Polignano a Mare, Puglia, Italy - Dramatic Aerial View at Sunset

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Holidays in Puglia

Discover quintessential southern Italy on a Puglia holiday, where delicious food and wine (hello, deep-fried panzerotti calzones), medieval villages in idyllic countryside and dazzling sea views from limestone cliffs await.

Italy’s ‘heel’ is a top destination for foodies, with the region producing much of the country’s olive oil, a sizable chunk of the durum wheat used for pasta and a hefty amount of wine (particularly primitivo). This is all to say, a holiday to Puglia is an invitation to live well. Treat yourself to generous servings of orecchiette, giant green olives and the freshest of seafood, all washed down with flavoursome local wine.

Road tripping is a great way to see the region’s many historic cities, towns and villages. Visit Lecce, with its ornate Barocco Leccese architecture; the white city of Ostuni built on three hills; or Italy’s easternmost town, Otranto, where the turquoise Adriatic laps white sand.

With a longer shoreline than any other region in mainland Italy, Puglia’s diverse coast is a big draw. Picture small sandy bays, pebbled beaches lined with sun-loungers and all the watersports you’d want from a classic beach break. Stop for a swim along the Salento peninsula at Grotta Zinzulusa, near Castro. Further north, Parco Nazionale del Gargano is perfect for a morning hike before you head out to the Tremiti Islands for an afternoon snorkelling session.

What to do in Puglia

From unique historic attractions and towns embodying eras gone by, to natural wonders and mouth-watering Italian cuisine, a holiday to Puglia is a guaranteed crowd pleaser.

Basilica di San Nicola

In Bari, Puglia’s capital, you’ll find the Basilica di San Nicola, an imposing, almost fortress-like church that’s the final resting place of Saint Nicholas, the inspiration behind Father Christmas.

Highlights here include frescoes, sculptures, a very old ciborium (a sort of lidded, goblet-like container) and a gorgeous golden ceiling. If you have time, head to the nearby Museo Archeologico di Santa Scolastica to dive deeper into the region’s past at an ancient convent.

Food and drink

Puglia’s signature pasta is the ear-shaped orecchiette, a feature that helps trap all the delicious sauces with which it’s usually served. For a special experience, sign up to a cooking class and dine on your own handiwork (with a glass of local wine in hand, of course).

Also make room for friselle, a twice-baked bread that is usually topped with olive oil, fresh tomatoes and oregano. Craving something sweet? Try pasticciotto, a tasty pastry filled with custard or ricotta.

Parco Nazionale del Gargano

For a scenic day out, head to the north of Puglia to explore Parco Nazionale del Gargano. It’s one of Italy’s biggest national parks and encompasses mountains, coastal limestone cliffs and ancient forests.

Walk through the Foresta Umbra to see primeval beech trees, many of which are over 40m (131 ft) tall; explore towns like Vieste and Rodi Garganico; and visit sea caves along the coastline. The little nearby town of San Giovanni Rotondo, known as a place of pilgrimage, is also worth a potter.

Castel del Monte

A must see on any Puglia holiday, Castel del Monte isn’t like most castles you’ll come across. It has an octagonal shape with a tower on each corner (that makes eight in total).

This UNESCO World Heritage Site may stick out on the hill it’s built on, but its history is shrouded in mystery. Nobody is quite sure why it has such an unusual design, but it’s worth seeing in the flesh, or rather, in stone.

Grotte di Castellana

Italy’s longest natural subterranean tunnel network, the Grotti di Castellana is a series of limestone caves reaching depths of some 122m (400ft) below ground. Take a tour through the underground warren, making sure it includes the Grotta Bianca, a white-walled cave dripping with thin stalactites.

There’s also a museum dedicated to speleology (the study of caves) and, to explore in the opposite direction, an observatory.

Where to stay in Puglia

For family holidays

Ostuni, also known as the Città Bianca (the White City), is a great base for families on a Puglia holiday. There are family-friendly hotels and plenty to keep all ages occupied. In case of tired feet, you can tour the city in a little three-wheeler known as an ape (pronounced ah-peh, which is Italian for bee). Afterwards, treat yourselves to some tasty gelato.

Ostuni is also just a few miles from the beach, which makes for a lovely sun-kissed day out – don’t miss the popular Costa Merlata or Lido Morelli. And if you’re just looking for fun in the sun at a kid-friendly resort, a package holiday to Puglia will tick all the boxes.

For cheap holidays

Bari, the region’s capital, is a convenient base for a cheap Puglia holiday. Low-cost airlines fly into the city, which is well connected to other key destinations in Puglia by train, so there’s no need to connect flights or hire a car.

Bari has a range of accommodation options that feature as part of package holidays and plenty of inexpensive things to do. Wander around the old town, stopping for a visit to the Basilica di San Nicola and an espresso at the Piazza Mercantile. Don’t miss the Museo Archeologico di Santa Scolastica, which details the origins of the city.

For romantic breaks

Known as the ‘Florence of the South’, Lecce is full of baroque architectural marvels and is the perfect city for a romantic couple’s holiday. Spend your days strolling the narrow streets, admiring the Basilica di Santa Croce and the restored 15th-century Santa Chiara church, which houses a museum dedicated to the city.

Puglia’s countryside is just as romantic. Explore the quaint medieval towns and olive groves of Valle d’Itria or take in the cliffside views from Polignano a Mare, best paired with a glass of local negroamaro wine.

For a luxury holiday

From beachside resorts to chic farmhouses, there are a slew of luxury hotels in Puglia. Some are tucked away in remote parts of the region, others are in cities such as Lecce or Ostuni, both suitably beautiful places for strolls along cobbled streets and delicious al fresco meals.

These city bases are best if you have plans for sightseeing. If your focus is more on the resort, pick one with plenty to do on site – you’ll find stays boasting spas with hammams, great restaurants, epic pools and direct sea access.

When to go to Puglia

Summer in Puglia is peak season, but it’s probably best avoided due to the heat, crowds and hotel rates. Instead, aim for the calmer shoulder seasons or winter if you don’t mind a quieter vibe and some tourist attractions being closed.

When is the cheapest time to visit?

For a cheap Puglia holiday, aim to visit outside the peak months of July and August. This is also when the region is at its busiest and the heat can be too much. The cheapest time is winter but be aware that many businesses may be closed for the season.

When should I go for the best weather?

The best weather in Puglia is typically in the shoulder seasons of April to June and September to October, when you can expect 25C even in early spring. The summer is often sweltering (some days can hit 40C) and too hot for hiking or long days of sightseeing.

Puglia FAQs

FAQs

Are there any local customs I should be aware of?

Dress modestly when entering a church, making sure shoulders and knees are covered. When it comes to dining, remember that Italians tend to eat dinner late, though some places will open earlier for families and tourists.

What's the best way to travel around Puglia?

Trains and buses connect cities and towns in Puglia, but many people find a hire car to be the most convenient way of travelling around the region.

What travel adapter should I bring?

Italy uses plug types C, F, or L (particular to Italy). These plugs have two or three round pins.

How many days is enough to visit Puglia?

To explore the whole region, you’ll want to take a week or ten days. Five days might be possible to see some of the highlights, but you may feel rushed.