DO local

Slow Itinearies

To go slow in Puglia it’s not so difficult thanks to the climate and lack of mountains. 

Here some of our proposals to better feel the landscape harmony, by bicycle, on foot and by train:

On the transhumance trail

Celano, Castelnuovo Daunia, Torremaggiore, Lucera, Foggia

Puglia Trekkig

Matera, Alberobello, Noci, Ostuni, San Pietro Vernotico, Lecce, Laghi Alimini, Otranto

Angling & Fishing

Rich of fish of every varieties and species, the seas surrounding Puglia are for millenniums a food resource for people living along the coast and inland. 

The vast variety and quality of fishing in Puglia makes it the perfect destination for your angling holiday.

Film Tourism

There are various filming locations around Puglia & Matera. Immerse yourself in the deserted villages of the Subappennine area captured in “Nel Blu dipinto di Blu” by Domenico Modugno or visit the locations of Wonder Woman or the Passion of Christ by Mel Gibson.

Family Fun

There’s a whole host of child-friendly things to do with your family in Puglia. If your little ones are crazy for nature, you’ll find some fantastic protected environments to see Puglia’s impressive flora and fauna at its most impressive. If your kids are more into high-octane fun, there are plenty of waterparks to zoom around, and incredible atmospheric caves to dive into.

For example:

Bread and Dinosaurs

Laterza, Gravina, Altamura

Caves and Balconies of Puglia 

Polignano a Mare, Castellana Grotte

Pollino Natural Park

Monte Pollino, San Severino Lucano

Ancient & Historic Sites

Once the gateway to Greece and the Orient, Puglia is without saying one of the most historic regions of Italy. 

Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Normans, Swabians, Spaniards…. the history of Puglia is a history of invasions that have left distinctive traces. Austere romanic cathedrals, old towns heaving with baroque buildings, medieval castles, noble palaces and historical residences. Every city, every little village offer artistic and archaeological treasures, some known, others to be discovered. Two sites listed in the Unesco World Heritage of enchanting suggestion, Castel del Monte built by Imperator Frederick II and the Trulli of Alberobello.

Three sample itineraries:

Discovering Itria Valley

Alberobello, Locorotondo, Cisternino, Ostuni

The Daunia Mountains

Sant'Agata di Puglia, Bovino, Accadia, Deliceto, Orsara di Puglia, Troia, Lucera

La Via Francigena

Troia, Lucera, San Severo, San Marco in Lamis, San Giovanni Rotondo, Monte Sant'Angelo

Beaches

With 800 km of coasts Puglia is one of the most envied region for its beaches.

Starting from Gargano in the northern Puglia, there are many wonderful views and beaches such as Vignanotica near Vieste, a wonder that it is possible to reach only through a little and winding road inside the maquis. (The cliff of white calcareous stones surround the beach and protect from waters).

Heading south down the Adriatic there are many other spectacular beaches. In this area we come upon the beaches of Bari with sand, rocks and pebbles. 

Torre Quetta on the Lungomare Perotti, it’s the meeting place of the people of Bari. At the sunset, the beach with pebbles and gravel become the hero of the night with concerts and events.

Monopoli has long sandy beaches and rocky bays of crystalline sea close to fortified farm houses, abbeys and coastal towers.

Continuing our voyage of discovery in Puglia towards Brindisi and approaching the beaches of Ostuni we  can find long sandy beaches surrounded by the Itria Valley and his trulli houses where to walk. Not so far away the zoo with wild animals and spas. 

The gorgeous Torre Guaceto Nature Reserve with plenty of opportunities to observe plant and animal species is simply a paradise you will not want to leave.

Many fancy resorts, are scattered along the coast. Coccaro beach, a luxury sofa on the sea-shore, is one of the 10th best club beaches of the Mediterranean according to Times magazine.

As we continue down Puglia we arrive in Salento, the land of beaches for families and sports lovers.

Porto Badisco according to Virgil was  the site of Aeneas’ first landing in Italy after escaping from Troy.

The beach of Frassanito is perfect for sport lovers. Here several bays immersed in the green of pine woods with clear waters. The area is very ventilated and for this cool in the summer months but also perfect scenery for windsurfers.

Gallipoli is known as one of the most coveted locations by young people and lovers of fun. The beach of the Purity has a bustling atmosphere, a result of its urban location, but the main distraction is sun worshipping.

On the ionian coast, Marina di Pescoluse also known as Le Maldive del Salento is perfect for children and inexperienced swimmers due to its shallow waters.

Shopping

Puglia is world renowned for its traditional products and crafts offering fantastic quality.

There are weekly markets all over Puglia where to wonder around. One of our absolute favourites is the market in Ostuni every Saturday.

Or if you are a fan of antiques, try out the antique market in Gallipoli on the first Sunday of every month.

If you're more into fashion than antiques, then you need to head to the larger towns and cities. Bari is third largest city in Southern Italy and offers a lot in terms of shopping. The newer part of Bari's town centre should certainly satisfy any craving for a bit of retail therapy. The Via Sparano is a kilometre-long pedestrianized shopping street and is home to many designer stores such as Furla and D&G as well as many well-known retail chains such as Zara and Sisley.

Lecce has a rich tradition of papier-mache and the town is full of tiny workshops made by local artists which you can purchase to take home. You can even learn how to make papier mache pieces yourself.

Cookery & Crafts

The food and crafts of Puglia, much like the region itself, remain relatively undiscovered. Which makes it the perfect opportunity to take your tastebuds on an adventure.

Like much of Italy, you’ll find olive oils, meats, cheeses and pasta at it’s heart, but not like you’ve ever tasted before. read more >