Apulia | Puglia

A gem of Italy

Puglia, also known as Apulia, is located in Southern Italy stretching from the heel to the spur of Italy’s boot-shaped peninsula. Its coastline is one of the longest in Italy. The ancient past of the Region has left its mark. The Region stretches and longest of any other in Italy, there are six provinces: Bari, Barletta-Andria-Trani, Brindisi, Foggia, Lecce, and Taranto - each with their our unique characteristics. When planning to visit the Region, good advice found in articles of the region include: "Stock up on essentials in the early morning or evening hours to be suyre you are not caught out without water and food midday. Driving distances and opening hours in the towns can be a surprise."

Even with limited Italian, getting understood may not be that easy as there are many local dialects. Don't be shy, just try.

The Region is agriculturally based. You will find that many of the masserie, traditionalo fortified farmhouses surrounded by orchards and groves are very apartment rentals or hotels.

Puglian cuisine is characterized by simple, hearty dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Key elements of Puglian cuisine include olive oil, wheat, tomatoes, and seafood and excellent wines. Architectural heritage includes Roman amphitheaters, Norman castles, Byzantine churches, and Baroque cathedrals. One of the most distinctive architectural features of Puglia is the ‘trulli’ – white, cone-roofed houses found in the Itria Valley.

Outside national north and west parks most of the Region, particularly the Salento peninsula, is flat with only moderate hills.

We love the Region and it has been the centre of a couple of trips to Itay, but plan the timing of your trip. It can be very hot and dry with temperatures of 40 °C (104 °F) in towns such as Lecce and Foggia. Winds from the Adriatic Sea can lower temperatures, humidity and moderate summer heat and the Southerly Sirocco wind from North Africa can raise temperatures, and humidity.

There are many towns to visit and enjoy. This is a Region with white-washed buildings on hills and medieval stone towns, in some areas, baroque architecture gone wild - be sure to visit Lecce.

Much of the shoreline has broad sandy beaches, and many areas show the impact of modern development.

Highlights of the Region include:

Bari: This is the capital of Puglia, and it is known for its historic old town centre.

Gargano Peninsula this is a stub that stands out on the eastern coast of Italy. It is known for its white limestone cliffs, picturesque towns, and beautiful beaches. On one trip we were rained out and left the Regiion early becuase of the forecast for ongoing rain. But we went back and drove the costal highway.

Polignano a Mare is an old town with a dramatic setting. The town sits on cliffs overlooking the sea. Parking is difficult to find but a walk with the old historic centre is wonderful.

Alberobello this town does have a magical look, from my perspective only when you see it at 6:30 in the morning, before the many tourists arrive. Later in the date it is pretty busy with visitors. It is known for its unique trulli houses and whether early in the morning, or later in the day with others, it is a great scene to look out over the valley and see the massive number of unique trulli houses. This town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ostuni: I don't know why this particular town is often referred to as “The White City” due to its whitewashed old town - when so many of the towns in the Regiion have whitewashed buildintgs. More information on the Ostuni page, and do walk up to the old catheddral.

Lecce: Known as the “Florence of the South” for its Baroque architecture. We have been to Lecce a couple of times, always enjoying it.

Gallipoli we found this to be a scenic coastal town with a historic old town located on a small island.

Salento Peninsula: Known for its beautiful beaches, crystal clear waters, and historic sites.