Often referred to as Italy’s boot heel, Puglia has long, narrow peninsulas and many kilometers of sandy beaches. Moreover, Puglia’s rich culture & history, clean seas, and reliable sunshine make this a perfect destination for everyone. Take a stroll past the crowded tourist spots to these exciting things to do in Puglia.
UNESCO Site Castel del Monte
Castel del Monte is one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Southern Italy. Built between 1229 and 1249 by Frederick II, this unique medieval manor house is located on a hilltop in Apulia, 540 meters above sea level and 18 kilometers from Andria. Castel Del Monte was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996. And today, it’s a national monument.
La Città Vecchia (The Old City)
As a result of its narrow and winding streets, the Old City is a charming place to walk around. In addition to the Swabian castle, the city has many churches, such as the Basilica of San Nicola and the Cathedral of San Sabino. When hunger strikes, there are plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from where you can enjoy some tasty food.
Panoramic view of Gargano coast
The best way to see Gargano is a drive along the coastal road. Here you’ll have a chance to admire the rock formation, steep drops, and crystal-clear sea views.
Alberobello
Alberobello is located 60 kilometers away from the center of Bari, and it’s undoubtedly one of the most picturesque towns in the world, as it consists entirely of tiny Trulli houses. Don’t miss out on this unique, magical spot – you’ll absolutely love it!
Poetry Cave (the famous grato)
The Poetry cave consists of 2 open-air caves carved into the rocks. The larger pool is perfect for taking a swim in the salty water. An underground canal connects to the sea; you can explore by small boat or swim through it.
Teatro Petruzzelli
At the Teatro Petruzzelli, you can see operas and ballets: this is a good place to go if you enjoy classics such as Mozart, Verdi, and Bellini. Remember to check the website for upcoming shows and choose among the countless options!
The Norman Swabian Castle
The people of Bari destroyed a building built by Roger II (1139) at least twice in protest against Norman tyranny. Frederick II rebuilt it almost entirely between 1233 and 1240, and thanks to him, we can visit this important piece of history today. It’s closed on Tuesdays, so plan your visit accordingly.
Pescoluse (Lecce)
Pescoluse is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Puglia. Because of its turquoise water and fine sand, it’s often referred to as the Salento Maldives. Since sand dunes and vegetation protect the beach, it’s perfect for families with kids. Avoid the summer crowds by going during June and September.
Caves of Castellana
There is a series of grottoes (caves) here (40 kilometers southeast of Bari), among the largest in Italy. The caves are 3 kilometers long and 71 meters deep and contain hundreds of stalactites and stalagmites formed by water erosion of the calcareous rock over thousands of years.
Interested in learning more about Puglia? Let’s chat!
Comments