Apulia (Puglia). Adriatic coast of Italy

In the very east of Italy is the region of Apulia, washed by the Ionian and Adriatic seas. If you look at coastline Italian coast, we will notice that Puglia has the longest, this is the “heel” of Italy.

The capital of the region is Bari.

How to get to Puglia

From the cities of Germany, Belgium, Great Britain and the Italian cities of Milan and Rome there are direct flights to Bari airport. From UK and Switzerland to Brindisi International Airport. Can be reached in Apulia and by train from Rome and Milan.

IN Brindisi and Bari have water connections with Greece. Ferries sail regularly to the islands of Kefalonia, Corfu, Patras, Zakynthos and the town of Igoumenitsa.

The region itself has a lot of local public transport(trains and buses).

Climate and weather of Apulia

This region has a Mediterranean climate, the average temperature in summer is +31 degrees C, in winter from +6 to +16.

Shopping

Every first Sunday of the month on Gallipoli The Antique Market opens. In August you can visit the craft markets in Alberobello and in Grumo-Appula.

In May in Lecce A flower market opens for 10 days. There is a flea market in Piazza Libertini every last Sunday of the month.

There is a large monthly market in Piazza Teresa in Brindisi where you can buy unique items and antiques at low prices.

IN Acquarica del Capo one of the best markets is located, where beautiful products made from straw, bamboo and other materials are sold.

IN Madonna del Ponte During the festival in September, a huge market opens where you can buy local products and souvenirs.

Cuisine of Puglia

The preparation of traditional dishes in the Puglia region almost always involves three elements - durum wheat, vegetables and, one of the best in the world, olive oil. Pasta dishes are an important part of every local table. "Orecchiette", translated as "little ear" and a traditional homemade pasta of the region, is prepared with turnips. This region is home to olive groves that are among the oldest in the world. For this reason, unsurpassed olive oil is produced here.

Fish is especially popular in this region, mussels from Taranto considered the best in all of Italy. Both burata and juicy have no equal mozzarella from Andria. The ancient traditions of cheese making in Puglia are carefully preserved. And the most demanding taste will certainly be satisfied with Mediterranean desserts, which are often based on dried fruits, syrup and honey. Many fine wines are produced in this region.

Puglia Hotels

Tourists in Puglia will not have problems with accommodation. There are many wonderful hotels in Puglia ready to provide their services at any time.

Here you can .

Resorts and beaches of Puglia

with their own sunny resorts and the beauty of the coastline, consisting of many arches and grottoes carved by the waters of the sea into limestone rocks, attracts tourists to the town of Vieste.

Another resort boasts picturesque landscapes and rocky bays - Marina di Andrano.

At the Cape Santa Maria di Leuca The Ionian and Adriatic seas meet. There are beautiful grottoes here that once served as a refuge for Byzantine monks.

Snow-white beaches and clear sea Gallipoli is famous. Sailing competitions are also held here.

The resort boasts thermal baths, natural beauty and golden beaches Margherita di Savoia.

The most interesting diving spots are located near the coast of Neretina. The resort has been known since ancient times for its sulfur waters. Santa Cesaria Terme.

Tours to Puglia

You can book a tour to Puglia inexpensively on our portal, we also have a catalog of last-minute tours. Holidays in Puglia are something unforgettable!!!

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Excursions, activities and attractions of Puglia

One of the favorite attractions of tourists is the traditional Trulli houses from Alberobello.

Old city in Bari, romantic Basilica of St. Nicholas, gothic cathedral Saint Sabino, Church of Saint George, Fort Saint Antonio, Castel del Monte, Ducal Palace in ancient city Martina Franca, stunning city views Ostuni- these are just a small part of the attractions that tourists coming to Puglia must visit.

A special place is occupied Karst caves of Castellana, over 3000 meters long. This natural attraction is one of the most visited in Southern Italy.

Events

In a palace Pallazo Ducale, located in the city of Martina Franca, an opera festival is held every summer. In Bari, in honor of the patron saint of the city, St. Nicholas, grandiose holidays are held from May 6 to 8.

These days, pilgrims from all over the world flock to the city. Fireworks are displayed here, shows are held, and historical reenactments are staged.

Puglia video. Part 1

Puglia video. Part 2

It is no secret that Italy occupies almost the entire Apennine Peninsula, which is shaped like a boot. The region of Apulia (Puglia) is located on the Salentina peninsula and is considered its heel.

Puglia is located in the southeast of Italy and has the longest coastline among the mainland regions of the country. The main city of the region is (Bari), which is located from (Roma), the capital of Italy, at a distance of 430 km.

4 million people live in Apulia, and its area is 19 thousand km2. The main language is Italian, but French and various dialects are also common here: Tarantine, Franco-Provençal, as well as Italo-Rumean, derived from Greek, Arbere (mixed with Albanian) and some others.

The region includes six provinces:

Foggia (Provincia di Foggia) – north;
Barletta-Andria-Trani – between Foggia and Bari;
Bari (Provincia di Bari) – in the center;
Brindisi (Provincia di Brindisi) – between Bari and Lecce, in the east of the region;
Taranto (Provincia di Taranto) - between Bari and Lecce, in the west of the region;
Lecce (Provincia di Lecce) is the southernmost province.

In the southeast, Apulia is washed by the Adriatic Sea (Mare Adriatico), in the southwest by the Ionian Sea (mar Ionio). Both bodies of water are part Mediterranean Sea(Mar Mediterraneo). In the west, Puglia borders on the regions (Campania) and (Basilicata), in the north – on Molise.

There are few mountains here: 53% of the territory is occupied by plains, 45% by hills. The highest point in the region is the limestone mountain Monte Cornacchia, whose height is 1152 m. It is located in the north-west of the region in the Monti Dauni mountains.

There are two national parks– Gargano (Parco nazionale del Gargano) and Alta Murgia. There are also 11 regional parks and 24 nature reserves. At the same time, forests occupy only 7.5% of the region's area. This is the lowest rate in Italy.

In the north of Apulia, towards the Adriatic Sea, the Ofanto (170 km long) and Cervaro (93 km long) rivers flow. Large rivers include the Carapelle, which is 98 km long, and the Candelaro (70 km).

Story

The name Apulia means “exodus” in ancient Greek. But these lands were inhabited much earlier than the ancient Greeks came here. In the region, a skeleton of a Neanderthal man was found, who lived here 250-187 thousand years ago. He is known as the Man of Altamura (L'Uomo di Altamura) because he was found near this city.

In VIII Art. BC. Greeks settled on the lands of Apulia. At that time, the Apula and Messapa tribes lived here, so the Hellenes began to call the local inhabitants Iapygians. The main settlement was Taranto, which became a major trading center.

The Romans came here in the 3rd century. BC, after the Greeks lost to the Italian tribes. But they also had to fight with the Samnites. When the resistance was broken, the Romans began to settle down, and in honor of the ancient inhabitants of the region they named the region Apulia.

During the times the region prospered. The city of Brindisi became the largest Roman seaport on the coast Adriatic Sea, and 100 thousand people lived in it. All Roman trade with the countries located in the east passed through Brindisi and Taranto. Roads were built in the region that connected major cities and Rome. The main export goods were wheat and olive oil.

In 216 BC. On the banks of the Aufid River (modern Ofanto), the Battle of Cannes took place, during which Hannibal's troops from Carthage completely defeated the Romans, who were significantly superior in strength. This battle was included in the list of the bloodiest battles in human history in terms of the number of soldiers killed per day.

In the 5th century The fall of the Western Roman Empire occurred, and the Ostrogoths settled on the territory of Apulia. After this, the region changed hands for a long time, and therefore military operations here almost did not stop until 1861, when Apulia became part of the united Italy (Regno d’Italia). Since then, there has been relative calm, which has created conditions for the normal development of agriculture, which continues to flourish today.

Climate

What has attracted people to Puglia since ancient times? First of all, this is the sea, sandy beaches and a typical Mediterranean climate.

There are more sunny days than cloudy and cloudy days, snow is a rare occurrence. The weather in Puglia by month is as follows:

January: 7°C during the day, 1° at night, sun – 12 days, rain – 3 days;
February: 8°C during the day, 2°C at night, sun – 8 days, rain – 4;
March: 12°C during the day, 4°C at night, sun – 14 days, rain – 4;
April: 17°C during the day, 6°C at night, sun – 14 days, rain – 5;
May: 20°C during the day, 8°C at night, sun – 18 days, rain – 6;
June: day 25°C, night 12°C, sun – 22 days, rain – 6;
July: day 29°C, night 14°C, sun – 28 days, rain – 3;
August: day 29°C, night 14°C, sun – 29 days, rain – 2;
September: 24°C during the day, 12°C at night, sun – 19 days, rain – 4;
October: 18°C during the day, 9°C at night, sun – 14 days, rain – 5;
November: 13°C during the day, 6°C at night, sun – 11 days, rain – 5;
December: 8°C during the day, 2°C at night, sun – 16 days, rain – 2;

Such weather and a long beach line attract tourists from all over the world.

The beach season begins in June, when the water temperature warms up to +22°C. But some brave souls start swimming in May at a sea temperature of +17°C. The beach season ends in September. In October the water is cold, but it is good time for sightseeing in Puglia.

Cities and landmarks

Puglia is a region with a long history. There is a lot to see here, so tourism is very well developed here. Castles, ancient temples, museums, national parks and reserves, olive groves attract the attention of people from all over the world.

Bari

The province of Bari is on the coast Atlantic sea. To the north is Barletta-Andria-Trani, to the south are Taranto and Brindisi. It is the most populous province of Apulia, home to more than 1 million people. It is in this province that the city of Altamura is located, near which the remains of a man two thousand years ago were found.

In the main city of the region, Bari, at Largo Abate Elia, 13, the Basilica di San Nicola is located. This temple appeared in the 11th-12th centuries. for storing the relics of St. Nicholas, who were brought to the city in 1087. They are located in the crypt, which can only be accessed by organized groups of pilgrims by prior arrangement.

This basilica should not be confused with the Church of St. Nicholas (Chiesa di San Nicola), which was built in Bari at the beginning of the last century in the style of Russian architecture of the 15th century. and belongs to the Moscow Patriarchate. It is located at Corso Benedetto Croce, 130, and is also known as the Patriarchal Compound of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker.

Tourists will definitely enjoy the symbol of the city, the Norman-Swabian Castle (Castello Normanno-Svevo), the construction of which dates back to the 12th century. The burgundy and white Petruzzelli Theater (Teatro Petruzzelli) with statues on top, which is the fourth largest temple of Melpomene in Italy, looks original. Artists such as Luciano Pavarotti, Carla Fracci, Eduardo De Filippo performed here.

Brindisi is located south of Bari, to the east is the Adriatic Sea. The length of the coast is 81 km, and partly it consists of beaches, partly of their cliffs. There are no major rivers flowing through the province, but there are many freshwater lakes.

The main city of the province is Brindisi. It is a major seaport. The history of Brindisi dates back to the ancient Romans, and it was from here that they traded with countries to the east. In 40 BC. in this city the military leader Mark Antony (Marcus Antonius) and the founder of the Roman Empire (Octavianus Augustus) reconciled, and twenty years after this meeting the poet Virgil (Publio Virgilio Marone) died in Brindisi.

During the reign of the Romans, 100 thousand people lived in the city. It lost its significance during the Middle Ages, when trade moved to Bari. Nevertheless, this is where the Crusaders' journey to the Holy Land began.

Currently, there are few old buildings here. These are mainly churches, a castle by the sea Castello svevo (Brindisi), a sea fort. There is also an ancient column that signified the end (Latin: Via Appia). It was the most important public road leading from Rome.

Taranto is located south of Bari and Lecce, west of Brindisi. Its shores are washed by the waters of the Ionian Sea. There are both plains and hills. Height itself high hill Monte Angiulli is 440 m.

The main city of the province is Taranto. It was founded by the Spartans in the 8th century. BC. Their descendants lived here for several centuries until the Romans captured the city, selling 30 thousand inhabitants into slavery. They turned Taranto into a major sea port, which he still is today.

Many ancient buildings have been preserved here. Here you can find not only Christian churches, but also places of pagan cults, the remains of a Greco-Roman necropolis and burial chambers. Of course, there are castles, defensive forts (Castello Aragonese, Fortezza de Laclos), and numerous museums. Among them is the underground Spartan Museum (museo spartano di Taranto), where you can see the history of the city from its founding to the 18th century.

Barletta-Andria-Trani

Barletta Andria Trani is the youngest province in the region. It is washed by the waters of the Gulf of Manfredonia, which belongs to the Adriatic Sea. In the south is the province of Bari, in the north is Foggia. This province is administered from three cities at once - Trani, Barletta and Andria. The first two cities are located on the coast, and therefore are considered resorts, the third is far from the sea.

There are a lot of palaces and churches in Barleta. Among them are the Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore (Basilica di S.Maria Maggiore), the Church of the Holy Sepulcher (Basilica del Santo Sepolcro). You can also highlight defensive structures - walls, gates and Barletta Castle (Castello di Barletta). Its construction dates back to the 12th century. Another attraction of the city is the huge statue of the Roman emperor, which is known as the Colosso di Barletta.

The city of Trani is also interesting. Here are Cathedral St. Nicholas Pellegrino (La Cattedrale di San Nicola Pellegrino), Church of Santa Maria di Colonna (La chiesa di Santa Maria di Colonna) and the adjacent monastery. The Swabian Castle (Castello svevo) is noteworthy. Also in Trani there are several towers of the 11th century, city gates and a lot of palaces.

In Adria you can look at the city gates, castles, and see the clock tower from the time of Francis II del Balzo, who lived at the end of the 15th century. You can also book a tour of the dungeons and caves of the city, where people lived and worshiped God in medieval times.

Lecce

Lecce is the southernmost and easternmost province of the region, which lies entirely on the Salentina Peninsula. Its uniqueness is that it has access to both the Adriatic and Ionian Sea. It is predominantly flat, with a few hills in the south of la Serra dei Cianci.

The coastline is 222 m, sandy beaches are constantly replaced by rocky cliffs. Along south coast There are many caves in the Adriatic Sea, among which is Grotta Zinzulusa. This cave goes at least 250 meters deep, and during the tour you can see stalactites, stalagmites, and several lakes of crystal clear water. Bats and sea inhabitants also live here, which you will not find anywhere else.

The capital of the province of Lecce bears the same name. There are many ancient cathedrals, castles, forts, and towers. There is also an amphitheater with a seating capacity of 25 thousand. It was built in the I-II centuries. AD

Foggia

Foggia is the northernmost province of Apulia, which is washed by the waters of the Adriatic Sea. It is one of the least arid provinces in the region, as it is home to the Ofanto, which is a natural border with Barletta-Andria-Trani, and the Fortore. The province is notable for the fact that 50% of Italy's tomatoes are harvested here.

The main city of the province bears the same name. He suffered from . However, many historical buildings have been preserved here. Among them are the Cathedral (la Cattedrale di Foggia), the national monument Church of the Crosses (La chiesa delle Croci), as well as the Church of St. Thomas (la Chiesa di San Tommaso), the oldest basilica of the city, built in the 11th century. You can also go to the city of Leccera, where the Staufen Fortress (Fortezza svevo-angioina) rises on a hill, and there is also an ancient amphitheater.

Resorts

One of the most popular resorts Puglia is Marina Di Andrano located in Lecce. Rocky shores, numerous bays, clean sea water attract tourists from all over the world. The most famous beaches– these are Zona Grotta Verde and Zona Botte. On one of them is located beautiful cave La Grotta Verde.

Another resort in the province of Lecce, Gagliano del Capo, is no less in demand among tourists. It is located almost in the southeast of the province at an altitude of 150 m above sea level. In addition to the beaches, there are many cliffs and several interesting historical caves. Diving enthusiasts can go to Porto Cesareo.

But people who prefer thermal springs, Santa Cesarea Terme will do. This resort is also located in this region.

(Ostuni) in the province of Brindisi boasts a beautiful coastline. Monopoli in the province of Bari, where there are twenty-five beaches, is considered one of the most popular holiday destinations.

Those who like to combine beach and active holidays can go to the Gargano Peninsula in the province of Fuji. This place is called the “spur of the Italian boot.” Here is located national reserve: there are not only beaches, but also mountains, caves, as well as salt lakes Lezina and Varano, which are separated from the sea by a narrow strip of land.

Folklore

Despite the fact that the beach season in Puglia lasts from June to September, you can safely go here at other times of the year. Here you can look not only at the sights, but also attend various festive events, including:

17.01: Carnival in Massafra (Taranto);
17-18.01: Fire Festival in Novoli (Lecce);
14.02: “Orange” St. Day. Valentina in Vieste (Foggia). Here, two holidays coincided on one day - Valentine's Day and the Orange Festival;
18-19.03: Tables of San Giuseppe in Giurdignano (Lecce). These days, the central square is transformed into a large restaurant, the tables of which are decorated with flowers and an icon of St. San Giusepe. Before lunch, people pray, food is blessed;
28.04: Sagra (festival) of wine and bagels in (Alberobello), the city of the trulli;

7-9.05: Feast of St. Nicholas in Bari;
Third Sunday in June: Festival in Fasano (Brindisi), dedicated to the victory over the Turks in 1678;
July: Red onion day in Acquaviva delle Fonti (Bari), the most popular vegetable in the area;
End of July: Octopus Days in Fasano and Torre Canne (Brindisi), as well as a festival of local cutlets in Grottaglie (Taranto);
Early August: Local Beer Festival in Leverano (Lecce);
Second Sunday in August: Knight's tournament in Oria (Brindisi);
Late August – September: Local Festival in Taranto;
Third Sunday in October: Calzone Festival in Acquaviva delle Fonti (Bari) - on this day you can taste local closed pizza in all interpretations;
5-6.11: Wine and chestnut festival in Noci (Bari)
December – January: “Live” Presepe - celebrated everywhere. Presepe is the manger of Jesus, created by the hands of folk craftsmen. This is the period of widespread celebration of Christmas.

This information can be taken into account when planning a trip to Puglia. They will help you develop a route so that the trip is as interesting and fun as possible.

Winemaking

Winemaking traditions go back to the ancient Greeks, who in the 8th century. BC. They brought grapevines and wine-making technologies here. Now vineyards in Puglia occupy 100 thousand hectares, and until recently inexpensive varieties were produced here. But magnificent climatic conditions and fertile soil contributed to improving the quality of wine and strengthening its leading position.

Now Puglia produces 17% of all the country's wines.

Their advantage is an excellent price-quality ratio. Castel del Monte experts rate it very highly. This brand produces 22 varieties of wine.

Gravina and Gioia del Colle in Bari;
Brindisi in Brindisi;
Alezio, Galatina, Copertino, Leverano in Lecce;
San Severo, Rosso di Cerignola in Foggia.

Like olive oil, wines in Puglia are served with many local dishes.

How to get there

Puglia can be reached by car, bus, train, air and water.

There are very well developed train and bus connections between the main city of the region, Bari, and other regions and provinces. The same applies to seaports: they are located in all cities that are located on the coast.

There are three airports in the province where passenger flights arrive. One is located in Bari, and is named after Pope Karol Wojtyła: Aeroporto internazionale di Bari “Karol Wojtyła”. This international Airport, and it accepts flights from Germany, Great Britain, Romania.

The second airport is located in Salento (Brindisi) and is called L’Aeroporto di Brindisi-Papola Casale. It is also established here international traffic: people fly here from Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Belgium, England.

Another airport is located in Foggia. This is Aeroporto di Foggia "Gino Lisa". It is used for domestic flights as well as for helicopter flights to the islands of Isole Tremiti, which belong to this commune, and to the resort of Gargano.

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 - 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, there are several natural parks in the region (Gargano, Pollino, Gallipoli Cognato, Alta Murgia, etc.), and 40 km south of Bari, in the town of Castellana Grotte, there is a unique complex karst caves, along which a 3-kilometer excursion route runs.

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 sea 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

Holidays 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 aquatic species sports and beach games. You can go for a walk through the vineyards and olive groves (on foot or by bike), drive to a natural or amusement park, attend any cultural event: every 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. How larger city or resort - the higher their concentration.

Local cuisine and wines

Local kitchen based on natural products grown (or extracted) 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 a park water activities Splash.

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 extends national park Gargano, 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 in Puglia best beaches. Starting from the north of Puglia, the rocky promontory of Gargano stretches, delighting with its coastal landscape: emerald hills give way to white cliffs, azure sea, golden sands and heavenly pebble bays.

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 series of sandy 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. Nature reserve – real paradise for the naturalist, with untouched forests, Mediterranean poppies and flocks of flamingos.

Special mention should be made best resorts Apulia - 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 recreation in the lap of nature. Those who love excitement will be able to enjoy the charming and mysterious atmosphere of the sea.

Crystal clear waters The Tremiti Islands 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 best places in Italy for underwater 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 not only the sea provides resources for active rest 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 are held all year round 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 on 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.

Enjoy beach holiday in Puglia you can from mid-June to the end of September

But to explore the region or enjoy hiking, summer and the Velvet season the most inappropriate pairing - the sweltering 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.

During a January trip to Italian region In Puglia we discovered many interesting places that we had never even heard of before. In this article I will tell you about the cities of Puglia that we were able to visit during the trip.

Puglia is not only capital city Bari. These are also medieval towns on mountain tops, olive groves, a cozy Adriatic coast dotted with small towns and snow-white trulli, wine cellars and majestic palazzos. The cities of the Apulia region are located on different seas. Here you are walking around the city of Gallipoli on the Ionian Sea, drive just 50 km to the east and find yourself in the town of Otranto on the Adriatic Sea. I’ll move on to a description of what I remember about the individual towns of Puglia that we were able to visit.

Polignano a Mare

In fact, the entire city of Polignano a Mare stands on a rock, under which there are dozens of grottoes. Polignano a Mare is home to Europe's most romantic restaurant and hotel, Grotta Palazzese. The restaurant is built right in a limestone cave and offers incredible views of the nearby grottoes and the Adriatic. The restaurant is closed during winter. The restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine and fine wines. This place is not cheap: the average bill exceeds 100 Euros per person. In the evening, candles are lit in the restaurant, which creates an incredibly romantic and unique atmosphere.

Within the city of Polignano a Mare, among the limestone rocks, there is a cozy small beach - a favorite vacation spot for local residents. The beach is pebbly, so don't forget to bring swimming slippers.

Otranto

Italy's easternmost city is famous for its soft white sand beach and turquoise water. It seems that you are somewhere in the Caribbean, and not in the south of Italy. The beach is among the best Italian beaches and is good not only for swimming and sunbathing, but also for snorkeling.

Monopoly

In Monopoli, you should definitely visit the port with many fishing boats and watch how the fishermen get their catch from them - fish, mussels, shells. Near the port are the ancient fortifications of the Castle of Charles V, dating back to the 16th century.

Trani

Trani is one of the most picturesque towns in Puglia, reminiscent of the northern cities of Italy, unlike other cities in Puglia. The main attraction of Trani is the local cathedral and a powerful, well-preserved castle from the 13th century, as well as a long promenade along the Adriatic Sea. There are many restaurants in the port area where you can eat pizza or seafood.

Barletta

Barletta is a port, non-tourist city. Barletta is famous for its Colossus, a bronze statue of the Roman Emperor Theodosius II. The height of the statue is 4 meters, making it the largest statue surviving from the late Roman Empire. In Barletta, as in other cities of Puglia, there are cathedrals, churches, and a powerful fortress. The city is industrial; cement and concrete are produced here. We didn’t particularly like the beach: it is located next to a cement plant and is generally not equipped for relaxation. Along the perimeter of Barletta beach there are summer houses and cabanas. In Barletta, we appreciated the delicious cakes at the Gelateria Bonelli coffee shop and gelateria.

Lecce

There are more than 40 churches in Lecce; the ruins of a powerful amphitheater are preserved in the city center. Thanks to the baroque architecture of the city, Lecce is often called the “Florence of southern Italy”. The most interesting place in the city - central Piazza del Duomo with the cathedral, in the vicinity of which you can find decent restaurants and gelaterias. Be prepared for the fact that not everyone in Lecce understands English language. Despite the fact that Lecce is one of largest cities southern Italy, its entire historical center is easy to walk, it will take 1-1.5 hours. Top attractions of Lecce - Basilica of Santa Croce, Lecce Cathedral, Piazza Sant’Oronzo.

Gallipoli

Gallipoli is a very interesting place to walk around the old town and along the sea. The city is surrounded on all sides by the sea, and is connected to the mainland only by a bridge. Gallipoli is surrounded by strong fortified walls and has many churches. Locals engage in fishing and work in tourism sector. Here they catch tuna, sea bass, brown perch, and sea pike and immediately cook them in seaside restaurants.

Matera

Majestic White City located in the province of Basilicata, neighboring Apulia. The old town - Sassi di Matera - is notable for the fact that it is located on a hill, on which the houses seem to be stuck on top of each other. Matera is included in the list World Heritage UNESCO. It is believed that these places were the first human settlements in Italy. Matera is the center of Christian churches. Unique species cities appeared in the films “The Passion of the Christ”, “The Gospel of Matthew”, “King David”.

Ostuni

A white city on a hill, the number of inhabitants in which triples in the summer. Ostuni produces high quality olive oil and wine. Ostuni is nicknamed the white city for its white walls and architecture. The largest building in Ostuni is the cathedral. Ostuni is a favorite place to live for Englishmen in Italy who move here to retire. IN good weather when approaching Ostuni by car you can do beautiful pictures: In contrast to the blue sky, the white houses of the city look amazing.

Locorotondo

Locorotondo is a small white town of just 14,000 people, famous for its wines and the circular layout of the city's historic core. Locorotondo is one of the most picturesque villages in Italy. Locorotondo is one of the most famous wine-growing areas of Puglia. The light white wine Locorotondo DOC is produced here. Locorotondo is also included in the Guinness Book of Records as the only city whose name uses as many as five letters “O”.

Alberobello

A fairy-tale town with traditional dwellings - trulli. People come here for unforgettable photographs with views of snow-white limestone houses with dark roofs. There are more than 1,500 trulla houses in the village. Perhaps it was the Trulli who glorified the Apulia region throughout the world. In summer there are no crowds of tourists here, so come here in autumn or winter. In addition to this village, trulli are found in other cities.

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