Puglias trullis date back to the 16th century and were designed to be easily dismantled in the event of a royal inspection in order to avoid the regions rulers paying property taxes to the King. The tomb has notable beliefs with Biblical stories and can perfectly enhance your religious sightseeing trip. All rights Reserved Local roads are lined and shaded by olive trees and are ideal for a trip around the olive mills and cheese producers. Book this Polignano a Mare Boat Cave Tour with Aperitif, the Best Things To Do In Rome (with Insider Tips), Baroque Architecture and Underground Walking Tour, walking tour of Trani with olive oil tasting, 10 Things To Do In Venice Beyond The Expected, 40 Things To Do In Milan (That Arent Churches), 3 Days in Florence: The Itinerary I Give My Friends, Is Naples Safe? How to do it: Be sure to pre-book your table in advance online as it books quickly. Swim into the natural pool of the Poetry Cave (Lecce), 11. Head to the hilltop town of Altamura . In order to really see the best of Alberobello, try staying overnight. They are a must see sight for any traveller and feature a unique "white cave" which by some is considered one of the best in the world. Alberobello is famous for its trulli: tiny limestone houses topped by conical roofs. And if you linger in the area, check out the locally produced Castel Del Monte Puglia winein a choice of red, white or ros. Top places to see in Puglia include Castel del Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the unique conical houses found in the area around Alberobello. Riserva Naturale Le Cesine is one of the best-preserved wetlands of Southern Italy. The citys most prominent building is the Basilica di San Nicola, a splendid church built in the Romanesque style, and one of the earliest Norman churches in Puglia. During your stay in Puglia, dont limit your visit to the most popular destinations! Have a 2-hour walk in the so-called Plain of Olive Trees, populated by ancient trees up to 3000 years old. Its worth a stop if youre travelling south from Trani to Altamura. Book a spot on one of the after-dark tours, when guides lead torch-lit expeditions to see the caves array of stalactites and stalagmites. There are many caves, rock formations, and hidden bays hosting numbers of fishes, mollusks, and urchins. Being an absolute piggy, after stuffing my face on cheese and meats, I headed into Martina Franca for coffee and cake at the beautiful and historic Caffe Tripoli. Drive the spectacular 140 km long coastline which are characterized by the presence of ancient forest (mainly pine woods), bays, sandy beaches, limestone cliffs, calcareous caves, and the famous faraglioni, white rocks emerging from the sea in the Mergoli Bay and the Zagare Bay (Baia delle Zagare). Puglia is a smaller but beautiful upcoming tourist destination that is worth a visit. Its name means indeed little ear. The Murat district is the newer part of the city which is home to the major shopping and entertainment district, as well as several elegant 19th century palaces such as the Teatro Petruzzelli, Teatro Piccinni and Palazzo Fizzarotti. Local craftsmen use to paint their creations with a colored glaze forming nice decorations, geometric patterns, or floral motifs. One of the best things to do in Bari, especially early in the morning or at sunset is to walk along the seafront promenade- the lungomare - more specifically Lungomare Nazario Sauro in Bari. Puglia, also known as Apulia, is a province located on the south-eastern tip of Italy, sometimes referred to as Italys heelbecause of the countrys boot-like shape. Take a walk along the beautiful beaches while admiring the unique coastline. This research association is engaged in the protection of marine biodiversity and promotes education about biology, marine fauna, and the marine environment in general. This huge cave network extends inland for hundreds of metres beneath the coastal town of Castro, and has numerous stalactite-filled galleries. Sea turtles, manta rays, and unusual birds visit the beaches near the resort's 35 private villas. 2020 Travel Passionate. This town is called The Ionian Pearl for its elegance, its sandy beaches, and its ancient and picturesque Old Town district built on an island. Poetically titled the pearl of Pugliayoull quickly agree with the name when you explore Trani. Also check out my detailed guide to travelling around Puglia without a car here. Trulli have been part of UNESCOs World Heritage List since 1996. When in Puglia, eat late! For instance, a very important Byzantine Abbey of Sant Angelo. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. The water is gin-clear and theres plenty of history: the remains of hippopotamuses, horses, rhinoceroses, elephants, and even bears have been found inside the caves. The area is famous for the production of renowned red and white wines, like Verdeca or Negramaro, among the most popular ones. Very nice post! Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996, Alberobello is known for its high concentration of trulli; distinctive mortarless limestone houses with domed roofs that are symbolic of the surrounding Valle dItria. See the trulli in Valle d'Itria Valle d'Itria, or "Trulli Valley," is famed for its storybook environment filled with trulli (singular: trullo) or former peasant cottages. In this magical land in Southern Italy, sun-soaked beaches meet green rolling hills, and the rich history blends seamlessly with the mouth-watering local delicacies. One of the best things to do in Puglia is to visit the Mercato del Sabato. Top Things to Do in Puglia, Italy: See Tripadvisor's 2,987,021 traveller reviews and photos of Puglia tourist attractions. My first day in Salento started with a delicious breakfast with cappuccino and pasticciotti, the baked pastries filled with cream or chocolate typical of this area, enjoyed under a warm early morning sun. One of the hidden regional gems is Masseria Il Frantoio. Sign in. Purcedduzzi is small pieces of dough either deep-fried or baked and then covered with honey and sugar sprinkles that are traditionally served on the Christmas table in Southern Italy. Located inland, the best thing to do in Lecce is to wander around and take in its many architectural masterpieces, including the impressive Cathedral of Maria Santissima and other buildings of Piazza del Duomo, the intricate facade of Basilica di Santa Croce and the unusual Church of Saints Nicol and Catald. You will be able to enjoy a swim in the crystal clear blue waters of the sea between Castro and Santa Cesarea Terme. Orsara di Puglia is an untouched gem of the Italy. Go snorkelling in the Violet Cave (Tremiti Islands), 13. Do a tour of the rock carved churches in Massafra (Taranto), 21. Apulia Fuori Rotta, 5 unusual stops for a surprising itinerary 29 September 2022 4 minutes Index Monti Dauni, ancient stories and marvellous villages Gargano, stretches of salt water, unique views and a UNESCO World Heritage forest From Bisceglie to Monopoli, historical boats and valuable archaeological sites It is being said that the orange juice, which is blessed by Saint Valentine, acts as a love potion. A great way to explore is on this Alberobello walking tour (includes olive oil tasting). Feel free to email me with any questions at chrissy@travelpassionate.com. The rock formations make it easy to descend for a dip in the water and you will see plenty of people jumping off the cliffs to cool off in the summer. Admire orchids in the Gargano National Park, Best place to visit in Puglia: Top 10 not to miss. This article contains links which are ads and if you click on a link and buy a product we will earn revenue. Click here. For more information visit here. Horse-ride in Gargano forest (Vieste), 28. For more information visit here. Yes, bustling Martina Franca has a stunning Ducal Palace and a winding old-town but it was the cheese, cured meats, coffees and cakes that left a lasting impression on me. Its main feature consists of its entire layout being built around the number 8 (8 towers, octagonal base, etc). The Answer From Someone Whos Been, Regional Food In Puglia: What and Where to Eat, Travel Insurance: Dont get Screwed by the Small Print. Nowadays, this former monastery hosts a branch of Salento University (History, Society and Human Studies), but its still an aesthetically beautiful place with lots of pieces of art. The revenue generated will help us to support the content of this website and to continue to invest in our award-winning journalism. This town offers its visitors some precious pieces of heritage that are hidden in its ancient streets and the surrounding countryside: some beautiful rock-carved churches with amazing decorations and original frescos. Terme di Torre Canne is one of the most prestigious spas of Apulia complex. 8. Main picture: Gallipoli harbour, Salento (Getty Images). Table of Contents. Uncovered in 1932, Luceras Roman amphitheatre is the largest in southern Italy. Rich in lush forests and valleys, the Daunia Mountains offer their visitors astonishing views of landscapes, medieval castles and architectural beauties. This town is famous for its traditional buildings: they are whitewashed and made of local limestone with a particular conic roof made of layered stone labs. To fully enjoy the beauty of the natural scenery, come here in June or in September to avoid tourist crowds. Covid-related restrictions may be in place. Here are the best getaways from BA Holidays and Expedia. We organize tours in all the main cities of Puglia, departing from different locations. The striped exterior of Santa Maria del Casale church looks like its been picked up from Sienna and dropped in Brindisi. Check out the video, click here. Weddings & Honeymoons . This diving spot is located just in front of Leucas lighthouse, where Ionian and Adriatic melt. This visit can be your perfect recreational opportunity on a road across Puglia region. One of the most popular things to do in Venice (read: avoid peak times, go early in the morning if possible to avoid the crowds), St Mark's Campanile offers up sprawling, panoramic views of the rest of Venice. Discover huge ancient olive trees by following the Giants Itinerary (Ostuni). All products and brands mentioned in this article are selected by our writers and editors based on first-hand experience or customer feedback. Nice town as well, i suggest to visit the castle . Have a boat tour and reach Castro Caves by the sea (Lecce), 26. Locals discovered thermal waters of Torre Canne in the mid-nineteenth century, but in the postwar period after construction of the Spa, real exploitation began. Or if you prefer, you can book a guided tour of Castel del Monte. Santuario di San Michele Arcangelo. They are shaped as small hot dog buns and some people perceive as the most delicious pasta shape. Evo Ristorante. Its geometric layout is quite unlike most Italian castles: its perfectly octagonal, and lacks defensive features such as a moat, drawbridge or arrow slits. Brindisi also has a port, lido (beach), park and museums to explore. Grotte di Castellana can be visited on a guided tour down a 3km long pathway with the correct safety equipment. Two things you have to do in Polignano a Mare are witnessing a sunrise and sunset over the sea. Its been part of UNESCOs World Heritage List since 1996 and it is a perfect example of Medieval architecture. Things to do in Puglia The unique conical roofs of the houses in Alberobello Our home for the weekend was Corte dei Messapi, a luxury villa positioned on the outskirts of the 'White City' of Ostuni. While most Masseria were originally used for practical purposes, many have now been converted into luxurious agriturismo hotels and charming B&Bs. Its a grand old town, with broad boulevards, great shopping and a well-regarded university that supports a healthy supply of bars and restaurants. The building technique is called dry-stone and it is really ancient, stemming from a pre-historical period. Moving further down, it is worth visiting Torrepaduli, which offers the marvellous spectacle of the 'dance of the knives', an ancient tradition through which musicians and dancers, accompanied by tambourines, chase away negativity. While most people visit Polignano a Mare for Cala Porto, one of Puglias most popular destinations also has another hidden secret Grotta Palazzese. Puglia is a paradise of slow food culture, and at Epicwander there are locations that you might especially enjoy. Aim to arrive at the headland of Santa Maria di Leuca for dusk its Puglias top spot to watch the sunset. 630 reviews #152 of 186 Restaurants in Ostuni - Italian Pizza Seafood. Primitivo is a Puglia wine youve probably never heard of but then Italy does tend to keep its best wines to itself (case in point: Italys premium Prosecco doesnt make it onto supermarket shelves. The system is made up of a series of large canyons and caves filled with incredible formations such as stalactites, stalagmites, concretions and fossils. Torre Dell'Orso. 1,196 photos. While its possible to taste Primitivo throughout Puglia, I did a great, informal tasting in Enoteca Tholos in Alberobello. Here everything is like it was during the 16th century and it is the only example of a fortified city in the South of Italy to still be intact and perfectly preserved in every part. Known as the pearl of the Ionian Sea, its name derives from the original Greek name Kal polis meaning beautiful city. 1. See the top things . A: Top activities in Puglia include: Private Wine Tour from Ostuni with Lunch including Alberobello and Locorotondo. Entirely white city of Cisternino embraces a feeling of regional accent. Visit the Ceramic District with its many craftsmens shops to see these local artists at work. Try ricci (sea urchins) Puglia is famous for its sea urchins. Also dont miss the local speciality, Capocollo a large, marbled cured meat that melts on the tongue. Plus dont forget to visit the citys unusual sunken Roman Amphitheater, which still hosts a series of concerts, shows, opera, plays and ballets. St. Mark's Square view from St Mark's Campanile. It also includes the Puglia restaurants from my post about food in Puglia. Things to do In Puglia, One of the most visited cities in the world, Puglia is home to an array of tourist attractions. An off-the-beaten-track trip is what is needed to bid farewell to monotony, break out of your routine and venture into the hidden heart of the Bel Paese. Driving south-east from the little village along the road that brings to San Pietro in Bevagna, we find the Park of the Dunes of Campomarino. We feature properties from a specially selected list of trusted operators who are of a standard that we believe our readers expect. Discover the magnificent tradition of the 13th century Castel del Monte. There is more to Apulia than the traditional tourist destinations, especially for those who love to explore and are looking for unusual itineraries. While the city can get particularly crowded with both tourists and locals during. Day Tour of Ostuni, Martina Franca, Alberobello from Bari. The Violet Cave owes its name to the violets growing on the banks and to the violet tint of water due to the presence of a particular species of seaweed. Alberobello is without question one of the most characteristic towns in Italy and is famous for its traditionally built ancient stone houses called trulli, (which since 1996 have been named a UNESCO World Heritage site). Chef Silvestro Silvestori offers a range of cooking classes at his culinary school in Lecce, The Awaiting Table. The beach is very beautiful, sandy, with rocks on the sides, practically without waves, and very shallow for the most. Not only can you experience staying in a trulli, but youll also be able to wander through the town during the quieter evening when the whole place is beautifully lit up with little rows of fairy lights, and again in the glow of the early morning sun before the hoards of day trippers descend upon the small town. You can save the map offline and create a copy to add your own places. The next stop is the San Leucio Archaeological Park, rich in precious archaeological artefacts, including the remains of the largest early Christian basilica in Apulia, dedicated to San Leucio. Then, on reaching Poggiorsini, you will discover the Rock of Garagnone, an imposing block of rock from which you can admire the flight of cricket hawks. In 2010 the city has been listed in Best in Travel 2010 by Lonely Planet. For those seeking ultimate luxury, you can also book an overnight stay in the lavish Grotta Palazzese Hotel one of the best hotels in Puglia. Here you can enjoy a typical day off in Puglia, like a real local. 6) Masserie Puglia. Puglia has much to boast about: skirted by both theAdriatic and Ionian seas, the heel of Italys boot isa dichotomy of flat, sandy coastal lands and hilly interior, scattered witholive trees . My favourite things to do in Puglia 1. This Natural Reserve is a perfect opportunity to spend a day surrounded by nature and unusual plant species. Website. Private walking tour in Alberobello. . Mt. This journey begins in the north, in the Monti Dauni, characterised by wild nature, tiny villages and ancient fortresses that tell of a magnificent past. The mosaic is said to have been created by a monk called Pantaleone from 1163 to 1165, but no one really has any clue quite what he was trying to say. As you stroll the Old Town Bari, you'll find a tight-knit community with doors and windows wide open, random bursts of loud Italian conversation, and buzzing Vespas whirling the smell of garlicky tomatoes and freshly baked bread through the narrow streets. Prices start at 304 a night and rise to 2,200 a night. Top Things to Do in Puglia, Italy: See Tripadvisor's 2,986,237 traveller reviews and photos of Puglia tourist attractions. It was built during the Augustan era, and housed up to 18,000 spectators who flocked here to watch gladiatorial contests and mock battles. We have no booking fees and free cancellation, so you can rest easy and put your energy into planning your dream vacation. Bari has a thriving street food scene, but to find the best spots youll need a guide. Fun Things to Do in Puglia with Kids: Family-friendly activities and fun things to do. Visit the Old town of Gallipoli Known as the pearl of the Ionian Sea, its name derives from the original Greek name 'Kal polis' meaning 'beautiful city'. There are many tours in the main cities of the Region so that you can choose according to your preferences and your itinerary. First of all, eating in Italy is very different. Used as a venue for hosting extravagant banquets and parties since the 1700s, the magical Grotta Palazzese Restaurant is located in a natural cave carved into the cliff face with spectacular views over the sea below. 9. Focus on the Old Town (Bari Vecchia) & the Murat (Centro Storico). Lunch can be as late as 5pm and dinner in some cases can start as late as 11pm! Often overlooked by international tourists, Monopoli is Puglias Seaside City located close to Bari, and is a popular summer destination amongst Puglian locals. There are festivals all over the Salento area, to the south of Puglia, during the summer: check the local magazine Qui Salento for listings. Located on Puglia's east coast, Torre Sant'Andrea is a beach and overlook, with high cliffs made of unique rock formations. cave system running 60 meters below ground. Smaller but beautiful upcoming tourist destination that is worth a stop if youre south. Walking tour ( includes olive oil tasting ) orsara di Puglia is a paradise of food. Has numerous stalactite-filled galleries are witnessing a sunrise and sunset over the sea ( Lecce ), and. Of fishes, mollusks, and at Epicwander there are locations that you especially! Enoteca Tholos in Alberobello Reserve is a perfect opportunity to spend a day surrounded by nature and unusual visit. 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