Visit Puglia in Italy in 10 days

by David S. - Published August 14, 2022 07:30 - Updated July 24, 2023 06:32

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Puglia is one of Italy's most underrated regions, and tourists often overlook it in favour of more famous destinations like Rome or Venice. But Puglia has a lot to offer - from its beautiful seaside towns on the Adriatic Sea to its historic villages and bustling cities, there is something for everyone in this fascinating region. If you're looking for a holiday in Italy that's a little off the beaten track, be sure to add Puglia to your list.

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Authentic Tour of the Heel of Italy

A tour of Puglia, located in the heel of Italy's boot, is an unforgettable experience for any traveller in search of authenticity. The region is famous for its charming trulli villages like Alberobello, its idyllic beaches on the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, and its delicious local cuisine.

Start your journey in Bari, a bustling port city with a fascinating old town. Then head south to explore Lecce, often dubbed the "Florence of the South" for its exceptional Baroque architecture. Be sure to explore the surrounding countryside with its endless olive groves and masserias, traditional farmhouses of the region.

Relax on the white sandy beaches of Gallipoli. Discover a unique opportunity to visit the best of Italy, enjoy a tour of Italy far from the usual tourist crowds.

Visit Bari

Bari, the capital of Puglia, is a city worth visiting. It has a rich history and an interesting old town quarter. There are also beautiful beaches nearby. On arrival at Bari airport, take the opportunity to visit the city.

Stay at Relais Petruzzelli in Bari

Looking for a place to stay in Bari? Check out the Relais Petruzzelli. This large roomed building is comfortable and affordable, and is centrally located for easy exploration of the city. In addition, the staff are friendly and helpful and will ensure that you have a pleasant stay. The breakfast is hearty and varied.

Visit Monopoli

The town of Monopoli is a small jewel of Puglia to be visited at night following the tourist walking tour. You can discover the sweetness of life in the historical quarter, the Basilica Cattedrale Maria Santissima della Madia with a monumental ceiling. On the outskirts of Monopoli, beach clubs such as Le Palme Beach Club are musts have if you like high end clubs for rest or for atmosphere. Monopoli is located 35 minutes from Bari, making travel to Puglia within easy reach of the airport.

Sleeping at Casa di Alberto in Monopoli

The casa di Alberto is a 5-minute walk from the beach and offers guests bed and breakfast with a hearty, typically Italian breakfast. Located in Monopoli, less than a kilometre from Porta Vecchia beach (the most popular one) and 2.8 kilometres from Calle Paradiso, these flats have a large balcony with sea view.

What to do in Brindisi?

The Roman columns of Brindisi

The Roman columns of Brindisi are a monument located on the city's harbour. They were originally twin columns, a unique feature in the architectural landscape of antiquity. As such, they have been represented as an emblem of the city since the 14th century. Following the collapse of one of the two columns in 1528, the monument was left mutilated. The remaining column was dismantled during the Second World War to prevent it from collapsing or being damaged by the furious bombardment of the city; between 1996 and 2002 the column was again dismantled into its constituent parts and this time completely restored, while archaeological research was carried out in the surrounding square; after reassembly, the original capital is now on display in a room in Palazzo Granafei-Nervegna, and a copy has been placed in its place.

What is the most beautiful village in Puglia?

Visit Polignano a Mare

If you're looking for a charming Puglia postcard, look no further than Polignano a Mare. This beautiful town is nestled in Italy's Puglia region and is home to breathtaking cliffs, crystal clear waters and a popular historical centre. One of its most famous beaches, which juts out into the Adriatic Sea, is Lama Monachile set between two cliffs. Polignano a Mare is located 30 minutes from Bari.

Eating in the TOP 10 restaurants in the world: Grotta Palazzese

Located on a limestone promontory overlooking the azure Adriatic Sea, Grotta Palazzese is one of the most beautiful restaurants in the world. If you are in southern Italy, be sure to stop for a romantic dinner in this enchanting grotto. The restaurant hosted the world's most famous people at the 2017 G7, Grotta Palazzese is sure to impress! So put on your best clothes and get ready for an unforgettable evening!

Eating at the highest rated Fast Food in Polignano a Mare

Polignano a Mare is a small town in Puglia, southern Italy, that is bustling with life. Immaculate buildings line the cliff-top streets and fishermen bring their daily catch into the harbour below. Although there are many restaurants in Polignano serving fresh seafood, one of the best places to eat pescaria (fish) is at one of the fast food restaurants. Yes, you read that right, the Pescaria fast food restaurant in this town serves some of the freshest and most delicious seafood. So if you're looking for a quick and tasty meal in Polignano, head to one of these establishments! Beware that this restaurant is always crowded, so check google for crowds before you go.

Visit Alberobello

Alberobello is a town located in the Itria Valley, in the Apulia region of southern Italy. The town is known for its trulli houses, which are cone-shaped buildings with white limestone roofs. If you are visiting Italy and are looking for something unique to see, be sure to add Arberollobello to your list! You won't regret it.

Sleeping in Alberobello in a Trulli

Do you sometimes find yourself dreaming of spending the night in a cosy, fairy-tale nest? If so, we recommend that you sleep in a trulli of Alberobello at All'ombra dei lecci. These charming cone-shaped houses offer an experience you won't forget. What's more, they are surrounded by beautiful olive trees and other greenery, making for an idyllic setting. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway or a unique place to stay during your holiday, a trullo is definitely worth considering. So what are you waiting for? Start sailing today!

Eating at Cibum Macelleria-ristogrill

I'm sure by now you've had your fill of pizza, pasta and gelato. It's time for a change and to try something new. Cibum Macelleria-ristogrill is the place to be. This butchery-restaurant is located in the heart of Alborello and offers a delicious mix of wood-grilled meats. And don't worry, the prices are very reasonable considering the quality of the food.

Eating at the Gli Ulivi restaurant in Alberobello

If you are looking for an authentic Italian dining experience in the charming town of Alberobello, look no further than the restaurant Gli Ulivi. This cosy little restaurant is known for its delicious regional dishes and warm hospitality. You will feel at home here, surrounded by locals and tourists. Don't miss this unique culinary experience!

Visit Castellana Grotto

The Castellana caves are a wonder to behold. Discovered by the speleologist Franco Anelli on 23 January 1938 in their current location, they extend for three kilometres along an underground path deeply buried in the earth's crust with fantastic caverns that bear witness to ancient prehistoric civilisations; nature has left behind millions of coloured stalagmites and stalactites sculpted in stone dissolved in calcium carbon dioxide that form an incredible beauty demonstrating life on this planet billions of years ago!

The 2-hour tour includes some of the most beautiful caves in all of Italy. The Grotta Nera, known for its impressive stalactites and draperies; the Cavernone dei Monumenti, with an amazing landscape of mostly limestone rocks on top, but also otherworldly dripstone deposits that create fantastic patterns when you shine your light through them at the right angle - perfect if photography isn't really what holds your interest here! Next up is the Cavernone della civetta (the owl room), the Cavernetta del presepe (the nativity cellar).
The Grotta Bianca (White Cave) is reached at the end of the complete itinerary of the Grotte di Castellana, considered the most beautiful cave in the world. An evocative journey through caves that tell the story of geological eras and various concretions resulting from the slow work of water.

Sightseeing around Alberobello: Locorotondo

Locorotondo is a picturesque Italian village that has been preserved for centuries. The town's circular centre gives it its name, and visitors will enjoy exploring the old streets while sipping a local wine. Locrotundo's wines are world-renowned, but not all of the locals are involved in viticulture; instead, you'll find olive groves dotting the hills of this small, picturesque community.

Discovery of Cisternino, home of the "bombette

Cisternino, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy and the undisputed home of the "bombette", offers itself in all its characteristic beauty. It is worth a visit, a walk, if not a stay, if you are on holiday in Puglia. For lovers of landscapes, authentic views, good local flavours and architectural attractions, Cisternino is a destination overlooking the Murge, in the Valle d'Italia, only a few kilometres from other popular places such as Alberobello, Ostuni and Locorotondo.

Eating Bombettes

Bombettes (sometimes called Puglia bombettes) are fresh pork rolls stuffed and grilled, typical of the Itria Valley (especially Martina Franca) and widespread in Puglia, especially in the provinces of Bari, Brindisi and Taranto. They vary from place to place and usually include a cheese and spice filling.

The Figazzano Bridge is part of the Ciclovia dell'Acqua, the itinerary accessible by bike or on foot

The Figazzano bridge is located on the Apulian aqueduct cycle path. It is a dirt road about 2 metres wide and 200 metres long, bordered by low walls with iron gates. Walking along it, you can enjoy the view of the cultivated fields below and the typical buildings of the area, the Trulli.

Enjoy the sandy beach of Castellaneta di Marina

The Paradiso Beach Bar is located on the Lungomare Eroi del Mare in Castellaneta Marina in the province of Taranto. This beautiful sandy beach borders the seaside village, which is almost exclusively composed of villas, while the essential services are about 20 km from the lido where Castellaneta is located. The town, which can be reached by car from the beach, is located within the Terra delle Gravine regional nature park and is therefore an ideal destination for a seaside holiday with various nature excursions.

Lido Paradiso Beach Bar

The Lido Paradiso Beach Bar is located on the seafront of Castellaneta Marina, bordered by the Mediterranean scrub of Bosco Pineto and white sand dunes. The beach is deep, very suitable for children, who can play in a large area where there is also a dedicated playground and the smallest ones can swim safely because the water is shallow.

Visit Lecce

Piazza del Duomo is one of the most beautiful squares in Lecce. It is a great place for people-watching, and there are some amazing churches and buildings around it. Moreover, it is located in the centre of the city and is therefore easy to reach from anywhere in Lecce. If you spend time in this charming city, be sure to visit the Piazza del Duomo!

Sleeping in Lecce

There is something special about boutique hotels, don't you think? Maybe it's because they are smaller and more intimate, or that each one has its own style and personality. If you are looking for a special place to stay in Lecce, be sure to visit the Pollicastro Boutique Hotel. This charming hotel is located in the heart of Lecce's historic centre, and offers guests a unique experience with its roof terrace overlooking the cityscape. Whether you are visiting Lecce for a weekend getaway or a longer holiday, the Pollicastro Boutique Hotel is definitely worth considering!

Eating on the beaches near Lecce

Ristorante York

The ristorante York is a typical Apulian beach restaurant. The setting is right on the water and sheltered from the sun under the pergola. Staff who adapt themselves to the customers. Simple and fresh menu. Do not miss the anti pasti formula for 2 with 8 plates between land and sea.

Lido York is an iconic bathhouse in San Cataldo, a small seaside resort in the province of Lecce, just 10 km from the city.

The history of this bathhouse is very old: it was built in 1931 and is believed to be the first brick bathhouse in the whole of Salento.

As already mentioned, the Lido York is located in San Cataldo, which is considered to be Lecce's seaside resort par excellence, in Via Amerigo Vespucci.

Arriving in San Cataldo from Lecce, the Lido York is the first establishment you come across.

Puglia road trip: Along the Salento coastal road

Puglia offers visitors a multitude of attractions to enjoy, from its scenic coastal landscapes to its charming coastal towns and delicious cuisine. If you are looking for a great destination for a road trip in Europe, be sure to add Puglia to your list! The best way to discover all this region has to offer is to drive along the picturesque Salento coastal road.

How to reach Santa marina de Leuca

Basilica Santuario S. Maria de Finibus Terrae - Leuca in the province of Lecce in Puglia

Southern Italy is one of the most beautiful and unspoilt regions in all of Europe. This secret corner of the world is full of picturesque villages, rolling hills and a stunning coastline. One of the must-see destinations in this region is the Basilica Santuario S.

Torre Sant'Andrea, the beach of the Faraglioni, in the province of Lecce in Puglia

Visit Matera

Matera, Italy, is a city often called "the city of stones". The city is built into the rocky landscape and is full of caves and caverns. Matera was settled in the Paleolithic era and has a long history that is reflected in its architecture and culture. If you are looking for an off-the-beaten-track destination in Italy, be sure to add Matera to your list!

It has been the location of many film shoots such as James Bond in No Time To Die and also Wonder woman during a scene near the Basilica of Matera. It has magnificent views of the city, by day and night, from the Belvedere Murgia Timone.
Like Alberobello, Matera is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you want to eat or drink in Matera, you should go to the terraces, high up, to enjoy a magnificent view of the city. But if you're looking for shelter from the heat or bad weather in the off-season, a good idea is to take a gourmet break at Galleria Risto Lounge Coffee.

When to go in Puglia?

Puglia, like the rest of the tourist coast, is very touristy, so it is best to go in spring, April or October to enjoy the early and late seasons respectively. Because of its geographical location, in the heel of the Italian boot, the climate is cool, but very sunny at these times and no crowds on the horizon.

Weather in Puglia

The climate in Puglia is mild, with an average temperature of over 24 degrees Celsius from May to September. You can swim at any time when the sea water reaches 20°C or more! In August, the water temperature reaches 26°C, which makes swimming very pleasant until the second half of October, when it becomes cool again before November brings cold weather throughout Italy.

David S.

Visit Puglia in Italy in 10 days

Authentic Tour of the Heel of Italy