Welcome to Puglia Puglia, also known as Apulia, is in the south of Italy; the heel of Italy’s boot. The region is becoming increasingly popular as travellers discover the area’s varied charms: baroque towns, white-washed trullo houses, olive groves and […]
Welcome to Puglia
Puglia, also known as Apulia, is in the south of Italy; the heel of Italy’s boot. The region is becoming increasingly popular as travellers discover the area’s varied charms: baroque towns, white-washed trullo houses, olive groves and orchards, blue sea and beaches, plenty of sunshine and excellent cuisine. Located in the heart of the Mediterranean, it is a magical combination of artefacts, history, art and unspoilt nature, amidst beautiful coastlines and picture-postcard landscapes.
Bari
The capital of Puglia and one of southern Italy’s most prominent cities, Bari combines seaside charm and historical appeal. A major Mediterranean cruise port, the university city is also known for its old town, which boasts churches, picturesque courtyards, and other tucked-away gems.
Valle d’Itria
Valle d’Itria, also called “Trulli valley”, has a unique fairytale landscape dotted with former peasant homes known as Trulli. These traditional Apulian structures look quaint with their beehive-shaped roofs and are resourcefully made from stones that peasants cleared from their rocky fields. These structures were easy to erect and just as easy to knock down if necessary and offer warmth in the winter and coolness in the summer months. These fanciful Trulli, set in the peaceful Puglia countryside, have been restored as holiday homes with private pools.
Gargano
Gargano is replete with beautiful fishing villages, dark and ancient forests inland, fine sandy beaches surrounded by rugged cliffs, secret caves and picturesque coves. It is ideal as a hub for eco-tourism and to relax. The most popular and fashionable town in Gargano is the medieval village of Vieste. It’s a joy to walk through its narrow streets, passing white coloured houses all the while being overlooked by the stunning 13th-century castle. The Mattinata beach along the coastal area of Baia delle Zagare is among its most beautiful beaches with its famous stacks a few metres from the shore.
Ostuni
With its white-washed buildings and stunning hillside location, this is one of the most beautiful towns in Puglia. Also known as “the White City,” Ostuni is located in a region called Valle d’Itria. This hilly region is located within the central portion of Puglia.
Like many historic towns in Italy, the city center is a delight to explore, with its maze of hilly streets. This was one of the favourite towns in Puglia to go shopping. Sure, you will find the kitschy souvenir shops along the streets, but you can also shop for artwork, clothing and jewelery, and unique, hand-crafted home goods made locally.
Welcome to Basilicata
Have you heard of Basilicata? Well, if not, it is a hidden gem in the south of Italy that we highly recommend you visit. Despite not being the most well-known Italian region, it boasts ancient cities, breathtaking beaches, stunning national parks, and beautiful archaeological sites. All of which are well worth exploring next time you visit the ‘Bel Paese’.
Basilicata’s rich history dates back to the Stone Age and provides numerous sightseeing opportunities within its beautiful landscape. Much of this reflects in the design of its medieval castles, coastal resorts, quaint hilltop villages and ancient architecture, influenced by Romanesque, Byzantine, Benedictine, Norman, and Swabian cultures.
Matera
The city of Matera is famous for its stunning ancient cave dwellings, known as the ‘Sassi’. The Sassi is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It consists of two districts, Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano, which comprise cave dwellings carved into the area’s rock formations. The history of the Sassi dates back to prehistoric times, and the caves were inhabited continuously until the 1950s.
In recent years, the Sassi has undergone extensive restoration and revitalisation efforts, transforming the district into a popular tourist destination. Visitors can stroll through the narrow alleys and staircases of the Sassi, admiring the ancient architecture and learning about the history of this unique city.
Pietrapertosa
Pietrapertosa is a place you will be instantly wowed by. One of the more remarkable villages in Italy, it sits on a jagged peak within the Lucanian Dolomites that overlooks the stunning Basento river valley. The views are amazing, and the village itself is a quaint warren of narrow streets and stone houses that ooze character and charm.
One of its highlights is its castle, which dates back to the 12th century and has been restored in recent years. Visitors can explore the castle’s towers and battlements, as well as the underground tunnels that connect it to the surrounding area.
If you are up for some adventure, the Flight of the Angel is something that must be done. The thrilling zipline that connects the village to the neighbouring town of Castelmezzano, spanning 1.4 km and reaching speeds of up to 120 km/hr.
Potenza
The capital city of Basilicata, Potenza, is a destination full of surprises. One of its main drawcards is its historic city center, which features winding, narrow streets, exquisite churches, and the National Archaeological Museum. The latter is dedicated to archaeologist Dinu Adameșteanu and exhibits relics and artifacts discovered in the area.
The city also provides access to several hiking trails, national parks, and stunning vistas which showcase its tremendous natural beauty. While the town is also known for its delicious local cuisine, which includes the region’s famous lagane e ceci pasta dish and lucanica sausage.
Castelmazzano
Castelmezzano is a beautiful village located in the heart of the Lucanian Dolomites. It connects to the neighboring town of Pietrapertosa through a trail, offering spectacular views of the village and surrounding mountains as you traverse it.
you can also explore the narrow, winding streets of the town and visit the crumbling ruins of the 11th-century Castello Saraceno castle. You can also admire the Church of Santa Maria dell’Olmo, which has a 14th-century wooden statue that depicts Madonna holding a child. The place is also known for the famous ‘peperoni cruschi’ (crispy peppers) and ‘cavatelli’ pasta and stunning handcrafted products made from local materials, such as wool, leather, and ceramics.