Joined in 2023 
82 
63 About this deal
Not a surprise given that it's not an English speaking country, but definitely one to note if you're used to travelling in the north of Italy or other popular tourist destinations in Europe.
places to visit in Puglia on a self-drive Guide to the best places to visit in Puglia on a self-drive
The larger hotels will be fine, as are hostels, and fancier restaurants should have at least one member of staff who can speak English, but in small eateries, tiny towns, petrol stations - even our car rental depot - we had to rely on our limited Italian. This unspoilt stretch of coastline runs from the very south of Puglia, in Leuca, and up and beyond Gallipoli. The ‘white city’ of Puglia, Ostuni gracefully grows up from its prime position slightly inland from the coast, and the drive towards the white-washed exterior gives you some stunning viewpoints to admire it from.
As a visitor, this dazzling region of Italy could keep you entertained for weeks, if not months, with a seemingly never-ending list of things to do in Puglia. We've created a lovely little guide to Matera, full of things to do, where to stay and how to get there - and of course, lots of pretty pictures! Sure, it can get a little frustrating when you want to be productive in the afternoon, but instead of fighting it, go with it. Do your sight-seeing in the morning and save the afternoon for beach time, have an extra scoop of gelato for your afternoon treat to tide you over til your late dinner and generally do what the locals do!
Puglia, Italy 17 Really Useful Things to Know Before Visiting Puglia, Italy
On first glance at the photos on Google, Otranto might seem like any other Puglian coastal town: with perfect coloured waters and plenty of white-washed buildings. To those that have travelled extensively in Italy, this won't come as a surprise. Cuisine here is fairly regional, with most restaurants serving a variation on a theme all year round. Perhaps we'll never know, but that doesn't make their existence - and experience - any less of a Puglian must. Gallipoli is believed to have been founded by the Greeks and through the centuries, the town was conquered by a succession of powers including the Byzantines and the Normans. In the 18th century, Gallipoli was home to the largest olive oil market in the Mediterranean. From its ports, ships laden with olive oil sailed to major European cities where the oil was used for lighting. It is said that olive oil from Gallipoli lit the streets of London before the advent of the electric bulb. The enormous baroque Sant Agata Cathedral towers over the old town! Southern Puglia has some of the best beaches in southern Italy. Here, you’ll find long stretches of fine, white or golden sand, lapped by crystal-clear turquoise water. Some of the best beaches can be found at or near Torre dell’Orso/Sant’Andrea, Otranto, Maldive del Salento and Porto Cesareo. Search for hotels in Porto Cesareo (Booking.com). There are many gorgeous beaches in the Lecce province, such as this one in Maldive del Salento.
As I’ve said, the cuisine of the region has historically been made of simple ingredients, but truly delicious. This was due to the south of Italy having not just less money, but also one of the most apparent differences; the abundance of Olive Trees to make oil with, while the North of Italy would rely more on butter. A short drive southwest of Lecce lies Nardò, an absolutely charming town. It was an important town in the Byzantine Empire until the 15th century. These days, it’s a quiet place but with a wealth of stunning Baroque architecture! Piazza Salandra in Nardo
Finding Myself in Puglia: A Journey of Self-Discovery U…
The Trulli part of the town is surrounded by a more modern, contemporary setting of typical shops and restaurants. In the historic centre, you can see a split between the more touristed side, where little shops and restaurants live in most the Trulli, and across where they are more residential. We had no intention of stopping here during my first road trip in Puglia last November, but I was in desperate need of a toilet break.While the coastline and Trulli homes are rightly celebrated on most must-visit Puglia lists, head to the hills and mountains of the region for a completely different experience. In the Foggia province, popular for slow-travel and agritourism, you’ll find yourself in the hills and mountains, often with views to neighbouring regions of Italy. To the Apennines, these medieval villages provided strong visual outposts, and most have a castle or fortress sitting at their highest point. Santa Agata di Puglia as seen from above Locals sit around a bar’s terrace What a disappointment. This was a stream-of-consciousness ramble that read more like a diary than a memoir. There was no structure to the story. There wasn't even really a story! There was barely even any dialogue. Even for memoir, there should be dialogue, scenes, characters. But this was all a rambling mess of telling and not showing, with random side stories that didn't matter at all thrown in when it never made sense.
Things To Do in Puglia: Places to Visit, Attractions 20 Best Things To Do in Puglia: Places to Visit, Attractions
Puglia as a region offers something for everyone; and if you are like me, you’ll want to try everything it offers! The historic part of the city actually sits on a kind of island, jutting out from the mainland, and with some still looking sheltered bays for bathing, white-washed walls, and your common cathedrals, churches and castles that are found throughout Puglia, it has all the main ingredients of a Puglian town. Can’t say much more than that firsthand, but will add an update after my next visit. The beautiful town of Martina Franca Martina Franca Not long after booking our flights, we began the arduous task of weighing up various accommodation options - unfortunately, that search began in Polignano a Mare.You can choose to stay along the coast to enjoy the province’s stunning beaches and visit Lecce on a day trip, or you can stay in Lecce for 1-2 nights to truly appreciate its historic gems. If you enjoy cooking, I highly recommend joining this Puglia cooking course in Lecce. I recommend spending 1-2 nights in Lecce.
Great Deal 
New Comment