Puglia is one of the most beautiful regions in Italy, rich in history, culture and sensational natural areas of great interest. Its beaches on the Adriatic are wonderful, concentrated in the Gargano and Salento areas , recognized as the cleanest in the nation.
Equally interesting are the territories of the Itria Valley, which are considerable from a historical point of view.
Today we take you to the discovery of Puglia, paying particular attention to the most important places, the 10 places to visit absolutely .
1 – Monopoli and the Castellana Caves
Photo by ReMagio. The first attraction to visit absolutely are the Castellana Caves and the nearby town of Monopoli.The caves are a fascinating karst complex of underground caves of considerable speleological and natural importance. Not far from the Caves is Monopoli, a wonderful town characterized by a medieval historic center rich in artistic and monumental testimonies. This contrasts with the ruins of Messapian origin present in the area.
There are two types of itineraries: a complete one of 120 minutes and a partial one of 50. Prices vary approximately from € 10.00 (children over 12 years) to € 16.00 (adults), but are often subject to special discounts and promotions at different times of the year. For more info on rates and timetables visit the official website
2 – Castel del Monte in Andria
We continue our journey to discover the wonders of Puglia with one of the most famous and interesting places in the region. Castel del Monte di Andria is a mythical construction, absolutely suggestive both for the particular architecture and for the mysterious stories that see it linked to the ancient order of the Knights Templar .
The octagonal-shaped castle is located on a promontory and has been awarded the recognition of humanitarian heritage by UNESCO , for its incredible constructive proportions.
Admission is free for minors. The full ticket costs € 5.00 (over 24 years old) the reduced one € 2.50 (from 18 to 24 years old), the audio guides cost € 3.50. But the best solution for a visit is undoubtedly the guided tour that can be purchased online, thanks to which you will discover all the incredible secrets of this fascinating structure.
3 – The beaches of Salento: Gallipoli, Otranto, Lecce and Santa Maria di Leuca
The peninsula of Salento is one of the most famous Italian geographical regions. Home to contemporary artists and musicians, it is recognized as one of the most beautiful seaside areas in the nation .
Particularly known are the municipalities of Gallipoli, Otranto, Lecce and Santa Maria di Leuca, rich in paradisiacal sandy beaches. The most beautiful locations are in the area are Porto Cesareo, Torre Lapillo, Alimini and the incredible “Maldives of Salento”.
Finally, do not miss the nearby Grotta della Poesia, one of the most beautiful natural pools in the world.
4 – The Gargano and Vieste
The subregion of the Gargano is equally famous: the spur of Italy. Completely surrounded by the Adriatic Sea, this area is full of fabulous seaside resorts . The most beautiful is the town of Vieste, also known as the “Pearl of the Gargano”. But it does not end there, in this area there is also the delightful medieval village of San Giovanni Rotondo, a place of worship for the faithful of San Pio da Pietrelcina and the municipality of Monte Sant’Angelo, famous for the Sanctuary of San Michele Arcangelo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
5 – Polignano a Mare
This magical place inspired the famous singer-songwriter Domenico Modugno for the creation of “Volare”, a milestone of Italian music. In the center of this small seaside town south of Bari it is possible to admire fabulous medieval buildings through a comfortable guided walking tour.
Of course Polignano a Mare is a special place especially for the quality of its beaches and caves that embellish the coast . For this reason you absolutely must not miss the excellent cruise that includes the main caves and the most evocative places.
Finally, for a truly special experience, we recommend that you eat at the “Grotta Palazzese”, a restaurant carved into the rock from which you can enjoy a wonderful view of the sea.
6 – Gravina in Puglia and the Alta Murgia National Park
Photo by Luigi Scorcia. Gravina di Puglia is a medieval city built next to one of the ravines, or ravines, which embellish the geological landscape on the border between Puglia and Basilicata. The things to see are different: the Church of San Michele delle Grotte and the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta , the underground path and the headquarters of the Alta Murgia National Park .
7 – Lecce and its historic center
Photo by Tango7174. Among the 10 things not to be missed in Puglia it is impossible not to mention the historic center of Lecce.
Piazza Sant’Oronzo, the central square of the city is embellished by the presence of the Roman Amphitheater built in Eta Augustea . Not far from it is the Church of Santa Croce , one of the best southern examples of Baroque art . A few steps away from Piazza Duomo: here you can enjoy a spectacular view of the Cathedral, the Bishop’s Palace and the bell tower.
An exceptional and super recommended way to visit the city is the excellent free walking tour, which allows you to admire all the peculiar beauties accompanied by a local guide, without spending anything!
8 – Bari and the district of San Nicola
Source: wikimedia commons. From the historic center of Lecce to that of Bari. The San Nicola district , also known as Bari Vecchia, is the beating heart of the city. It is very rich in places to see, especially as regards religious architecture.
Among the most beautiful churches are the Cathedral of San Sabino and the Basilica of San Nicola , the latter located between the four squares known as “Corti del Catapano”, once the seat of the Byzantine governor’s palace.
The center is quite small and can be visited on foot, by bicycle or by Segway. Bari is also the homeland of the “Apulian orecchiette”, therefore one of the most original and recommended tourist activities is the walking tour with cooking class, during which you can try your hand at making homemade pasta according to tradition.
9 – Ostuni: the White City
Photo by Tango7174. Known as the “White City” because of the houses entirely covered with lime in its city center, Ostuni is a tourist resort of great value that has been awarded several times for the exceptional natural integrity of its beaches.
The historic center is full of wonders to see, including religious and civil architectures of great value such as theChurch of San Vito Martire , the Co- Cathedral and the Column of Sant’Oronzo that we recommend you to admire through an organized walking tour, during which a local guide will let you discover secrets and curiosities.
10 – Alberobello: the city of the Trulli
Perhaps the main symbol of the region, the Trulli are ancient houses with a conical shape presumably dating back to the 17th century. The best preserved are in the town of Alberobello, the “city of Trulli” protected by UNESCO . To this day they continue to be at the center of numerous debates and studies for their architecture and for the original purpose of construction.
The area can be visited for free, but the independent visit is not comparable to the organized tour, during which you will be able to better understand the historical and cultural value of this splendid place, accompanied by an expert guide.
Plan your stay: how to get there and where to sleep
For a beach-only holiday in Salento it is advisable to land in Brindisi (flights from € 29.00), and base in Lecce, Otranto, Gallipoli (for the youngest), visiting also Torre Sant’Andrea, Santa Maria di Leuca, Porto Selvaggio, Porto Cesareo. For hotels and b & bs where to stay, you will find the best Booking offers on this page.
For a more complete itinerary , between beaches, history and culture, it is better to land in Bari (flights from € 29.00) estay in Bari, Polignano, Monopoli, Alberobello, Ostuni , and finally make a stop in Lecce, in northern Salento. Accommodations from € 59.00 per night.
Who is fascinated by unusual places and less traveled by mass tourism, can choose an itinerary between the Murgia and the Gargano . The stages of the journey will be Bari (where we recommend landing), Trani, Monte Sant’Angelo, Vieste Peschici, Rhodes and the Tramiti Islands . Accommodations from € 48.00 per night.
