “spur of the Italian boot.” There is a national reserve here: there are not only beaches, but also mountains, caves, as well as the salt lakes of Lezina and Varano, which are separated from the sea by a narrow strip of land.
Folklore
Despite the fact that the beach season in Puglia lasts from June to September, you can safely go here at other times of the year. Here you can look not only at the sights, but also attend various festive events, including:
- 17.01: Carnival in Massafra (Taranto);
- 17-18.01: Fire Festival in Novoli (Lecce);
- 14.02: “Orange” St. Day. Valentina in Vieste (Foggia). Here, two holidays coincided on one day - Valentine's Day and the Orange Festival;
- 18-19.03: Tables of San Giuseppe in Giurdignano (Lecce). These days, the central square is transformed into a large restaurant, the tables of which are decorated with flowers and an icon of St. San Giusepe. Before lunch, people pray, food is blessed;
- 28.04: Sagra (festival) of wine and bagels in (Alberobello), the city of the trulli;
- 7-9.05: Feast of St. Nicholas in Bari;
- Third Sunday in June: Festival in Fasano (Brindisi), dedicated to the victory over the Turks in 1678;
- July: Red onion day in Acquaviva delle Fonti (Bari), the most popular vegetable in the area;
- End of July: Octopus Days in Fasano and Torre Canne (Brindisi), as well as a festival of local cutlets in Grottaglie (Taranto);
- Early August: Local Beer Festival in Leverano (Lecce);
- Second Sunday in August: Knight's tournament in Oria (Brindisi);
- Late August – September: Local Festival in Taranto;
- Third Sunday in October: Calzone Festival in Acquaviva delle Fonti (Bari) - on this day you can taste local closed pizza in all interpretations;
- 5-6.11: Wine and chestnut festival in Noci (Bari)
- December – January: “Live” Presepe - celebrated everywhere. Presepe is the manger of Jesus, created by the hands of folk craftsmen. This is the period of widespread celebration of Christmas.
This information can be taken into account when planning a trip to Puglia. They will help you develop a route so that the trip is as interesting and fun as possible.
Winemaking
Winemaking traditions go back to the ancient Greeks, who in the 8th century. BC. They brought grapevines and wine-making technologies here.
Now vineyards in Puglia occupy 100 thousand hectares, and until recently inexpensive varieties were produced here. But excellent climatic conditions and fertile soil contributed to improving the quality of wine and strengthening its leading position.
Now Puglia produces 17% of all the country's wines.
- Their advantage is an excellent price-quality ratio. Castel del Monte experts rate it very highly. This brand produces 22 varieties of wine.
- Gravina and Gioia del Colle in Bari;
- Brindisi in Brindisi;
- Alezio, Galatina, Copertino, Leverano in Lecce;
San Severo, Rosso di Cerignola in Foggia.
Like olive oil, wines in Puglia are served with many local dishes.
How to get there
Puglia can be reached by car, bus, train, air and water.
There are three airports in the province where passenger flights arrive. One is located in Bari, and is named after Pope Karol Wojtyła: Aeroporto internazionale di Bari “Karol Wojtyła”. This is an international airport and it receives flights from Germany, Great Britain, Romania.
The second airport is located in Salento (Brindisi) and is called L’Aeroporto di Brindisi-Papola Casale. There is also good international communication: people fly here from Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Belgium, and England.
Another airport is located in Foggia. This is Aeroporto di Foggia "Gino Lisa". It is used for domestic flights as well as for helicopter flights to the islands of Isole Tremiti, which belong to this commune, and to the resort of Gargano.
The region of Puglia is still little explored by tourists, but you can simply relax there.
The fertile lands of Apulia have been a hospitable home to many civilizations and peoples. From the 8th century BC e. The ancient Hellenes began to build colonial cities here, and for centuries Apulia was part of the great ancient Greek civilization. But the Greeks did not come out of nowhere - before them, various nationalities already lived here, and the region got its name from the name of one of them - the Apulians. However, the origins of the settlement of the region are much older: archaeologists have found the remains of settlements dating back to the Stone Age.
In the era of Ancient Greece, Taranto and Brindisi were major trade and cultural centers, and they also flourished later - during the times of Ancient Rome. As part of the ancient Roman Empire, the region was the main granary and agricultural region, and transport and trade developed.
In the Middle Ages, Apulia was ruled in turn by foreigners: Normans, Germans, French, Aragonese... From each era, the cities of Apulia have their own architectural evidence: Romanesque temples, fortresses and castles.
Cities and attractions of Puglia
Bari
Foggia
Mysterious Chiesa del Calvario, Foggia The center of the northernmost province and the tomato capital of Italy (half of the country's total tomato crop is grown in the province), Foggia is a beautiful town with many historical monuments. More of them would have been preserved if it had not been for the earthquakes and bombings of World War II. Of the buildings that have survived and been restored, the majestic cathedral, the mysterious Church of Golgotha (del Calvario), and the ancient palazzos of Arpi and Dogana deserve the greatest attention.
Lecce
Amphitheatre, Lecce The architecture of “southern Florence” is dominated by the Baroque style. The main Baroque ensembles are grouped around the Duomo and Sant'Oronzo squares. The well-preserved ancient Roman amphitheater is amazing.
Andria
Castel del Monte, Andria In the 13th century, it was the favorite residence of Emperor Frederick II, next to which he built the Castel del Monte fortress. Today this mysterious octagon-shaped castle is one of the most famous in Europe and is protected by UNESCO.
Taranto
Castel Sant'Angelo (Castello Aragonese), Taranto Founded by the Spartans, Taranto has always retained the significance of an important port. The entrance to the harbor is guarded by the formidable fort of Castel Sant'Angelo, the calling card of the city. It is called Aragonese, because it was during the Aragonese rule that it was significantly expanded, but the very first fortifications on this site belong to the Byzantines. An extensive network of dungeons and catacombs dates back to the same era.
Matera
City of Matera In the famous cave city, not only the churches, monasteries and houses carved into the rocks, shrouded in the indescribable mysticism of the underground, are interesting. The city also has many original museums (peasant life, history of the city, olive oil, etc.) and more than a hundred temples.
Resorts of Puglia
A popular tourist area is the Gargano Peninsula in northern Apulia. Most of the mountain range washed by the Adriatic Sea is occupied by a national natural park with ancient deciduous forests, and the picturesque coastline is full of bays, caves, and cozy beaches. The villages of Vieste, Peschici, Mattinata are world famous seaside resorts.
The small town of Monopoli in the province of Bari attracts with excellent beaches with clear water - there are more than 20 of them in the immediate vicinity.
And next to Barletta is the best thermal resort in southern Italy, Margherita di Savoia, whose springs have been known since ancient times and effectively treat many diseases.
Hotels in Margherita di Savoia
Salento
Marina di Pescoluse, Salento Travelers have chosen the tourist area of Salento, located in the southern part of Puglia.
The most striking places to visit: major cities and attractions, popular beaches and hotels.
There is an atmosphere of serenity and carelessness. Walking along the clean streets, you can admire dancers performing the tarantula dance, with the help of which in ancient times they healed people bitten by a tarantula. The resort usually hosts a festival called “Night of Taranta” in August. This tourist area has many historical monuments and architectural monuments. Looking at the sights, you will be imbued with the spirit of Italy.
Cuisine of Puglia
Sample local seafood and fish dishes. You will be offered sea crucian carp, crabs, sea bream, and shrimp. Italian chefs are excellent cooks, so you shouldn’t give them any recommendations for preparing dishes.
Burato Order the local Burato cheese, which is a small bag of cheese and delicate cream. To prepare the dish, two types of cheese are used - mozzarella and stracciatella.
Try the Apulian wine Primitive di Mandura. It goes well with grilled cheese and lamb dishes.
Transport in Puglia
There are airports in three cities of Puglia: international - in Bari and Brindisi, for domestic flights - in Foggia.
The main transport hub is, of course, Bari - it regularly receives flights from Rome and many European cities, and trains and buses depart from it to the cities of Italy and Puglia.
There are good road connections between the cities of Puglia, and water transport also runs between some ports. For intercity travel, it is more convenient to use trains or regular buses. It is also quite easy to rent a car.
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:
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
- Lecce- the pearl of Puglia. Due to the rich variety of architectural monuments in the Baroque style, 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 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.
Business card
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 the walls of which 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 amusement park.
The region of Apulia is the most industrialized area in Southern Italy. Most of the industrial enterprises are concentrated in the triangle of Bari - Brindisi - Taranto, mainly due to oil refining, plastic production, and textile industries.
Puglia, however, has become a tasty slice of the Italian travel pie thanks to its abundance of sunshine and its prime location at the junction of the Ionian and Adriatic seas (see map). Here is with the easternmost settlement in Italy -Otranto(Lecce).
Apulia is the flattest region of Italy - hilly areas make up only 2% of its territory. Tourism in the region flourishes primarily thanks to the world famous resorts of Gargano, Salento and the Tremiti Islands. Seafood cuisine is best represented in the fishing centers of Manfredonia, Otranto and Gallipoli.
Bari is the main city of the Apulia region in Southern Italy. Is the center of the province Bari. The city became an ancient crossroads of Mediterranean sea routes leading to the Adriatic. In terms of population and strategic importance, Bari ranks second after Naples.
The demographic explosion in this region and accelerated urbanization are associated with the establishment of the city as the main port center in the south of the country.
Resorts in Puglia
An encounter with delights awaits youSalento- this is the name of a vast historical and cultural region in the south of Italy, which includes the famous resort towns of Lecce, Brindisi and Taranto. The Salento Peninsula is washed by two seas and is home to famous cities and towns , Ostuni, Nardo, Manduria and the unique Santa Maria di Leuca. There is nowhere further south - further only Africa.
Vieste resort in Puglia
We have already offered you summer holiday options. If henpecked life doesn’t make you very happy, there is an opportunity to climb onto the “spur” and from the heights of the Gargano mountain range carefully examine the beaches of Vieste (on map) in the province of Foggia, . Moreover, according to experienced and discerning travelers, the beach resorts in this area of the Adriatic are examples of sea ecology.
Provinces of Apulia: Bari, Brindisi, Foggia, Lecce, Taranto, Barletta-Andria-Trani Official site region of Puglia: http://www.regione.puglia.it/ Regione Puglia |