The vibrant culture and rich history that Puglia provides when you visit is unlike any other. Based on the heel of the Italian ‘boot’, with the Adriatic Sea to the east and Ionian Sea to the south, is an area that should not be missed!
Covering some 19,300km2, Puglia is Italy's 7th largest region (out of 20) and its splendid coastline, dotted with some of Italy's finest sandy beaches and azure seas, runs for around 800km, less only than Sicily and Sardinia.
From the incredible wine and delicacies to the spectacular landscape, the deep red, iron-rich earth below ancient olive or almond trees contrasts with the shimmering blue of the sea. Puglia has some of the most incredible views that Italy can provide!
Puglia has endless fields of vegetables such as artichokes, fava beans, carrots, and fennel, as well as the abundant rows of olive trees and vineyards. It was known as the ‘bread basket’ of Italy due to its large production of bread and pasta – produce that are extremely likely to show up on your menu – wherever you eat!
The main city in Puglia is Bari, with Taranto, Lecce, Brindisi, and Foggia close behind. The most commonly visited cities are probably Ostuni, Monopoli, Lecce, Andria, Alberobello, Gallipoli, and Polignano A Mare.
With direct flights from the UK to Bari and Brindisi, Puglia, its history, culture and beaches are a must see. These are just a few places in Puglia that are sure to pique your interest.- Puglia (pronounced poo-li-ya) is also known by the name of Apulia, and has a population of around 4-million.
- Puglia is famous for its olive oil production. The region provides around 40% of the country’s olive oil, which amounts to around 300,000 tonnes every single year!
- In the past, Puglia was known as the ‘bread basket of Italy’.
- Puglia has the longest coastline of any Italian mainland region. The heel of Italy’s boot-like shape is the defining geographical feature of the area, and is a key reason behind the flowing lengths of coast, totalling around 800km! Its generous coastline means that Puglia is home to some of the most desirable beaches in the region. Wherever you are visiting, a stunning beach nearby is almost guaranteed, with amazing crystal clear waters on Puglia’s Adriatic and Ionian Coasts.
- In recent years, Puglia has been famed for its vibrant and fruity flavours in the red wine varieties (Terre Di San Vito!) and is one of the largest wine-making regions in Italy.
- Puglia was originally colonised by Mycenaean Greeks.
- One of Italy’s most archaeologically interesting areas, Puglia is an absolute hub for history. Lecce, one of the region’s most prominent cities, is often named ‘Florence of the South’ as it is packed with historical gems, including a Roman amphitheater. There are also a number of castles in the area, many of them built by the Holy Roman Empire.
- The Trulli are ancient huts unique to the region. The rich farming heritage of Puglia is prevalent in the landscape picture, with the iconic white Trulli dotted all around. These stone dwellings date back to the Middle Ages and were once used as homes for peasant farmers, amongst others. Alberobello, a UNESCO site, is one of the best places to experience these, with streets lined by these unique dwellings!
- Puglia is hugely proud of its food. Led by local produce, Puglia is the birthplace of many unique Italian foods. These include burrata cheese, orecchiette pasta and tiella, the Italian take on Spanish paella. Learn more about these in our blog on the food of Puglia!
- Puglia is home to the most eastern point of Italy. This is a particularly special area, with a towering lighthouse, Norman Cathedral and a beautiful ‘tree of life’ mosaic, the perfect place to visit on a road trip around the much lovely country of Italy!
- There are so many places to visit in Puglia – you will never be bored. It is a beautiful, rural region full of its own unique character. Puglia has everything; agriculture, history, tradition, mountains, food and wine and some of the best beaches in Italy. A place we are sure you will adore.