DISCOVER AUTHENTIC PUGLIA (APULIA)

Looking for an authentic destination relatively undiscovered by British tourists? Then we recommend the bewitching region of Puglia. With a superb Mediterranean climate, stunning beaches and gorgeous scenery, Puglia appeals to all ages.

• Off the beaten track Italy

• Unique architecture

• Beautiful Beaches

• Villa Holidays

It’s the southern region of Italy which borders both the Ionian and Adriatic Sea, and is the ‘heel’ to Italy’s ‘boot.’ A favourite holiday destination for Italians, it is an affordable holiday destination and especially appealing to families and couples. With layers of history to be unravelled, and masses of culture ranging from the many summer festivals to foodie delights, what are you waiting for?

WHY VISIT PUGLIA?   

1. Stunning beaches

Puglia has the longest coastline in Italy, and some of the best beaches Italy. With crystal clear, azul waters and superb Mediterranean climate, it’s the perfect place to relax, swim and snorkel. Sallento is probably the best area if beaches are the focus of your holiday. Pescoluse, Leuca, is perfect for families, with its shallow falls and white sands. Torre Guacete, Brindisi, is a protected marine area and nature reserve and suberb for snorkelling. The Tremiti Isles are great for scuba diving. Many of the luxurious hotels have their own private beaches.

2. Spectacular diverse and unspoilt landscape and countryside

Puglia is less mountainous than other regions, with mainly rolling hills and lush plains. In the Valle d’ Itria, there are vineyards, almond and olive groves and twisting country lanes whereas in the north there’s the ancient beech and yew forest of Umbra. These areas are perfect to hike or you can hire bikes and cycle along the many bike routes…perfect in the spring when the wild flowers are in bloom. The spectacular Grotte di Castellana, 40 km from Bari, is Italy’s longest natural underground network of caves.

3. Food and drink destination

As an important agricultural region, Puglia prides itself on creating beautiful dishes using local, fresh produce and locally reared meats. There are a range of eateries with many Michelin starred restaurants. Try handcrafted orecchiette, ear shaped pasta in superb sauces or maccheroni al forno, meatballs and egg baked in a pie crust. There are many local cheeses to sample and succulent locally reared lamb. Freshly caught fish features widely on the menus and to finish try a delicious almond dessert.The local red wine, Puglian Primitivo, is a popular choice.

4. History, culture and unique architecture

Puglia has been inhabited since the Paleolithic time and is a rich archaeological region.

Head to the old town of the vibrant capital BARI and meander around the narrow streets of the Marat district. Famous sites include the Basillica di San Nicola, Castello Normanno Svevo and the stunning cathedral.

In Alberobello, you will see the unique trulli, which are whitewashed limestone buildings with conical roofs, often used as shops and hotels today.  Atmospheric Trani, a sea port city, boasts a stunning cathedral.

Baroque LECCE, known as the Florence of the South, also has a fabulous Roman amphitheatre.

5. Matera

We thoroughly recommend a two day visit to the ancient caved city of MATERA, as seen in the latest James Bond film.

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