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A QUICK GUIDE PUGLIA

Things to Know
Puglia
Forming the heel of Italy's "boot", Puglia is known for the profusion of medieval hilltop towns with white ‘trullo’ houses, baroque architecture and an endless coastline of sandy beaches. Puglia is one of Europe's greatest agricultural areas, producing wine, olive oil, and most of Italy’s durum wheat. Explore the key historic cities of Bari and Lecce, the medieval town of Ostuni, the coastal villages of Gallipoli and Otranto and the ‘trullo’ houses of Alberobello. The region’s fine culinary traditions and mild weather will make your experience in this region of Italy even more memorable.
Things to See
Castel del Monte – Andria
A castle of astounding geometrical precision built in the 13th century by Emperor Frederick II. Castel del Monte is one of southern Italy's most significant landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Otranto Cathedral – Otranto
Consecrated in 1088 AD, this Roman Catholic Cathedral is dedicated to the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary. In addition to its impressive mosaic depicting the tree of life, this church has an incredible, bone chilling history.
Basilica di Santa Croce – Lecce
This beautiful 16th century Baroque church is the work of famous local architect Giuseppe Zimbalo. The church which took about 2 centuries to complete is famous for its extraordinary allegorical facade and impressive interior.
Castello Normanno-Svevo – Bari
This impressive Norman-Hohenstaufen Castle stands proudly on the outer rim of the old city of Bari. It was built around 1132 by Norman King Roger II and today it is used for temporary exhibitions and events.
Basilica di San Nicola – Bari
This church was built in the 12th century to host the relics of St. Nicolas (better known as Father Christmas), and is famous for its exquisite Pugliese-Romanesque architecture. Important items related to the basilica are displayed in the adjacent museum.
Things to Do
Discover Itria Valley
This rustic valley of olive trees, vineyards, and hill towns is one of the most popular destinations in Puglia. It is known for its iconic trulli (or dry stone huts with conical roofs), scattered around the countryside and the stunning Grotte di Castellana caves.
Explore the fairytale town of Alberobello
A unique and enchanting UNESCO World Heritage Site, this town is made of 1500 trulli (typical Apulian Conical stone huts). These beehive-shaped huts are built with local limestone and some of them date back to the 14th century.
Discover Ostuni & Carovigno
Ostuni is a pretty hilltop town full of narrow streets, climb the steps and enjoy the stunning views of the Adriatic Sea. Head to the nearby town of Carovigno, famous for its culinary festival, where you’ll be able to taste various local products and quality wines.
Spend a Day in Polignano a Mare
Perched atop a huge limestone cliff above the crystal-clear sea, Polignano a Mare is one of the prettiest towns in Puglia. This town combines charming streets with beautiful churches, and panoramic terraces with breathtaking views of the beautiful Adriatic coastline.
Visit the Alta Murgia National Park
Stretching from the Adriatic coast to Basilicata, this park is home to Italy's last example of Mediterranean steppe. The park preserves incredibly rich flora and fauna and is crowned by the impressive Castel del Monte.
Hit the Beach
Pescoluse Beach
Considered one of the best beaches in Puglia due to its idyllic azure waters and very long sandy beach. Perfect for relaxing walks at sunset.

Type: Organized with fine white sand
Location: North of Pescoluse town
Torre dell'Orso Beach
This Blue Flag awarded beach is a thin stretch of pristine sand and azure waters. The beach is famous for the Due Sorelle (two sisters), a pair of famous rocks that poke out of the sea.

Type: Organized with fine white sand
Location: Torre dell'Orso town
Punta Prosciutto Beach
Boasting sand dunes reaching up to 8 meters, this is a laid-back beach with crystal-clear waters. Most of the beach is not organized however some parts are equipped with all necessary beach facilities.

Type: Sandy, semi-organized beach
Location: Near Porto Cesareo town
Torre Lapillo Beach
A long beach clenched between two sea defence towers: Torre Chianca and Torre Lapillo. This breath-taking beach offers various amenities and is ideal for adults and families alike.

Type: Organized with fine white sand
Location: Near Porto Cesareo town