italian-region-guide-puglia

Visit Puglia

From the whitewashed villages of the Itria Valley to the sun-drenched shores of the Salento Peninsula, Puglia (Apulia) is a region that celebrates life through colour, flavour, and coastal charm.

In Bari, the lively regional capital, ancient alleyways hum with energy as fishermen haul in their morning catch beside the old harbour. Journey inland to discover the fairytale Trulli houses of Alberobello, the gleaming white city of Ostuni, and the timeless beauty of Lecce, known as the “Florence of the South” for its ornate Baroque architecture carved from golden limestone. Here, every winding street and sunlit piazza tells a story of history, craftsmanship, and tradition passed down through generations.

Puglia Region

To the north, the dramatic cliffs and hidden coves of the Gargano Peninsula offer breathtaking views of the Adriatic, where the tranquil San Nicola Island lies within the shimmering Tremiti archipelago, a paradise for nature lovers and divers alike. In the south, the crystal-clear waters of Gallipoli and the beaches of Salento invite you to unwind under endless blue skies, while coastal gems like Polignano a Mare and Monopoli tempt travellers with their seaside charm and local cuisine. Here you can wander through ancient olive groves, taste rich Puglian wines, and watch the sunset over a turquoise sea, in this southern treasure brimming with warmth, authenticity, and timeless Mediterranean beauty.

Bari

Bari, the vibrant capital of Puglia, is a city of history, culture, and coastal charm. The old town captivates with its narrow, winding streets, sunlit piazzas, and bustling waterfront lined with cafés, artisan shops, and trattorias.

The picturesque Old Harbour, where fishing boats sway gently alongside pleasure yachts, reflect Bari’s centuries-old maritime tradition. Historic landmarks such as the Basilica of Saint Nicholas, Bari Cathedral, and the Norman-Swabian Castle offer glimpses into the city’s rich past, from medieval times to the Renaissance and beyond.

Bari’s waterfront and promenade are destinations in themselves. The Piazza Mercantile and Piazza del Ferrarese are lively squares where locals and visitors mingle, enjoy coffee, or sip a glass of regional wine while watching the rhythms of everyday life. For panoramic views, a stroll along the Lungomare Nazario Sauro or a climb up to the Castello Svevo provides sweeping vistas of the Adriatic coastline, terracotta rooftops, and the city’s historic heart.

For those seeking a blend of history, culture, and contemporary charm, Bari offers boutique shops, vibrant markets, and gourmet restaurants that highlight Puglia’s culinary heritage, while nearby beaches, coastal trails, and olive-covered hills provide moments of peaceful reflection in a landscape of enduring beauty.

Otranto

Otranto is a beautiful coastal town, perched on the eastern tip of Puglia.

The town captivates with its narrow, winding streets, whitewashed houses, and lively piazzas. The historic centre is encircled by ancient city walls, guarding centuries of heritage and offering a glimpse into Otranto’s past as a strategic port and thriving cultural hub.

The stunning Otranto Cathedral, is famed for its intricate mosaic floor and medieval architecture, while the Aragonese Castle stands sentinel over the harbour, reflecting the town’s defensive and maritime history. The harbour itself, lined with colourful fishing boats, invites you to watch the rhythms of daily life, or embark on boat trips to explore hidden coves and sea caves along the coast.

Sun-drenched beaches and turquoise waters provide perfect spots for swimming, kayaking, and soaking up the Mediterranean sun. Olive groves, vineyards, and coastal trails offer opportunities for hiking, cycling, and photography, with sweeping vistas of the Adriatic and Ionian Seas.

Otranto is a town where history, culture, and natural beauty intertwine. Here you can can slowly wander its cobbled streets at your own pace, enjoy fresh seafood, and explore the dramatic coastline, experiencing the authentic charm of Puglia’s easternmost gem.

Gargano

Gargano, the “spur” of Italy’s boot, is a region where the rugged coastline, historic towns, and natural beauty mix.

The area enthrals with its medieval villages, bustling piazzas, and vibrant local markets. Visitors can savour freshly baked focaccia, local cheeses, and seafood, while wandering streets lined with ancient churches, palaces, and artisan shops that reflect centuries of history and culture.

The historic towns of Vieste, Peschici, and Monte Sant’Angelo reveal Gargano’s rich heritage. Vieste boasts a dramatic cliff-top old town and charming harbour, while Peschici’s whitewashed houses tumble down hillsides to the Adriatic Sea. Monte Sant’Angelo, perched high in the hills, is home to the famous Sanctuary of Saint Michael, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a key pilgrimage destination.

Gargano’s coastline is a vibrant focal point, where fishing boats and sailboats dot the turquoise waters, reflecting centuries of maritime tradition. The region’s beaches, sea caves, and coastal promenades invite relaxation and exploration.

Gargano’s museums, artisan workshops, and local festivals provide endless discovery, while panoramic viewpoints along the cliffs and hills offer breathtaking vistas over the Adriatic Sea, olive groves, and sun-drenched countryside.

Ostuni

Ostuni, striking hilltop town is famously known as the ‘White City’.

Narrow, winding streets, whitewashed houses, and sunlit piazzas, lined with cafés and artisan shops invite leisurely exploration. Sample freshly baked focaccia, local olive oil, and Italian wines.

At its heart lies the historic centre, perched atop a hill and offering panoramic views over the surrounding olive groves, rolling countryside, and the Adriatic coastline.

Ostuni Cathedral, with its ornate façade and rose window, stands as a testament to the town’s centuries-old history, while ancient city walls and historic palaces provide glimpses into its medieval past.

The town’s terraces and lookout points are perfect for watching the sunset over the golden plains and distant coastline.

Nearby beaches, coastal trails, and rural paths through olive groves and vineyards offer opportunities for relaxation, hiking, and photography.

Ostuni invites and tempts you to wander its cobbled streets, savour local cuisine, and enjoy the striking contrast of whitewashed buildings against the deep blue of the Puglian sky and sea.

Lecce

Lecce is often called the ‘Florence of the South’.

Wander through its narrow, cobbled streets lined with ochre-coloured palazzi, ornate churches, and lively cafés, and you’ll discover a city alive with artistry and history. Sunlit piazzas invite leisurely stops to savour espresso, gelato, or a glass of local Primitivo wine, giving a sense of authentic Puglian life.

The Cathedral, Basilica of Santa Croce, and numerous palaces showcase the city’s baroque mastery in intricate stonework, elegant façades, and grand staircases. Lecce’s streets are themselves an open-air museum, each corner revealing centuries of history and craftsmanship.

The city’s squares, such as Piazza Sant’Oronzo, are vibrant focal points, where locals gather and festivals bring the streets to life. Lecce also serves as a gateway to the surrounding Salento region, where olive groves, vineyards, and rolling countryside offer opportunities for scenic walks, cycling, and photography.

Lecce is a city of culture, colour, and calm, where the charm of traditional Puglian life blends with architectural grandeur, making every visit a journey through the art, history, and flavours of southern Italy.

Gallipoli

Gallipoli, perched on the Ionian coast of Puglia, is a charming seaside town that enchants with its historic old town and bustling harbour. Colourful fishing boats bob alongside yachts on the striking blue waters. Narrow, cobbled streets and sunlit piazzas invite leisurely exploration, while whitewashed buildings and historic palaces hint at the town’s centuries-old charm and maritime heritage.

The waterfront promenade is a lively focal point where locals and visitors gather to enjoy a coffee, gelato, or a glass of local white wine.

Historic landmarks such as the 17th-century Cathedral of Sant’Agata and the Aragonese Castle offer glimpses into Gallipoli’s rich architectural and cultural heritage, while artisan shops and bustling markets showcase traditional crafts, fresh produce, and local flavours.

Coastal paths and walking trails lead to panoramic viewpoints, offering sweeping vistas over the turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea and the terracotta rooftops of the old town. Small beaches and secluded coves provide perfect spots to relax, swim, and savour the gentle Mediterranean atmosphere.

Gallipoli is a sun-soaked coastal beauty offering visitors an authentic taste of southern Italy.

Flights and getting around

Exploring Puglia by car gives you the freedom to discover its diverse and captivating landscapes, from the whitewashed villages and olive groves of the Itria Valley to the dramatic coastline along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. A car makes it easy to reach hidden gems such as Alberobello, Ostuni, or the seaside towns of Polignano a Mare and Monopoli, where public transport is limited and the winding roads reveal breathtaking views of vineyards, ancient towns, and sun-drenched coastline.

Public transport in Puglia is reasonably well-developed and connects many major towns and cities. Trains link Bari with Lecce, Taranto, and Brindisi efficiently, making it simple to move between cultural and historic centres. Regional buses reach smaller towns and villages, while local transport within cities like Bari and Lecce includes buses and taxis. Walking remains the most rewarding way to explore historic centres such as Ostuni, Gallipoli, or Martina Franca.

Flights from the UK: Approximately 3 hours (to Bari).
Nearest airports:

Brindisi Papola Casale Airport (BDS) — roughly 30 minutes from Brindisi, convenient for southern Puglia and the Salento peninsula.

Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport (BRI) — about 8 km from central Bari, an ideal gateway for exploring northern and central Puglia.

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Weather

Puglia enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate, shaped by its sun-drenched coastline, rolling olive groves, and fertile plains.

Summer in Puglia is hot and bright, with temperatures generally ranging from 28–35°C along the coast and slightly cooler inland. It’s the perfect season to relax on the golden beaches of Polignano a Mare, Otranto, or Gallipoli.

Spring and autumn bring mild, pleasant weather, typically 16–26°C, ideal for exploring the region’s historic towns, cycling through olive groves, and hiking along coastal trails. During these seasons, the countryside bursts with colour as vineyards and wildflowers come alive, while towns such as Alberobello, Ostuni, and Lecce are especially atmospheric, with fewer crowds and soft, golden light.

Winter is generally mild along the coast, with cooler temperatures inland, ranging from 8–15°C. It’s a peaceful time to wander baroque streets in Lecce, explore Trani’s harbour, or enjoy festive markets and cultural events in charming towns across the region.

No matter the season, Puglia’s combination of sun-drenched beaches, historic towns, olive-covered landscapes, and charming villages ensures it offers something special year-round, from seaside relaxation to cultural discovery and unforgettable panoramas of the Adriatic and Ionian coasts.

Top ten attractions in Puglia…

Alberobello and the Trulli Houses –Many trulli are open for guided tours and small museums, offering insight into traditional Apulian life.
Castel del Monte (Andria) – A striking 13th-century castle built by Emperor Frederick II.
Polignano a Mare – Perched on cliffs above the Adriatic, this picturesque town is known for its turquoise waters and scenic old town.
Lecce – Known as “Florence of the South,” visit Lecce’s Roman Amphitheatre and museums.
Ostuni (The White City) – Wander through the maze of whitewashed streets, medieval walls, and charming piazzas of this hilltop town.
Gargano National Park – Join a guided hiking or wildlife tour to explore forests, cliffs, beaches, and traditional villages.
Otranto – This historic town on the Adriatic coast is home to a stunning cathedral with intricate mosaics.
Santa Maria di Leuca – Located at the southern tip of Puglia. Boat excursions allow visitors to admire sea caves and hidden coves along the coast.
Trani Cathedral and Harbor – Visit the beautiful Romanesque cathedral that faces the Adriatic, and explore the bustling harbor area.
Gallipoli – A vibrant coastal town known for its beaches, seafood, and old town on a small island connected by a bridge. Take a guided walking or boat tour to fully experience the town’s history and charm.