If you frequently travel to different Mediterranean regions or are planning a trip to those areas, Puglia can be a great option for you. The heel of the Italian boot awaits you to enjoy a unique and unparalleled experience that you will not want to miss. In this article, you will see why you will enjoy having the best holidays in Puglia.
Getting to know Puglia on a vacation trip
Before getting into what are the best things you can do in Puglia, you must know where it is located. Our trip will focus on the southeast of Italy, specifically in a region known as “the heel of the boot”. Puglia, thanks to its geographical location, enjoys excellent views of the Mediterranean Sea and its beaches give much to talk about.
However, despite having gone unnoticed for many years in the tourist world, Puglia is becoming increasingly popular. It is a picturesque, cozy and very, very Italian region. Thus we could define Puglia and its streets, its people and its culture. Without a doubt, it will be the best family-friendly destination for holidays you could choose.
The places to visit in Puglia
If you go for a trip of 4 to 7 days and you feel that the time will not be enough for you to travel Puglia, you don’t have to worry. The distances between the towns of Puglia are short enough and the trips do not last as long between one site and another. Therefore, if you want to save on costs significantly, we recommend that you rent a car and take the reins of your holiday in Puglia.
If you have doubts about what to see during your trip to Puglia, it will no longer be a problem. Below, we list the best places to visit during your stay in southern Italy.
Bari – the Capital of Puglia
Bari is one of the most attractive cities that Puglia has. Not only because it is the administrative center of the region, but because of the great architectural contrasts it offers. It has a great mix between history and modernity in its streets and walls, which make anyone fall in love.
Also, and although many do not know, the character of Santa Claus was inspired by St. Nicholas of Bari! And the best way to thank him for so many gifts may be visiting the Basilica of St. Nicholas, where you will easily transport yourself to the 12th century. And especially, if you are attracted to these medieval sites you can not miss a stroll through the Fortress of the Suevos.
Alberobello – a unique place
You can search anywhere in Italy, and even in Europe or the world and you won’t find any other city that looks like it. The reason? The Trulli, stone houses built in the 16th century with a rather peculiar design: its cone-shaped roofs. This is one of the reasons why Alberobello was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
The reason why a Trulli has a conical fabric is that at the time of its construction it was thought of a way to evade the taxes of the Kingdom of Naples. To take a pleasant memory of the landscape of Alberobello, you can go up to the viewpoint of the village church and even spend a night in a Trulli.
Polignano a Mare – the best views
Puglia has a seacoast that offers spectacular views that mix the sea with the rocks. And in Polignano a Mare, it was where Doménico Modugno was inspired to create the famous song “Volare”. Also, this town has a reputation for how welcoming its people are and for its streets written with verses from an anonymous poet.
If your destination will be Puglia on vacation, without a doubt Polignano cannot be left out of your list of places to visit. La Grotta de la Poesia is a natural pool formed by cliffs and a turquoise crystal clear waters where you can enjoy the sun and have fun during the summer. But, if you are looking for something really a beach, Cala Porto is your destination within this small but interesting city.
Monopoli – a Santorini on the mainland
Just 15 minutes from Polignano a Mare, it is one of the most beautiful towns in Puglia. This is Monopoli, a small fishing village and an ideal destination to take a few photos to post on your Facebook or Instagram.
Its most characteristic aspect is that, similar to the Greek island of Santorini, its white houses make every visitor to these lands fall in love. So we recommend that, once you pass through Polignano, don’t forget Monopoli.
Lecce – a cultural center
No city in the world can boast having jewels of Roman architecture in its historic centers, such as a theater and an amphitheater. None, except Lecce, the Florence of the South or the Baroque Florence, well known also thanks to a large number of monuments of the Baroque era.
Of the various points of interest, the Church of the Holy Cross and the Piazza del Duomo stand out, which is adjacent to the great Lecce Cathedral and the Diocesan Museum. Without a doubt, there is nothing to miss on a trip to Puglia to spend vacations.
But, if you are interested in continuing to know more about the heel of the boot, we invite you to visit the official tourism page of Puglia, where you will find a much more complete and open guide to plan your trip to southern Italy.
