Welcome to Puglia, a region located in the heel of Italy’s boot-shaped peninsula! As a first-time tourist in Puglia, you are in for a treat. From its sandy beaches and crystal clear waters to its historic towns and delicious cuisine, Puglia has something for everyone. Discover Italy’s Puglia region with our beginner’s guide to Puglia.
Getting here
First things first, let’s talk about how to get to Puglia. The region is easily accessible by air, with several airports serving the area, including the Bari Karol Wojtyla Airport and the Brindisi-Salento Airport. You can also get to Puglia by train or car, with several major highways and railway lines running through the region.
More | Read the Puglia Guys guide to Getting Here and Getting Around
Where to stay
Once you arrive in Puglia, you’ll want to make your way to one of the many charming towns and cities that dot the region. Some must-see destinations include the baroque city of Lecce, the trulli houses of Alberobello, and the ancient port town of Bari. Each of these destinations offers a unique glimpse into the history and culture of Puglia.
More | How to find the best base for your vacation in Puglia
Puglia Day Trips and Road Trips
The Puglia Guys essential Puglia day trip and road trip guide.
We strip down Puglia (and Matera which is not part of Puglia, but a near neighbour in Italy’s Basilicata region) to its essential parts. Here we consider visiting these destinations as day trips, when your chosen base is elsewhere.
You can then fit together the pieces to plan an itinerary that best suits your needs. Whether for efficient day-tripping, making the most economic use of time and distance, or packing in as much of our region as you can during a shorter stay.
More | Essential Puglia – day trip and road trip guide for planning road trips around Puglia from your chosen base.
Puglia by beach
Of course, no trip to Puglia would be complete without a visit to the region’s stunning beaches. The Adriatic coast is home to some of Italy’s most beautiful beaches, with crystal clear waters and soft, sandy shores. The Ionian coast is also home to some fantastic beaches, including the popular tourist destination of Gallipoli.
More | Discover 50 of Puglia’s best beaches
Puglia by food
When it comes to dining in Puglia, you’ll be spoilt for choice. The region is known for its delicious cuisine, which is heavily influenced by the Mediterranean diet. Be sure to try some of the local specialties, such as orecchiette pasta, pane di Altamura (a type of bread), and the famous Primitivo wine.
More | #EatPuglia – 20 must eat regional dishes to try on vacation | the Puglia Guys curated guide to Puglia’s best restaurants
Puglia by weather
Sunny days! Puglia enjoys plenty of sunshine during the summer, with an average of 9 hours of sun per day. This makes it the perfect destination for beach lovers and those looking to spend time outdoors. Puglia experiences hot and dry weather during the summer months, with temperatures reaching up to 40°C (104°F) in July and August. The humidity is generally low, making the heat more bearable. However, it’s important to stay hydrated and use sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun’s rays.
More | With the Puglia Guys guide to Puglia’s weather you won’t be caught out
What to do
In addition to its food, Puglia is also home to some fantastic shopping destinations. The region is known for its ceramics, leather goods, and jewelry, all of which make for great souvenirs.
More | enjoy off the beaten track road trips like Otranto to Leuca | discover some of Puglia’s best destinations that you probably haven’t heard of, like Grottaglie famed for its ceramics | Puglia by bike: cycle 200 miles around Puglia in 6 days
Puglia from space
Travel across Puglia in this short video made by the European Space Agency for their ’Earth from Space’ video program.
Ci vediamo in Puglia – See you in Puglia
Overall, Puglia is a must-visit destination for any traveler. With its stunning beaches, charming towns, and delicious cuisine, there is something for everyone in this beautiful region of Italy.