10 reasons to visit Puglia
BY Travel Department Partnership
19th Apr 2024 Travel Guides
2 min read
Lazing by the sea in the sunshine is one of the most enjoyable things you can do in Puglia, also known as Apulia, it is situated at the heel of Italy and is often overlooked by many. Unfairly so, as it’s a fantastic Italy holiday destination.
It is an enchanting region with an intriguing history,
remarkable cities to rival any in Italy, beautiful scenery and delicious
cuisine including many unique specialities.
Let’s
uncover the top reasons to visit Puglia.
Why Should You Visit Puglia, Italy?
1. Trulli of Alberobello
Alberobello,
a UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for its unique conical-shaped Trulli
constructions stretching 15km along the Alberobello-Martina Franca road.
2. Amazing Italian food
What
is Puglia, Italy famous for? It’s food, of course! This region has produced
many unique Italian foods, such as orecchiette pasta, burrata cheese and the
Italian version of paella - tiella. Stuzzichini is the word for the small
snacks that are often served with an ‘aperitivo’ in Puglia. They might include
plump, juicy olives, bites of local cheese, sun dried tomatoes, or Tarallini.
These crispy little rings of baked dough, made with extra virgin olive oil and
aromatic fennel seeds are lovely with a glass of wine, and are a feature of the
‘treats cupboard’ in every Puglian household!
3. Architecture in Lecce
Puglia
is also known as the ‘Florence of the South’. This is due to its Roman ruins
and beautiful baroque architecture, characterised by the white and gold colour
of the famous Lecce stone.
4. Beautiful coastlines
It
has the longest coastline on mainland Italy, so you’re guaranteed to find a
stunning beach with crystal clear waters on Puglia’s Adriatic and Ionian
Coasts.
5. It produces a lot of olive oil for Italy
With
over 50 million olive trees, it’s an easy answer to the question, “What is
Puglia known for?” It makes up to 60% of the olive oil produced in Italy! If
you’re looking to experience olive oil tasting in Italy, we recommend visiting
Martina Franca, which is considered to be the best in the country. Its olive
oil is hand harvested and cold pressed within hours of being picked, helping to
preserve its delicious flavour.
6. Bari
Bari,
the capital of Apulia region, is more than a transport hub. You will find many architectural
and historical gems like the 11th Century church, Basilica di
San Nicola. This is where the bones of Saint Nicholas, the inspiration for
Father Christmas, used to lay before being stolen by Bari sailors from Myra.
The basilica of solid and powerful construction was the only building to
survive the otherwise wholesale destruction of Bari by the Normans in 1152.
7. Ostuni
On
our Puglia holidays, we’ll usually be based in the town of Ostuni, the “white
city” due to its whitewashed buildings. Surrounding the old town are defensive
walls built in the middle ages and it offers incredible views of the town, the
surrounding countryside and the Adriatic sea.
8. Fantastic weather in Puglia
Lying
between the Adriatic Sea and the Ionian Sea, Puglia enjoys a Mediterranean
climate. The summers are hot and dry while spring and autumn enjoy fresh, warm
breezes and cooler nights.
9. Matera
The
European Capital of Culture in 2019, Matera is best known for its ancient cave
dwellings, the Sassi di Matera, which have been inhabited since the
Palaeolithic period! The city also has many museums and art galleries, and is
renowned for its contemporary art and culture scene.
10. Puglia wine
Puglia
makes more wine than any other region in Italy. Need we say more? The fertile
soil, hot sun and sea breezes create an ideal climate for wine production. Reds
made with the aromatic Negroamaro and Primitivo grapes are the perfect
accompaniment to the rustic ‘Cucina povera’ style of cooking. Saluti!
Take
a trip to this underrated part of Italy and experience a guided holiday to Puglia with Travel Department.