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Puglia, the area within the heel of Italy’s boot, is dotted with stunning small cities in shades of white and gold, with distinctive structure just like the conical trulli of Alberobello and the extravagant baroque of Lecce.
Wealthy in church buildings and palaces, hidden piazzas and winding alleyways, markets and sluggish meals trattorias, Puglia’s cities are a spotlight of a go to to the area and cause to entice you away from the countless shoreline.
In some cities you may even mix visits to cathedrals and castles with dips within the sea simply steps from the historic centre.
Simon and I’ve spent months exploring this fascinating area, and on this submit, I share my suggestions for one of the best locations to go to in Puglia Italy.
I additionally reply frequent questions on the place to remain in Puglia, when to go to, and tips on how to get round.
You’ll discover a map with all these Puglia locations under.
Contents
Watch our video for an summary of the place to go in Puglia.
The place is Puglia Italy?
Puglia (also called Apulia) is a area in Southern Italy. In case you take a look at our Puglia map under, you’ll see that it’s situated within the heel of Italy’s boot form.
The largest metropolis in Puglia is Bari, which is a five-hour drive southeast of Rome (4 hours by prepare) and three hours from Naples.
Journey Ideas for Visiting Puglia
The place to Keep in Puglia
The 4 major areas of curiosity to vacationers are the Valle d’Itria, the shoreline round Bari, the Salento Peninsula within the far south, and the Gargano Peninsula within the north.
technique when deciding the place to remain in Puglia is to decide on a base for every of those areas and go to close by cities on day journeys.
I don’t suppose it’s good to fear concerning the actual city you keep in as you’ll be day-tripping to different locations and may’t actually go incorrect.
I let lodging availability and pricing assist make my choice. Much less well-known Puglia cities might be cheaper and sure simply as charming.
For instance, on one Puglia journey, I searched on Reserving.com for self-catering lodging in the entire Valle D’Itria space that met my standards (WiFi, kitchen, pool, value and so forth.).
I ended up discovering a stunning little home at Trullo dei Messapi within the countryside close to Ceglie Messapica, a city I beforehand knew nothing about.
It was nice to get off the overwhelmed observe, and it was simple to go to extra standard cities like Ostuni.
Much less Than a Week in Puglia
In case you solely have time for one space, I like to recommend the Valle d’Itria because it showcases one of the best of Puglia with probably the most traditional countryside and cities.
Though if seashores are your major focus, you would possibly want the Salento (learn my information to the finest seashores in Puglia).
Anyplace within the Valle d’Itria can be improbable, however our absolute favorite place to remain is Masseria Il Frantoio, an olive farm close to Ostuni with unimaginable meals.
7 to 10 Days in Puglia
You probably have per week or 10 days in Puglia, I like to recommend dividing your time between the Valle d’Itria and the Salento.
You’ll be able to simply go to Bari and the coastal cities from the Valle d’Itria, or in case you’d want to remain on the coast, you may go to the Valle d’Itria from Polignano or Monopoli.
My splendid journey is a countryside keep within the Valle D’Itria (someplace close to any of the locations listed under) with mornings spent day-tripping to different cities and afternoons enjoyable by the pool or the seashore close to Ostuni.
Lecce previous city is my favorite base on the Salento peninsula because it’s attractive, central for each coasts, and you may stroll to plenty of improbable eating places and wine bars.
In case you’d moderately be by the ocean within the Salento, think about Otranto or Gallipoli or for a quieter city, Castro.
Or once more, decide someplace at random based mostly on lodging—a couple of occasions we’ve stayed in small cities close to Gallipoli as a result of we discovered an reasonably priced rental, and it labored out nice.
In case you want only one base in your entire journey, you might take a day journey to the opposite space, however you’ll spend extra time driving. From Ostuni, it’s an hour to Lecce and 1.5 hours to Otranto.
10 Days or Extra in Puglia
With an extended keep in Puglia, you may have the choice of including on a visit to the Gargano Peninsula within the north or spectacular Matera in neighbouring Basilicata.
Puglia Lodging
There’s a variety of characterful lodging in Puglia, primarily B&Bs and self-catering flats or homes.
Masserie are fortified farmhouses that supply visitor lodging and sometimes scrumptious meals—learn our information to Puglia masseria for our favourites.
For brief stays, I exploit Reserving.com to search out lodging. I exploit the filters to pick out my standards (together with overview scores of 8+) and slim down the choices. You’ll be able to select “Farm Stays” below Property Kind to search out masserie.
For longer stays, you will get nice offers for rental homes and flats on Vrbo.
Except you might be staying within the countryside, I like to recommend on the lookout for lodging within the previous city or historic centre.
All these Puglian cities have trendy outskirts that are much less engaging, though in case you are on a funds, it’ll be cheaper (and parking simpler).
Puglia Transport
Get to Puglia by Aircraft
You’ll be able to fly into Bari or Brindisi airports in Puglia—I exploit Kiwi to search out one of the best flight offers. Bari is often cheaper.
Both airport works for the Valle d’Itria whereas Bari is closest to the Gargano and Brindisi is nearest to the Salento.
Get to Puglia by Practice
If you’re visiting elsewhere in Italy, you may also arrive by prepare—Bari and Lecce are the primary hubs. Rome to Bari takes 4 hours, and Rome to Lecce is 5.5 hours.
You’ll be able to search Trenitalia for timetables and to guide upfront for the most cost effective tickets. You’ll want to use Italian place names (i.e Torino not Turin).
On an extended journey, you might think about travelling from London to Italy by prepare or get an Interrail or Eurail move to go to a number of locations in Europe.
Renting a Automotive
Renting a automotive is by far the easiest way to get round Puglia. It’s potential by prepare or bus, however public transport is sluggish and restricted.
We use Rental Vehicles and Kayak to search out one of the best automotive rental offers.
We often hire from Bari airport or town centre, however Brindisi airport has leases too.
One-way charges could be cheap, so on one journey we rented a automotive in Lecce (after arriving by prepare), road-tripped north through the Valle d’Itria, dropped it off in Foggia after visiting the Gargano, and took the prepare to Rome.
For Brits, we suggest shopping for a separate automotive rent insurance coverage coverage to cowl the surplus because it’s less expensive than getting full insurance coverage with the rental firm.
Driving in Puglia is pretty simple, however the slim streets of the historic centres generally is a problem. Look out for ZTLs, zones the place site visitors is restricted to native residents.
I like to recommend renting a small automotive, parking within the trendy outskirts of cities (usually free), and strolling into the previous city.
It’s finest to hold cash for parking meters, because the bank card perform usually doesn’t work (or exist).
Public Transport
It’s potential to discover Puglia by public transport, however you’ll must analysis routes and verify timetables upfront and have a whole lot of persistence.
I like to recommend avoiding travelling on Sundays when companies are much more restricted.
Trenitalia is the nationwide railway in Italy and their trains in Puglia might be sooner and extra dependable than the regional line FSE (Ferrovie Sud-Est).
You’ll find Trenitalia stations (from north to south) in Trani, Bari, Polignano a Mare, Monopoli, Cisternino, Ostuni, Brindisi, and Lecce. Observe that some stations are fairly removed from the historic centre (Ostuni’s is a 30-minute stroll).
The native FSE line connects Martina Franca to Locorotondo, Alberobello, Cisternino, Ceglie Messapica, and Lecce.
From Lecce there are direct trains to Gallipoli and Galatina, however it’s important to make two modifications to get to Otranto and one change for Corigliano d’Otranto.
I like to recommend selecting a couple of potential bases (reminiscent of Polignano or Martina Franca and Lecce) and taking a look at prepare occasions and frequency to the locations you’d like to go to.
You’ll be able to see timetables on the Trenitalia web site which additionally exhibits the “Regionale FSE” trains, or you may verify the FSE web site immediately (no English possibility although).
There are additionally buses, however it’s not simple to search out out the routes and timetables. There are extra companies in the summertime.
Right here’s a journey report on travelling Puglia by prepare to provide you some concepts.
When to Go to Puglia
June and September are one of the best months to go to Puglia for warm climate and smaller crowds.
July and August are by far the busiest months—it will likely be sizzling, sunny and vigorous however crowded (particularly the seashores) and lodging is dearer.
We survived August within the Salento (absolutely the busiest time) by going to the seashore early and exploring the a lot quieter inland cities.
It may be heat sufficient for swimming in Might and October too, and it’ll be even much less crowded.
On our two-week highway journey in Might, we had two days of rain, a couple of cloudy afternoons, and the remaining was sizzling and sunny within the mid-20s Celsius, and we have been swimming and sunbathing.
We discovered April and Might a good time for sightseeing because it wasn’t too sizzling.
In case you aren’t bothered about lazing on seashores, then winter is a quiet and cheap time to discover Puglia’s cities. Simply word that many motels and eating places in coastal cities will shut for the off-season.
Puglia Italy Map
This Puglia map exhibits our favorite Puglia locations divided by the 4 major areas. The blue pins are for Bari and the coast, pink for the Valle d’Itria, inexperienced for the Salento, and purple for the Gargano.
I’ve additionally added Matera (in orange) regardless that it’s within the neighbouring area of Basilicata because it’s price including to a Puglia itinerary.
Finest Locations to Go to in Puglia: Bari & The Coast
Bari is the primary gateway to Puglia. It’s price spending a day within the metropolis, so you might both spend your first night time there or day journey in from one of many close by fairly coastal cities.
1) Bari
Bari was once dismissed as only a transport hub (together with by us on our first journey to Puglia), however it has grown in reputation in recent times, and we’ve come to like the atmospheric, maze-like previous city.
Whereas a day is sufficient to see the primary sights, we favored it a lot that we spent three days there on our newest journey. See our picks for the finest issues to do in Bari.
Bari Vecchia is a walled metropolis crowded on a peninsula jutting into the ocean. There was no room for enlargement and the ensuing overcrowding has meant that life is lived on the streets.
As we wandered down the slim alleyways on our first night, we felt like we have been strolling by way of somebody’s lounge, or effectively, everybody’s lounge.
Whole households from grandparents to infants sat outdoors their properties chatting, taking part in, napping, whereas washing dangled from balconies and scooters whizzed previous.
It’s not simply enjoyable and socialising that takes place within the streets. Within the mornings they turn out to be a pasta manufacturing unit as girls sit at tables outdoors their properties making the everyday Puglian pasta orecchiette.
These “little ears” are made by rolling the dough into skinny logs, chopping off a bit with a knife and shaping it by hand—all at an impressively fast tempo.
Bari Vecchia is certainly probably the most charming a part of town to remain.
We liked our keep at pleasant B&B Murex, which has 4 trendy ensuite rooms on the long-lasting pasta road. Breakfast (together with scrumptious recent focaccia) is served on the roof terrace.
One other B&B that appears nice is La Muraglia, which has beautiful flats with sea views within the previous city.
You’ll find extra motels, B&Bs and flats in Bari right here.
The place to Eat in Bari
Don’t miss the wonderful focaccia at Panificio Fiore or Panificio Santa Rita within the previous city. It’s excellent for breakfast, a fast snack, or mild lunch.
Our favorite place to eat within the evenings is informal Pizzeria di Cosimo for fantastic, cheap pizza and panzerotto.
Our meal at La Cecchina was additionally scrumptious, particularly the antipasti.
Our Bari Italy journey information has extra options.
Polignano a Mare is a spectacularly positioned small city of white and golden buildings perched on a craggy rock overlooking the ocean.
The gorgeous historic centre is a stunning place for a wander or an aperitivo on one of many small piazzas.
Beneath the previous city is Cala Porto, a small white pebble seashore surrounded by cliffs with clear emerald water.
It’s very photogenic however will get crowded in excessive season. It’s also called Lama Monachile for the bridge that you have to stroll over to succeed in it.
I loved runs and walks alongside the coast with many viewpoints on the way in which to Piazzale Marco Polo.
Polignano is close to sufficient to the Valle d’Itria (half-hour from Alberobello) to be an excellent base for exploring the world in case you’d want to remain by the ocean.
Malu B&B is the right place to remain in Polignano a Mare. It’s a pleasant, family-run B&B with vibrant, trendy rooms and a perfect location simply outdoors the previous city with improbable views from the breakfast terrace and a few rooms.
We splurged on the ocean view suite and it was price it.
The statue of Domenico Modugno, the well-known singer who was born in Polignano, is simply outdoors the resort and we have been amused to listen to individuals singing Volare under.
If it’s booked up, Lamare Cucine e Dimore is one other standard B&B with sea views.
You’ll find different locations to remain in Polignano right here.
Probably the most well-known restaurant in Polignano is Ristorante Grotta Palazzese which is situated inside a cave. You’ll must guide upfront and be ready to pay rather a lot—extra for the placement than the standard of the meals.
Most eating places concentrate on seafood so vegetarian choices are restricted.
We ended up taking a break from Italian at Mint Cucina Fresca, a five-table restaurant in a cave-like room with a vaulted stone ceiling and quirky decor. Their focus is on artistic, wholesome dishes utilizing native produce.
For a takeaway lunch on the seashore, La Rotellina sells the Puglian snack panzerotti, fried dough full of quite a lot of fillings.
Don’t miss a scoop of gelato at Gusto Caruso—they make wonderful classics like pistachio in addition to extra uncommon flavours like a tasty ricotta toffee.
Tremendous Mago del Gelo is legendary for its Caffè Speciale, an espresso shot with cream, amaretto and lemon peel. It was scrumptious even for a non-coffee drinker.
Monopoli is one other fairly coastal city quarter-hour from Polignano.
The historic centre incorporates a maze of slim streets, a grand basilica, and a fort overlooking a picturesque fishing port of vibrant blue boats.
Monopoli additionally has a small sandy seashore with interesting clear water.
The place to Keep in Monopoli
We visited Monopoli whereas staying in Polignano, however subsequent time I need to keep at Lodge Don Ferrante within the previous fortress. The charming boutique resort has fashionable rooms, sea views, and even a small pool.
The place to Eat in Monopoli
Seafood dominates on the coast, in order vegetarians, we had lunch at Vini e Panini on Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi.
Because the title suggests, they concentrate on wine and sandwiches, though in addition they serve platters and salads. It’s splendid for a light-weight meal, they usually also have a vegan menu.
4) Trani
North of Bari, the seaside city of Trani is usually ignored, however it has a phenomenal harbour and a cathedral overlooking the ocean.
It’s an excellent place to interrupt up a journey between the Valle d’Itria and the Gargano or to go to the Thirteenth-century Castel del Monte (40 minutes inland) with its distinctive octagonal form.
The Valle d’Itria is a country valley of olive timber, vineyards, and hill cities.
It’s one of the standard locations in Puglia and is understood for its iconic trulli, round stone huts discovered dotted across the countryside.
In case you solely have time for one space in Puglia, that is the one I like to recommend.
It will probably simply be reached from Bari or Brindisi airports. Many of the cities listed below are tiny, and the distances between them aren’t lengthy.
Select one base (I like staying within the countryside) and take day journeys to the opposite cities. You would handle two or three in at some point if time is restricted.
5) Ostuni
Ostuni is a maze-like white metropolis on a hilltop 8km from the Adriatic Sea the place you’ll discover lengthy sandy seashores.
It’s top-of-the-line cities in Puglia to get misplaced wandering the alleys, climbing staircases, and dipping below archways.
I additionally love searching the stalls of native fruit and greens on the Saturday market.
Ostuni is without doubt one of the most touristy cities in Puglia, however you gained’t need to miss it—simply head down a aspect road to keep away from the crowds and memento retailers.
See my information to the finest issues to do in Ostuni Italy for extra ideas.
We completely love Masseria Il Frantoio, which is our favorite place to remain not solely in Puglia however all of Italy!
It’s a magical place on an natural olive farm within the countryside a 10-minute drive from Ostuni and quarter-hour from the seashore.
The 300-year-old stables and grain mill have been lovingly restored and transformed to 16 comfy visitor rooms, and the attractive grounds and pool are excellent for enjoyable.
Better of all is the meals (which all comes from the farm)—the eight-course tasting menu is unimaginable.
See our Masseria Il Frantoio overview for extra particulars or verify the newest costs right here.
If you wish to keep within the centre of Ostuni, Biancadamari is a classy B&B with gorgeous views of the previous city and sea.
You’ll find extra locations to remain in Ostuni right here.
Masseria Il Frantoio is open to non-guests for his or her epic tasting menus, however you’ll need to take a taxi there to benefit from the wine pairing.
6) Alberobello
Alberobello is busy and touristy, however it’s such a singular and enchanting place (it’s not a UNESCO World Heritage website for nothing) that it’s price a couple of hours.
It’s top-of-the-line locations in Puglia to see trulli. Trulli are conical stone huts discovered amongst the olive timber all around the Valle d’Itria. Alberobello is the one complete city of trulli—1500 of them.
You half count on to see a hobbit emerge from these stubby properties of whitewashed partitions and pointy roofs stacked with gray limestone.
One aspect of city is filled with vacationers and memento store trulli, however head throughout the highway to Aia Piccola and also you’ll discover trulli which might be actual properties with out the crowds.
See our trulli photograph essay for extra data and pictures of those uncommon dwellings.
Staying in a trullo is a spotlight of the Valle d’Itria. We stayed in a single at Masseria Ferri close to Martina Franca, a 25-minute drive from Alberobello.
Our cute trullo stayed splendidly cool in the summertime warmth, the household that runs the place may be very welcoming, and the meals was excellent.
We most popular staying within the countryside moderately than in Alberobello itself, however you could find motels in Alberobello right here such because the highly-rated trulli of Tipico Resort.
The antipasti at atmospheric cave restaurant Casa Nova have been scrumptious.
7) Locorotondo
Locorotondo is a labyrinth of whitewashed buildings; its quiet streets stored pristine by residents who enhance their balconies and staircases with pink geraniums.
There are not any main sights, however this implies it doesn’t get many guests, so it’s a pleasant place to take pleasure in a leisurely lunch and stroll the streets.
We all the time go to on day journeys, however Locorotondo is a stunning space to remain—you could find trulli and vacation properties within the space right here.
Beautiful Martina Franca is the biggest city within the valley. It’s usually ignored and is refreshingly freed from vacationer retailers.
The previous city is an fascinating mixture of golden baroque and Greek-like white structure with many grand palazzi and church buildings.
The Basilica di San Martino was constructed within the 18th century within the elaborate however sleek Rococo model.
Close by Piazza Maria Immacolata is a beautiful, semi-circular piazza lined with curved baroque buildings with wrought iron balconies and portici (archways) main down aspect streets.
The maze of slim aspect streets is ideal for aimless wandering.
Most of the streets are stark white with simply the odd splash of color—washing dancing within the breeze, vibrant pots of geraniums, a vivid blue door.
We visited on a day journey however would love to return for an extended keep.
Martina Franca would make an incredible base for exploring the world in case you don’t need to keep within the countryside or don’t have a automotive (there’s a prepare station).
You’ll be able to seek for extra lodging in Martina Franca right here.
We ate at Ristorante I Templari on the sting of city with a terrace overlooking the countryside.
It’s moderately expensive, however the meals was wonderful together with an absurdly giant antipasti choice (don’t get one per individual as they tried to persuade us to do) and a few fascinating vegetarian pasta dishes.
Ceglie Messapica is an off the overwhelmed observe city that makes a perfect base for exploring the Valle d’Itria.
The historic centre is a bit of grittier than the opposite cities on this record, however it has a really native really feel that we loved.
Surprisingly, it’s top-of-the-line locations to go in Puglia for meals—the eating places are wonderful and reasonably priced.
It’s price taking a look contained in the fort—it’s free and is residence to a library and a small artwork gallery. Past the fort, you may discover the atmospheric Moorish-style slim lanes.
We liked our keep at Trullo Dei Messapi, a brief drive from the city in a peaceable space of olive timber and trulli.
The attractive grounds characteristic a big pool with comfy solar loungers, a (non-heated) jacuzzi, and many flowers and pine, olive and fruit timber.
There are three homes—a two-bedroomed trulli and two one-bedroomed stone cottages.
Our one-bedroomed home was very cute and embellished in a country nation model. The kitchen was stocked with DIY breakfast elements together with selfmade cake and recent fruit which we ate on our non-public terrace.
The proprietor may be very pleasant and introduced us recent bread every morning.
I extremely suggest it, and it might be particularly fantastic for big teams.
Examine the newest costs at Trullo dei Messapi right here.
You’ll be able to seek for extra lodging in Ceglie right here.
You’re spoilt for selection on this small city. Osteria Pugliese is a straightforward, rustic place that’s extraordinarily good worth and the antipasti choice is large and scrumptious.
Cibus is extra upmarket and costly with some artistic vegetarian choices.
Da Gino is on the sting of city in a contemporary constructing and specialises in foraged greens. We didn’t use their menu—Gino simply requested if we wished antipasti, and naturally, we did, they usually introduced us 13 scrumptious dishes.
We ordered our pasta after we’d completed they usually have been completely happy to separate one portion between two bowls—we tried spaghetti with a neighborhood flower picked from close by.
Don’t miss the native speciality, Biscotti di Ceglie, almond cookies full of jam which might be Gradual Meals licensed. Forno San Lorenzo is an efficient native bakery.
Cisternino is 10 minutes from Locorotondo and has an identical really feel with a tiny, charming historic centre of whitewashed homes up on a hill.
There are views of the encompassing countryside from Villa Comunale.
The place to Eat in Cisternino
Cisternino is a picturesque place to dine (it’s well-known for its meat) as many eating places arrange tables on the slim streets.
We caught to a stunning vegetarian aperitivo platter on the fancy cocktail bar Kimera on fairly Piazza Pellegrino Rossi.
Decide up some candy treats from Chocolab on the primary sq., Piazza Vittorio Emanuele.
Finest Locations in Puglia: Salento
The Salento is a sizzling, dry peninsula on the southern tip of Puglia. Its geographical isolation has meant that it has developed a powerful identification with its personal delicacies, traditions and music, influenced by its Greek previous.
Together with a few of Puglia’s finest seashores, there are lots of fascinating cities to discover.
See our Salento Italy journey information for tons extra ideas.
11) Lecce
Lecce is understood for its exuberant baroque structure within the golden Leccese stone of the world, its church buildings lavishly embellished with cherubs, gargoyles and griffins, and delicately carved columns and cornices.
Lecce is considered one of Puglia’s bigger cities, however it’s nonetheless a walkable dimension, and it manages to be each vigorous and relaxed. It’s considered one of Puglia’s highlights and the place we’ve spent probably the most time.
Learn our detailed information to issues to do in Lecce for tips about sights, eating places, transport, day journeys and extra.
There are numerous attractive locations to remain in historic buildings reminiscent of Dimora Storica Torre Del Parco 1419, an opulent resort in a medieval fortress and Palazzo Bignami, a classy B&B very near the centre.
You’ll find extra motels and B&Bs in Lecce right here.
See our detailed information to the finest Lecce eating places from gelato and low-cost eats to conventional trattorias.
12) Otranto
Otranto has a surprising coastal location the place you may mix morning visits to church buildings with a day swim within the clear, impossibly turquoise sea.
Otranto is simply 72 km from Albania, and its location has resulted in lots of invasions, the worst of which was the Turkish siege in 1480 after they destroyed a lot of town and tortured and killed its individuals.
Otranto’s principal attraction is the Cathedral with its mosaic flooring inbuilt 1163-1165—it survived the Turkish invasion though elements of the Cathedral have been destroyed.
It’s one of many largest mosaics in Europe and covers all the flooring.
Its central motif is the Tree of Life, supported on the base by elephants, a logo of purity, with branches telling pagan and biblical tales.
One other tree close to the entrance of the church depicts heaven on one aspect and grizzly scenes from hell on the opposite.
Within the chapel, you may see the human stays of the 800 martyrs who resisted the Turkish invasion and refused to transform to Islam.
The empty sockets of lots of of skulls stare down at you in stark distinction to the fantastic thing about the mosaic flooring.
We visited Otranto on day journeys from different elements of the peninsula. Otranto makes an excellent base within the Salento, although.
Boutique Lodge Palazzo Papaleo has a phenomenal view and is situated proper subsequent to the cathedral.
You would additionally keep on a farm within the close by countryside—Masseria Panareo seems to be gorgeous.
You’ll find extra motels in Otranto right here.
Postofisso makes wonderful Puglian sandwiches known as pucce together with vegetarian and vegan choices.
13) Gallipoli
Gallipoli’s previous city is on an island linked by a causeway to the mainland.
It has a relaxed, elegant vibe, gorgeous church buildings, and a golden curve of sand proper within the centre of city, plus many extra alongside the encompassing coast.
In July and August, Gallipoli does get uncomfortably busy, although—we want it within the shoulder season.
Gallipoli was dominated by the Greeks for 5 centuries between seventh and 2nd century BC, however all indicators of their existence have been destroyed by the Romans, and many of the structure seen now’s from the Center Ages.
Apart from leisurely walks alongside town’s seafront partitions (with a cease for a drink with a view), probably the most fascinating factor to do in Gallipoli is go to Frantoio Ipogeo in Granafei Palace, one of many 35 underground olive presses.
It was first utilized in 1600, excavated by hand out of the comfortable rock, to make olive oil for lamps which was exported all over the world.
You’ll be able to see the unique gear used for grinding and urgent the olives and get a way of what it was prefer to work on this darkish, damp cave.
Blindfolded donkeys have been used to work the olive mill, they usually lived down right here with the employees who smoked weeds and carved little sculptures to distract themselves from the depressing circumstances.
We all the time go to Gallipoli on day journeys, however there’s loads of lodging.
Pascaraymondo Suite Palace seems to be wonderful in a magnificently restored palace subsequent to the seashore.
We loved the artistic pizza at La Corte.
14) Corigliano d’Otranto
Corigliano d’Otranto is without doubt one of the 11 cities of the Grecia Salentina which have retained their Greek heritage from the Byzantine interval together with the Griko dialect.
It’s a small untouristy city with an fascinating medieval fort that you simply’ll doubtless must your self.
Castello de Monti really consists of two castles. The medieval fort was inbuilt 1465 with 4 rectangular towers and was robust sufficient to withstand the Turkish invasion after they got here right here after destroying Otranto.
The fort was fortified additional within the seventeenth century with 4 spherical towers and a moat that encircles the interior fort.
Later a wealthy household reworked it from a fortress into an opulent Ducal palace and added baroque particulars to the facade.
Our major cause for visiting Corigliano was to remain at close by Masseria Sant’Angelo, a working farm the place you may be taught concerning the traditions of the world from warm-hearted host Rocco who’s a passionate musician of the native pizzica people music.
We ate fruit from their timber, milked a goat, realized how cheese was made and loved nightly feasts with the household. It’s a particular, genuine place that can take you manner off the overwhelmed observe.
The place to Eat in Corigliano d’Otranto
There’s a bar on the fort terrace, however I’m unsure in the event that they do meals.
The night feasts at Masseria Sant’Angelo have been a few of our most memorable meals in Puglia.
Galatina is one other of Puglia’s hidden gems, simply 10 minutes from Corigliano d’Otranto.
The preserved historic centre options golden baroque church buildings like these in Lecce and palaces with wrought iron balconies and grand doorways.
Don’t miss the Basilica di Santa Caterina d’Alessandria with its gorgeous Fifteenth-century frescoed partitions and ceiling.
The place to Keep in Galatina
We visited on a day journey from Lecce, however Galatina would make an reasonably priced, quiet, and central base for Salento.
Corte Baldi is an enthralling B&B in a palace within the historic centre simply steps from the basilica.
The place to Eat in Galatina
Galatina is the birthplace of the pasticciotto pastry, which you’ll be able to attempt at Pasticceria Andrea Ascalone. It does include lard, although.
We had a scrumptious lunch at upscale Anima e Cuore in an previous palace with a big terrace.
They concentrate on seafood, however there’s a separate vegan menu.
16) Castro
Otranto and Gallipoli are crowded in summer season, so my new favorite seaside city in Salento is Castro.
Whereas Castro Marina doesn’t have a sandy seashore, there are seashore golf equipment on the rocks and the water is gloriously clear.
I liked swimming with a view of Castro’s fort and previous city on the hill above.
You can even take boat journeys to go to close by caves.
The coastal drive south to Santa Maria di Leuca is without doubt one of the finest in Puglia.
Learn my Castro Italy journey information for particulars.
The place to Keep in Castro
One of many causes I liked Castro a lot is that we stayed proper on the water at Lodge La Roccia.
The place to Eat in Castro
Delizie in Contea has improbable platters of native merchandise on an enthralling piazza within the previous city.
The Gargano Promontory juts out into the Adriatic Sea in northern Puglia and is named the spur within the heel of Italy’s boot.
It feels very totally different from the remainder of Puglia—greener and extra mountainous with lush pine forests and a spectacular shoreline of white limestone cliffs, vibrant sea caves, and lengthy sandy seashores.
It’s tougher to get to than the Valle d’Itria and Salento, and we didn’t discover the cities fairly as fairly, so I solely suggest coming right here in case you are in Puglia for greater than 10 days or are a return customer.
Vieste sits on a white cliffed peninsula jutting into the ocean. The previous city is an atmospheric maze of steep staircases with washing dangling from the easy white homes.
On both sides of the city are lengthy sandy seashores that may be accessed on foot. You’ll be able to take a phenomenal boat journey down the coast to see dramatic sea stacks and grottos.
It’s the perfect base for exploring the Gargano. See our submit on issues to do in Vieste Italy for extra data.
We stayed outdoors city on the fantastic Residence Maresol up a steep hill above Castello seashore.
We liked the tranquil location amongst pine timber, sea views, trendy flats, and tremendous pleasant house owners.
You’ll find extra B&Bs and vacation leases in Vieste right here.
Our favorite locations have been within the countryside outdoors city—Nation Home Tavernola and Agriturismo Chalet degli Ulivi. See our Vieste information for particulars.
I feel Vieste is one of the best base in Gargano, however there are lots of extra cities to go to on day journeys together with:
- Mont Sant’Angelo – Picturesque mountain city with a well-known cave church.
- Peschici – Fairly seaside city near beautiful seashores.
- Vico del Gargano – An off the overwhelmed observe hill city.
See our Gargano Italy journey information for extra particulars on locations to go to within the space.
Is Puglia Price Visiting?
Puglia is completely price visiting for its fascinating historical past, diverse structure, pleasant individuals, scrumptious meals, and wonderful shoreline.
I hope this submit has given you some concepts of the place to go to in Puglia, however there are such a lot of stunning locations in Puglia that these cities are simply a few of the potentialities. Get pleasure from!
Extra Puglia Posts
Learn our different Puglia weblog posts that can assist you plan your journey to the area:
Normal Puglia Ideas
Central and Northern Puglia
Salento Peninsula
Matera (in Basilicata)
