Puglia, among the Italian regions, stands out for its coastal development and its distinctive geography. Described as a long and narrow region, it is surrounded by the sea, separated from Basilicata by the Bradano river and from Molise by the Fortore. The thousand sea and land routes recall historical journeys, highlighted by prehistoric finds such as menhirs and dolmens, as well as trulli-form buildings, Basilian crypts and monumental farms.
Populated by the Daunians, Peucezi, and Messapi, Puglia hosted numerous colonies of Magna Graecia, with the Greek heritage visible in the Taranto museum. The region offers a variety of landscapes, from the high coast of
Salento to the wild Gargano, with the Lecce baroque in Lecce and the enchanting Terra di Bari.
Summer in Puglia is irresistible, with the lure of the sun, the crystal clear sea and the 800 km long coastline, making it a very popular tourist destination. Puglia reveals a vast range of traditions, craftsmanship and typical products such as pasta, wine and olive oil, reflecting a genuine and balanced cuisine, both from sea and land.
The cathedrals, castles and 'sacred streets' make for fascinating routes, highlighting the historical richness of the region. Puglia is also known for its centuries-old welcome, offering hospitality
extraordinary to anyone who ventures to discover its beauties.
The Salento, a jewel of Apulia, offers a unique combination of spectacular sea, charming art cities, excellent Mediterranean cuisine, and hospitality in an enchanting landscape. With its 800 km of coastline, the region presents diverse scenery, from sandy beaches to rugged cliffs, with renowned coastal areas such as Melendugno, Otranto on the Adriatic Coast, and Porto Cesareo, Porto Selvaggio, and Gallipoli on the Ionian Coast.
The Salento landscape is characterized by the blue of the sea, the colors of the Mediterranean vegetation, and the green of olive groves and vineyards. Ancient farmhouses transformed into accommodations offer a unique way to experience nature. Cities rich in history such as Otranto and the capital Lecce, with its sparkling Baroque architecture, are among the cultural gems of Salento.
The Ionian Coast boasts equally charming places, such as Gallipoli, the 'Beautiful City,' known for its excellent fresh fish and traditional craftsmanship. Among the hidden corners of Salento, Castro offers marvelous caves, while Santa Cesarea Terme is renowned for its hydrotherapeutic treatments. Santa Maria di Leuca, the last Adriatic landing in Salento, is enriched by a spectacular coastline.
The secret heart of Salento is the Grecìa Salentina, where a Greek language was spoken until a few decades ago. Small villages like Calimera, Carpignano Salentino, and Martano preserve historical treasures and unique traditions, enriching the cultural experience.
The Salento gastronomy delights with local delicacies, and the small villages exude the aroma of good cuisine. The region also offers natural reserves such as Le Cesine, Porto Selvaggio, Palude del Capitano, and Torre Guaceto, providing a unique spectacle for nature lovers.
In conclusion, Salento is an unmissable destination that caters to every taste, from art to gastronomy, from history to natural beauty. Book your vacation now and immerse yourself in the magic of Salento.The Murge, rocky protrusions, outline the central part of Apulia, where the charming Land of Bari is situated. This region, between the coast and the hinterland, captivates with the combination of sea, food, art, and hospitality.
Bari, the capital of Apulia, is divided between modernity near the Petruzzelli Theater and the tranquility of the old town with its narrow alleys shaded by the Norman Swabian Castle. The Basilica of San Nicola, guardian of the relics of the Saint, and the Norman Swabian Castle are must-visit attractions.
From Bari, enchanting panoramas unfold, such as Polignano a Mare, a blend of crystal-clear sea and artistic heritage. Its historic center, with traces of Arab, Byzantine, Spanish, and Norman cultures, offers unique views.
Monopoli, a city rich in history, is renowned for its sea and charming historic center, while Castellana Grotte offers the extraordinary Grotte di Castellana, with incredible stalactites and stalagmites in vibrant colors.
To the north of Bari, Bitonto is a fortified village with Romanesque and Byzantine architectures. Trani, a renowned tourist destination, boasts a magnificent Cathedral of San Nicola Pellegrino and the evocative Swabian Castle. Andria, with its lively historic center featuring monuments like the Town Hall and the Sant'Andrea gate, is dominated by the majestic Castel del Monte, declared a UNESCO World Heritage site.The Itria Valley, also known as the Valley of Trulli, hosts some of the most beautiful villages in Italy, including Alberobello, Cisternino, Ostuni, Martina Franca, and others. This area, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, offers a rich wine and food experience along with cultural richness. Beautifully renovated farms and country houses allow immersion into the local culture and traditions.
The medieval villages of Locorotondo, Cisternino, and Alberobello captivate with their narrow streets, noble squares, historic palaces, and cathedrals. The renowned 'Trulli town,' Alberobello, is home to over 1000 of these distinctive cone-shaped buildings. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Alberobello features an entire neighborhood of trulli, now transformed into elegant vacation homes.
Ostuni, the 'White City,' offers a breathtaking view of the sea, with its picturesque narrow streets, courtyards, and squares surrounded by gleaming white houses. In the heart of the Itria Valley stands Martina Franca, famous for its Baroque architecture and the Valle d'Itria Music Festival. The historic center is adorned with little white houses in winding streets, and the characteristic Via Cavour hosts Baroque-style palaces.
The Itria Valley is a treasure trove that holds some of the most precious gems of Apulia, with its unique atmosphere and architectural beauties that make this region an extraordinary destination.The Taranto Ionic Arch, a captivating corner of Apulia, enchants with both its sea and hinterland, occupying the coastal area facing the Ionian Sea.
Among the most representative tourist destinations, Taranto, known as the 'city between two seas,' offers a strategic location that has made it a protagonist in significant historical events linked to Magna Graecia. The National Archaeological Museum (Marta) preserves precious evidence of ancient Taranto, such as the 'Gold of Taranto.' The two bridges connecting the old town to the modern one bear witness to a history intertwined with the sea, featuring noble palaces and underground treasures, with the Swing Bridge being the main symbol of the city.
Massafra, known as the 'Thebaid of Italy,' is famous for its rock settlements and the picturesque ravines that divide the town into two parts, offering enchanting landscapes.
The beaches of Marina di Ginosa, Castellaneta Marina, and Pulsano are renowned for their long stretches of golden sand, crystal-clear sea, and lush Mediterranean vegetation.
Grottaglie, famous for its ceramics production, owes its fame to the abundance of clay that has fostered the development of local craftsmanship. The numerous caves and Basilian hermitages opening into the ravines around the city add charm to the place. The Castle, home to the Ceramics Museum, hosts artistic wonders that narrate the city's history through everyday artifacts, devotional objects, and sculptures.Gargano, known as the 'Spur of Italy,' is the green heart of Apulia, an untouched corner that preserves its primordial charm. This unique Apulian promontory, extending towards the sea, encapsulates natural, historical, and archaeological treasures, offering breathtaking views, enchanting beaches, and a land waiting to be discovered.
The Gargano National Park, known as the haven for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts, offers a protected natural reserve with rich and ancient vegetation. Vieste, overlooking the sea, is a renowned tourist destination with its crystal-clear waters, beaches, and the charming medieval village with narrow alleys and white houses perched on the cliffs.
Gargano is an exception in the Apulian territory, being a veritable mountain, and represents an ideal destination for various types of journeys. Vieste is a strategic starting point to explore the Gargano region, including the white town of Peschici, Rodi Garganico, the Tremiti Islands, pilgrimage trails to Monte Sant'Angelo, and the Sanctuary of San Padre Pio in San Giovanni Rotondo. To the south, the city of Manfredonia hosts the Swabian-Angevin Castle and the National Archaeological Museum.
Nestled between the mountains of Gargano and the Dauni Mountains is the Tavoliere delle Puglie, a vast plain known as the 'granary of Italy.' This intensely cultivated region is covered with olive groves, vineyards, and wheat fields, producing prestigious DOP oils and DOC wines. San Severo, Foggia, and Cerignola are significant urban centers in the Tavoliere delle Puglie.
San Severo, surrounded by city walls, is an Art City with charming views in its historic center. Foggia, in the heart of the Tavoliere, offers a diverse and suggestive province with historical and artistic routes and a history enriched by culture and gastronomy. Via Arpi is the heart of Foggia's historic center, characterized by historical monuments and archaeological areas.
Cerignola, south of the Tavoliere, boasts a medieval historic center, Terra Vecchia, and monuments of great interest. The city also offers natural areas like the "Monte" nature reserve and museums such as the Grain Museum and the Ethnographic Museum dedicated to ceramics.
The Dauni Mountains constitute an unexpected and different destination within Apulia, characterized by lush nature and diverse landscapes. The Dauno Apennines offer gentle hills contrasting with oak and beech forests, creating an unspoiled environment that blends with historic centers rich in history.
The hinterland of the Dauni Mountains, a true natural paradise, allows experiencing nature in various forms. Enchanting fairy-tale woods, such as the Bosco di Dragonara and the Bosco San Cristoforo, provide the opportunity to explore delightful landscapes, while the more adventurous can enjoy Adventure Parks like the Lago Pescara Park" in Biccari and the "Daunia Adventure Park" in Pietramontecorvino."
Among the most charming villages to visit, Bovino stands out as a medieval village declared one of the most beautiful in Italy. The Frederickian atmospheres of the Ducal Castle and the Puglian Romanesque Cathedral contribute to enhancing the village, which also boasts four museums, earning it the title of 'Art City.'
Lucera, located on three panoramic hills, tells its history through the streets and monuments that compose it. The Cathedral, the Swabian-Angevin Fortress, and the Augustan Amphitheater are just some of the cultural sites that contribute to the city's charm.
Candela, a hillside village of medieval origins, offers magical atmospheres through its narrow alleyways and delightful views. Monuments such as the Church of San Tommaso, the Mother Church, Palazzo Ripandelli, and Palazzo Doria contribute to creating a charming historical backdrop.
Candela, thanks to its privileged geographical position, offers visitors a breathtaking panorama of the southern Daunian Sub-Apennines, completing the experience for those who wish to immerse themselves in the history and culture of this fascinating Apulian region.
