Located in the heel of Italy’s boot, Puglia exhibits the rustic tranquility of the Italian countryside with the Baroque luxury of world-class hotels that are nestled inside 15th-century convents. Despite its cultural richness and architecture, Puglia is still one of the least explored regions of Italy, offering a coastline bathed by two crystal blue seas: the Adriatic and the Ionian.
The southern part of Italy is often referred to as mezzogiorno, meaning “midday,” so named for the intensity of the sunshine, which glares down nearly 300 days per year. With the heat and sun comes this region’s propensity for languid living. Travel to Puglia where time seems to pass more slowly, giving residents and visitors the opportunity to appreciate every rich detail of life.
The ancient history that lingers in the crumbling stone trulli, the Baroque churches of Lecce, the majestic fortress Castel del Monte, or the medieval convents surrounded by olive groves enriches Puglia travel beyond your average beach vacation.
Things Not to Miss in Puglia
• Soak up the sun at the many beaches that dot the coastline
• See the trulli in Alberobello
• Walk around the ancient fortress in Lucera
• Swim in the shade of ancient city walls in Otranto
• Appreciate the Baroque churches, like the Basilica di Santa Croce in Lecce
▪ Tour the collections of ancient Greek, Roman and Puglian art at the Museo Nazionale Archeologico di Taranto
When to Go to Puglia
Puglia has a truly Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers. An average of 300 sunny days per year makes summer (May – September) the most popular time to visit Puglia. In July and August, Italians on holiday flood Puglia and revelry abounds—food festivals, concerts and other spectacular events pop up across the historic towns and beach villages.
The off-season is October to April, when the water becomes too cold to swim, and the days are chilly and rainy. But the countryside is still rich with cultural activities and outdoor pursuits like horseback riding and biking. With the fall harvests, Puglia cuisine is even more bountiful and delicious in the colder months.
-
12 Unforgettable Vacations That Are Best Done by Bike — Even for Beginner Cyclists (Video)
There’s no better way to see the world than on two wheels.You don’t have to be a Tour de France winner in order to enjoy a long, scenic bike ride.... Read More
-
The Top 10 Resort Hotels in Italy
Italy is renowned for its homegrown hotels. While other countries can sometimes feel dominated by the same international brands, the classic, family-run... Read More
-
The Top 10 Resort Hotels in Europe
Europe’s top resort hotels are synonymous with old-world grandeur, exacting service, and over-the-top amenities. And while these attributes may conjure... Read More
-
Explore Italy With a T+L Editor and Stay at Some of the World's Best Hotels
Every year, our knowledgeable Travel + Leisure readers vote in the World's Best Awards, selecting their absolute favorite properties and places... Read More
-
Editors' Choice Awards: Four Must-see Hotels
So often, the magic of a trip lies in the offbeat, intimate discoveries that feel like they were waiting just for you. That’s the idea behind our first... Read More
-
The Top 10 Resort Hotels in Europe in 2018
Historic manor homes in the Irish countryside. Adults-only retreats along the Amalfi Coast. Ski retreats beloved by the jet set in St. Moritz. This year... Read More
-
This 17th-century Italian Castle Is Now a Luxurious Boutique Hotel
Step back in time to Renaissance Italy at the newly renovated Castello di Ugento in Puglia.The castle, which dates back to the 17th century, has been... Read More
-
13 Affordable Trips to Europe
Did you know you can see the Louvre and Notre Dame in Paris for free, get full meals in London for less than $10, and spend the... Read More
-
The Only True Vacation is a Phone-Free Vacation
One Saturday last spring, seven strangers and I plopped down on leather couches in the great room of Masseria della Zingara, a beautifully restored 18th... Read More
-
Record-breaking Italian Chefs Made 5,836 Pizzas in 12 Hours
A team of 43 Italian pizza chefs broke the Guinness World Record for most pies cooked within 12 hours at the Festa della Pizza in Martina Franca, Italy,... Read More
-
The Best Beaches in Italy
There’s plenty to recommend Italy already: The rolling hills of Tuscany, the canals of Venice, the charm of Cinque Terre, the wine and food of…well,... Read More
-
Is This the Most Romantic Restaurant in the World?
There are few experiences more memorable (or romantic) than eating a delicious meal while surrounded by a breathtaking view.Which is why when... Read More
-
Meet Puglia: Italy's Unspoiled, Unbuttoned Summer Getaway
Someone told me that if I went to Puglia I should go to Ennio Capasa’s beach club. This was a person who knows figures like Ennio Capasa, the creative... Read More
-
Trip Doctor: Why Rent a Villa?
If you’ve never tried a villa rental, consider making it your travel resolution for 2013: more globetrotters are discovering that renting a house or... Read More
