Weddings & Honeymoons . 2. Go snorkelling in the Violet Cave (Tremiti Islands), 13. 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. Check out Puglia Unique Experiences Now!! Luxury & Special Occasions Sporting Events Air, Helicopter & Balloon Tours Shopping Tours Special Offers Weddings & Honeymoons Likely to Sell Out Yoga Classes Hammams & Turkish Baths Popular Cities in Puglia Bari Puglia, Italy Lecce Puglia, Italy Gallipoli Puglia, Italy Porto Cesareo Puglia, Italy Ways to tour Puglia Thank you for supporting me. Topics are varied, covering everything from wine-tasting to market shopping, the Mediterranean diet, southern Italys Jewish cuisine, olive oil making and the art of the perfect tomato sauce. The best thing about waking up early for sunrise is that most locals and tourists will be sound asleep. In the butcheries of this village, you can choose a preferred meat and the butcher will barbecue it for you. Its landscape is really wild, with deep canyons called gravine. 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. These links are signposted with an asterisk. 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. It is being said that the orange juice, which is blessed by Saint Valentine, acts as a love potion. Though heavily restored (much of the theatre is covered by grass), it still makes for an impressive sight. Whats especially striking about Castel del Monte is its octagonal shape with each side punctuated by a tower. What do we start with? This is Puglia, a region of golden beaches and crystal-clear waters, intense flavours and fascinating destinations: Castel del Monte, the trulli, the islands passing through towns kissed by a unique and unforgettable light. 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. Its possible to go inside the castle if you book tickets. For instance, in the southern half of the Italian Peninsula, there is a very common snack Taralli. Puglias trullis date back to the 16th century and were designed to be easily dismantled in the event of a royal inspection in order to avoid the regions rulers paying property taxes to the King. Since the early Middle Ages, Monte San Angelo has marked the terminus of one of Europes most important pilgrimage trails, the Route of the Angel, which began in Mont St-Michel (in Normandy) and ran via Rome. There are plenty of tempting beaches that surround the pretty old town of Gallipoli. Italy is a country rich in cuisine and no matter where you go there is an interesting set of dishes. The Violet Cave owes its name to the violets growing on the banks and to the violet tint of water due to the presence of a particular species of seaweed. This town, like Puglia Region in general, has an ancient tradition of terracotta manufacturing. If you want to learn how to order coffee in Italy (its more complicated than you think) heres my Italian coffee guide. Mt. Have a walk through the little alleys of the old town which sits on a small walled island connected to the mainland by a 6th century bridge. Spend one day on Torre Lapillo beach (Porto Cesareo), 14. It also has some excellent seafood restaurants wander along the marina at dusk and take your pick. After a brief welcome, staff will guide you along the nature trails equipped with observation points. Castel del Monte is a castle located near Andria and it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. 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. A deep, intense red wine, thick with tannins, Primitivo is lightened by the natural sweetness of the red grapes grown in the Puglia region. Learn something about majolica art in Grottaglie (Taranto), 12. To fully enjoy the beauty of the natural scenery, come here in June or in September to avoid tourist crowds. Not only can you experience staying in a trulli, but youll also be able to wander through the town during the quieter evening when the whole place is beautifully lit up with little rows of fairy lights, and again in the glow of the early morning sun before the hoards of day trippers descend upon the small town. 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. Cisternino has been listed as one of the most beautiful small towns in Italy. Try ricci (sea urchins) Puglia is famous for its sea urchins. See Tripadvisor's 2,986,328 traveler reviews and photos of kid friendly Puglia attractions Food lovers can indulge themselves by sampling a typical product from Orsara di Puglia, the last stop in the area, unmissable for its typical bread with ancient sourdough starter baked in a straw oven. Puglia in December In order to distinguish one loaf from another, each family would have a unique stamp placed on the bread by the baker, a tradition that some families even carry on today. It was built to house the mortal remains of St Nicholas (better known as Father Christmas). Or if you prefer, you can book a guided tour of Castel del Monte. Here you will find destination guides and travel advice to make your next trip unforgettable. The filling may vary, but the most popular is a mixture of chopped tomatoes, mozzarella and ham. Nowadays, this former monastery hosts a branch of Salento University (History, Society and Human Studies), but its still an aesthetically beautiful place with lots of pieces of art. Local sea caves can also be visited on a boat tour. With these attractions and the stunningly beautiful city itself, Vico Del Gargano is one of our strongest recommendations in Puglia region. Public transport is very limited, bordering on non-existent in some areas, so having a car will give you the freedom to explore. 28 Amazing Things to Do and See in Puglia, Italy, 1. Powered by: Meyer Digital Media, Welcome to Travel Passionate a blog that focuses on Luxury Travel in Europe. Your email address will not be published. Take a walk along the beautiful beaches while admiring the unique coastline. Then, on reaching Poggiorsini, you will discover the Rock of Garagnone, an imposing block of rock from which you can admire the flight of cricket hawks. The taralli are small and circular crackers that are commonly consumed as an aperitif in Italy. Swim into the natural pool of the Poetry Cave (Lecce), 11. While most people visit Polignano a Mare for Cala Porto, one of Puglias most popular destinations also has another hidden secret Grotta Palazzese. The city of Monte SantAngelo is famous in particular for local Sanctuary. Visit outside. With its white-washed buildings, theres plenty of the kind of Puglian sights youll come to recognise: churches, towers and piazzas. It is very different, yet authentic and surprising part of Italy. But Cisternino has another quirky offering the towns macelleria, meat markets. Its also the place to dine on seafood so fresh it practically walks from the water onto your plate. Table of Contents. Hire bikes - a great thing to do in Puglia with kids. The wonderful setting adds some extra glamour to every show. The striped exterior of Santa Maria del Casale church looks like its been picked up from Sienna and dropped in Brindisi. Top places to see in Puglia include Castel del Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the unique conical houses found in the area around Alberobello. In a unique location, the hypogeum complex of the Madonna di Grottole, the living crib scene of Polignano a Mare, is a true theatrical representation. In December and early January, there are also traditional crafts exhibitions, food events, Christmas lights in the streets, and a huge Christmas tree. The Apulian hinterland is just as deserving of exploration as the coast. During your stay in Puglia, dont limit your visit to the most popular destinations! Monti Dauni, ancient stories and marvellous villages, Gargano, stretches of salt water, unique views and a UNESCO World Heritage forest, From Bisceglie to Monopoli, historical boats and valuable archaeological sites, Murgia and Gravina, the charm of the hinterland, Salento, unparalleled historical and cultural heritage, Apulia Fuori Rotta, 5 unusual stops for a surprising itinerary. The building, still perfectly preserved, is characteristic for its octagonal shape. We headed to Puglia during October half term and it's a wonderful time to visit this region of Italy. Things to do in Puglia Explore the Trulli of Alberobello The town of Alberobello is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is also a good idea to enjoy a relaxing weekend doing open-air activities like walking, swimming in the pool, biking or horse riding. What to see in Trani: dont miss the 13th-century fort, Trani cathedral, the harbour and the food. The Poetry Cave is a karstic complex composed of 2 caves (Big Poetry and Small Poetry) without their roofs: they are open-air and deeply carved into the rocks. The next stop is the San Leucio Archaeological Park, rich in precious archaeological artefacts, including the remains of the largest early Christian basilica in Apulia, dedicated to San Leucio. By the way, try those with cream and black cherries, they are super delicious. It is located South of Otranto, easily accessible by car, youll have to walk a few hundreds meters to enjoy the so called red lake. 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. 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. Dont forget to climb to the top of the hill to visit the Cathedral. All the ingredients are produced right there on the farm and are as freshest and customized for the season as possible. It looks like a durum hard bread biscuit, cut horizontally in half and toasted again in the oven. Head to the hilltop town of Altamura . Check our panzerotti recipe to prepare them any time you wish! Shady and quiet, its a pleasure to explore on foot although the winding alleys are a maze. Dont forget the walk to the highest part of the city were youll find the Santa Maria Cathedral which dominates the entire surrondings. If you like hiking, there are numerous trails off-the-beaten-track that you can explore, including the historic Umbria Forest. You can find a new undiscovered love city, try Christmas delicacies, or take a look at unusual rooftops in Alberobello. We arrived to a welcome from the local tourist board and about half the town. From beaches and grotto's to unused mines and abandoned places - you'll never run out of ideas on what to do in Puglia. An unbeatable dish on the Puglian table in summer time, pucce are a traditional on the go snack in Puglia, in particular in the Salento area. Local roads are lined and shaded by olive trees and are ideal for a trip around the olive mills and cheese producers. The restaurant has a formal dress code so no shorts or sandals. The islands of the Isole Tremiti lie 36km off Puglias northern coastline. Descend deep into the Castellana Caves, 5. Italys all-season climate means the boot will always fit whenever you choose to stomp, Be it a dreamy Tuscan hideaway, a chic sea-facing pad, or even a Venetian palazzo, now is the time to get planning for that idyllic Italian villa holiday, From the glamour of the Amalfi Coast to the soft sands of Sardinia, these are the strands to target, Our horizons are broadening at long last tests to get back into the UK have been dropped for fully vaccinated travellers and Spain has loosened its entry requirements for teenagers, Where can I go on holiday in 2022? A dip in the coolness and natural surroundings is ensured by the Foresta Umbra, a rich UNESCO heritage site composed of ancient beech groves. Hampton Inn Haverhill. With a half-day boat tour, you can visit amazing spots like Lovers Cave, Palombara Cave, Blue Cave, Zinzulusa Cave and Romanelli Cave. For instance, a very important Byzantine Abbey of Sant Angelo. You can read about my trip to Prosecco here.) It is an unusual destination for tourists but one worth knowing - and visiting. In fact, if you are looking for a destination with the best water, Polignano is a place to go. La Quinta by Wyndham, Salem. My favourite things to do in Puglia 1. 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). Today, wander the seafront and youll find the port is home to luxury yachts. With its small historic center filled with alfresco cafes and restaurants, a harbour dotted with traditional blue and red fishing boats, and a long stretch of coastline littered with small, hidden coves, beautiful sandy beaches and clear turquoise waters, Monopoli is one of the best places to visit in Puglia to completely switch off and soak up the sun on a hot summers day. Covid travel restrictions explained, See the Northern Lights in Finnish Lapland, 2023 Croatia Island-Hopping Private Yacht and Magical Montenegro Experience. Discovering the best of Puglia in a Small Group 6 Days 5 Nights. Puglias cucina povera is renowned across Italy, so this makes a wonderful place for a cooking lesson. The Murat district is the newer part of the city which is home to the major shopping and entertainment district, as well as several elegant 19th century palaces such as the Teatro Petruzzelli, Teatro Piccinni and Palazzo Fizzarotti. The shore is characterized by sandy stretches which alternate with rocks; the water is crystal clear with colour ranging from blue cobalt to green. This Baroque Architecture and Underground Walking Tour will take you around the highlights. 2. Torre Dell'Orso. Main picture: Gallipoli harbour, Salento (Getty Images). Do you fancy seeing an alternative Italy that offers exciting undiscovered locations? The second one lasts 2 hours and is 2Km long. It has been broadly organised by location so you can use it to plan your Puglia itinerary, heading south east from Bari and travelling in a clockwise loop. Dating all the way back to 1394, not only is Putignano Carnival the oldest of its kind in Europe but its also one of the longest-running carnivals in the world. Originally seen as a poor food, Frisellais today very popular on the tables of Puglia as well on the street food markets. COVID-19 update: See the added health and safety measures this property is taking. They serve delicacies from local organic products and each weekend they also organize a farmers market if you consider buying any local ingredients. Starting with the Propaggini (poetry reading) on December 26th, the core of the Carnival celebrations (and the best time to visit) occurs between late January and Shrove Tuesday in February. At 6,288 feet, extreme weather is known to rip through the summit and endanger hapless hikers. The Daunia Mountains include 30 charming villages and the area is well known for being the green heart of Puglia. I guarantee itll be one of the highlights of your entire trip. The citys old town sits on a tiny limestone island connected to the mainland by a 16th century bridge and surrounded by defensive walls dating back to the 14th century. 798 Reviews. I also took a boat trip while I was there, which is a wonderful way to spend half a day, enjoying the sea breeze. Choose also alternative places and unusual activities, like the ones below: It is a spectacular underground cave system that is 3Km long and 70m deep. The town is filled with historic structures, churches, etc. Chef Silvestro Silvestori offers a range of cooking classes at his culinary school in Lecce, The Awaiting Table. 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