Holiday in Puglia
Puglia is a region in the south of Italy. Together with the Salento peninsula, it forms the “heel” of the “Italian” boot.
Compared to other tourist hotspots in Italy, Puglia offers a quieter atmosphere, ideal for travelers who want to experience authentic Italy away from the crowds.
The region lies between two seas, the Ionian Sea on one side and the Adriatic Sea on the other. Over 800 kilometres of coastline with cliffs but also beautiful beaches attract holidaymakers to the region.
Those who prefer to spend their holidays in Puglia in the hinterland can discover wide plateaus and rolling hills, olive groves and vineyards. Puglia is famous for its olive oil and wine culture.
Culturally, Puglia has much to offer. Many peoples have travelled here over the centuries. From the cave church to the medieval castles and the unique trulli houses, the traveller will find extraordinary cultural assets here.
Apulian cuisine is characterized by its simplicity, freshness and the intense taste of its ingredients.
Here are some culinary specialties of Puglia that holidaymakers should not miss:
- Orecchiette con Cime di Rapa (handmade “orecchiette” (little ears) pasta, served with “cime di rapa” (stem cabbage), garlic, olive oil and sometimes anchovies or hot peppers)
- Burrata (cheese specialty that resembles a mozzarella ball on the outside, but has a creamy filling of mozzarella and cream on the inside)
- Focaccia Barese (crispy base with tomatoes, olives and sometimes onions or capers)
- Panzerotti (crescent-shaped fried or baked dumplings filled with tomatoes and mozzarella)
Puglia is also known for its high-quality olive oils and wines. The most famous types of wine include Primitivo and Negroamaro.
Holiday in Puglia – Worth seeing and unforgettable
The small town of Polignano a Mare is located on the Adriatic coast of Apulia. It is not yet overrun with tourists, but it is one of the more popular seaside resorts in Apulia.
A look at the map of Italy showed us a small town very close to Bari, which we really wanted to visit just because of its name. Monopoli! Would there also be a castle avenue here, as in the board game?
To the west of Bari, about 11 kilometres away, is Bitonto. From Bari you can take the train to the town and enjoy the flair and sights in Bitonto.
Bari is by the sea, so a walk by the sea along Bari's seafront promenade is simply part of a stay in the city.
In the north of the city, on a peninsula, lies the old town of Bari. A stroll through the alleys is a must when visiting the city.
Bari's cathedral bears the beautiful name Cattedrale di San Sabino (Cathedral of San Sabino) and is located in the old town. The impressive church is dedicated to Saint Sabinus, who was once bishop of Canosa.
Eating and drinking keeps body and soul together and gives enough energy for great city explorations in and around Bari.
Large and massive, the landmark of the city of Bari, the Castello Normanno-Svevo di Bari, stands on the edge of the old town. You should definitely plan a visit to the Bari fortress during your visit to the city.
Bari has an impressive cemetery in the middle of the city, which is well worth a visit during your stay in the city. Bari's monumental cemetery is almost like a city within a city.
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Puglia travel information
Arrival
By plane
Bari and Brindisi are the two major airports in the region, which are also served by international flights. The airports of Taranto and Foggia are only of regional and local importance.
By train
There are several local rail providers in the region offering various rail connections.
By car
The approach by car is via the Brenner Pass and about 1200 kilometres of motorways across Italy.
By boat
There are ferry ports in Bari and Brindisi with connections to Croatia, Montenegro, Albania and Greece.
On the way in Puglia
By train
During the week, the coastal towns and the most interesting tourist destinations in the interior of the country can be reached very well by train. It is noticeable that many connections are not offered, especially on Sundays.
By bus
Numerous bus providers serve the regional destinations.
By car
Puglia has a modern road network. The main roads include the A14 motorway (toll), the Statale 16 motorway (runs through the entire region), the Statale 97 Murge motorway and the Statale 172 Trulli motorway.
Best time to travel
Spring (March to May)
Spring is an excellent time to visit Puglia. Temperatures are mild, with an average of 15°C in March, rising to a pleasant 20°C to 25°C by May. Rainy days decrease, with an average of 5 to 7 rainy days per month.
Summer (June to August)
Summer in Puglia is hot and dry, with average temperatures of 25°C to 30°C, which can exceed 35°C in the hottest months of July and August. Rainy days are rare, with often less than 2 days of rain per month.
Fall (September to November)
Autumn brings back pleasant temperatures, which are still around 25°C in September and drop to a milder 15°C to 20°C by November. Rainy days increase, especially in November, which can see an average of 6 to 8 rainy days.
Winter (December to February)
Winters in Puglia are mild with average temperatures of 10°C to 15°C. Rainy days are more frequent, with an average of 6 to 9 days per month, especially in December and January. Snow is rare.
Scirocco winds: These warm winds from Africa can occur in spring and fall and cause unexpectedly high temperatures.
Il Maestrale: The north-westerly wind can provide a welcome cooling in summer, especially on the coast.