Things to Do in Puglia – The Heel of Italy in 2021

Puglia is one of the most famous cities in Italy. It is also known as the “Heel of the Boot” because of its location. If we are talking about seaside tourism, Puglia comes out on top. In case you didn’t know, Puglia has long sandy beaches. It is the place where the Adriatic Sea meets the Ionian Sea. Besides spectacular sea beaches, the city is home to a rich historical and cultural heritage. It is what makes Puglia a perfect destination for tourists of all tastes. In this article, we will tell you about the things to do in Puglia. So, read on.

What are the best things to do in Puglia?

Puglia has a lot to offer to its visitors. This Italian city is filled with a wide range of fun things you can do during your stay here. However, it is not wise to limit your visit only to the most famous places. Sometimes it is the most underrated places that have gems hidden in them. So, the more you explore, the more your chances of making your trip memorable. Now, let us take a look at some of the best things to do in Puglia.

Go to the Castellana Caves

These caves are in Bari. It is an underground cave 3 kilometers in length and 70 meters in depth. You can also avail guided tour here. Such a tour is promising because it will take you through the beautiful sceneries of the cave. These sceneries are so surreal that they seem to be straight out of a drawing book.

Moreover, all the caves here have interesting titles. From the Wolf Cave to the Owl Cave to the Desert Corridor – the list is endless. One little piece of advice: try to visit it at night. The fun will double up.

Take a trip to the medieval times at Castel del Monte

Visiting the Castel del Monte and getting lost in history is one of the best things to do in Puglia. It is a fort built on the top of a mountain. Castel del Monte has secured its place on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

As you can understand, it is a perfect instance of architecture from the middle ages. The most interesting thing about this fortress is that everything here relates to 8. Yes. Number 8. It has eight towers in total. Its base is octagonal. And so on. In case you didn’t know, solstices and equinoxes are special here. The fort displays special lighting effects during these times.

Visit the aged town of Gallipoli

If you are in Lecce, don’t forget to visit the old town called Gallipoli. It is also known as The Ionian Pearl. Why? Well, it is because of the town’s charm, pristine beaches, and the overall beauty of this old town.

Gallipoli is built in a way so that it has sea on its three sides. And, a bridge helps it connect to the modern districts. It is what makes visiting Gallipoli one of the best things to do in Puglia. The town is filled with historic structures, churches, etc. from various periods. Take a walk through its narrow lanes and get a taste of history.

Enjoy Christmas Eve in Polignano a Mare

Christmas Eve is one of the happiest times of the year. And, what better than to celebrate it in Polignano a Mare. It is one of the best things to do in Puglia. This historical resort is located in Bari. In case you did not know, the place has a long tradition to celebrate Xmas. It does so by organizing a spectacular Living Nativity Scene. Thousands of volunteers celebrate the Nativity in a grand fashion every year. They use theater visuals as well.

Besides that, there are shows and food festivals during December and January. Plus, the streets witness floods of lights and a massive Christmas tree during this time. Thus, if you come to Puglia during winters, you must visit Polignano a Mare.

Get lost in the charm of the White City

If you are in Puglia, you should pay Ostuni a visit. Ostuni is best known as the White City. Just so you know, the town gets its nickname from its abundance of white buildings. These buildings align themselves along the narrow lanes reaching the neighborhood hill. If looked at from a distance, Ostuni looks like something straight out of the pages of the Arabian Nights. Such is its beauty and charm. And, don’t get us started on its skyline. Man-O-Man, it’s such a treat to one’s eyes.

Also, if you go to the heart of the city, you’ll find many tiny shops selling items or local food. You can go to the hilltop and visit the great Cathedral as well. Sounds like one of the best things to do in Puglia, right?

Come to the Olivetani Monastery to find inner peace

If you’re looking for some tranquil experience, look no further than the Olivetani Monastery. The monastery is not an active one. But it still retains its signature calm ambience and tranquility. It’s also the perfect place for aesthetic lovers as it contains lots of amazing art pieces.

Olivetani Monastery is very close to a local cemetery and has a pleasant citrus garden. Having a guided tour here is among the best things to do in Puglia. Try not to miss it at any cost.

Enjoy your day at the Torre Lapillo Beach

Spending a typical day at the Torre Lapillo Beach among the best things to do in Puglia. No wonder why it is a very popular beach in the Salento area. You can enjoy an entire day here like a local. Moreover, the white sand, clean water, and a family-friendly atmosphere make this beach perfect for a short trip.

Also, visit the old tower from which the beach gets its name, and the little marina.

Ride a hot air balloon above the Gravina

If you’re what to do in Puglia, you could consider taking a hot air balloon ride above the Gravina. This way, you will get a good view of the picturesque landscapes around. You would get a chance to admire the beautiful canyons and hills and the stone houses of the village. So, why not give it a chance?

FAQ

What is Puglia most famous for?

Puglia gets most of its fame because of its olive oil production. Puglia produces around 40% of the total amount of olive oil in Italy. The region provides the entire country with nearly 300,000 tons of olive oil each year.

Does Puglia have sea beaches?

Yes. It does. And, in abundance. Puglia is famous for its long sandy beaches and crystal-clear water. From Pescoluse to Torre Lapillo Beach to Porto Badisco, the list is pretty massive. So, you can do some surfing, take a walk along the shores, or swim as much as you want here.

Is Puglia a safe choice for a vacation?

Yes. Many places in the world are not safe for tourists at all. So, they should better be avoided. However, Puglia is not one of them. It is a very safe place and you can visit it without any worries.

Conclusion

In this article, we told you about some of the best things to do in Puglia. Try them all when you visit the city to get the most out of your Puglia trip.