Monopoli & Castellana Caves The caves are a fascinating karst complex of underground cavities of considerable speleological and natural importance. A stay at a Masseria is so much more than just accommodation, with most offering tours of their land and the working farms, tastings of their products including Puglia olive oil, wines and cheeses, and even home-cooked dinners enjoyed alongside your hosts and other guests. Also known as Florence of the South due to its many striking Baroque buildings yes, Puglian cities have a lot of nicknames Lecce is the main city on Puglias Salento peninsula. It is also the place where Adriatic and Ionian seas meet. Its possible to go inside the castle if you book tickets. Web: www.quisalento.it. Altamura bread! It also has some excellent seafood restaurants wander along the marina at dusk and take your pick. We then proceed to Sant'Agata di Puglia, with a breathtaking view of the Tavoliere and its many quaint historic alleys. This beautiful baroque church gives its best at night, thanks to the evocative lighting creating a magical atmosphere in the whole square. An error occurred while sharing your content. While public transport is available, it can be unpredictable, not every town and attraction is well connected, and some of them arent accessible at all. A: Top activities in Puglia include: Private Wine Tour from Ostuni with Lunch including Alberobello and Locorotondo. 798 Reviews. And if you get the opportunity to do a tasting of the local olive oils, cheeses or wines, be sure to do it! Gallipoli is probably the best known town on the western coast of Puglias Salento peninsula, and with a name which translates to Beautiful City (in Greek) its definitely somewhere not to miss. This way, youll be able to reproduce your favorite Italian dishes at home after your trip! Its one of the oldest coastal settlements in Puglia, and the setting is dramatic: buildings teeter precariously over the cliff tops, offering glorious vistas over the Adriatic. All the caves have evocative names like Wolf Cave, Owl Cave, Precipice Cave or Desert Corridor. In 2010 the city has been listed in Best in Travel 2010 by Lonely Planet. Some particular highlights of the coastline of Puglia include Spiaggia di Pescoluse, which is referred to as the 'Maldives of Puglia' thanks to the sand and aquamarine waters, and the Grotta della Poesia, which is an open-top sea cave that was named as as one 0f the 10 most beautiful natural pools in the world by National Geographic. 60 things to do in Puglia. Washington is New England's tallest mountain. It means that Orsara di Puglia is a must visit the city for any gourmand, who enjoys natural local ingredients. But the most fascinating part of Bari has to be the maze-like old town of Barivecchia which stretches along the Adriatic Sea, the longest seafront in all of Italy, with many important historic buildings including the grand Castello Svevo, Basilica San Nicola and Romanesque Basilica Cattedrale di San Sabino. Riserva Naturale Le Cesine is one of the best-preserved wetlands of Southern Italy. Gargano promontory is also called the Spur of Italy, because of its shape and its geographical position (above the heel of the boot, like Italians call the Country). In 2007 it was officially recognized as a slow food town. Its also the place to dine on seafood so fresh it practically walks from the water onto your plate. Not only will it make you relaxed, but also undeniably healthier. The historic centre is full of atmosphere buy a gelato or a pastry from one of the cornetteria and just soak up the atmosphere as you stroll around. For more information visit here. It is what makes visiting Gallipoli one of the best things to do in Puglia. Got any questions or tips, let me know in the comments below. You can definitely plan a few hours of a side trip here while traveling to Cinque Terre or Milan. A unique place, a cave absolutely to see in its special things. Full access tickets are 18 per person and can be purchased on their website. From the ear-shaped orecchiette pasta, which is so popular that theres an entire street in Bari dedicated to the making of it, to drool-worthy focaccia and some of the freshest and most delicious vegetables youll ever taste, Puglia has its own unique cuisine which is so much more than the typical pizza and pasta tourists often generalise to the whole of Italy. One of the best things to do in Bari, especially early in the morning or at sunset is to walk along the seafront promenade- the lungomare - more specifically Lungomare Nazario Sauro in Bari. The largest is called Il Duomo (the cathedral) due to its church-like proportions. Top Things To Do in Puglia 1. 60 things to do in Puglia. Its much less touristy for one thing. Bari is the capital of the region of Puglia and is situated on the Adriatic Sea. Discover the best of Puglia{breadcrumbs.state.code.short.usOnly} with Orbitz. Compare Puglia Unique Experiences - Get the best deals on Puglia Unique Experiences, activities tickets, sightseeing, Puglia day trips and reviews. Despite having the obligatory grand cathedral that you come to expect on any tour of Italy, Altamuras cathedral is not its main claim to fame. Monopoli is not far from the caves. Grotte di Castellana can be visited on a guided tour down a 3km long pathway with the correct safety equipment. Otrantos medieval cathedral is known for the incredible 12th-century mosaic that covers the entire floor of the nave. 9) Christmas Markets Alberobello. St. Mark's Square view from St Mark's Campanile. With a myriad of unusual activities, experiences and attractions on offer to satisfy young, curious minds, read our top five things to do with kids when holidaying in Puglia. Regular ferries run from Vieste out to the Isole Tremiti. If you want to explore with a local, you can book a walking tour of Trani with olive oil tasting. Enter dates Filters Attractions Traveller favourites & up & up & up Florence Historic Center Oltrarno Santo Spirito San Babila Free Entry Good for Kids Budget-friendly Good for Couples The list is organised by the best towns to stay in Puglia and what to do there. To fully enjoy the beauty of the natural scenery, come here in June or in September to avoid tourist crowds. For more information visit. The system is made up of a series of large canyons and caves filled with incredible formations such as stalactites, stalagmites, concretions and fossils. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions. Puglia might not have as many world-famous sights as Tuscany or Rome, but in many ways, the heel of Italy is a more rewarding place to travel. Moreover, when visiting Grottaglie take a look at balconies, they feature something known as Pumi, from the Latin name pomum, fruit. Dream about Maldives in Pescoluse (Lecce), 15. Puglia is a large Region in Southern Italy and it is often referred to as "the Heel of the Boot", for its geographical position. Are you thinking about arranging a romantic weekend, but you are looking for something less known than Paris or Rome? We have no booking fees and free cancellation, so you can rest easy and put your energy into planning your dream vacation. Aim to arrive at the headland of Santa Maria di Leuca for dusk its Puglias top spot to watch the sunset. I guarantee itll be one of the highlights of your entire trip. Secondly, you might want to try Orecchiette Cime Di Rapa, which is perhaps the most popular dish from Bari. One of the most popular things to do in Venice (read: avoid peak times, go early in the morning if possible to avoid the crowds), St Mark's Campanile offers up sprawling, panoramic views of the rest of Venice. Have a quick trip to the Middle-Ages at Castel del Monte (Andria), 3. Bari is the capital of the Puglia region and a popular starting point for most tourists, given that its home to the largest international Puglia airport. Monte Gargano is the oldest shrine in Western Europe under the protection of Archangel Michael and has been an important pilgrimage site since the early Middle Ages, as though according to the legend, St. Michal appeared here three times in the 5th century. Apart from the town itself and its 15th-century cathedral, Ostuni is known for the local DOC Collina di Brindisi olive oil, which is sold in various strengths (delicate, medium or strong) by numerous producers around town. Also make sure you visit the Ducal Palace with its colourful mural interior. It is a protected marine reserve and it is an ideal location for snorkeling and diving. Patron of the city is no other than Saint Valentine himself and every year on the 14th of February there is a big love celebration. Dont forget to climb to the top of the hill to visit the Cathedral. Here you can enjoy a typical day off in Puglia, like a real local. This striking historic place hosts many events like concerts, shows, opera, plays, or ballet. The largest island is San Domino, which is where ferries from the mainland dock. Blue Flag Beach 2022: Best beaches in Puglia, Italy, Best 13 Great Reasons to Visit Puglia, Italy, Visit Lecce, the capital of Baroque Architecture, Visiting Alberobello and the uniqueness of Trulli, Castel del Monte, World Heritage Site, Puglia, A guide to visit Gallipoli in Puglia, Italy, Exploring Ostuni, the White City of Puglia, A guide to visit Otranto in Puglia, Italy, Puglia Itinerary Road Trip: Where to Go and How to Do It, Puglia Airport How to Get to Puglia by Air. Private Tour: Lecce Guided Walking Tour. However, what makes Cisternino truly unique are barbecuing butchers. Improve this listing. After a brief welcome, staff will guide you along the nature trails equipped with observation points. However, apart from the sanctuary, you can also visit the castle, which is known as a home of the Bianca Lancia ghost, or you might find interesting to take a look at the Tomb of Rothari. Nice town as well, i suggest to visit the castle too. CASTELLANA CAVES At 6,288 feet, extreme weather is known to rip through the summit and endanger hapless hikers. The first stop is the smallest village in Apulia, Celle San Vito: only 163 inhabitants and a rare language, the Franco-Provenal dialect imported by the Angevins. I am a Tourism Management Graduate with a passion for traveling. Visit Ostuni You see Ostuni long before you reach the town, sitting there on its little hill all white and shiny. Search. The same company also runs food tours in Lecce. Its most striking buildings are the 17th century Palazzo Ducale and 18th century Basilica di San Martino, dedicated to the towns patron saint. The water is gin-clear and theres plenty of history: the remains of hippopotamuses, horses, rhinoceroses, elephants, and even bears have been found inside the caves. Day Tour of Ostuni, Martina Franca, Alberobello from Bari. The park hosts the largest number of orchids species, anamely 90, which makes a record for a single region. For kids walking in the narrow streets of Alberobello is like entering a fairy tale and they will literally be amazed. September 21, 2019. . 8. Continue your afternoon with a stroll through the town's medieval streets. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Often overlooked by international tourists, Monopoli is Puglias Seaside City located close to Bari, and is a popular summer destination amongst Puglian locals. Puglia is an amazing region on Adriatic Sea coast that allows you to enjoy entirely unusual landscapes. They serve delicacies from local organic products and each weekend they also organize a farmers market if you consider buying any local ingredients. Read more. This part of the city is surrounded by the sea on 3 sides and its connected to the modern districts by a bridge. Two things you have to do in Polignano a Mare are witnessing a sunrise and sunset over the sea. Visit the Old town of Gallipoli Known as the pearl of the Ionian Sea, its name derives from the original Greek name 'Kal polis' meaning 'beautiful city'. 10. While the city can get particularly crowded with both tourists and locals during peak times, Ostunis vibrant and exciting atmosphere is like no other youll experience in all of Puglia. The Ionian Dolphin Conservation Center in Taranto offers tourists and locals the chance to spend about 5 hours on their catamaran to admire the dolphins living in the gulf. Framed against the sparkling blue Adriatic, Tranis creamy white buildings have earned it the local nickname of la perla di Puglia (the pearl of Puglia). We would strongly recommend taking a romantic trip to the city of Vico Del Gargano. Sitting down for a traditional four-course meal accompanied by some local Primitivo wine at a bustling osteria is a must at least once. +39 320 848 1230. Ive also included a Google Map at the end with each of the destinations included. A kind of street food, pick your meat and your butcher will cook it while you watch and wait. In Altamura and Gravina, you will be fascinated by two of the largest karst sinkholes in the Murgia, the Pulo and the Pulicchio: intriguing chasms created by the underground erosion of rocks that create incomparable scenery. With so many things to see and to do here in Puglia, here we give you a list of the best things to do, those things you cant really miss if you are visiting our region. The revenue generated will help us to support the content of this website and to continue to invest in our award-winning journalism. The Answer From Someone Whos Been, Regional Food In Puglia: What and Where to Eat, Travel Insurance: Dont get Screwed by the Small Print. Explore, grab an espresso, have a gelato and just enjoy these quieter, less touristed places in Puglia. Castellana Caves (author: ReMagio ) This is why a stop is planned in Cagnano Varano, with its famous cave that conserves the footprints of Saint Michael the Archangel. My name is Chrissy, An off-the-beaten-track trip is what is needed to bid farewell to monotony, break out of your routine and venture into the hidden heart of the Bel Paese. Leaving from the port of Castro Marina you will visit three of the most famous caves of Salento, namely the Palombara, Azzurra and Zinzulusa (from sea side). The Daunia Mountains include 30 charming villages and the area is well known for being the green heart of Puglia. Its a grand old town, with broad boulevards, great shopping and a well-regarded university that supports a healthy supply of bars and restaurants. Clifftop Vieste has a rough-and-ready charm that feels more authentic than some of Puglias prettified towns. The taralli are small and circular crackers that are commonly consumed as an aperitif in Italy. Unusual Things to Do . Explore the streets filled with Baroque buildings in Lecce. Torre Dell'Orso. This research association is engaged in the protection of marine biodiversity and promotes education about biology, marine fauna, and the marine environment in general. At Epicwander we suggest you to visit the following locations of Puglia. In some towns you can even combine visits to cathedrals and castles with dips in the sea just steps from the historic centre. Most fun & popular experiences in Puglia Classes & workshops Bari is the capital of the Puglia region and a popular starting point for most tourists, given that its home to the largest international Puglia airport. A trip to the lesser-known city of Putignano is one of the best things to do in Puglia during the winter thanks to its annual Carnival. This material is used to produce both artistic and common objects. Closed now : See all hours. If youre not visiting Tuscany or Florence on this trip, Santa Maria del Casale is a good place to see the white and rose patterned church exterior seen further north. This particularly scenic part of Puglia is known for its whitewashed towns, such as Locorotondo and Ostuni, and trulli houses (traditional limestone dwellings with conical roofs), which are best seen in the Unesco-listed site of Alberobello. In fact, pottery was so essential in the region that it was always possible to find an entire pottery set in each house. Celebrate Christmas in Polignano a Mare (Bari), 9. Its been part of UNESCOs World Heritage List since 1996 and it is a perfect example of Medieval architecture. Puglia has several different faces and Cisternino is one of them. The tour continues into the heart of the Valle d'Itria, at Carovigno, where you will be captivated by the ramparts built by the Normans. As you stroll the Old Town Bari, you'll find a tight-knit community with doors and windows wide open, random bursts of loud Italian conversation, and buzzing Vespas whirling the smell of garlicky tomatoes and freshly baked bread through the narrow streets. G. rotte di Castellana is one of Puglias most amazing natural wonders and very different from the historic port towns and beautiful sandy Puglia beaches the region is more often associated with. Have a 2-hour walk in the so-called Plain of Olive Trees, populated by ancient trees up to 3000 years old. Day 1: Lecce. How to do it: I personally stayed in the sublime 5-starMasseria Torre Coccaro, close to Fasano. You will be surprised by some of the unique things to do and places you can explore at this hidden destination. Besides the waterslides and swimming pools, a wide variety of water games and activities are organized all day long. Even in a region as blessed with hilltop towns as Puglia, Lecce still astonishes. A pioneer of the slow food movement, where the simple life dominates, Puglia is the real dolce vita; yet it remains relatively untrampled by international tourists. Also worth visiting is the Museo Faggiano, where a Lecce townhouse has been turned into a living history lesson, with archaeological excavations revealing the houses history back to Roman times. Puglia food: Top 15 Savory Food you cannot miss! Trulli have been part of UNESCOs World Heritage List since 1996. Driving south-east from the little village along the road that brings to San Pietro in Bevagna, we find the Park of the Dunes of Campomarino. Soak it in cold water for few seconds, dress it with fresh tomatoes, oregano, salt and a drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil. Being an absolute piggy, after stuffing my face on cheese and meats, I headed into Martina Franca for coffee and cake at the beautiful and historic Caffe Tripoli. Its also a city with two very different sides; the modern Murat district and older Barivecchia. Puglia is a large Region in Southern Italy and it is often referred to as the Heel of the Boot, for its geographical position. Puglia is an amazing region on Adriatic Sea coast that allows you to enjoy entirely unusual landscapes. The Promotorio del Gargano bulges out into the Adriatic Sea northwest of Bari, encompassing a craggy coast and forested hills, 120,000 hectares of which is protected as the Gargano National Park. The ideal place to spend holiday as it is strategically located in between the two coasts, being within easy reach both of the long sandy rocky shores of the Adriatic Sea to the North, and of the crystalline waters of the Ionian Sea to the South. In December and early January, there are also traditional crafts exhibitions, food events, Christmas lights in the streets, and a huge Christmas tree. Gargano is surrounded by the Adriatic Sea on 3 sides and it is one of the most popular natural areas of Southern Italy. 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