Puglia is a charming region in southern Italy with sunny weather year-round, authentic southern Italian culture, warm, welcoming people, and amazing food made with locally grown ingredients. With endless pale-blue coastlines, diverse topography ranging from rolling hills to rocky coves, and many unique cities, towns and villages, this region is truly a treasure trove for visitors and expats alike.
From white stone houses to interesting restaurants to vibrant festivals celebrating local life and traditions, there’s something special around every corner. A more modest region with a weak economy sustained in large part by agriculture, Puglia tends to be overlooked in favor of more popular regions in northern and central Italy. However, whether it’s your first time or have been here before, a journey to Puglia Italy is not going to disappoint one bit.
Where is Puglia Italy?
Puglia, also known as Apulia, is a region of southeastern Italy located at the heel of the boot that is Italy, between the sea and mountains. It covers around 7,500 square miles of landmass and boasts not one but two beautiful coastlines: on the Adriatic Sea and on the Ionian Sea.
With over 4 million inhabitants in 6 provinces, it forms one of the most populous regions within Europe’s Mediterranean coastlines. The capital of Puglia is Bari, the largest city in the region, home to about 350,000 residents. Puglia is accessible by air, car, train or bus. There are two international airports in the region: one in Bari and one in Brindisi.
The geographical landscape comprises rocky cliffs, beaches, soft hills, and coastal plains, and it is known as an area for having the highest number of olive trees, grown for producing olive oils, in Italy.
What is Puglia Italy famous for?
1. The Trulli of Alberobello in Puglia Italy
Alberobello is an alluring town located in the Puglia region of Italy. It is most renowned for its collections of traditional cone-shaped buildings called trulli that are made with dry stone walls and conical roofs. This ancient architecture has earned Alberobello recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It also makes glimpsing into local history easy, since each home has unique white symbols painted on their domed exteriors that indicate ownership or information about the establishment contained inside.
The cobbled streets and red-tiled roofs make Alberobello an ideal sightseeing destination for visitors seeking a town with plenty of character. Due to its popularity as a destination, Alberobello has plenty to offer visitors. For a fascinating insight into this historic town’s past, take part in one of Alberobello’s traditional festivities for great mementos and souvenirs that are unique to this part of Italy. Sample some regional delicacies sourced from the many food stores found throughout the town.
Do not forget to make time for some retail therapy while you’re here. Browse local souvenirs at well-stocked artisan workshops and pick up a unique item of clothing handmade by the indigenous inhabitants who have been living off their land for centuries. Alberobello, Italy is a must-visit destination that offers both culture and relaxation in equal measure, and no trip to Puglia would be complete without dropping by this beautiful town.
2. The beautiful coastline of Puglia Italy
Puglia’s coastline is generous in its variety of natural beauty and certainly worth a look. It has spectacular grotte (caves) and white cliffs, such as Grotta della Poesia, Torre dell’ Orso and Torre Sant’Andrea on the east coast. Coastal towns sitting on top of cliffs on the edge of the sea, such as Polignano a Mare, Monopoli and Otranto. Picturesque sandy beaches, both small and large, developed and wild, on the Adriatic coast as well as on the Ionic coast, serve as the annual summer vacation spot for Italians and a few foreigners who have discovered this hidden beach destination. Touring the Puglia coastline is a reason in itself for visiting this region.
Located in the coastal region of Puglia, Italy, Grotta Palazzese is a truly remarkable restaurant that is located inside a natural cave. The Grotta Palazzese borders a stunningly clear and beautiful emerald bay and offers visitors one of the most scenic locations you’ll find across Europe. It’s fitting for such unique beauty that there should be more than meets the eye at this breathtaking site.
Said to have once been used as a luxurious hideaway for parties and banquets by the wealthy people of nearby estates in the 1700s, you can now take advantage of its ethereal mystical charm with drinks and meals served inside this captivating cavern. Sit back and relax as you forgo reality for an unforgettable evening surrounded by rocky walls that overlook breathtaking views out to sea through spacious arched openings.
Getting here couldn’t be simpler either. Located just outside the stunning city of Polignano A Mare, it would be easy to spend the day exploring nearby historical sights and white-washed buildings before dining in Grotta Palazzese with that special someone. Get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime Italian adventure that is like no other, and don’t miss out on capturing the memories here by bringing along your camera.
3. Spectacular coastal towns of Puglia Italy
Located in the stunning Puglia region, Monopoli is a charming town that offers visitors an array of activities and experiences. From its fascinating history to its stunning beaches and vibrant culture, Monopoli has it all for travelers seeking adventure. Monopoli stands out due to the rich historical sites within easy reach from the center of town. The town is full of cobbled narrow streets lined with brightly painted buildings which give Monopoli a unique character all its own. This sunny Mediterranean hideaway is known for its scenic beaches and crystal-clear waters.
Monopoli also boasts a bustling nightlife scene where clubs stay open until the early hours along with an array of delicious seafood restaurants which are frequented by both locals and tourists alike. Monopoli in Puglia is a great destination for any traveler looking to explore the local Italian culture and immerse themselves in everything this breathtaking region has to offer.
From its unspoiled beaches and historic buildings such as the Baroque Monopoli Cathedral, Monopoli offers an unforgettable holiday experience that visitors will treasure forever. There’s a vast array of activities and experiences inviting travelers down its cobblestoned lanes. With so much to do and explore here, one visit will be just enough to spark an appetite for more from this enchanting corner of Southern Italy that never fails to impress.
Other spectacular coastal towns in Puglia worth exploring are: Polignano a Mare, Brindisi, Otranto, and Gallipoli.
Real estate in Puglia
Puglia has become a sought-after region to move to not just for its natural beauty, but also for being more affordable than most other Italian regions. As the demand for real estate in Puglia is growing, prices are slowly but steadily increasing as well.
At the start of 2023, the average price of a house in Puglia is $238,000 for a 2,000 square foot house, or around $219 per square foot, having increased by 2% year over year. Of Italy’s twenty regions, Puglia is the seventh most affordable. You can purchase real estate in Puglia for virtually half the price of real estate in Tuscany or Lazio.
In Bari, the capital city of Puglia and the largest in the region, the average home price is $366,000 for a 2,000 square foot home and around $183,000 for a 1,000 square foot apartment. This is the equivalent of $183 per square foot. By comparison, home prices in Rome are 60% more expensive than in Bari.
In Lecce, the largest city in the southern part of Puglia, Salento, the average house price per square foot is $123. In other words, you could buy a 1,000 square foot apartment in Lecce for around $123,000, more than half the price of a similar apartment in Rome.
Best things to do in Puglia Italy
1. Grotta della Poesia in Puglia Italy
As soon as you arrive at the Grotta de la Poesia you will feel like you could be in Ireland. White cliffs carved by the sea, topped with fresh green grass, it is a stunning sight that will remain imprinted on your visual memory for eternity. The serene turquoise water is what gives it away that you are in fact in Italy.
Grotta della Poesia, translated by some as the Cave of Poetry, in fact, means something much more practical. “Poesia” comes from the Greek word “posia” which means “freshwater”, which is what sailors from Greece found inside the cave when they landed on this piece of heaven.
Drive for a couple more minutes and you will find two equally spectacular natural wonders just south of Grotta della Poesia: Torre dell’ Orso and Torre Sant’Andrea. A three-in-one treat you will treasure forever and make you fall in love with Puglia Italy.
2. White City of Ostuni in Puglia Italy
The beautiful White City of Ostuni in Puglia, Italy is a sight to behold. With stunningly painted white walls and a warm Mediterranean climate, this unique city stands out from its surroundings with an ethereal beauty that few cities can rival. The cobbled streets are lined with colorful shutters and baroque architecture creates an aesthetic charm ideal for visitors looking for a romantic getaway or just some great photographic inspiration.
The city itself is almost entirely enclosed in stone walls, giving it the feeling of a veritable fairytale. This lends Ostuni its nickname: “the White City.” Visitors will find plenty to explore and admire though. You can go shopping at downtown boutiques or sample authentic dishes from some local restaurants with old-world recipes rooted in medieval traditions.
3. Gallipoli in Puglia Italy
Gallipoli, located on the Ionian coast of Puglia in Southern Italy, has been deemed one of the most spectacular and historically significant ports on the Mediterranean. This ancient fishing town is often considered to be a link between East and West with its compelling fusion of distinct cultures. With cobbled alleyways set against golden sand beaches backed by dramatic rocky headlands – it’s no surprise that Gallipoli stands out amongst many other towns along this coastline.
One cannot visit this city without sampling some of the local seafood. Freshly caught, expertly cooked fish stands out in cafes along Gallipoli’s waterfront. Beyond that, guests are recommended to explore the many shops dotted around town selling traditional artifacts from throughout Puglia. Gallipoli has been an important strategic port for many centuries. The town’s population stands at 20,678, as of 2017. Visitors to the local region can admire the remarkable Church of St. Mary of Purity, which boasts a beautiful maiolica-tiled floor. Meanwhile, nearby is Gallipoli Castle and its centerpiece Rivellino tower stands aside from the main structure.
This imposing building has been endlessly popular with visitors to Gallipoli who can marvel at its timeless beauty and appreciate Italian architecture from another era. Gallipoli is a must-see destination when in Puglia, so be sure to visit this delightful port town and allow yourself time to explore all its magical attractions. Whether it’s wandering through the city or taking an evening stroll along the illuminated seafront, you’ll find that Gallipoli has something special that beckons visitors from far and wide.
4. Grotte di Castellana in Puglia Italy
Grotte di Castellana in Puglia Italy is an underground cave system that can only be found hidden deep within the stunning landscape of the region. Set near the small town of Castellana Grotte, these spectacular limestone caves have amazed visitors for centuries with their extraordinary formations, impressive depths, and fascinating history. With numerous galleries to explore, each revealing something new from beautiful stream beds and mesmerizing coral-like structures to magical atmospheres submerged below ground level, Grotte di Castellana’s stunning formations leave no aspect unexplored.
Adventures into the depths usually start with a tour where visitors are treated to views of the luminous underground pools which twinkle beneath stalactites from overhead. Deeper into the underground cavern system, visitors will come across a vast selection of stalagmites and sparkling formations, illuminated by the colorful lighting system.
For something truly unique and exciting, look no further than Grotte di Castellana in Puglia Italy. Whether you simply want to explore unmarked pathways or delve deeper into the mysterious darkness present beneath ground level, this stunning site can provide plenty of activities for even expert cavers and adventurers alike. The Grotte di Castellana provides an incredibly unique insight as well as plenty of opportunities to learn something new.
