The 10 best experiences to do in Puglia

Considered by many to be an earthly paradise due to its beaches nicknamed the “Maldives of Salento“, it is often forgotten that Puglia has much more to offer, in addition to its beautiful seaside resorts.

This article aims to provide a list of what are just some of the best activities and experiences that can be done in Puglia.

1. Staying in a trullo in Alberobello

Trulli were born as peasant buildings. They look like whitewashed or stone houses, with a gray cone-shaped roof. The thick walls make them cool in summer and warm in winter, practically perfect. Sleeping in a trullo, especially in the UNESCO heritage village of Alberobello, is certainly a unique and unrepeatable experience that will make you fully experience the energy and atmosphere of this Region.

2. Visiting the ancient farms of the Itria Valley

Historically, the “masseria” was a fortified building around which the large estate in Southern Italy revolved between the 16th and the 18th century. The farmer lived here and the estate’s goods were stored. Today, these charming buildings are the typical form of agritourism in the South, and first and foremost in Puglia, especially in the areas with a strong agricultural vocation and historically linked to the large estate. Most maintain the rustic charm of their centuries-old roots, to which have been added the best comforts and refined details that the modern traveler expects. Many of these masserie have now been converted into fortified masserie and it is possible to stay inside as well as organize guided tours or simply enjoy an aperitif immersed in the Puglia countryside, surrounded by ancient olive groves.

3. Admire the city of Ostuni

Famous for being “the white city”, Ostuni is one of the wonders of Puglia. The white is given by the quicklime with which the houses are painted every year: this system is also used in the rest of the region to keep the rooms cool during the hot season. Among the attractions not to be missed are fascinating churches, lively squares and charming alleys that wind between ancient walls. Also not to be missed is the nearby village of Cisternino and some of the most beautiful seaside destinations on the Adriatic: Torre Canne and Costa Merlata.

4. Participate in the festivals and popular celebrations

Whether it is Gargano, Salento or the Murge, every area of ​​Puglia has to offer many events and festivals in which the traditions of Puglia are celebrated. These festivals are often very simple and are dedicated to gastronomy, music, religion and every other aspect of the socio-cultural heritage of Puglia. The atmosphere is truly unique and special and in the days before the celebrations you can breathe a different air and a certain excitement, where everyone is ready to lend a hand. Some of the most famous festivals are: the Notte della Taranta in Melpignano, the feast of San Nicola in Bari, the feast of Sant’Oronzo in Lecce, the Focara di Sant’Antonio Abate in Novoli, the festival of Municeddha in Cannole, the Carnival of Putignano and so on.

5. Take a boat tour to discover the sea caves

You can’t leave Puglia without spending a day on a boat admiring the sea caves and watching the sunset while sipping a drink and tasting an aperitif in true Puglian style. From Santa Maria di Leuca to Polignano a Mare, the Adriatic coast and the Ionian coast are full of unique sea caves that are worth seeing! The seabeds often change color, from light blue to emerald green.. they will leave you speechless!

6. Experience the nightlife of Gallipoli

Known mainly for its fine white sandy beaches and clear blue sea waters, Gallipoli has become in recent years a popular destination for its renowned discos and numerous events that attract the attention of many young people throughout the summer period. Inside the clubs and discos of Gallipoli, during the summer months, there is a succession of concerts and events featuring the most famous artists in the Italian music scene. Certainly an experience to live if you travel with a group of friends!

7. Participate in a wine and oil tour

Wine has always been important for Puglia and has characterized, together with olive oil, the culture and tradition of the region. In fact, wine production in Puglia is among the most important in Italy in quantitative terms and this represents a significant step forward compared to the past.

For those who want to learn about this aspect of the Puglia food and wine tradition, a Wine Tour in Puglia is the ideal solution. A full immersion in the heart of Salento wine production through a visit to the best wineries, with an excursion to the traditional vineyards and a look at the modern production and bottling areas of the most prestigious wines such as Negro Amaro, Salice Salentino and Primitivo di Manduria to name a few.

Olive oil is also one of the key products of this region. For centuries, extra virgin olive oil from Puglia has been one of the most famous gastronomic products in the world. Tasting extra virgin olive oil is therefore one of the experiences not to be missed, especially if done in an ancient farmhouse with a visit to the underground oil mill through an Oil Tour in Puglia.

8. Strolling through the Baroque streets of Lecce

Renamed “the Florence of the South”, Lecce is famous for its Baroque art, clearly visible by walking through the streets of its historic center and admiring some of the most important buildings. The emblem of the Baroque is certainly the Basilica of Santa Croce with its rose windows, as well as Piazza del Duomo with the Bell Tower and the Bishop’s Palace. Not only Lecce, but also in towns such as Otranto, Martina Franca, Nardò, Galatina and Gallipoli it is possible to admire buildings made with this typical stone.

9. Have breakfast with pasticciotto

A must for those visiting Puglia and in particular Salento, a breakfast with the pasticciotto leccese, possibly paired with leccese coffee. These ovoid-shaped sweets prepared in special copper molds were born almost by chance in the distant 1745 in Galatina, in the province of Lecce. It seems that they were invented by the pastry chef from Salento Andrea Ascalone, from whom the pastry shop takes its name. Alvino, Martinucci, pasticceria Natale, are just some of the best places to taste this typical dessert from Salento in Lecce!

10. Visit the Castellana Caves

An interesting aspect of Puglia is the phenomenon of karst, or the effect of rain on rocks. This phenomenon can be admired in a unique place in Puglia: the Castellana Caves. With their 3000 meters of total length, they are one of the largest underground sites in Italy, as well as a wonder of Puglia to be discovered. To visit the Castellana Caves, there are two itineraries: Complete itinerary, 3 kilometers long and lasting about 120 minutes; partial itinerary, 1 kilometer long and lasting about 50 minutes. An extraordinary excursion at about 70 meters of depth in an astonishing scenario of stalactites, stalagmites, fossils, cavities, caves with fantastic names.