Visiting Apulia, Italy

The Apulia region, located in the south of Italy, is much more than just a tourist destination. This area offers an authentic and diverse experience, ranging from historic towns to picturesque coastal landscapes. In this article, I will share my best tips for visiting Apulia, Italy, and enjoying a serene and stress-free vacation

If you have chosen Apulia as your travel destination in Italy, you cannot miss the iconic trulli of Alberobello or the underground splendor of the Castellana Caves. The region is filled with places and towns to discover, such as Bari, Lecce, and Alberobello, each with its own history, architecture, and unique atmosphere. The Gargano National Park and the Tremiti Islands are also must-sees...

In addition to sharing the must-do activities, I will answer essential questions regarding the ideal duration of stay to visit Apulia and the best season to enjoy your trip. Other useful information will help you prepare well for your journey in Italy and make the most of your stay!

Apulia is an ideal region for a road trip! Whether you decide to rent a car or travel by public transport, you won't regret it. In this post, I will share my favorite towns to visit in Apulia, and I hope they will feature in your itinerary! I recommend allocating as much time as possible to enjoy Apulia to the fullest.

Generally, a period of 7 to 10 days is advised, a duration often recommended for a thorough exploration of the region:

Bari is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Apulia, and rightfully so. Located on the east coast, it is a city rich in history and culture. In the 16th century, it was a commercial center actively participating in Mediterranean trade.

The Norman-Swabian castle, built in the 11th century, bears witness to its medieval past. The Basilica of San Nicola, erected in the 11th century, houses the relics of the saint and is an important pilgrimage site. Many other points of interest can be added to your itinerary, particularly the Petruzelli Theater, the Metropolitan Pinacotheca of Bari with its paintings, and the Cathedral of San Sabino for its Romanesque architecture.

After visiting these magnificent buildings, how about joining a walking tour of Bari themed around pasta? The program includes wine tasting and Italian specialties along with a cooking class! I particularly love this activity as it allows one to immerse into local culture with locals. You will get to chat with them and make your own pasta (nothing like supermarket pasta). It's truly unique! I invite you to try the orecchiette and gelato (Italian ice cream)

The city of Bari deserves that you spend the night there. If you are looking for recommendations on where to stay in Bari, I invite you to check out my blog. I have already written an article about the best places to stay here!

Lecce, dubbed the Florence of the South, enchants visitors with its baroque architecture and lively atmosphere. At the heart of this picturesque city, the Piazza del Duomo reveals the Basilica of Santa Croce and the Campanile del Duomo, baroque masterpieces adorned with intricate details.

You can wander through the alleys to discover the Roman amphitheater, one of the most popular historical sites to see in Lecce! For complete immersion, visit the Piazza Sant'Oronzo, savor local specialties on Via Umberto I, and explore the market at Piazza del Duomo. Finally, don't miss the city's nocturnal charm, illuminated by the soft lights of baroque facades, creating an enchanting atmosphere

The amphitheater was only discovered in the 20th century, although it was built between the 1st and 2nd centuries! It could accommodate up to 25,000 people and now hosts performances. I recommend admiring it in the evening, as the lighting enhances its beauty even more!

Alberobello is undoubtedly renowned for its trulli, iconic houses with conical roofs. Get lost in the streets of the trulli district, where each house tells its own story!

Alberobello is truly unique! In the Rione Monti district, you will find hundreds of trulli. If you love these original buildings and want to learn more, the Museo del Territorio Casa Pezzolla offers a reconstruction of daily life for the trulli's inhabitants. Immerse yourself in history by visiting the Trullo Sovrano, the only two-story trullo, and shoppers will appreciate the local shops selling hand-painted ceramics, textiles, and artisanal products.

The Rione Aia Piccola, the oldest neighborhood, is perfect for strolling. Of course, Alberobello becomes even more magical in the evening when the trulli are lit up, creating a perfect atmosphere for lovers!

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Matera tells its story through its Sassi, ancient cave dwellings carved into the limestone rock. Perched on a hill, the old city offers a spectacular view of the surrounding valley. To fully soak in these magnificent sites, taking a guided tour is a wise choice! From Matera, there is a tour of the Sassi di Matera that includes entry to the cave houses that I highly recommend to learn about the traditional and cultural history of the area.

Among the must-do activities, admire the churches adorned with medieval frescoes as well as the Sassi of Matera, transformed into hotels, restaurants, and museums. Don't miss visiting the MUSMA museum, which houses a collection of contemporary art in prehistoric caves.

Located on the Adriatic coast of Apulia, Polignano a Mare is a coastal gem that captivates with its charm. The steep limestone cliffs surrounding the town offer a spectacular backdrop, while the streets of the historical center house landmarks like the Chiesa Matrice. Adventurers can dive into the waters of the Grotta Palazzese, a sea cave turned exclusive restaurant.

In addition to its breathtaking landscapes, the town offers a variety of activities: explore the sea caves on boat excursions, participate in cooking classes, or simply relax on the sandy beaches. With its unique blend of culture, adventure, and natural beauty, Polignano is a must-see.

Polignano a Mare is also one of the best places in Italy to discover caves, and you can access these caves on a stand-up paddle excursion! You will discover Lama Monachile beach, the Grotta Ardito, and the Grotta Azzurra while practicing this sport and enjoying the pleasant weather of Apulia.

Gallipoli is regarded as the Ionian pearl of Apulia, with its maritime charm and history. The narrow streets of the old town are home to artisanal shops and lively trattorias. Overlooking the sea, the Gallipoli Castle offers a breathtaking panorama and a dive into the past. The beaches of Baia Verde are ideal for sunbathing, while the Cathedral of Sant'Agata satisfies history enthusiasts.

Local festivals, such as the Feast of Saint Agatha, animate the town with religious celebrations, parades, and spectacular fireworks. For gourmets, exploring the flavors is a must, with fresh seafood and Mediterranean dishes served in picturesque seaside restaurants.

Ostuni, dubbed the White City due to its immaculate whitewashed buildings, is one of the gems of Apulia. This hilltop town offers not only picturesque charm but also an immersion into Italian history. As you wander through the old town, you will be amazed by the white houses with colorful shutters, bustling squares, and centuries-old churches.

Don't miss: the Cathedral of Ostuni, an architectural masterpiece dating back to the 15th century, which shares a breathtaking view of the Adriatic Sea. For a complete stay, explore the countryside of Ostuni, dotted with olive groves and vineyards, with the possibility to taste local wines and extra virgin olive oil. You won't have a hard time finding a olive oil tasting tour in Ostuni

Located on the Adriatic coast, Trani is a medieval town steeped in history, dominated by the Cathedral of San Nicola Pellegrino.

In addition to the charm of the old town with its narrow streets, the Svevo Castle, a medieval fortress overlooking the sea, is one of the must-see landmarks! Travelers can also visit the Villa Comunale, a lovely park along the sea featuring a birdcage, a children's playground, and a pond with turtles and goldfish!

Among the most beautiful towns in Apulia, Martina Franca is a picturesque and refined stopover with its baroque architecture, notably through the Basilica di San Martino and the Piazza Plebiscito.

Here you can enjoy local specialties in traditional trattorias, where the famous Fassona beef, one of the main types of Italian meats, is loved for its tender texture with little fat.

Of course, explore the markets, discover the art of ceramics in Grottaglie, or attend cultural events in the Piazza Maria Immacolata. Martina Franca also provides privileged access to the Itria Valley, where the surrounding countryside reveals enchanting trulli and lush olive groves. If you're still wondering where to stay in Apulia, I invite you to read my article on this topic

Cisternino is a charming small town located near Alberobello, another lovely spot to visit with its whitewashed houses. Its historic center is dominated by Piazza Garibaldi, lined with local trattorias serving traditional dishes such as orecchiette and grilled meats.

The village is also known for its well-preserved trulli, and a stroll through its historic neighborhoods will surely be welcome. From Cisternino, you can explore the Itria Valley by bike through the surrounding countryside dotted with vineyards and olive groves

Taranto is unmissable, with its historic center surrounded by the waters of the Gulf of Taranto, divided into two parts. On one side extends the Mar Grande with its commercial port, while on the other, Mar Piccolo, with its fishing boats. The two parts are connected by the Ponte Girevole, a popular attraction in Taranto! For a dive into the past, the National Archaeological Museum of Taranto is a must-visit, showcasing treasures from ancient Greece to the Roman era.

The Aragonese Castle, standing at the port's entrance, offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding waters. Of course, don't miss admiring the Cathedral of San Cataldo, a Catholic place of worship dating back almost 1000 years

Brindisi is distinguished by its ancient port, the starting point of the Via Appia to Rome, as well as its remarkable buildings such as the Roman Column, a relic from the Roman era, and the Cathedral of Brindisi which offers a beautiful architectural journey.

There are many places of interest: the Cathedral of San Giovanni Battista, the Svevo Castle of Brindisi, and the Provincial Archaeological Museum Francesco Ribezzo.

The nightlife here is also very lively, particularly in Piazza Duomo. Nature enthusiasts can venture into the Torre Guaceto nature reserve, a paradise of white sandy beaches and coastal dunes. Additionally, being an important port city, you will also see many ferries.

If you don't have enough time to discover all the towns in Apulia, I can recommend excursions that will save you time:

If you choose the summer season, while the sunny beaches and summer festivals attract many visitors, the high temperatures may make days uncomfortable. Lastly, winter is much calmer, but some tourist activities may be limited.

Regarding transportation in this region, renting a car remains a practical option to explore the remote areas and fully immerse yourself in the richness of the region. However, driving conditions in urban centers can be lively, with narrow and sometimes winding streets. Nevertheless, renting a vehicle is still by far the most flexible option to discover the entire region, its many towns, and spots less frequented by tourists. To benefit from the best rates, I recommend using a comparison site. I usually use RentalCars, which works very well for me!

But be careful, fuel is expensive in Italy. I advise you to opt for Fai da te, cheaper if you fill it up yourself, unlike Servito, where the attendant does it for you at an additional cost.

For those who prefer to avoid driving, public transportation, such as trains and buses, is a viable alternative for traveling between major destinations. Biking is also an eco-friendly option to explore coastal and rural areas if that's what you enjoy

The most convenient airport for traveling to Apulia is Bari Karol Wojtyła International Airport! It is located near the city of Bari, the capital of the region, and offers excellent national and international connectivity. It's undoubtedly the best option to choose; just book a rental car.

If you plan to visit the southern part of Apulia, particularly places like Lecce and the adjacent coastal areas, Brindisi-Papola Casale Airport may be a practical option. It is about 40 kilometers north of Lecce. After that, for environmental reasons, the train may be a suitable solution.

In summary, a typical budget for a solo traveler might range between €70 and €150 per day, but it really depends on your traveling style, means, and your departure period

My article on the best things to visit in Apulia comes to an end. I hope it has helped you gain clarity and prepare for your holiday in Italy.