Apulia (Italy): reviews from tourists. Apulia

During a trip to the Italian region of Puglia in January, we discovered many interesting places that we had never even heard of before. In this article I will tell you about the cities of Puglia that we were able to visit during the trip.

Puglia is not only the capital city of Bari. These are also medieval towns on mountain tops, olive groves, a cozy Adriatic coast dotted with small towns and snow-white trulli, wine cellars and majestic palazzos. The cities of the Apulia region are located on different seas. Here you are walking around the city of Gallipoli on the Ionian Sea, drive just 50 km to the east and find yourself in the town of Otranto on the Adriatic Sea. I’ll move on to a description of what I remember about the individual towns of Puglia that we were able to visit.

Polignano a Mare

In fact, the entire city of Polignano a Mare stands on a rock, under which there are dozens of grottoes. Polignano a Mare is home to Europe's most romantic restaurant and hotel, Grotta Palazzese. The restaurant is built right in a limestone cave and offers incredible views of the nearby grottoes and the Adriatic. The restaurant is closed during winter. The restaurant serves Mediterranean cuisine and fine wines. This place is not cheap: the average bill exceeds 100 Euros per person. In the evening, candles are lit in the restaurant, which creates an incredibly romantic and unique atmosphere.

Within the city of Polignano a Mare, among the limestone rocks, there is a cozy small beach - a favorite vacation spot for local residents. The beach is pebbly, so don't forget to bring swimming slippers.

Otranto

Italy's easternmost city is famous for its soft white sand beach and turquoise water. It seems that you are somewhere in the Caribbean, and not in the south of Italy. The beach is one of the top Italian beaches and is good not only for swimming and sunbathing, but also for snorkeling.

Monopoly

In Monopoli, you should definitely visit the port with many fishing boats and watch how the fishermen get their catch from them - fish, mussels, shells. Near the port are the ancient fortifications of the Castle of Charles V, dating back to the 16th century.

Trani

Trani is one of the most picturesque towns in Puglia, reminiscent of the northern cities of Italy, unlike other cities in Puglia. The main attraction of Trani is the local cathedral and a powerful, well-preserved castle from the 13th century, as well as a long promenade along the Adriatic Sea. There are many restaurants in the port area where you can eat pizza or seafood.

Barletta

Barletta is a port, non-tourist city. Barletta is famous for its Colossus, a bronze statue of the Roman Emperor Theodosius II. The height of the statue is 4 meters, making it the largest statue surviving from the late Roman Empire. In Barletta, as in other cities of Puglia, there are cathedrals, churches, and a powerful fortress. The city is industrial; cement and concrete are produced here. We didn’t particularly like the beach: it is located next to a cement plant and is generally not equipped for relaxation. Along the perimeter of Barletta beach there are summer houses and cabanas. In Barletta, we appreciated the delicious cakes at the Gelateria Bonelli coffee shop and gelateria.

Lecce

There are more than 40 churches in Lecce; the ruins of a powerful amphitheater are preserved in the city center. Thanks to the baroque architecture of the city, Lecce is often called the “Florence of southern Italy”. The most interesting place in the city is the central square Piazza del Duomo with the cathedral, in the vicinity of which you can find decent restaurants and gelaterias. Be prepared for the fact that not everyone in Lecce understands English. Despite the fact that Lecce is one of the largest cities in southern Italy, its entire historical center can be easily walked on foot; it will take 1-1.5 hours. Top attractions of Lecce - Basilica of Santa Croce, Lecce Cathedral, Piazza Sant’Oronzo.

Gallipoli

Gallipoli is a very interesting place to walk around the old town and along the sea. The city is surrounded on all sides by the sea, and is connected to the mainland only by a bridge. Gallipoli is surrounded by strong fortified walls and has many churches. Local residents fish and work in the tourism sector. Here they catch tuna, sea bass, brown perch, and sea pike and immediately cook them in seaside restaurants.

Matera

The majestic white city is located in the province of Basilicata, neighboring Apulia. The old town - Sassi di Matera - is notable for the fact that it is located on a hill, on which the houses seem to be stuck on top of each other. Matera is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is believed that these places were the first human settlements in Italy. Matera is the center of Christian churches. Unique views of the city appeared in the films “The Passion of the Christ”, “The Gospel of Matthew”, “King David”.

Ostuni

A white city on a hill, the number of inhabitants in which triples in the summer. Ostuni produces high quality olive oil and wine. Ostuni is nicknamed the white city for its white walls and architecture. The largest building in Ostuni is the cathedral. Ostuni is a favorite place to live for Englishmen in Italy who move here to retire. In good weather, when approaching Ostuni by car, you can take beautiful photographs: in contrast with the blue sky, the white houses of the city look amazing.

Locorotondo

Locorotondo is a small white town of just 14,000 people, famous for its wines and the circular layout of the city's historic core. Locorotondo is one of the most picturesque villages in Italy. Locorotondo is one of the most famous wine-growing areas of Puglia. The light white wine Locorotondo DOC is produced here. Locorotondo is also included in the Guinness Book of Records as the only city whose name uses as many as five letters “O”.

Alberobello

A fairy-tale town with traditional dwellings - trulli. People come here for unforgettable photographs with views of snow-white limestone houses with dark roofs. There are more than 1,500 trulla houses in the village. Perhaps it was the Trulli who glorified the Apulia region throughout the world. In summer there are no crowds of tourists here, so come here in autumn or winter. In addition to this village, trulli are found in other cities.

From the best guides!

Useful information for tourists about Puglia in Italy - geographical location, tourist infrastructure, map, architectural features and attractions.

Puglia is the easternmost region of Italy, occupying its “heel”. Washed by the Adriatic and Ionian seas, it has the longest coastline in the country. Consists of six provinces - Bari, Lecce, Taranto, Foggia, Barletta-Andria-Trani and Brindisi. The administrative capital of Apulia is the city of Bari, famous for the fact that it houses the relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, one of the most revered Christian saints.

Apulia, one of the least mountainous regions of Italy, is today the most industrialized region in the southern part of the country. First of all, thanks to the ports, which from time immemorial have contributed to the development of trade between the Apennine Peninsula and other Mediterranean countries. The bulk of industrial enterprises are located in Bari, Brindisi and Taranto - there are oil refineries, factories for the production of synthetic fibers and plastics, and one of the largest metallurgical plants in Italy. Agriculture is also developed in Puglia - growing grapes and olives, and fishing.

And, of course, a significant source of income for the regional budget is tourism, primarily in coastal cities. Puglia is famous for its clean beaches. In particular, the Adriatic coast here is considered to be much better than in the central part of Italy, in the Rimini region. This region is like an earthly rainbow - azure sea, lush green vegetation, red clay soil, crimson sunsets. All this, combined with the richness of the historical heritage and the hospitality of the local people, attracts more and more tourists to Puglia.

Of course, the tourist center of Puglia is its capital - the city of Bari. Here are the Basilica of St. Nicholas and the Church of St. Sabina, the majestic Hohenstaufen Castle, the richest Archaeological and Art museums, three theaters, etc. It’s definitely worth taking a walk through old Bari with its beautiful churches.

Another hallmark of Puglia is the small town of Alberobello with its famous trulli houses, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Lovers of nature and mysteries will enjoy a trip to Cape Santa Maria di Leuca with picturesque grottoes where Byzantine monks once hid. By the way, it is at this cape that the waters of the Adriatic and Ionian seas meet. And near the town of Castellana Grotte there are the karst caves of Castellana, discovered in 1938. The total length of these underground galleries is about 3 kilometers! Today it is one of the most visited cave systems in Italy.

No less interesting are the ancient castles of Puglia, many of which were built on its coast. Particularly worth highlighting is the Castel del Monte castle, built in the mid-13th century in the town of Andria. This two-story fortress with octagonal towers is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Apulia, inhabited since prehistoric times, carefully preserves the monuments of its history. In the ancient Roman town of Conversano you can see two medieval castles, a Romanesque cathedral, Benedictine and Franciscan monasteries, etc. And in the walled town of Martina Franca, the Palazzo Ducale palace, where the great Leonardo da Vinci once visited, has been preserved. However, any town in this beautiful Italian region can boast of an ancient church, the ruins of a medieval castle or a collection of antiquities, not to mention breathtaking landscapes.

Perhaps the most popular resort in Puglia is Marina di Andrano, located in the province of Lecce. It is famous for its stunning scenery and rocky coves. On one of the beaches of Marina - Grotta Verde - there is a beautiful karst cave.

The resort of Galliano del Capo, also located in the province of Lecce, enjoys no less attention from tourists. The city is located at an altitude of 150 meters above sea level, and its coastline is literally strewn with grottoes.

In the province of Foggia is the ancient city of Gallipoli, famous for its sandy beaches and clear sea. The local beach of Lido San Giovanni is ideal for families with children.

It is no secret that Italy occupies almost the entire Apennine Peninsula, which is shaped like a boot. The region of Apulia (Puglia) is located on the Salentina peninsula and is considered its heel.

Puglia is located in the southeast of Italy and has the longest coastline among the mainland regions of the country. The main city of the region is (Bari), which is located from (Roma), the capital of Italy, at a distance of 430 km.

4 million people live in Apulia, and its area is 19 thousand km2. The main language is Italian, but French and various dialects are also common here: Tarantine, Franco-Provençal, as well as Italo-Rumean, derived from Greek, Arbere (mixed with Albanian) and some others.

The region includes six provinces:

• Foggia (Provincia di Foggia) – north;
• Barletta-Andria-Trani – between Foggia and Bari;
• Bari (Provincia di Bari) – in the center;
• Brindisi (Provincia di Brindisi) – between Bari and Lecce, in the east of the region;
• Taranto (Provincia di Taranto) - between Bari and Lecce, in the west of the region;
• Lecce (Provincia di Lecce) is the southernmost province.

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In the southeast, Apulia is washed by the Adriatic Sea (Mare Adriatico), in the southwest by the Ionian Sea (mar Ionio). Both bodies of water are part of the Mediterranean Sea (Mar Mediterraneo). In the west, Puglia borders on the regions (Campania) and (Basilicata), in the north – on Molise.

There are few mountains here: 53% of the territory is occupied by plains, 45% by hills. The highest point in the region is the limestone mountain Monte Cornacchia, whose height is 1152 m. It is located in the north-west of the region in the Monti Dauni mountains.

There are two national parks in the region - Gargano (Parco nazionale del Gargano) and Alta Murgia. There are also 11 regional parks and 24 nature reserves. At the same time, forests occupy only 7.5% of the region's area. This is the lowest rate in Italy.

In the north of Apulia, towards the Adriatic Sea, the Ofanto (170 km long) and Cervaro (93 km long) rivers flow. Large rivers include the Carapelle, which is 98 km long, and the Candelaro (70 km).

Story

The name Apulia means “exodus” in ancient Greek. But these lands were inhabited much earlier than the ancient Greeks came here. In the region, a skeleton of a Neanderthal man was found, who lived here 250-187 thousand years ago. He is known as the Man of Altamura (L'Uomo di Altamura) because he was found near this city.

In VIII Art. BC. Greeks settled on the lands of Apulia. At that time, the Apula and Messapa tribes lived here, so the Hellenes began to call the local inhabitants Iapygians. The main settlement was Taranto, which became a major trading center.

The Romans came here in the 3rd century. BC, after the Greeks lost to the Italian tribes. But they also had to fight with the Samnites. When the resistance was broken, the Romans began to settle down, and in honor of the ancient inhabitants of the region they named the region Apulia.

During the times the region prospered. The city of Brindisi became the largest seaport of the Romans on the shores of the Adriatic Sea, and 100 thousand people lived in it. All Roman trade with the countries located in the east passed through Brindisi and Taranto. Roads were built in the region that connected major cities and Rome. The main export goods were wheat and olive oil.

In 216 BC. On the banks of the Aufid River (modern Ofanto), the Battle of Cannes took place, during which Hannibal's troops from Carthage completely defeated the Romans, who were significantly superior in strength. This battle was included in the list of the bloodiest battles in human history in terms of the number of soldiers killed per day.

In the 5th century The fall of the Western Roman Empire occurred, and the Ostrogoths settled on the territory of Apulia. After this, the region changed hands for a long time, and therefore military operations here almost did not stop until 1861, when Apulia became part of the united Italy (Regno d’Italia). Since then, there has been relative calm, which has created conditions for the normal development of agriculture, which continues to flourish to this day.

Climate

What has attracted people to Puglia since ancient times? First of all, it is the sea, sandy beaches and a typical Mediterranean climate.

There are more sunny days than cloudy and cloudy days, snow is a rare occurrence. The weather in Puglia by month is as follows:

• January: 7°C during the day, 1° at night, sun – 12 days, rain – 3 days;
• February: 8°C during the day, 2°C at night, sun – 8 days, rain – 4;
• March: 12°C during the day, 4°C at night, sun – 14 days, rain – 4;
• April: 17°C during the day, 6°C at night, sun – 14 days, rain – 5;
• May: 20°C during the day, 8°C at night, sun – 18 days, rain – 6;
• June: day 25°C, night 12°C, sun – 22 days, rain – 6;
• July: day 29°C, night 14°C, sun – 28 days, rain – 3;
• August: day 29°C, night 14°C, sun – 29 days, rain – 2;
• September: 24°C during the day, 12°C at night, sun – 19 days, rain – 4;
• October: 18°C ​​during the day, 9°C at night, sun – 14 days, rain – 5;
• November: 13°C during the day, 6°C at night, sun – 11 days, rain – 5;
• December: 8°C during the day, 2°C at night, sun – 16 days, rain – 2;

Such weather and a long beach line attract tourists from all over the world.

The beach season begins in June, when the water temperature warms up to +22°C. But some brave souls start swimming in May at a sea temperature of +17°C. The beach season ends in September. Although the waters are cold in October, it is a good time for sightseeing in Puglia.

Cities and landmarks

Puglia is a region with a long history. There is a lot to see here, so tourism is very well developed here. Castles, ancient temples, museums, national parks and reserves, olive groves attract the attention of people from all over the world.

Bari

The province of Bari is located on the Atlantic coast. To the north is Barletta-Andria-Trani, to the south are Taranto and Brindisi. It is the most populous province of Apulia, home to more than 1 million people. It is in this province that the city of Altamura is located, near which the remains of a man two thousand years ago were found.

In the main city of the region, Bari, at Largo Abate Elia, 13, the Basilica di San Nicola is located. This temple appeared in the 11th-12th centuries. for storing the relics of St. Nicholas, who were brought to the city in 1087. They are located in the crypt, which can only be accessed by organized groups of pilgrims by prior arrangement.

This basilica should not be confused with the Church of St. Nicholas (Chiesa di San Nicola), which was built in Bari at the beginning of the last century in the style of Russian architecture of the 15th century. and belongs to the Moscow Patriarchate. It is located at Corso Benedetto Croce, 130, and is also known as the Patriarchal Compound of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker.

Tourists will definitely enjoy the symbol of the city, the Norman-Swabian Castle (Castello Normanno-Svevo), the construction of which dates back to the 12th century. The burgundy and white Petruzzelli Theater (Teatro Petruzzelli) with statues on top, which is the fourth largest temple of Melpomene in Italy, looks original. Artists such as Luciano Pavarotti, Carla Fracci, Eduardo De Filippo performed here.

Brindisi is located south of Bari, to the east is the Adriatic Sea. The length of the coast is 81 km, and partly it consists of beaches, partly of their cliffs. There are no major rivers flowing through the province, but there are many freshwater lakes.

The main city of the province is Brindisi. It is a major seaport. The history of Brindisi dates back to the ancient Romans, and it was from here that they traded with countries to the east. In 40 BC. in this city the military leader Mark Antony (Marcus Antonius) and the founder of the Roman Empire (Octavianus Augustus) reconciled, and twenty years after this meeting the poet Virgil (Publio Virgilio Marone) died in Brindisi.

During the reign of the Romans, 100 thousand people lived in the city. It lost its significance during the Middle Ages, when trade moved to Bari. Nevertheless, this is where the Crusaders' journey to the Holy Land began.

Currently, there are few old buildings here. These are mainly churches, a castle by the sea Castello svevo (Brindisi), a sea fort. There is also an ancient column that signified the end (Latin: Via Appia). It was the most important public road leading from Rome.

Taranto is located south of Bari and Lecce, west of Brindisi. Its shores are washed by the waters of the Ionian Sea. There are both plains and hills. The height of the highest hill, Monte Angiulli, is 440 m.

The main city of the province is Taranto. It was founded by the Spartans in the 8th century. BC. Their descendants lived here for several centuries until the Romans captured the city, selling 30 thousand inhabitants into slavery. They turned Taranto into a major seaport, which it still is today.

Many ancient buildings have been preserved here. Here you can find not only Christian churches, but also places of pagan cults, the remains of a Greco-Roman necropolis and burial chambers. Of course, there are castles, defensive forts (Castello Aragonese, Fortezza de Laclos), and numerous museums. Among them is the underground Spartan Museum (museo spartano di Taranto), where you can see the history of the city from its founding to the 18th century.

Barletta-Andria-Trani

Barletta Andria Trani is the youngest province in the region. It is washed by the waters of the Gulf of Manfredonia, which belongs to the Adriatic Sea. In the south is the province of Bari, in the north is Foggia. This province is administered from three cities at once - Trani, Barletta and Andria. The first two cities are located on the coast, and therefore are considered resorts, the third is far from the sea.

There are a lot of palaces and churches in Barleta. Among them are the Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore (Basilica di S.Maria Maggiore), the Church of the Holy Sepulcher (Basilica del Santo Sepolcro). You can also highlight defensive structures - walls, gates and Barletta Castle (Castello di Barletta). Its construction dates back to the 12th century. Another attraction of the city is the huge statue of the Roman emperor, which is known as the Colosso di Barletta.

The city of Trani is also interesting. Here is the Cathedral of St. Nicholas Pellegrino (La Cattedrale di San Nicola Pellegrino), the church of Santa Maria di Colonna (La chiesa di Santa Maria di Colonna) and the adjacent monastery. The Swabian Castle (Castello svevo) is noteworthy. Also in Trani there are several towers of the 11th century, city gates and a lot of palaces.

In Adria you can look at the city gates, castles, and see the clock tower from the time of Francis II del Balzo, who lived at the end of the 15th century. You can also book a tour of the dungeons and caves of the city, where people lived and worshiped God in medieval times.

Lecce

Lecce is the southernmost and easternmost province of the region, which lies entirely on the Salentina Peninsula. Its uniqueness is that it has access to both the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. It is predominantly flat, with a few hills in the south of la Serra dei Cianci.

The coastline is 222 m, sandy beaches are constantly replaced by rocky cliffs. Along the southern coast of the Adriatic Sea there are many caves, among which is Grotta Zinzulusa. This cave goes at least 250 meters deep, and during the tour you can see stalactites, stalagmites, and several lakes of crystal clear water. Bats and sea inhabitants also live here, which you will not find anywhere else.

The capital of the province of Lecce bears the same name. There are many ancient cathedrals, castles, forts, and towers. There is also an amphitheater with a seating capacity of 25 thousand. It was built in the I-II centuries. AD

Foggia

Foggia is the northernmost province of Apulia, which is washed by the waters of the Adriatic Sea. It is one of the least arid provinces in the region, as it is home to the Ofanto, which is a natural border with Barletta-Andria-Trani, and the Fortore. The province is notable for the fact that 50% of Italy's tomatoes are harvested here.

The main city of the province bears the same name. He suffered from . However, many historical buildings have been preserved here. Among them are the Cathedral (la Cattedrale di Foggia), the national monument Church of the Crosses (La chiesa delle Croci), as well as the Church of St. Thomas (la Chiesa di San Tommaso), the oldest basilica of the city, built in the 11th century. You can also go to the city of Leccera, where the Staufen Fortress (Fortezza svevo-angioina) rises on a hill, and there is also an ancient amphitheater.

Resorts

One of the most popular resorts in Puglia is Marina Di Andrano located in Lecce. Rocky shores, numerous bays, and clear sea water attract tourists from all over the world. The most famous beaches are Zona Grotta Verde and Zona Botte. On one of them there is a beautiful cave La Grotta Verde.

Another resort in the province of Lecce, Gagliano del Capo, is no less in demand among tourists. It is located almost in the southeast of the province at an altitude of 150 m above sea level. In addition to the beaches, there are many cliffs and several interesting historical caves. Diving enthusiasts can go to Porto Cesareo.

But for people who prefer thermal springs, Santa Cesarea Terme is suitable. This resort is also located in this region.

(Ostuni) in the province of Brindisi boasts a beautiful coastline. Monopoli in the province of Bari, where there are twenty-five beaches, is considered one of the most popular holiday destinations.

Those who like to combine beach and active holidays can go to the Gargano Peninsula in the province of Fuji. This place is called the “spur of the Italian boot.” There is a national reserve here: there are not only beaches, but also mountains, caves, as well as the salt lakes of Lezina and Varano, which are separated from the sea by a narrow strip of land.

Folklore

Despite the fact that the beach season in Puglia lasts from June to September, you can safely go here at other times of the year. Here you can look not only at the sights, but also attend various festive events, including:

• 17.01: Carnival in Massafra (Taranto);
• 17-18.01: Fire Festival in Novoli (Lecce);
• 14.02: “Orange” St. Day. Valentina in Vieste (Foggia). Here, two holidays coincided on one day - Valentine's Day and the Orange Festival;
• 18-19.03: Tables of San Giuseppe in Giurdignano (Lecce). These days, the central square is transformed into a large restaurant, the tables of which are decorated with flowers and an icon of St. San Giusepe. Before lunch, people pray, food is blessed;
• 28.04: Sagra (festival) of wine and bagels in (Alberobello), the city of the trulli;

• 7-9.05: Feast of St. Nicholas in Bari;
• Third Sunday in June: Festival in Fasano (Brindisi), dedicated to the victory over the Turks in 1678;
• July: Red onion day in Acquaviva delle Fonti (Bari), the most popular vegetable in the area;
• End of July: Octopus Days in Fasano and Torre Canne (Brindisi), as well as a festival of local cutlets in Grottaglie (Taranto);
• Early August: Local Beer Festival in Leverano (Lecce);
• Second Sunday in August: Knight's tournament in Oria (Brindisi);
• Late August – September: Local Festival in Taranto;
• Third Sunday in October: Calzone Festival in Acquaviva delle Fonti (Bari) - on this day you can taste local closed pizza in all interpretations;
• 5-6.11: Wine and chestnut festival in Noci (Bari)
• December – January: “Live” Presepe - celebrated everywhere. Presepe is the manger of Jesus, created by the hands of folk craftsmen. This is the period of widespread celebration of Christmas.

This information can be taken into account when planning a trip to Puglia. They will help you develop a route so that the trip is as interesting and fun as possible.

Winemaking

Winemaking traditions go back to the ancient Greeks, who in the 8th century. BC. They brought grapevines and wine-making technologies here. Now vineyards in Puglia occupy 100 thousand hectares, and until recently inexpensive varieties were produced here. But excellent climatic conditions and fertile soil contributed to improving the quality of wine and strengthening its leading position.

Now Puglia produces 17% of all the country's wines.

Their advantage is an excellent price-quality ratio. Castel del Monte experts rate it very highly. This brand produces 22 varieties of wine.

• Gravina and Gioia del Colle in Bari;
• Brindisi in Brindisi;
• Alezio, Galatina, Copertino, Leverano in Lecce;
• San Severo, Rosso di Cerignola in Foggia.

Like olive oil, wines in Puglia are served with many local dishes.

How to get there

Puglia can be reached by car, bus, train, air and water.

There are very well developed train and bus connections between the main city of the region, Bari, and other regions and provinces. The same applies to seaports: they are equipped in all cities that are located on the coast.

There are three airports in the province where passenger flights arrive. One is located in Bari, and is named after Pope Karol Wojtyła: Aeroporto internazionale di Bari “Karol Wojtyła”. This is an international airport and it receives flights from Germany, Great Britain, Romania.

The second airport is located in Salento (Brindisi) and is called L’Aeroporto di Brindisi-Papola Casale. There is also good international communication: people fly here from Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Belgium, and England.

Another airport is located in Foggia. This is Aeroporto di Foggia "Gino Lisa". It is used for domestic flights as well as for helicopter flights to the islands of Isole Tremiti, which belong to this commune, and to the resort of Gargano.

From school we remember that Italy, with its outlines, looks like a real boot. At its “heel” and “spur” is the region of Apulia. It has many characteristic features that distinguish Italy from other countries of the world, and at the same time pleasantly surprises with features that can only be seen here.

Geographical position

Immediately on the shores of two seas - the Ionian and Adriatic - lies the long and relatively narrow region of Apulia.

Italy “gave” it its easternmost tip. The world map clearly demonstrates that this region is very close to Albania, which is only 80 kilometers away. Greece is also nearby. Passenger ferries regularly run from Bari to Patras, Greece. The journey takes about 15 hours, depending on the class of the ship. In addition, from Bari you can sail to the islands of Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Igoumenitsa, and Corfu. The city has a modern international airport, which also operates local flights from Rome and Milan. You can get to the capital of Puglia by train, bus (from Rome) or car.

Nature of the region

Not everyone likes the monotonous landscapes that characterize Puglia. Reviews from tourists are sometimes full of such epithets as “boring”, “dull”. Indeed, when you drive along the highway, both on the left and on the right, your gaze continually comes across cultivated squares of land and well-groomed olive groves.

There are practically no mountains here, just plains (53% of the territory) and low, gentle hills. The highest point in the region is the Cornacchia peak (1152 meters). But the coastline delights with picturesque, sometimes bizarrely shaped grottoes, cozy bays, and unusual arches created by nature in the rocks. Most of the land is occupied by vineyards, and Apulia is the first country in the country to produce wine and olive oil. Italy is famous throughout the world for these two products thanks to this hardworking region. In addition to agriculture, industrial production is also developed here. There are especially many businesses in Bari and Taranto.

Weather

Among other regions of the country, Apulia has the longest coastline. Italy is famous throughout the world for its wonderful beaches, and its eastern region is no exception. However, weather conditions suitable for a beach holiday exist here only in the summer months.

In Sicily you can swim in December. But in Puglia, even in May the water is quite cool. In summer, the air temperature stays at +28-32 degrees, and in winter it drops to +6. September is still quite warm, but from October to March there are frequent storms at sea, which should be taken into account by those wishing to travel by ferry. There is little rain in Puglia, mainly from the second half of autumn. Showers are usually heavy but short-lived. At the end of them, the sun comes out again, and the weather is quite favorable for exciting excursion walks. In general, the word “Apulia” means “land without rain”. This name was first applied to the region by Emperor Augustus.

A little history

Puglia is famous for its glorious centuries-old history. Over the thousands of years of its existence, Italy has known both dawn and decline. The same can be said about Puglia. The ancient Greek historians Herodotus wrote about it and only called it Iapygia in honor of the son of the mythical Daedalus. His name was Iapyg.

According to legend, he went to look for new lands, saw a wonderful coast, landed and founded a settlement there. The Illyrians moved there next. Their leader was Barion, who further upset the city. Some historians believe that this is where the name Bari comes from. Later this place was occupied by the ancient and famous Trojans. The Trojan route once passed through Apulia. A long time ago the entire coast belonged to Greece. Then it was conquered by the Normans, Byzantines, and Romans. Each of the conquerors contributed to the appearance of the region. As a result, today's Apulia looks quite peculiar. Reviews from lovers of ancient architecture are mostly similar - in the region you can find traces of all the cultures that existed here.

Capital

Bari is the second most important city (after Naples), famous for its port and the Basilica of St. Nicholas. He was a priest in the Greek city of Myra, where he died in the 4th century.

According to legends, after his burial several miraculous healings inexplicable by science occurred (hence Nicholas the Wonderworker). Thousands of pilgrims flocked to the city. But at the beginning of the 11th century, the relics were stolen and secretly taken to Bari. A crypt was built specifically for storing them. Now this city, and with it Apulia, is famous for this artifact. Tours here can be booked not only during the beach season, but also in winter to get to the famous one (December 6). Bari is beautiful at any time of the year. It is divided into new and old parts. For tourists, the greatest interest is the old one, where there are 29 churches and basilicas. The new part is no less beautiful. There are many fountains, surrounded by flowers of squares, museums, theaters and shops for every taste and budget.

Fairytale city of trolls

It is impossible to come to Puglia without visiting the famous Alberobello. This small town is famous for its unusual houses, similar to the dwellings of trolls. These architectural creations are called “trulli”.

They have domed roofs made of flat stones. Once upon a time, trulli were built to avoid paying taxes, because such a dwelling was not considered a home. Now they are protected by UNESCO, and Apulia earns a tidy sum every year. Reviews from tourists, who are plentiful here both in winter and in summer, are always enthusiastic about these unusual houses. Recently, the city mayor's office relocated the bulk of the residents to standard houses. But the trulli are still inhabited. Moreover, Alberobello has shops, restaurants and even a trulli church. And some residents have organized their own business based on such unusual architecture, that is, for a small fee they invite you into their house and show you how it works from the inside.

Rock City

Another interesting place worth a look is the city of Matera, famous for its settlement carved into huge rocks. It is located far from the coast, on the border with another region - Basilicata, and has recently been geographically assigned to it.

However, the Apulians hope that Matera will return to them again; it is not for nothing that this name is translated as “my lands.” The area of ​​the rock settlements is called Sassi, which means “stones”. There are fascinating cave complexes of churches carved into the rocks here. Puglia, whose attractions include many religious buildings, attracts hundreds of tourists with these monumental antiquities. Arriving in Matera, you should definitely visit Convicinio di Santo Antonio, where you can enter through the amazing portal of four churches that are unlike one another. The church of San Giovanni and Santa Maria Idris are carved in the middle of the rock. In addition to these religious buildings, the Lanfranchi Palace, which now houses a museum, is of interest.

Gargano - boot spur

Mountains in Puglia occupy only 1.5% of the territory. And almost all of them are located in Gargano. It is thanks to her that Apulia can boast of extraordinary beauty of mountain landscapes. Reviews from tourists about this region are the most enthusiastic.

Particularly impressive are the relict giant trees, roe deer walking along forested mountain paths, blooming orchids in the meadows and mountain arches and rock fragments sticking out from the azure waters of the coastal line, looking like the teeth of fairy-tale monsters. Almost the entire territory of the Gargano is a national reserve. The famous resorts of Vieste, Mattinata, Peschici are located on its territory. Therefore, prices here are slightly higher than in other areas of Puglia, but Gargano is worth it.

The peninsula has several natural attractions. Tourists are always interested in two lakes with salt water. One of them is Lezina, the second is Varano. Both are separated from the sea by a narrow strip of land decorated with flowers and trees. Lovers of mysticism will certainly be attracted by three small beautiful islands lying about 20 km from Gargano. These are San Domino, Caprara and San Nicolo. They form an archipelago, in the central part of which rise the cliffs of Cretacio and La Vecchia. Local residents claim that one is haunted by the ghost of a prisoner who was executed, and the other by the ghost of a spinner.

Lecce - the second Florence

When talking about Puglia, it is impossible not to mention the small town of Lecce. There are so many architectural monuments and fragments of buildings made in the Baroque style that it is rightly called the second Florence.

The most famous building is the 15th-17th century Basilica of Santa Croce. Walking along the shady streets and looking at the extraordinary stone lace of ancient houses, it is impossible to find a similar ornament. Incredibly, they are all different. They say that the ancient architects poured milk over the stucco molding after finishing their work. Over the centuries, it acquired a golden hue, which is especially evident at sunset, and gave this corner a second name - the Golden City. This is how much interesting things Puglia has to offer its guests. Holidays here will undoubtedly appeal to both lovers of sea walks and connoisseurs of ancient masterpieces.

Sea and cuisine

No matter how interesting the sights are, in the summer we all go to the resort to enjoy the sea and sun. The beaches of Puglia are located almost along the entire coastline.

Salento is especially interesting in this regard, where you can simultaneously swim in the waters of two seas at once. It’s a great place to relax with children, as the entrance to the water is smooth and the sand is perfectly clean. In addition, the southernmost part of Puglia is located here, so you can swim in September. Excellent beaches await tourists in all resort areas of the region. Umbrellas and sunbeds on many of them are paid, but if you try, you can find a place where you won’t be driven away even with your towel. No holiday is complete without food. The cuisine of Puglia is famous for its fish dishes, delicious mussels, extraordinary cheeses, special bread and pasta, which are made by hand. You can also order creamy soup with peas, but this is not for everyone. Among the wines, Primitivo is especially popular. It doesn't have much of a name, but it tastes divine. “Salice-Salentino” and “Marina-Franca” also have excellent taste. In general, all the wines of Puglia are excellent. Gourmet restaurants here open in the evening, but you can always grab a bite of freshly made pizza.

Puglia Hotels

One of the most important problems when choosing a holiday destination is where to stay. There are no problems with this in Puglia. In almost every city, the doors of numerous hotels of all types are open to tourists. There are luxury apartments starting from 1,200 euros per night, and there are very inexpensive hostels, very suitable for undemanding tourists. The middle position is occupied by three-star hotels and villas. It makes sense to book a place many days in advance only in the summer months and during national holidays, such as in Bari. Usually, travel agencies can find a decent accommodation option, even if the desire to visit Puglia arose spontaneously.

Puglia is a charming region of Italy, stretching along the sea, delighting every traveler with its incredible beauty. “The heel of the Italian boot” is how Italians affectionately call the region.

And indeed, if you look closely at the map of Italy, Apulia in its shape resembles the heel of a boot with a spur.

Location of Puglia on the map of Italy

In Italy, the region of Puglia is the easternmost of all. The coast of Apulia is the longest on the mainland of the country, washed by two seas - the Adriatic and Ionian. In the south of the region, the Salento peninsula forms the so-called “heel of Italy’s boot.” The region is located predominantly in flat areas. On the territory of Puglia there are two large natural national parks - Murgia and Gargano.

Nature is the main attraction of the province, capable of making even the most fastidious critic fall in love with it. Everything in this region is filled with sun, sea, love and... wine!

Tourists will clearly not be faced with the question of what to see in Puglia; the region can satisfy any tastes and interests.

The region bears the imprint of the Middle Ages and the Baroque era, preserving many architectural monuments, artistic creations and a unique way of life.

Attractions

Puglia in Italy differs from other regions in its attractions.
In Italy, the cities of Puglia are some of the most visited by tourists interested in the architecture and history of the country:

1. Andria– when traveling around Puglia, you should definitely visit this wonderful city, which is the center of olive and almond cultivation in the region. The best wines in Puglia are grown on plantations located around the city. Back in the 13th century, Andria was the favorite residence of Frederick II. The most famous of the Italian castles, Castel del Monte in Apulia, was built by order of Frederick II, 15 km south of the historical center of the city.

   

   Castle of Castel del Monte in Andria

   In addition to Castel del Monte, Andria has a large number of attractions:

   • a 12th-century cathedral with a 7th-century crypt;
   • Doge's Palace;
   • Church of San Domenico (XIV century);
   • city ​​palace;
   • Church of Santa Maria di Porta Santa (XIII century);
   • sanctuary of Santa Maria dei Miracoli (XVI century);
   • Church of St. Francis with a monastery (XII century);
   • Church of San Agostino, built in the 13th century by the Teutonic Knights.
2. San Giovanni Rotondo- a place of pilgrimage for Catholics. Once upon a time, the Catholic Saint Pio lived and died there, whose relics are kept in the Capuchin monastery of Santa Maria delle Grazia. Not far from the city lies the Gargano National Park, famous for its caves, salt lakes and wild forest.

   

   Gargano National Park near San Giovanni Rotondo

3. Alberobello- a city famous for its peculiar stone, white houses with sharp conical roofs - trulli. The architecture of the city that has survived to this day is so unique that the city was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
4. Bari- capital of Apulia. After , Bari is the second most economically important city in Southern Italy. well known as a port and university town, as well as the city of St. Nicholas.
5. Lecce- the pearl of Puglia. Due to its rich variety of Baroque architectural monuments, the city received the nickname "Southern Florence" in Puglia. The city is also famous for its olives and wine, which you can try on special gastronomic tours.

You can admire the sights of Puglia and find out all the details about the region by watching the video:

Beach holiday

It's no secret that Puglia has the best beaches. Starting from the north of Puglia, the rocky Cape Gargano stretches, delighting with its coastal landscape: emerald hills give way to white cliffs, azure sea, golden sands and heavenly pebble coves.

The beaches around Rodi Gaganico, Peschici and Vieste are especially popular.

Heading south down the Adriatic, on the coast between Manfredonia and lively Bari, you'll find a range of sand and pebble beaches, Margherita di Savoia nature reserve and some beautiful cities such as Trani with its fabulous cathedral facing the sea. Sandy beaches are a rarity for the region, you will find them in beautiful cities Polignano Mare and Monopoli, which are definitely worth a visit.



Sandy beaches of Monopoli

Continuing south towards Brindisi (one of the most important ports of Puglia), sandy beaches stretch Marina di Ostuni and a fabulous nature reserve Torre Guaceto. The nature reserve is a naturalist's paradise, with untouched forests, Mediterranean poppies and flocks of flamingos.

Separately, the best resorts of Puglia should be highlighted - Marina di Pescoluse, Torre dell'Orso, Polignano Mare, Margherita di Savoia and Gallipoli.

More details about each resort:

Sports recreation

The two seas of Puglia are ideal for sports holidays surrounded by nature. Those who love excitement will be able to enjoy the charming and mysterious atmosphere of the sea.

The crystal clear waters of Tremiti Island offer incredible views of the sea, lively coves, caves and a deep seabed populated by lush vegetation and a large population of fish.

Santa Maria di Leuca– one of the best places in Italy for scuba diving. Diving to a depth of 90 meters, you can watch amazing species of fish and see sea flowers. Those who want to have fun above the water can go windsurfing or kite surfing.

In Santa Maria di Leuca you can observe underwater inhabitants

But it is not only the sea that provides resources for active recreation in the region. If you want to feel one with nature, be sure to start your acquaintance with it through a bike ride.

You don't need to be an experienced cyclist to enjoy traveling on two wheels.

In natural Gargano Nature Reserve There are wonderful bike paths that allow you to travel around the huge park in just a day.

Festivals

Many festivals, fairs and historical celebrations take place throughout the year in every part of Puglia.

Among them, the most famous are the Carnival of Putignano, the Festival of San Nicola in Bari and the Disfida di Barletta.

And no one should miss night of Taranta in Melpigianano, festival of pizzica and dancing Tarantella, which every August delight visitors from all over Europe, making them sing and dance along with the locals to the sound of a tambourine under the moonlight.

Features of local cuisine

Apulian cuisine has never been distinguished by intricate recipes and is based on simple ingredients. However, it can satisfy every taste. Its main elements are durum wheat, vegetables and olive oil, combined with meat and fish.

In Puglia you will enjoy delicious Italian dishes

A distinctive feature of the cuisine is homemade pasta made from durum wheat varieties or mixtures of different varieties. The combination between pasta and vegetables is unexpectedly amazing. For example, šaršinati is served with cabbage and fried bacon or tomatoes and cachoricotta cheese.

Thanks to its large coastline, the region offers a wide variety of fish dishes (marinated, raw, dried, etc.).

Those with a sweet tooth will be tempted by dried fruits, honey, mulled wine, candied fruits and chocolate. Be sure to try some of the Christmas sweets if you're there in the winter!

How to get there?

To the question of how to get from Moscow to Puglia, there is the most correct answer - by air. The international airport in Puglia is located in Bari. Having flown to Bari, you can take a train or bus to any other city. All detailed flight information can be found here: http://www.aeroportidipuglia.it/homepagebari

You can also rent a car and drive it to your destination yourself. This pleasure is not cheap, detailed information about distances and travel prices (we remind you that the roads in Italy are paid) can be viewed here: http://www.aeroportidipuglia.it/it/web/10181/parcheggi.

If you are traveling “comprehensively” in Italy, then you can by high speed train get to Bari from , Rome, Florence, . Information about routes and ticket prices can be viewed here: http://www.trenitalia.com/tcom-en.

Weather

The climate in Puglia is Mediterranean. Winters in the region are typically cool and windy, with hurricane-force winds possible.
Puglia is at its most “friendly” from May to October. The beach period usually lasts from mid-June to the end of September, the average water temperature during this period is 23-25˚C.

You can enjoy a beach holiday in Puglia from mid-June to the end of September

But to explore the region or enjoy hiking, summer and the velvet season are the most inappropriate pairing - the exhausting heat will quickly tire you.

May and October are the most comfortable months for sightseeing.

On average, the air temperature during the day is 22-23˚С, and at night it does not fall below 18˚С.