Things to do in Puglia

Our guide to the best of Puglia

So what things should be on your list to do when you arrive in Puglia? Unpack, catch your breath and get started with our list of the things we recommend you do in Puglia! Car hire is probably going to be useful when getting out and about exploring the region of Puglia. Public transport is good to the bigger towns and destinations, but getting off the beaten track and having the freedom to stop when you want and where you want is highly recommended.

Truly the Trulli are probably what Puglia is most well known for.  So top of the list are these incredible little homes that have so much charm and appeal.  Particularly widespread in the Itria Valley area and Alberobello town, the white washed walls and conical roofs are inescapable.  It's intriguing to see these traditional trulli merged with modern buildings, step out of a shop in Alberobello town centre and you'll see many trulli tucked away down side streets and built into new buildings.

How about an architecture adventure? Puglia has a fascinating mix of styles and influences that have excited and inspired many artists and delighted many travelers over the centuries. All over Puglia are the marks and tales of invasion and conquering.  From the Baroque brilliance of Lecce to the Norman Castle Del Monte. Otranto is a great place to visit, thankfully now much more peaceful than its dramatic history tells. It is a lovely port town with Turkish, Spanish, Byzantine and Norman contribution, the highlight of this beautiful place is the incredible mosaic found in the Cathedral di Santa Maria Assunta. You could spend hours here and still spot new pictures in this ornate mosaic.

You could travel all down the coastal region of Puglia and find innumerable beaches, coves and inlets to discover and explore.  With beaches that frame the Adriatic and the Ionian seas the diversity of beaches match the inland diversity of this part of Italy.  With rocky coves perfect for exploring, white sandy beaches perfect for relaxing and crystal clear waters perfect for diving and snorkeling, you'll find a beach perfect for you. From the family friendly beach at Ostuni, to the diving playground of the Tremiti islands a day at one of the coastal areas of Puglia must be on your list of things to do.

A family visit to Puglia is a great opportunity to expose your children to some really family friendly cultural experiences. The kids will love exploring the caves at Castellana and be amazed at the beauty of these underground wonderlands.  The Italians are naturally warm and welcoming to families, so where ever you go you'll find a great welcome.  As well as some great family beaches, there is the Zoo Safari park, swimming pools and animal adventures such as Falconry and farm visits. 

There are five superb golf courses in the Puglia area all of which give you the opportunity for a great game of golf in the beautiful countryside of southern Italy, courses which wind through olive groves and lakes, cliffs and coastal areas. Most courses require proof of handicap from your home club, with one exception, and you can hire clubs here so you can relax and enjoy a round of golf Italian style.

Finally no trip to Italy is complete without experiencing the food and drink of Puglia. If you'd like your gastronomy experience to be relaxed and in style then there are many great restaurants catering for all tastes.  But if you'd prefer to go and explore the olive groves, vineyards and experience the joy of Italian food and wine at grass roots levels then there are plenty of excursions and tours to satisfy. Perhaps you'd like to combine your trip to Puglia with a cookery course to take a new skill home with you.  We think the food and drink tastes better here than anywhere else in the world, and we are sure that you will be fulfilled in every way by your trip to Puglia.