Puglia, otherwise known as Apulia, is a province in Italy perched on the southeastern tip. It is encircled by the Adriatic Sea, the Ionian Sea, the Gulf of Taranto, and the Strait of Otranto. Away from its sea borders, the region is generously spoiled by nature with caves, grottoes, hills sprinkled with olive trees, islands, and seductive beaches. The list can get overwhelming, but we’ll guide on the best places to start from. Here are the 10 best things to do in Puglia, immersing you in experiences that feel dreamy. While you're here, discover our collection of Puglia Holidays and Italy Tours to inspire your next European adventure.
1. Cycle from Bari to Basilicata
Take on an eclectic adventure in Puglia, cycling through its charming streets and culture, from Bari - the iconic and culturally significant capital, to Basilicata - a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In between, you'll be greeted by the magnificent sights of nature, the sounds of the culture, and the tastes of its cuisines. You'll even cycle past Alberobello and its trullis, and Ostuni - the white city. Embark on an organised luxury cycling adventure from Puglia to Basilicata with guides and supporting vans. With complete logistic support sorted, you can totally enjoy the scenery along the cyling route. Explore our range of Cycling Tours in Puglia and Italy.
2. Walk Around The White City of Ostuni
You don't see a city draped in white every day, and Ostuni in Puglia is one of the few around the world that awaits your exploration. This charming whitewashed city comprises a stunning array of steep staircases, white buildings, and narrow cobblestone streets winding up and down the hills in Itria Valley. Walk around this remarkable terrain and whitish ambiance on a special tour that unravels its wholesome beauty. Definitely a walk to remember, especially as scenic views of the Adriatic Sea below complement the experience. Explore our range of Walking Holidays in Puglia & Italy.
3. Visit the Trulli Houses of Alberobello
No trip to Puglia is complete without gracing the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Alberobello, famed for its unique Trulli houses. These houses are built without mortar but with limestones and spot dome-shaped roofs, a tribute to the Itria Valley. You can take a walking tour around the UNESCO town to admire these Trulli houses and spend a night in one of them for a complete immersive experience.
4. Tour Castel del Monte
Castel del Monte, translated in English as "Castle on the Mountain," is a famous octagonal castle that every Puglia visitor must see. The castle stands on a hill, imposing its frame, elegance, and octagonal shape over the surroundings below. It was built in the 13th century by King Frederick II as a fort. Tickets can be booked to explore the castle as well as guided tours. However, book in advance as it is the region's most visited castle.
5. Take Photos at the Backdrop of Leece Architecture
Leece is the main city in the Salento peninsula, renowned as the Florence of the South due to its iconic architecture. Across the town are several 17th-century architectural masterpieces, ranging from cathedrals and piazzas to the town's palazzi, baroque monuments, and Roman amphitheatre. As such, there are plenty of backgrounds for taking incredible pictures after admiring the buildings. Alternatively, you can brave it up and add a unique thrill to your leisure tour by biking from Leece to Matera. This way, you'll encounter more than enough architectural masterpieces, including several other cities and towns.
6. Sample Street Foods
Whether you're in Bari, Trani, Alberobello, or Locorotondo, there's always a street food scene to sample local delicacies. Puglia is a coastal region and seafood is almost a staple here. They can be found on the streets or at restaurants, especially in Trani along its waterfront. Bari has the best and liveliest street food hub in Puglia to taste special delights like focaccia, cheeses, panzerotti, and the ever-delectable gelato.
7. Explore Cala Porto Beach
There are many beaches to see and explore in Puglia, but the crystal clear waters of Cala Porto make it outstanding. Located in Polignano a Mare, it is one of the highlights of the town that draws tourists from all over the world. The beach is pretty small, overlooked by imposing limestone cliffs and azure waters. However, it's truly scenic and one of the best in Puglia. As an icing on the cake, remember to grab a gelato on your way to the beach to savour as you bask in the sun and admire the scenery.
8. Shop in an Antique Market
Antique markets are always open on Sundays for locals and visitors alike to shop. So, you can decide to come on a weekend and meet a Sunday market, which gives you the pleasure of going home with souvenirs for your loved ones. In Itria Valley, one can always find a Sunday market open to purchase ceramics, clothing, and antiques emblematic of the region. For ceramics alone, head to Grottaglie to shop ceramics that exist on the foundation of ateliers dating back several generations.
9. The Tremiti Islands Tour
Puglia is filled with enchanting islands, flanked by sugar-white sand beaches. So, one of the best things to do here is to roam these islands on a day trip. Start with one of the most dramatic and bewitching archipelagos - the Tremiti Islands, which include San Nicola, Capraia, Pianosa, and the smallest of them, Cretaccio. San Domino is intentionally left out of the list because it deserves a separate mention. This is the largest island in the archipelago and the greenest, endowed with some of the best and picture-perfect beaches in the region.
10. Dine in a Cave in Polignano a Mare
The feeling of munching luscious Italian fares beneath a cave feels like you're acting a script in a fairy-tale blockbuster film. Make this scintillating experience a reality in Grotta Palazzese - a charming restaurant nestled in a cave in Polignano a Mare. This unusual restaurant offers unforgettable dining experiences by eating meals from 4-course set menus, and lovely views of the sea below. It's best you book in advance for this experience.
