Top 10 Reasons to Visit Puglia
- 6fanatic
- Nov 8, 2024
- 8 min read
From Tradition to Trendsetting: The beauty of Puglia is that it truly caters to every taste, blending vibrant, trendsetting experiences with serene, authentic retreats. Whether it's the allure of innovative cuisine, the buzz of a unique nightlife, or the charm of slow, traditional living, each moment in Puglia offers a unique and memorable journey in Italy's diverse hidden gem. Here you can find a fusion of authentic culture, superlative cuisine, and unique lifestyle that has something to offer.
Over 20 years ago, we stumbled upon this corner of Italy that would capture our hearts forever. This hidden gem, cradled in the heel of Italy's boot, whispered tales of sleepy whitewashed villages, enchanting trulli houses amidst olive groves, and a sparkling sea that felt like it was ours alone. It was here, amid the very simple yet profound beauty of Puglia, that we decided to build a home away from home.
So, if you're contemplating an Italian journey, let us share our top 10 reasons to visit Puglia:
1) Authenticity
In a time where authentic travel is often overshadowed by commercialized tourism, Puglia stands as an oasis of genuineness. With the exception of the month of August which is particularly high season,this tranquil corner of Italy offers an escape from the frenetic tourist pace, preserving traditions and a slower way of life. Here, ancient customs and artisanal crafts are not just preserved; they are a way of daily life. Puglia’s allure lies not in grandiose attractions, but in its simple, unspoiled landscapes and the rich tapestry of history woven into the fabric of its towns and villages. The local cuisine, a delightful amalgamation of fresh produce, seafood, and homemade wines, epitomizes the region's commitment to authenticity and quality. In Puglia, every meal, stroll, and interaction feels genuine, allowing visitors to connect deeply with the region's soul. For those seeking to step off the well-trodden tourist path, Puglia offers a genuine balance of old and new, an unhurried experience, and a chance to immerse in a lifestyle where authenticity still thrives.
2) Trendy Beats & Eats
The evolving Puglia offers old-world charm that seamlessly merges with modern vibrancy, offering a rich mosaic of experiences. Historic tiny towns like Carovigno and Ceglie Messapica are emerging as hubs of culinary and artistic innovation. Here, you can savour everything from Michelin-starred cuisine to delightful al fresco dining in picturesque sea caves or town piazzas, a blend of Puglia’s deep-rooted culinary traditions and contemporary gastronomy. The region truly comes to life during the high seasons with music festivals that span from electronic to classical and jazz, drawing internationally acclaimed artists. Set against the backdrop of Puglia's enchanting landscapes, these festivals offer an unforgettable experience.
In the high-seasons, Puglia's nightlife transforms into a vibrant mix of trendy beach clubs and unique bars and restaurants stretching across the territory. These spots embody the creative spirit of the region, offering not just innovative cuisine and cocktails but also lively atmospheres for an exciting night out. Places like the White Beach Club in Ostuni and the Coccaro Beach Club near Savelletri cater to those seeking sophisticated evening entertainment by the sea, merging trendy settings with the serene beauty of Puglian coasts. Each of these establishments, from high-end dining spots to pulsating beach clubs, provides more than just a meal or a night out; they're immersive experiences into the vibrant and evolving soul of Puglia.
3) Avoid the Crowds
A quiet street in Locorotondo or Cisternino. Even if you love Tuscany and Venice and Rome, but these rightfully popular tourist destinations can get very crowded. Puglia has always been a summer destination for Italians who flock to the beautiful Puglian beaches in August, but foreigners have only begun visiting in recent years. Tourism may be growing but you’ll still find far fewer visitors here than in other parts of the country, so you can navigate the streets without fighting through tour groups and you’ll benefit from lower prices (even if in recent years, prices and tourism have shifted). It’s also the ideal destination to practice your Italian because not many people speak fluent English and they are very supportive of your attempts to speak Italian and are happy for you to fumble along.
4) Food
Orecchiette with cime di rapa (turnip tops), a very typical dish in Puglia is one of our favourites in Italy, and as a country we know from top to bottom, that’s saying a lot. It’s the most vegetarian-friendly part of the country because of its history of poverty—as locals couldn’t afford expensive foods, they developed an innovative use of vegetables. As one of the most sunny and fertile areas of Italy the vegetables served are seasonal, fresh, and bursting with flavour. But it's not just about the veggies; meat lovers rejoice in specialties like bombette from Valle d'Itria's butchers - succulent meat rolls filled with cheese and herbs. The region's meats are a classic, and don't get us started on the antipasti! Imagine platters loaded with local cheeses like burrata, marinated vegetables, and cured meats, each bite a testament to Puglia's rich gastronomic heritage, served as a starters but are often enough for a meal. But that won’t stop your host serving you three more courses, including a big plate of orecchiette (little ears) pasta, painstakingly made by hand. We'll share a full and diverse list of top-pic-restaurants from our own favorite list.
5) Beautiful Towns TrulloNation is located in the heart of Valle D'Itria, where you can find plenty of gorgeous little towns ideal for aimless wandering including the hobbit-like trulli of Alberobello, the labyrinth whitewashed streets of Locorotondo and Ostuni, to Cisternino and Matrtina Franca. If you stretch a bit further you can reach the elegant seaside towns of Otranto and Gallipolli, or go for a day trip out to the golden ornate baroque of Lecce. Everywhere you’ll find cobbled streets, balconies adorned with pink and red geraniums, stalls overflowing with cherry tomatoes, peaches, and bunches of bright red chiles, hidden piazzas, and many many churches dating back centuries. Outside of busy August none of the towns are overcrowded and it’s easy to find a quiet alleyway to get lost in.
6) Wine
Bombino nero grapes at Rivera winery might not be as well-known as Tuscan wine but Puglia produces 20% of the wine made in Italy. In the past it didn’t have a good reputation as high quality wine but that’s changed in the last few decades and there are now many wineries that rival those of North Italy.
Salice Salentino and Primitivo red wines are most known internationally but there is much more to Puglian wines—as Italy’s longest region the wine produced is very varied.
We can organise e tailored wine tour set up for your preferences. Amongst the many, you can visit the Riviera Winery run by three generations of the De Corato family who were pioneers in raising the quality of local wines in the 1950s. At their winery near Castel del Monte we toured the impressive cellars which combine historic buildings with efficient modern techniques, and tasted some of their wines. We particularly enjoy the rosé wines in Puglia as well, perfect with lunch on a hot day, and the Pungirosa at Rivera was especially good, made from the native bombino nero grapes, unusual because amongst the bunches of purple grapes some stay green. We also loved Il Falcone, a full-bodied ruby red made with a mix of a local variety that includes Nero di Troia.
7) Masserie and Trulli Valle d'Itria, a jewel in Puglia's crown, invites visitors to explore its unique heritage, epitomized by the masserie and trulli. The trulli, including ours at TrulloNation, are architectural marvels unique to this region. Their conical roofs and whitewashed walls are a testament to traditional building techniques that have stood the test of time. For heritage enthusiasts, the Trulli of Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a must-visit. Stroll through streets lined with these distinctive structures, each telling its own story.
Specifically in our area, you can also delve into the local culture by visiting nearby masserie. These are not just farmhouses but cultural hubs where you can experience wine tastings, savor farm-fresh cheeses, or indulge in a traditional Puglian meal. We can give you more tips once here, but a few to mention include Borgo Egnazia, or Masseria Il Frantoio near Ostuni offer an insight into the region's agricultural richness. Here, amidst ancient olive groves, you can taste olive oil straight from the press or join a guided tour to learn about rural life in Puglia.
8) Sea & Sun Puglia's coastline, stretching over 800 kilometers, is a mosaic of some of Italy's finest beaches, where powdery sand meets the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. Lido Morelli, near the picturesque town of Ostuni, exemplifies this beauty with its expansive sandy shores and dunes lined with Mediterranean maquis. Historic towns like Otranto and Gallipoli not only boast rich histories but also harbor stunning beaches right in their urban heart. Otranto's Baia dei Turchi and Gallipoli's Baia Verde offer tranquil turquoise waters, ideal for swimming and water sports. During the summer months, these beaches become vibrant hubs of activity. Visitors can enjoy a range of seaside amenities, from beach bars to water sports rentals. To avoid the crowds, consider visiting in the shoulder seasons – May-June or September-October. During these times, Puglia's beaches offer a more serene atmosphere, and the water remains warm enough for swimming, thanks to the region's mild climate.
Here are four key beach areas worth visiting near Valle d'Itria:
Torre Canne: Just a short drive from the heart of Valle d'Itria.
Why Visit: Torre Canne is renowned for its therapeutic hot springs and beautiful sandy beaches. The waters here are shallow and clear, making it ideal for families. It's also a less crowded option compared to more popular beaches in Puglia.
Polignano a Mare: A bit further but worth the drive, Polignano a Mare is north of Valle d'Itria.
Why Visit: Famous for its dramatic cliffside views and crystal-clear waters, this beach is perfect for those seeking stunning natural scenery. The town itself, perched on the cliffs, offers a picturesque backdrop and charming streets to explore.
Monopoli: Located along the coast, north of Valle d'Itria.
Why Visit: Monopoli boasts a series of small coves and sandy beaches, alongside a historic and vibrant city center. It's great for beachgoers looking to combine a day at the sea with some cultural exploration.
Ostuni Coast: The coastline near Ostuni, known as the White City, is easily accessible from Valle d'Itria.
Why Visit: The beaches here, such as Costa Merlata and Torre Pozzella, offer a diverse range of settings from rocky coves to long sandy stretches. The area is known for its unspoiled natural beauty and crystal-clear water, ideal for snorkeling and relaxing.
9) Olive Oil Ancient olive tree at Il Frantoio. Puglia is a mostly flat landscape and everywhere you look you see olive trees. The Valle d’Itria has the highest concentration of olive trees in Italy, and one of the highest in the world—there are 60 million of them. Even more impressive many of the trees are over a thousand years old, one is even known to be 2700 years old, and they are still producing olive oil. You can visit a 2000-year-old olive tree and tasted the amazing oil during our stay at the organic olive farm Masseria Il Frantoio.
Of course, the excellent olive oil is liberally applied to most local dishes and we can’t get enough of the green tinged liquid gold
10) People And finally, a culture still intact. With global tourism off the charts, no matter which continent you're on, it gets hard to feel like you're not falling in a tourist trap at every corner. Here in Puglia, you can still find women making orecchiette pasta on the streets of of small white washed towns that move at a much slower pace in the steamy south where people will always make time for you. It’s the warmth of the people that makes the difference for us. The welcoming hosts in any of the local farmhouses where you can dine with locals; the bubbly enthusiasm of a teacher at a cooking class we can organise for you, keen to teach anyone about local cuisine; the youthful vendor at Ostuni market who not only didn’t mind us taking photos and asking questions but happily gave us free samples. It's very easy to find that warm welcoming from days ago, from people who are proud of their region, keen to share with foreigners their own culture and help however they could.
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