Situated in the southeastern region of Italy, Puglia, also known as Apulia, is one of the best-known destinations in Italy. In many respects, Puglia makes for the perfect holiday spot. The splendid region boasts not only of a sublime climate, but is also home to beautiful villages and towns, stunning architecture, delicious food and impressive folklore and traditions.
With more than 800 km of coastline, the region is well loved by people who have a fascination for life on the open sea. Whether you go to the Adriatic shores or the vast stretches of sandy beaches on the Ionian Sea, you will never have to look far to find a great spot to unwind and relax. And all of this with a climate that is as pleasant as anywhere in the Mediterranean!
Puglia is a tourist’s delight. There is much beauty to behold and plenty of things to do and explore in the region. Here are some must-visit places not to miss if you are planning to book a holiday in Puglia.
1. Otranto
The easternmost town in the region, the town of Otranto draws a lot of tourists. It has been declared as “Heritage witness to a culture of peace” by UNESCO. The town has a small seaport that is mostly used for tourism and fishing activities. There is a wide array of local and international festivals are held regularly in the region such as the Otranto Jazz Festival, La Notte della Taranta and others.
2. Alberobello
The picturesque town located on top of two hills is located south east of Puglia. The small region boasts scenic beauty and modern architecture. It is undoubtedly one of the most characteristic towns in the country and is well known for its traditionally constructed stone houses referred to as trulli; these houses have been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
3. Castelana Caves
One of the primary tourist destinations in Puglia, Castellana Caves is a small town located in the Bari region. The town gets its name chiefly from the large and beautiful complex of caves located here. The place has a beautiful historic center with several ancient structures that date back to the 17th century.
4. Castel del Monte
Castel del Monte is situated near Andria. It was constructed during the 13th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
5. Lecce
Referred to as the “Florence of the South” for its Baroque architecture, Lecce is also home to scenic countryside, small towns and beaches. It makes for the perfect destination for a weekend break or a holiday and is an excellent base for exploring the Salento Peninsula.
6. Ostuni
Ostuni attracts a huge number of visitors every year, especially during the summer months. The popular tourist spot is also referred to as “White City” because its historic center is completely painted with white lime.
7. Locorotondo
The place is a labyrinth of white washed houses with beautifully decorated balconies and quiet, clean streets. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely lunch and take a stroll afterwards.
These are just some of the tourist attractions in Puglia. Pick a town at random and you are likely to find a fascinating blend of history, beautiful architecture, friendly people and sumptuous food.
