Puglia is without a doubt one of those magical regions that seem to exist in a realm apart from most expectations of a classic Italian vacation. The best way to think of it is to consider mixing the best of a Greek and Italian holiday into one. From Gargano to Salento, Puglia is a lush land full of cacti, endless miles of olive trees, and towns large and small that either cling to the vast coastline or dot the hillsides, all with particularly rich and mysterious histories.
Puglia Italy from Gargano to Salento:
Magical villages, awe-inspiring beaches and sumptuous foods and wines
Dreamy Coastal Towns & Magical Valle D’Itria
Enchanting Salento Peninsula
Captivating Bari and Northern Ports
Gargano: Wild Forests & Charming Islands
A Walk into History in the Alta Murgia National Park
Beaches for Everyone
Be astonished by white painted towns that stand out like beacons, just waiting to be explored.
Discover the Trulli homes that are famous in Alberobello but can also be found all around the Valle D’Itria, in numerous less touristed villages.
Take a cooking class and learn how to make orecchiette, Puglia’s famous ear shaped pasta.
Meander coastal towns, with their karst cliffs and grottos.
Join the young, and young at heart in Puglia in jumping off cliffs into the blue waters below.
Don’t miss the chance to linger over a fresh plate of calamari and a beer while just staring out at the sea!
Bask in the soft sand and light blue waters of Puglia’s vast array of beaches, scattered with secret coves and cliffs for the more adventurous swimmer.
Enjoy the charms of the Salento Peninsula, home to many of Puglia’s architectural and artistic highlights.
Learn about the area’s small villages that have a history tied to Greece.
Check out local festivals, such as the Festa di Santa Domenica, known for its world class light show.
Taste classic Southern Italian wines like Primitivo and Nero D’Avola where they are produced.
Wander the often-overlooked city of Bari and its surrounding towns.
Don’t miss the Festa di San Nicola, when the relics of Saint Nicholas (yes, that one) are carried through the streets and onto a boat in honor of the saint as protector of the seas.
Hiking and diving enthusiasts will want to explore Gargano National Park, which combines the seaside with a wild forest interior.
This is also the jumping off point for the gorgeous Tremiti Islands.
For a different slice of Puglia head inland to Alta Murgia, a plateau and ravine area with churches and cave dwellings that were carved directly into the rock.
Taste some of Puglia’s famed bread and even take a tour of a family run flour mill.