Puglia is becoming increasingly popular. For many years the heel of Italy was a favourite Summer destination for Italians and a few “in the know” Europeans. Now, Puglia is having its moment. Deservedly so, as this light-filled peninsula, with crystalline seas and a cluster of UNESCO Heritage Sites is hard to resist.
Choosing just 5 destinations has been difficult. Puglia has endless pretty villages, several stand out cities and a phenomenal coastline, but these were our favourites:
Lecce
If you’re within an hour of Lecce, then you simply must visit. It’s a honey coloured baroque masterpiece. The old centre is packed with palazzos and elaborately carved churches. The Cathedral Square can hold its own with many in Italy and its got two well preserved Roman amphitheatres. If that’s not enough, it has a young student vibe due to the university and amazing food and ice-cream. For our guide on where to eat and drink click here. Our advice is to get lost and wander in the old town, try and see all 3 of the ancient gates – our favourite is Porta Rudiae. Also, visit as many churches as possible, but the best are the Cathedral set in an exquisite closed square and the gloriously ornate Basilica di Santa Croce. Don’t miss out on the well preserved Roman Amphitheatre in Sant’Oronzo Square – a perfect people watching plaza lined with traditional cafes.
Alberobello
Yes it’s a tourist trap, but the town of Alberobello is unique. Consisting almost entirely of Trulli – basic, round domed buildings originally designed to be temporary to avoid tax. They are plentiful throughout the Valle d’Itria, but Alberobello is home to a remarkable collection. Our tip is to visit very early, very late or off season to best appreciate the atmosphere. If you have to visit high season, then try and see as many in the countryside around the town as possible, to avoid the crowds.
Otranto
Otranto is a beautiful town in Salento, southern Puglia. It has amazing beaches and fortifications. Less touristy than the north, the maze-like walled city is home to a 15th century Aragonese Castle, an 11th century Cathedral and a busy shopping street – check out the bargain leather shops. Our tip – go high to get views on both sides of the walled town. Outside the fortified town is a buzzing marina and town beaches lapped by shallow, aquamarine sea. We love it.
Locorotondo
When it comes to fortified hill top towns, Puglia more than holds its own. The cluster of “citta bianca” in the north dazzle. With the whitewashed buildings and intense light you could be in Greece or Southern Spain. The most impressive ones are Ostuni, Cisternino and, our favourite, Locorotondo. Like the others, Locorotondo is strategically perched on a hill and has amazing views down to the distant sea, but it’s less busy. We suggest getting lost in the ancient alley ways that wind up the hill. It’s magical at night – some alleys lit by colourful lights. So our tip is to visit at dusk to experience it in both the light and dark. Don’t miss the simple, 15th century Church of Santa Maria della Greca at the bottom of the hill.
Monopoli
As you travel south from Bari picturesque Polignano a Mare, with its cliff top sea views and dramatic beach cove, is the first stop for many. It’s beautiful, but we think the larger city of Monopoli just 8 kilometres south is a better base. It’s a historic port crammed with medieval streets and churches. Make sure you explore the seafront. Near the castle Castello Carlo V, you can swim directly in the clear, shallow sea from the rocks. The backstreets buzz with cafes, theres often impromtu music and dancing in the old port and, for ice-cream, check out Gasperini, just outside the city walls, which dates back to 1936.
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