The region of Apulia is located on the southeastern coast of the Apennine Peninsula, occupying the heel of the Italian “boot”. This traditionally agricultural region is also one of the most interesting tourist destinations in Italy. The world-famous trulli city of Alberobello and the relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker in Bari, cozy seaside towns and sunny beaches, huge amusement parks and thermal springs, olive groves, wineries, castles, caves - all this will give travelers a lot of new discoveries and impressions.
Business card
Apulia has the longest coastline in Italy, washed by two seas - the Adriatic and Ionian.
What to see, where to visit
In the capital of the region, the city of Bari, where acquaintance with Italian Puglia most often begins, there is the Cathedral of St. Nicholas, where the relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker are kept. Also noteworthy are the Gothic Cathedral of St. Sabino, the Church of St. George, the Pinacoteca located in the building of the Provinciale Palace, and Fort St. Anthony, within whose walls a museum of modern art is opened.
No less famous is the town of Alberobello, where you can see trulli - small whitewashed houses with conical roofs. The main city temple, the Church of St. Anthony, was built in the same style.
In general, interesting sights can be found in every corner of Puglia. In Andria there are numerous churches, the Candy Museum and the famous “castle on the mountain” Castel del Monte; in Barletta - a white stone castle and a huge bronze colossus erected in honor of the Roman emperor; in Brindisi - Grande Castle and Forte Mare Fortress; in Ostuni - an amazingly beautiful historical center with intricate streets and snow-white houses; in Martino Franca (20 km from Ostuni) - the Ducale Palace, where Leonador da Vinci, Donatello and other Italian geniuses once lived; in Lecce - richly decorated baroque palaces, churches and mansions; in Gallipoli there are impressive architectural monuments of different eras and styles.
In addition, in the region there are several natural parks (Gargano, Pollino, Gallipoli Cognato, Alta Murgia, etc.), and 40 km south of Bari, in the town of Castellana Grotte, there is a unique complex of karst caves, through which a 3-kilometer excursion route.
Beaches
The coast of Puglia in Italy, stretching along the Adriatic Sea, is a long series of picturesque beaches, mostly sandy.
There are excellent beaches in the north of the region - on the rocky shores of the Gargano National Park (resorts of Matinatta, Vieste, Rodi) and on the Tremiti Islands. Towards Bari and further south there are a number of large seaside resorts (Barletta, Trani, Molfetta, Monopoli, Torre Canne, etc.) with well-equipped beaches stretching for tens of kilometers.
In southern Apulia, the most popular beaches are Brindisi, Ostuni, Marino di Odriano, Otranto, Galliano del Cape, Porto Cesareo, Gallipoli, etc. This part of the coast is characterized by expressive landscapes - grottoes, rocky bays and natural panoramic terraces.
Springs and healing
A holiday in Puglia can be combined with treatment at one of the local thermal resorts. The most famous are the Baths of Torre Canne (province of Brindisi), rich in healing mud, which are widely used for respiratory diseases, rheumatic and orthopedic problems; Margherita di Savoia (province of Barletta-Andria-Trani), famous for its salt lakes; Santa Cesaria Terme (province of Lecce) with hot sulfur springs that help in the treatment of rheumatism and dermatological diseases.
Entertainment and active recreation
Vacationers spend most of their time on the beaches - sunbathing, swimming, doing water sports and beach games. You can go for a walk through the vineyards and olive groves (on foot or by bike), go to a nature or entertainment park, or attend a cultural event: each town has its own traditional holidays. No less enjoyable are trips to shops, outlets and markets: antique markets in Gallipoli and Brindisi, craft markets in Alberobello, and flower markets in Lecce. In the evenings, tourists will find restaurants, bars, nightclubs and discos. The larger the city or resort, the higher their concentration.
Local cuisine and wines
The local cuisine is based on natural products grown (or mined) here in Puglia. The most famous delicacies are Tarantino oysters and mussels, octopus dishes, fish baked in salt, mozzarella and burrata made from the most delicate cream, lamb cooked in pots, orecchiette pasta with turnips, Apulian cauliflower, etc. Mandatory component - Apulian olive oil, considered the best in Italy.
In addition, it is worth trying original desserts made from fruit and honey, as well as locally produced wines - for example, red Salice Salentino or white Locorotondo.
Family holiday
Puglia has several fun parks for the whole family. Thus, in Italy’s largest safari park Zoosafari (Fasano, 60 km from Bari) you can see dozens of species of wild animals, attend a dolphin show or ride a mini-train through a monkey village. The Miragica amusement park (Molfetta, 24 km from Bari) has an amazing “Land of Giants”, rides and a 4D cinema. Indiana Park (50 km from Bari) offers exciting adventures for all ages and skill levels. 20 km from Brindisi (the village of Cellino San Marco) there is a huge Carrisiland water park, and not far from Lecce there is the Splash water park.
Puglia is a charming region of Italy, stretching along the sea, delighting every traveler with its incredible beauty. “The heel of the Italian boot” is how Italians affectionately call the region.
And indeed, if you look closely at the map of Italy, Apulia in its shape resembles the heel of a boot with a spur.
Location of Puglia on the map of Italy
In Italy, the region of Puglia is the easternmost of all. The coast of Apulia is the longest on the mainland of the country, washed by two seas - the Adriatic and Ionian. In the south of the region, the Salento peninsula forms the so-called “heel of Italy’s boot.” The region is located predominantly in flat areas. On the territory of Puglia there are two large natural national parks - Murgia and Gargano.
Nature is the main attraction of the province, capable of making even the most fastidious critic fall in love with it. Everything in this region is filled with sun, sea, love and... wine!
Tourists will clearly not be faced with the question of what to see in Puglia; the region can satisfy any tastes and interests.
The region bears the imprint of the Middle Ages and the Baroque era, preserving many architectural monuments, artistic creations and a unique way of life.
Attractions
Puglia in Italy differs from other regions in its attractions.
In Italy, the cities of Puglia are some of the most visited by tourists interested in the architecture and history of the country:
- Andria– when traveling around Puglia, you should definitely visit this wonderful city, which is the center of olive and almond cultivation in the region. The best wines in Puglia are grown on plantations located around the city. Back in the 13th century, Andria was the favorite residence of Frederick II. The most famous of the Italian castles, Castel del Monte in Apulia, was built by order of Frederick II, 15 km south of the historical center of the city.
Castle of Castel del Monte in Andria
In addition to Castel del Monte, Andria has a large number of attractions:
- a 12th-century cathedral with a 7th-century crypt;
- Doge's Palace;
- Church of San Domenico (XIV century);
- city palace;
- Church of Santa Maria di Porta Santa (XIII century);
- sanctuary of Santa Maria dei Miracoli (XVI century);
- Church of St. Francis with a monastery (XII century);
- Church of San Agostino, built in the 13th century by the Teutonic Knights.
- San Giovanni Rotondo- a place of pilgrimage for Catholics. Once upon a time, the Catholic Saint Pio lived and died there, whose relics are kept in the Capuchin monastery of Santa Maria delle Grazia. Not far from the city lies the Gargano National Park, famous for its caves, salt lakes and wild forest.
Gargano National Park near San Giovanni Rotondo
- Alberobello- a city famous for its peculiar stone, white houses with sharp conical roofs - trulli. The architecture of the city that has survived to this day is so unique that the city was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
- Bari- capital of Apulia. After , Bari is the second most economically important city in Southern Italy. well known as a port and university town, as well as the city of St. Nicholas.
- Lecce- the pearl of Puglia. Due to its rich variety of Baroque architectural monuments, the city received the nickname "Southern Florence" in Puglia. The city is also famous for its olives and wine, which you can try on special gastronomic tours.
You can admire the sights of Puglia and find out all the details about the region by watching the video:
Beach holiday
It's no secret that Puglia has the best beaches. Starting from the north of Puglia, the rocky Cape Gargano stretches, delighting with its coastal landscape: emerald hills give way to white cliffs, azure sea, golden sands and heavenly pebble coves.
The beaches around Rodi Gaganico, Peschici and Vieste are especially popular.
Heading south down the Adriatic, on the coast between Manfredonia and lively Bari, you'll find a range of sand and pebble beaches, Margherita di Savoia nature reserve and some beautiful cities such as Trani with its fabulous cathedral facing the sea. Sandy beaches are a rarity for the region, you will find them in beautiful cities Polignano Mare and Monopoli, which are definitely worth a visit.
Sandy beaches of Monopoli
Continuing south towards Brindisi (one of the most important ports of Puglia), sandy beaches stretch Marina di Ostuni and a fabulous nature reserve Torre Guaceto. The nature reserve is a naturalist's paradise, with untouched forests, Mediterranean poppies and flocks of flamingos.
Separately, the best resorts of Puglia should be highlighted - Marina di Pescoluse, Torre dell'Orso, Polignano Mare, Margherita di Savoia and Gallipoli.
More details about each resort:
Sports recreation
The two seas of Puglia are ideal for sports holidays surrounded by nature. Those who love excitement will be able to enjoy the charming and mysterious atmosphere of the sea.
The crystal clear waters of Tremiti Island offer incredible views of the sea, lively coves, caves and a deep seabed populated by lush vegetation and a large population of fish.
Santa Maria di Leuca– one of the best places in Italy for scuba diving. Diving to a depth of 90 meters, you can watch amazing species of fish and see sea flowers. Those who want to have fun above the water can go windsurfing or kite surfing.
In Santa Maria di Leuca you can observe underwater inhabitants
But it is not only the sea that provides resources for active recreation in the region. If you want to feel one with nature, be sure to start your acquaintance with it through a bike ride.
You don't need to be an experienced cyclist to enjoy traveling on two wheels.
In natural Gargano Nature Reserve There are wonderful bike paths that allow you to travel around the huge park in just a day.
Festivals
Many festivals, fairs and historical celebrations take place throughout the year in every part of Puglia.
Among them, the most famous are the Carnival of Putignano, the Festival of San Nicola in Bari and the Disfida di Barletta.
And no one should miss night of Taranta in Melpigianano, festival of pizzica and dancing Tarantella, which every August delight visitors from all over Europe, making them sing and dance along with the locals to the sound of a tambourine under the moonlight.
Features of local cuisine
Apulian cuisine has never been distinguished by intricate recipes and is based on simple ingredients. However, it can satisfy every taste. Its main elements are durum wheat, vegetables and olive oil, combined with meat and fish.
In Puglia you will enjoy delicious Italian dishes
A distinctive feature of the cuisine is homemade pasta made from durum wheat varieties or mixtures of different varieties. The combination between pasta and vegetables is unexpectedly amazing. For example, šaršinati is served with cabbage and fried bacon or tomatoes and cachoricotta cheese.
Thanks to its large coastline, the region offers a wide variety of fish dishes (marinated, raw, dried, etc.).
Those with a sweet tooth will be tempted by dried fruits, honey, mulled wine, candied fruits and chocolate. Be sure to try some of the Christmas sweets if you're there in the winter!
How to get there?
To the question of how to get from Moscow to Puglia, there is the most correct answer - by air. The international airport in Puglia is located in Bari. Having flown to Bari, you can take a train or bus to any other city. All detailed flight information can be found here: http://www.aeroportidipuglia.it/homepagebari
You can also rent a car and drive it to your destination yourself. This pleasure is not cheap, detailed information about distances and travel prices (we remind you that the roads in Italy are paid) can be viewed here: http://www.aeroportidipuglia.it/it/web/10181/parcheggi.
If you are traveling “comprehensively” in Italy, then you can by high speed train get to Bari from , Rome, Florence, . Information about routes and ticket prices can be viewed here: http://www.trenitalia.com/tcom-en.
Weather
The climate in Puglia is Mediterranean. Winters in the region are typically cool and windy, with hurricane-force winds possible.
Puglia is at its most “friendly” from May to October. The beach period usually lasts from mid-June to the end of September, the average water temperature during this period is 23-25˚C.
You can enjoy a beach holiday in Puglia from mid-June to the end of September
But to explore the region or enjoy hiking, summer and the velvet season are the most inappropriate pairing - the exhausting heat will quickly tire you.
May and October are the most comfortable months for sightseeing.
On average, the air temperature during the day is 22-23˚С, and at night it does not fall below 18˚С.
A land characterized by great diversity, which does not immediately reveal all its many faces - this is Apulia, “heel” Italian "Boot", a region that enchants with its beauty and riches - nature, history, traditions, delicious cuisine and high spirituality. You can come here all 12 months of the year!
Those who love seaside holidays will be delighted with the breadth of choice: you can bask on the magnificent sandy beaches Torre del Orso And Porto Cesareo, or you can go to the most picturesque rocky shores Otranto and in Santa Maria di Leuca, the place where the waters of the clear and serene Ionian and bright blue Adriatic seas meet, or go to any of the resorts located between the “pearl of Salento”, the town Gallipoli, and the “Spur of the Italian Boot”, Cape Gargano, jutting out into the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic, where Tremiti Islands.
Kingdom of virgin nature - Murge National Park and the Gargano Park, whose territory includes the virgin Foresta Umbra forest, salt marshes and lakes. A visit to the marine reserve is a must. Torre Guaceto, look at the deep ravines of the Laterza region and the wide valleys of the region Altamura, - a typical landscape of the interior of the region.
For those who wish to immerse themselves in history, Puglia offers a range of sites that tell the story of the ancient origins of this area: from prehistoric times to the period of Ancient Greece, from the Roman Empire to the Renaissance and the magnificent Baroque monuments in the town of Lecce and in the Salento region.
Vivid evidence of the region's peasant past are the unusual white houses with conical roofs made of gray stone - "trulli", for example, in the Valle d'Itria, and numerous castles constitute a real treasury of the southern coast of the region, reminiscent of those times when both goods and dangers came to Apulia from the sea.
Lovers of traditions and folk music should definitely visit at least one of the many festivities and gastronomic festivals that take place in the summer period in turn in many Apulian towns.
Provinces of Apulia: Bari(administrative center of the region), Barletta Andria Trani ,Brindisi , Foggia , Lecce , Taranto .
There are plenty of attractions in Puglia to suit every taste, from monuments of Antiquity to the Middle Ages and the Baroque era, from castles lined up along the sea coast to small medieval towns “borghi”, where local artisans make real masterpieces.
All travelers, and especially pilgrims, should definitely visit the town San Giovanni Rotondo in the province of Foggia. There is a grave, memorial sites and shrines associated with the life of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina: monastery of the Capuchin friars of Santa Maria delle Grazie, where he died in 1968 Padre Pio, as well as a new church, opened in 2004, designed by the famous Italian architect Renzo Piano.
You need to stop by Alberobello - a wonderful town where you can fully immerse yourself in history and local traditions. Alberobello is home to the ancient, characteristic stone houses with conical roofs, built by hand without the use of any cement mortar - "trulli". These unique structures have been under the protection of UNESCO since 1996.
Not far from the city of Andria there is another monument from the UNESCO World Heritage List, a unique masterpiece medieval architecture- Castel del Monte castle, built in the 13th century by Emperor Frederick II of Hohenstaufen. It is curious that the “magic” number of this castle is the number 8: the building has an octagonal shape in plan, on the first and second floors there are 8 halls, forming an octagon, and there are also 8 massive towers surrounding the castle, and, of course, each of which has 8 faces.
Paradise in miniature and a treat for the eyes five islands Tremiti archipelago: San Domino, San Nicola, Capraia, Cretaccio and Pianosa.
Here, nature and history are perfectly combined in the splendor of alluring landscapes.
Puglia is washed by seas on both sides, so there are options active rest in the bosom nature there are plenty here. Those who like to discover a fascinating and mysterious world will not be bored either. seas.
Crystal clear waters Tremiti Islands combined with stunning views of bays, caves and the depths of the sea, they are decorated with dense vegetation and inhabited by different types of fish. Santa Maria di Leuca, located on the border between Ionian and Adriatic seas, is also worthy of the attention of travelers. The depth of the seabed in some places reaches 90 meters, and the life forms inhabiting the local underwater kingdom create a unique color scheme. Water sports enthusiasts can practice all year round windsurfing And kitesurfing.
And yet Apulia is not only the sea.
You can discover the nature of this region, its history and traditions by bicycle. You don't have to be experienced at all cyclist To go on a trip on two wheels: just be willing to try something new, and don’t forget to wear a hat to protect yourself from the bright sun. The choice of routes is huge: you can enjoy nature while cycling along the trails Gargano reserves(Parco del Gargano) or Murge(Parco delle Murge); study history, contemplating the numerous monuments, or go deeper into the region to enjoy the relaxed lifestyle of these regions, away from the bustle of big cities.
Throughout the year, many festivities, gastronomic festivals and theatrical reenactments of memorable historical events take place throughout Puglia. The most popular are the carnival in Putignano, St. Nicholas Day in Bari and the historical duel Disfida di Barletta. Young people and others should at least once in their lives attend the festival of traditional local dances: pizzica and tarantella, held annually at the end of August in the town of Melpignano. Guests from all over Europe come to attend the festival, called the Night of Taranta (Notte della Taranta), to sing and dance together in the moonlight to the sound of drums.
The cuisine of Puglia, long known as the "cuisine of the poor" due to the simplicity of the products used, is able to satisfy the whims of even the most demanding gourmet. It is based on three main ingredients: durum wheat, vegetables and olive oil, which in combination with meat and fish create original dishes with a natural, incomparable taste. The basis of local cuisine is homemade pasta. For the dough, durum wheat or a mixture of hard and soft flour is used. A unique symbol of the region is “recchietelle” or “orecchiette” - in all the variety of dishes prepared from them, “strashinati”, which were once considered the food of the poor and today enjoy great success in the best restaurants. Other original pasta products are also popular in Puglia: “minyuikke”, “fenechechie”, “troccoli”, “sagne ncannuate”, “cicatadde”; they are still prepared according to old recipes. But it is in the combination of pasta and vegetables that the main feature of Apulian dishes lies: "strashinati" with cabbage and fried brisket or spaghetti with green beans, tomatoes and cacioricotta cheese. Puglia is, in fact, a large colorful vegetable garden, full of vegetables with unique taste and aroma, which, in combination with homemade pasta, fresh sea fish or fresh meat, give an unforgettable taste sensation. This amazing region, washed on both sides by seas with a coastline 800 km long, will simply spoil fish and seafood lovers with a choice of all kinds of fish dishes. Seafood prepared in a variety of ways will satisfy the tastes of any gourmet: fresh fish, raw or marinated, excellent thick fish soups and even fish combined with cacio cheese. There are also many temptations for those with a sweet tooth: a variety of delicacies based on dried fruits, honey, thick grape syrup "vino cotto", candied fruits and chocolate. Among the excellent quality food products that have earned the designation DOP (Protected Designation of Origin) or IGT (Indication of Geographical Origin), it is worth mentioning the very popular aromatic, crispy city bread from the town of Altamura; “Clementine” tangerines growing on the shores of the Tarantian Gulf, famous for their sweet and juicy pulp; Bella della Daunia olives, grown since the 15th century in the vicinity of Foggia; as well as famous wines and extra virgin olive oil. Each type of wine or olive oil has its own unique taste depending on the place where it is grown and produced.
The region of Puglia is still little explored by tourists, but you can simply relax there.
The fertile lands of Apulia have been a hospitable home to many civilizations and peoples. From the 8th century BC e. The ancient Hellenes began to build colonial cities here, and for centuries Apulia was part of the great ancient Greek civilization. But the Greeks did not come out of nowhere - before them, various nationalities already lived here, and the region got its name from the name of one of them - the Apulians. However, the origins of the settlement of the region are much older: archaeologists have found the remains of settlements dating back to the Stone Age.
In the era of Ancient Greece, Taranto and Brindisi were major trading and cultural centers, and they also flourished later - during the times of Ancient Rome. As part of the ancient Roman Empire, the region was the main granary and agricultural region, and transport and trade developed.
In the Middle Ages, Apulia was ruled in turn by foreigners: Normans, Germans, French, Aragonese... From each era, the cities of Apulia have their own architectural evidence: Romanesque temples, fortresses and castles.
Cities and attractions of Puglia
Bari
Foggia
Mysterious Chiesa del Calvario, Foggia The center of the northernmost province and the tomato capital of Italy (half of the country's total tomato crop is grown in the province), Foggia is a beautiful town with many historical monuments. More of them would have been preserved if there had not been earthquakes and bombings of World War II. Of the buildings that have survived and been restored, the most noteworthy are the majestic cathedral, the mysterious Church of Golgotha (del Calvario), and the ancient palazzos of Arpi and Dogana.
Lecce
Amphitheatre, Lecce The architecture of “southern Florence” is dominated by the Baroque style. The main Baroque ensembles are grouped around the Duomo and Sant'Oronzo squares. The well-preserved ancient Roman amphitheater is amazing.
Andria
Castel del Monte, Andria In the 13th century, it was the favorite residence of Emperor Frederick II, next to which he built the Castel del Monte fortress. Today this mysterious octagon-shaped castle is one of the most famous in Europe and is protected by UNESCO.
Taranto
Castel Sant'Angelo (Castello Aragonese), Taranto Founded by the Spartans, Taranto has always retained the significance of an important port. The entrance to the harbor is guarded by the formidable fort of Castel Sant'Angelo, the calling card of the city. It is called Aragonese, because it was during the Aragonese rule that it was significantly expanded, but the very first fortifications on this site belong to the Byzantines. An extensive network of dungeons and catacombs dates back to the same era.
Matera
City of Matera In the famous cave city, not only the churches, monasteries and houses carved into the rocks, shrouded in the indescribable mysticism of the underground, are interesting. The city also has many original museums (peasant life, history of the city, olive oil, etc.) and more than a hundred temples.
Resorts of Puglia
A popular tourist area is the Gargano Peninsula in northern Apulia. Most of the mountain range washed by the Adriatic Sea is occupied by a national natural park with ancient deciduous forests, and the picturesque coastline is full of bays, caves, and cozy beaches. The villages of Vieste, Peschici, Mattinata are world famous seaside resorts.
The small town of Monopoli in the province of Bari attracts with excellent beaches with clear water - there are more than 20 of them in the immediate vicinity.
And next to Barletta is the best thermal resort in southern Italy, Margherita di Savoia, whose springs have been known since ancient times and effectively treat many diseases.
Hotels in Margherita di Savoia
Salento
Marina di Pescoluse, Salento Travelers have chosen the tourist area of Salento, located in the southern part of Puglia.
The most striking places to visit: major cities and attractions, popular beaches and hotels.
There is an atmosphere of serenity and carelessness. Walking along the clean streets, you can admire dancers performing the tarantula dance, with the help of which in ancient times they healed people bitten by a tarantula. The resort usually hosts a festival called “Night of Taranta” in August. This tourist area has many historical monuments and architectural monuments. Looking at the sights, you will be imbued with the spirit of Italy.
Cuisine of Puglia
Sample local seafood and fish dishes. You will be offered sea crucian carp, crabs, sea bream, and shrimp. Italian chefs are excellent cooks, so you shouldn’t give them any recommendations for preparing dishes.
Burato Order the local Burato cheese, which is a small bag of cheese and delicate cream. To prepare the dish, two types of cheese are used - mozzarella and stracciatella.
Try the Apulian wine Primitive di Mandura. It goes well with grilled cheese and lamb dishes.
Transport in Puglia
There are airports in three cities of Puglia: international - in Bari and Brindisi, for domestic flights - in Foggia.
The main transport hub is, of course, Bari - it regularly receives flights from Rome and many European cities, and trains and buses depart from it to the cities of Italy and Puglia.
There are good road connections between the cities of Puglia, and water transport also runs between some ports. For intercity travel, it is more convenient to use trains or regular buses. It is also quite easy to rent a car.
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