Pulgia

Discover Puglia — Sunlit Villages, Ancient Olive Groves & Southern Soul

Stretching along Italy’s southeastern heel, Puglia is a land of whitewashed towns, turquoise seas, and timeless rural beauty. Defined by ancient olive trees, Romanesque cathedrals, and a coastline that runs for miles, Puglia feels both deeply historic and refreshingly alive. It’s simple, generous, and sun-soaked — a region where life revolves around food, family, and the sea.

Main Towns

Bari — Lively port city with a historic old town and authentic street life.

Alberobello — UNESCO-listed village of iconic trulli stone houses.

Ostuni — The “White City,” perched above the Adriatic.

Polignano a Mare — Dramatic cliffs, turquoise coves, and postcard beaches.

Lecce — Baroque jewel known as the “Florence of the South.”

Monopoli — Charming coastal town with a relaxed harbor and beaches.

Why You’ll Love It

Whitewashed towns glowing in southern light

Miles of coastline with crystal-clear water

One of Italy’s most honest and celebrated food cultures

A relaxed pace rooted in tradition and community

Things to Do

Coast & Sea

Swim at Polignano a Mare’s Lama Monachile beach

Explore hidden coves along the Adriatic and Ionian coasts

Boat trips between seaside towns and sea caves

Villages & Culture

Wander Alberobello’s trulli neighborhoods

Explore Lecce’s Baroque churches and piazzas

Get lost in Ostuni’s white streets at sunset

Countryside & Slow Travel

Drive through olive groves and dry-stone walls

Stay in masserie (fortified farm estates)

Cycle quiet country roads through vineyards and farmland

Unique Puglian Experiences

Olive oil tastings at centuries-old frantoi

Cooking classes focused on regional pasta

Long seaside lunches ending with evening passeggiata

Eat & Drink

Signature Flavors

Ingredient-driven cucina povera

Vegetables, grains, olive oil, and seafood at the core

Local Dishes

Orecchiette with cime di rapa

Burrata di Andria — creamy, iconic fresh cheese

Focaccia barese with tomatoes and olives

Raw seafood (crudo di mare) along the coast

Tiella — baked rice, potatoes, and mussels

Wines To Sip

Primitivo di Manduria — rich, sun-warmed red

Negroamaro — structured and expressive

Verdeca — crisp local white

Where To Taste

Masserie, seaside trattorie, village osterie, bakeries, and family kitchens

Where To Stay

Luxury & Boutique Hotels

Restored masserie with pools and olive groves

Boutique hotels in historic town centers

Seaside resorts and cliffside stays

Charming Bases

Valle d’Itria for trulli and countryside

Polignano a Mare or Monopoli for coast-focused stays

Lecce for culture and Baroque beauty

History & Culture of Puglia — Crossroads of Civilizations

Cultural Legacy

Greek, Roman, Norman, and Byzantine influences

Romanesque cathedrals and medieval castles

Traditions shaped by land, sea, and agriculture

Sacred & Scenic Sites

Trulli of Alberobello (UNESCO)

Castel del Monte — octagonal medieval fortress

Lecce’s Baroque historic center

Coastal watchtowers and ancient ports

Travel Info & Tips

Getting There

Bari & Brindisi Airports — main gateways

Rome → Bari: ~4 hours by train

Naples → Puglia: ~3 hours by car

Best Time To Visit

May–June & Sept — warm sea, fewer crowds

July–August — peak summer, lively towns

Spring & Autumn — ideal for food and countryside travel

Getting Around

Car recommended for countryside and beaches

Trains connect major towns along the coast

Practical Tips

Book masserie early in high season

Embrace late dining and slow evenings

Comfortable shoes for stone streets and villages