Just Back From: Puglia
There are many reasons to visit Puglia, Italy, a region located in the south of the country that is known for its stunning coastlines, charming towns, and rich history and culture. This destination has been on my personal radar for the last few years and after planning a handful of trips there that seemed so incredible on paper, I decided I really needed to understand the destination firsthand, and make sure I had a good grasp on what Puglia had to offer, and what type of clients would really appreciate the experiences we could create here.
After our Milk + Honey FAM trip (industry speak for “familiarization trip”) in early November, I am now convinced that this is an area of Italy that needs to be on your radar.
Some of the top reasons to visit Puglia include:
Beautiful beaches: Puglia has a long coastline with many beautiful beaches. The region is known for its crystal-clear waters and fine, sandy beaches, which make it a popular destination for beach vacations. Some of the most popular beaches in Puglia include:
Gallipoli: This beach town on the Ionian Sea is known for its clear waters and long sandy beach.
Otranto: Located on the Adriatic Sea, Otranto is home to a beautiful beach with crystal-clear waters and a long stretch of soft, white sand.
Polignano a Mare: Located on the Adriatic Sea, this beach town is known for its picturesque cliffs and beautiful beaches.
In addition to these popular beaches, there are many other beautiful beaches in Puglia that are worth exploring, including beaches in the Salento Peninsula, the Gargano Peninsula, and the Tremiti Islands.
Delicious food and wine: Puglia is known for its delicious food and wine, including dishes like orecchiette pasta, panzerotti, and focaccia bread. The region is also home to many vineyards that produce excellent wines.
Italy becomes so much more than pasta and pizza when you really start to dig in to regional specialties, and I will tell you that the focaccia I had in this region changed. my. life. It is also responsible for approximately 40% of the country’s olive oil production. Tuscany may get the credit, but Puglia is where it is actually produced!
Fascinating history and culture: Puglia has a rich history and culture that can be explored through its many historic towns and sites, such as the baroque city of Lecce and the ancient town of Egnazia.
I absolutely loved Lecce. Many people will refer to Lecce in particular as the “Florence of the south”, and I do see some similarities in the overall elegance of the city, but I wouldn’t come here expecting it to be just like Florence. There is not a list of must-sees here, because it is not a place for doing – it is simply a place to experience.
Incredible value: Puglia is generally less expensive than other popular destinations in Italy, making it a great value for travelers. We have continued to see prices sky-rocket in popular destinations like the Amalfi Coast, and we find that when looking at the experiences you can have across the region, combined with the investment needed, your money will simply stretch further here.
Great weather: Puglia has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild winters. This makes it a great destination for a beach vacation or for exploring the region's many outdoor attractions for many months of the year. We traveled in November, which is at the beginning of the off season and while some things were closed for the season, we still were able to enjoy temperate weather and really lovely days outdoors.
Unique architecture: Puglia is home to many unique architectural styles, including the trulli houses, which are traditional stone houses with conical roofs found in the region of Alberobello. The entire Itria Valley is a gorgeous region filled with atmospheric towns to discover and stunning vistas everywhere you look.
Authenticity: I know that “authentic” can be a buzzword that gets thrown around a lot in travel, but in my travels around Italy I truly believe that Puglia is one of the most authentic places you can visit. When visiting you really notice a slower pace, a sweeter experience, and meet people who are so incredibly nice and welcoming.
The people of Puglia are known for their warm and welcoming nature, which makes it a great destination for travelers looking for a more authentic and immersive cultural experience.
I highly recommend that you come see for yourself what makes Puglia so special. We would be thrilled to help design a trip that is true-to-you and gives you the experience you are looking for. Please reach out or fill out our Trip Design Form to get started!