Puglia
Puglia with its white washed towns and endless olive and vine fields is home to the best food, beaches and the most beautiful towns in Italy. With their ancient traditions and quality of wines, Puglia was named best region in the world by National Geographic due to the vibrant culture and rich history that provides. Your visit is unlike any other.
According to National Geographic the region “boasts the best of southern Italy: the rhythms of life, the traditions, the beauty of the places”.
Best Puglia Towns
There are far too many towns to list and they all are truly beautiful, have their trademark local dishes, unique architecture and peculiarity however below are the must-see:
Bari is the capital with its vibrant old town and the culture for eating raw seafood makes the Japanese and the French quite envious.
North of Bari, within an hour drive, the must-visit towns are Trani, Bisceglie, Barletta and Margherita di Savoia (best beach walks and one of the biggest salt pan in the world, home of pink flamingo and other exotic birds). Inland you must check the Murgia region which is the hill side of Puglia: Gravina (filmed a 007 movie), Minervino Murge (home of Cardoncelli mushrooms), Spinazzola (where the famous Castel del Monte is) and Altamura, famous for fresh baked unique bread.
The North part of the region, the heel of Puglia, is called Gargano. Wild territory, Greece looking like with white cliff coastline on white sandy beaches and crystal clear sea.
Monte Sant'Angelo Vieste, Rodi Garganico and Peschici are the most beautiful town. Tremiti islands, a short boat ride away (or helicopter), are a must see and spend 2/3 days.
South of Bari must-visit Mola, Polignano a Mare and Monopoli with their beaches and beautiful old towns and restaurant/bar. Inland check out Alberobello, Martina Franca, Locorotondo and Matera, a medieval town built in caves where some Hollywood films were set.
The south part of Puglia is called Salento. With magical beaches, old baroque towns and the most delicious food and wines this is a real gem of Puglia.
Gallipoli, known as the pearl of Puglia and one of oldest towns (the oldest Greek fountain in Italy is in Gallipoli). The old town is an island connected by a bridge to mainland. The beach side is known as the Caribbean of Salento.
Lecce is the main town and is called "the Florence of south" due to its baroque architecture.
Porto Cesareo, Galatina, Matino, Nardo', Santa Maria al Bagno, Otranto, Castro, Santa Cesarea Terme are the town you must visit while there.
Last but not least check out Taranto with its old town and the best and biggest mussel farms in Italy.
Best Puglia Beaches
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