Puglia, a sun-drenched region in Southern Italy, has recently become a magnet for travelers—and it’s easy to see why.
With its charming trulli houses, expansive olive groves, and stunning coastlines that could make even a mermaid envious, who could resist this place?
Interestingly, Puglia remained under the radar for tourists until about 15 years ago.
While my husband’s homeland had its share of loyal fans, it wasn’t overly frequented by international visitors.
Today, however, Puglia’s hidden gems are no longer a secret, captivating an increasing number of travelers each year.
This surge in popularity brings benefits such as improved amenities and more English speakers.
Nevertheless, the influx of visitors poses challenges for this once-quiet destination.
Unlike Tuscany or Venice, which have centuries of experience managing tourist crowds, Puglia is still adapting.
While adding Puglia to your travel itinerary is fantastic, be prepared for a unique experience!
That’s why I’ve created this concise travel guide, offering fourteen essential facts about Puglia to know before you hop on the plane.
As a local’s wife, I’ll share insights that guidebooks often miss—everything from the highlights to the surprises that await you.
I’m delivering the unfiltered truth about exploring this beautiful corner of Italy.
We’ll discuss practical tips, fascinating details, and everything in between.
Get ready for some eye-opening revelations—and plenty of reasons to fall in love with Puglia!
Puglia Travel Guide: Essential Information Before You Go
1. Where Is the Puglia Region?
Puglia is situated in the southeast corner of the Italian “boot,” forming the “heel” that extends into the Mediterranean.
You’re quite far from the famous northern cities where tourists tend to flock.
Here, you’ll find yourself in the Mezzogiorno, as Italians refer to the southern part of the country below Rome.
This region has a unique atmosphere shaped by its isolated geography and tumultuous history.
Puglia, also known as Apulia, has a rich history of ancient Greek settlements along its shores.
Over the years, it has been influenced by the Normans, Swabians, and Lombards—all of whom tried to stake their claim at some point.
Additionally, there was a long period when Puglia was under the distant rule of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, governed by the Spanish Aragonese.
Can you imagine having policies imposed from the other side of the boot?
After millennia of blending various cultural influences, Puglia has developed a fascinating spirit unique to the region.
The locals take pride in their roots while being open to adopting outside ideas.
Sure, the illustrious cities to the north may grab the spotlight, but Apulians know their region is a hidden jewel waiting to be explored.
2. Don’t be Misled—Puglia Is One Long Stretch!
It’s common to see eager newcomers arriving in Puglia, eager to cover the entire region in a few whirlwind days.
Oh, how naive!
Puglia may appear small on the map, but this lengthy peninsula is far more extensive than it seems.
If you think you can speed through everything in record time, it’s time for a reality check!
With coastlines along both the Adriatic and the Ionian Sea, a journey through Puglia takes time.
The eastern Adriatic coast alone stretches over 5 hours from the northern Gargano all the way down to the tip at Santa Maria di Leuca.
Beach towns like Vieste, Polignano a Mare, and Otranto are just a few highlights along this rugged coast.
The Ionian coast begins at the southern tip and runs along the western edge up to Taranto, featuring local gems like Gallipoli and Porto Cesareo.
Don’t underestimate the time you’ll spend driving or the distances you’ll need to cover when planning your adventure in Puglia.
It may seem manageable at first glance, but with all that stunning coastline to explore, pace yourself and enjoy the journey!
3. There Are Two Airports to Reach Puglia
When heading to Puglia, your options for arrival include Karol Wojtyla Airport in Bari, located in Northern Puglia, or Papola Casale Airport (also known as Salento Airport) in Brindisi, southern Puglia.
Don’t worry, they’re only about an hour apart—so you can’t go wrong here!
The key consideration is deciding where you want to base yourself during your Puglia vacation.
If you plan on exploring southeastern Salento, arriving in Brindisi is likely the best option.
If you’re focusing on northern areas like Bari or Gargano, flying into Bari is the obvious choice.
If you’re plotting a course across Puglia with a central hub like Ostuni, either airport works since you’ll be driving around regardless.
Rejoice—you won’t have to worry about a long trek from your arrival point.
The takeaway? Do a bit of strategic planning with your base in mind, but there’s no need to overthink it.
Either way, having two airport options makes accessing Puglia a straightforward process.
4. Getting to Puglia by Train
Not a fan of flying? No problem—you can take the train to Puglia instead!
Bear in mind that it may be a bit of a scenic route!
If trains are your mode of choice, you’ll find high-speed connections from Rome and Naples.
The Frecciargento trains travel to both Bari and Brindisi, making it quite convenient.
However, I recommend arriving in Bari. Not only is it slightly faster, but all trains headed to Brindisi stop in Bari first.
Plus, you’ll be taking the Frecciargento, which is slower than the fastest Frecciarossa train; this route from Rome or Naples takes around 4 hours.
What about coming from other parts of Italy?
Let’s just say the connections may not be as smooth.
Traveling to Puglia from Milan, Florence, Venice, and similar destinations means frequent train changes, which can be quite frustrating.
The bottom line? The train system will get you to Puglia from other parts of Italy, but don’t expect the smoothest journey.
5. Getting Around: Public Transportation Isn’t Effective
Let’s have an honest discussion about getting around Puglia without a vehicle.
To put it bluntly, the public transportation system here isn’t exactly a dream come true.
Compared to other Italian regions, it can be quite disorganized.
While there are decent train connections within Bari and nearby towns, once you leave Bari’s central zone, services become sparse.
Though there are basic bus services in popular areas like Salento, Gargano, and Valle d’Itria, they mostly connect towns and cities, leaving many rural areas and beach clubs isolated.
Be prepared for slow travel times, occasional transfers, and careful planning if you’re going to travel without a car.
It’s possible, but it may not be the most straightforward experience.
If exploring at your own pace is a priority, consider renting a car for part of your time in Puglia.
6. You Should Rent a Car!
To truly explore the wonders of Puglia, renting a car is essential.
As I mentioned, public transport can be tricky, so let me emphasize this again.
This region is perfect for road trips.
With its vast distances, captivating countryside, and beautiful coastal routes, having your own vehicle allows you to move at your own pace and savor every moment.
Picture yourself driving along the breathtaking seaside roads, such as the SP358 that hugs the cliffs between Otranto and Leuca in Salento.
Or navigating the thrilling rollercoaster roads of the SP52 and SP53 in the Gargano, between Peschici and Vieste.
Simply hopping on a train won’t allow you to fully appreciate these experiences, trust me.
Moreover, many of Puglia’s hidden gems are located in rural areas.
How else would you discover that dream masseria (farm stay) or find a secret cove at the beach without a car?
Having your own vehicle opens up a whole new world of adventure—it’s a different kind of freedom that public transportation just can’t match.
While I understand not everyone wants to drive during their vacation, having a trusty set of wheels significantly enhances your options.
Consider renting a car for exploring secluded places while taking the train between larger cities.
Puglia’s beauty is best appreciated off the beaten path, and you’ll want to have the flexibility to experience it all.
7. Four Must-See Destinations for Your Puglia Itinerary
At this point, I’m sure you understand that Puglia is vast and sprawling.
But don’t worry about trying to fit every inch of it into your trip!
For newcomers, there are four key highlights that deserve your attention.
Starting with the Gargano peninsula in the north, this forested coastal area is perfect for relaxing beach days, indulging in scenic hikes, or enjoying exciting water sports.
It’s a favorite summer escape, often filled with camper vans from Germany and Austria during peak season.
Next, we have the Salento peninsula, located at the southern tip of Puglia.
This sun-soaked region is brimming with rustic Mediterranean charm and features postcard-perfect seaside towns like Lecce, Otranto, Gallipoli, and the iconic Santa Maria di Leuca.
Quintessential doesn’t even begin to describe it!
No trip to Puglia would be complete without visiting the area surrounding the regional capital, Bari.
This region, known as Terra di Bari, is filled with hidden urban treasures like Trani, Bitonto, and Giovinazzo, all steeped in Old World charm.
Lastly, you should explore the Itria Valley, known for its grapevines, olive trees, and quaint towns with whitewashed houses called trulli, located in places like Alberobello, Ostuni, and Locorotondo.
To thoroughly explore all these locations, allow at least 14 days unless you prefer to focus on a select few based on your travel preferences.
8. Where to Find the Best Beaches in Puglia
Now, let’s discuss one of Puglia’s biggest attractions: its beaches!
If you’re looking to dip your toes in the water, focus your beach plans on two main regions: the Gargano in the north and Salento in the south.
The Gargano is home to picturesque coastal towns like Vieste and Peschici, boasting steep bays and crystal-clear waters.
You can even catch a ferry to the stunning Tremiti Islands from here!
World-class beach experiences await you.
However, the Salento peninsula takes Puglia’s beach appeal up a notch.
This region showcases pristine stretches of sand and spectacular beaches like Gallipoli and northern Otranto.
The water here ranges in shades of blue and electric green that are simply breathtaking.
Honestly, Salento might just outshine Gargano when it comes to beach perfection.
Regardless of which beach you choose, there’s a quirk you should know about: the infamous lido situation.
Lido establishments occupy vast stretches of coastline, featuring rows of sunbeds and umbrellas.
While it’s not entirely negative—these beach clubs often have a lively atmosphere and can be enjoyable—they do make accessing the coastline more complicated.
Fortunately, you can still find areas to swim and have access to small sections of unspoiled sand along the coast.
The best approach is to ask locals or do a bit of research to find the best free and public beaches to enjoy.
9. Base Yourself Wisely: Embrace a Multi-Town Approach
I cannot stress enough that Puglia is a large region that truly deserves a road trip.
Don’t try to cover it all from a single base!
I can already hear the groans: “But that adds too much hassle to our itinerary!” Yes, but you know what’s even more frustrating?
Spending your precious vacation behind the wheel, watching all the wonders of Puglia whizz by outside your car window.
Instead of enduring this ordeal, consider arranging multiple bases during your visit.
This way, you’ll significantly reduce your driving time and fully appreciate the ambiance of each town you explore.
For instance, if you want to discover the gems of the Apulian interior, such as beautiful Martina Franca and Locorotondo in the Itria Valley, consider starting your trip in Ostuni.
This base is wonderfully located and ideal for day trips.
If Salento, with its sunny beaches, is your priority, it’s wise to make Lecce or any coastal town in the region your home base.
The key is to break up your accommodation to maximize your time while minimizing excessive driving.
Exploring with refreshed energy and less fatigue is a real game-changer!
Be the type of traveler who truly experiences your destination, not merely someone checking off boxes from your car window.
Allow the allure of Puglia to unfold gradually as you explore multiple bases.
You’ll be grateful you did!
10. Shoulder Season Is Your Best Friend
Now, here’s an insider tip on the best time to visit Puglia.
Let’s avoid those scorching summer months when tourists flood into Italy.
During this time, prices soar, crowds swell, and even bottled water seems overpriced!
Instead, aim to experience Puglia during the beautiful crowd-free shoulder seasons.
Think late spring or early fall when the weather is still inviting but the tourist crowds have thinned out.
By mid-to-late May, you can enjoy lovely weather perfect for relaxing at the beach—many spots are delightfully uncrowded.
Then there’s the lovely window from mid-September to October when summer finally gives way to cooler temperatures.
During this time, the crowds disappear, allowing you to savor life al fresco with a crisp glass of negroamaro.
Basically, you get to enjoy all the benefits of the high season without the peak prices and chaos.
That’s what we call experiencing Italian culture the right way!
I’m not saying July or August are entirely off-limits, but between the oppressive heat and scrambling for beach space? You’ve been warned—Puglia during peak summer can be overwhelming!
11. English Is Not Very Common
Let’s clarify something right away: you can certainly survive in Apulia without knowing Italian.
English has made significant inroads here, especially in larger cities.
But don’t expect fluency everywhere you go.
Venturing into smaller towns and rural areas, you may only encounter folks with limited English skills.
For many, “I don’t speak English” might be their entire vocabulary!
Nonetheless, a bit of cultural immersion never hurt anyone, right?
The Apulians are friendly and welcoming, often able to communicate through inventive gestures.
It’s a good idea to keep your Google Translate app handy, but you’ll navigate just fine.
Learning a few basic Italian phrases will not only endear you to the locals but may lead you to that beloved family-run restaurant that “Nonna” swears by!
Making even a small effort goes a long way!
12. Puglia Is Not a Budget Destination
Let’s face facts: the myth that Puglia is some magical haven for budget travelers is fading.
Sure, that may have been true fifteen years ago, but not anymore.
While Puglia remains cheaper compared to famous northern destinations, it has shed its former reputation as a bargain-basement option.
Prices for accommodation, meals, and activities have risen along with demand.
Even seasonally, you won’t experience the same penny-pinching opportunities as in the past.
The silver lining? The glorious shoulder season still offers great deals as prices dip again.
However, during the peak summer months when visitors flock to the region, be prepared to increase your budget or consider glamping at an agriturismo!
13. Food in Puglia Is Irresistible
Prepare your taste buds for an extraordinary culinary experience!
I’m sharing this not only as the proud wife of a local, but with a hint of bias!
Puglia was once known as Italy’s granary, showcasing vast fields of golden wheat.
This wheat is the source of the delicious durum wheat used to make some of Italy’s finest pasta.
And let’s not overlook the fresh, seasonal produce deliciously featured in Apulian cuisine.
It’s all about letting these high-quality ingredients shine, without fuss.
Think vibrant starters crafted from freshly picked vegetables.
Or a variety of semi-mature cheeses made from the freshest ingredients.
And the cured meats? They’ll make you feel nostalgic for your grandmother’s cooking!
As for carbohydrates, you can’t miss the iconic orecchiette—tiny ear-shaped pasta that the locals take pride in.
Whether served with a tangy tomato sauce, earthy rapini, or sumptuous seafood, a plate of these delights is true soul food.
Puglia operates on a whole different level when celebrating Italy’s culinary heritage.
It’s a delightful array of simple yet sublime flavors that might make you dream of moving here permanently—or at least packing looser trousers for your travels!
14. Trulli Aren’t Just Found in Alberobello
Let’s discuss the iconic cone-roofed structures you see in Puglia promotions.
Yes, we are referring to trulli—those unique limestone buildings topped with charming grey cones.
While Alberobello might be the famed capital of trulli, here’s an insider tip: you’ll find these delightful dwellings scattered across the Itria Valley.
From Locorotondo to Cisternino, it’s practically a trullo wonderland!
But here’s how to enhance your experience: don’t just admire them from a distance—stay in one!
Yes, many of these charming trulli have been transformed into guesthouses, B&Bs, and even luxury accommodations for discerning travelers.
Imagine waking up each day in the embrace of those thick limestone walls and cone-shaped roofs.
A particularly popular renovated trullo village is Borgo Canonica, located just outside Cisternino.
Nestled among olive groves and vineyards, it offers an enchanting agriturismo experience.
You can also stay at Trulli 18cinquantanove in Cisternino, where you’ll feel welcomed by the lovely hostess, Chiara, from the moment you arrive.
This charming spot consists of four cozy apartments, each with a private entrance, beautifully restored to retain their original character.
Then there’s Trulli Beresheet, which elevates luxury trulli living.
Located near Ostuni, it features lavish interiors harmoniously blending luxury with natural beauty.
Your trulli room will offer all imaginable comforts.
Outside, enjoy a stunning 20-meter pool surrounded by centuries-old olive trees—an idyllic paradise!
This location is also perfect for exploring top attractions, including the Torre Guaceto Nature Reserve, Savelletri, Fasano, and the beautiful beaches in Salento.
You can even rent cars and bikes for easy exploration.
If you’re searching for one of the most beautiful trulli resorts with a pool in Puglia, this is it!
Prepare to see traditional hotel experiences in a whole new light!
The Insider Scoop Continues…
And there you have it—the straightforward guide to experiencing Puglia like a local!
From finding the best accommodations to uncovering hidden gems, I’ve shared all my tips for making this region your personal playground.
But don’t stop here!
The insider insights are just getting started.
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While basic phrases are helpful, imagine confidently engaging in conversations with locals, sharing jokes at the market and chatting with grandmothers like an expert.
This is your ticket to authentic experiences.
Remember, getting to know Puglia is just the first step.
After taking this comprehensive course, you’ll be well-equipped to unveil all the hidden corners of lovely Italy.
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Ciao and happy travels!
