PUGLIA

Photo: Amastuola Resort — Puglia is the easternmost region in southern Italy stretching along the Adriatic and the Ioanian sea. It boasts one of the longest coastlines with stunning beaches, rocky cliffs, and charming seaside towns. Puglia has a rich ancient history and stunning architecture that reflect its diverse cultural influences over the Centuries. Some examples are the prehistoric construction of Romanesque techniques, Leccese Baroque, and Modern styles.

Photo: Vista Ostuni — About Puglia.

Puglia has an ancient history and it has been influenced by various civilizations and artistic styles which have left their unmistakable mark on the impressive architecture of its towns and villages. In Puglia, you can find charming villages, breathtaking landscapes, impressive Romanesque cathedrals, and majestic Federician Castles together with ancient churches and evocative places of worship carved into limestone rocks.
While it is possible to admire white-stoned Baroque churches in Lecce, the only evidence of Greek influence on Taranto is given by the pottery and artifacts currently on exhibition in the MARTA museum. Last but not least, dolmens and menhirs provide evidence that the history of Puglia dates back to prehistory.
Photo: Vista Resort - Ostuni

Puglia was part of the Kingdom of Naples when in the XVI century Charles V of Habsburg commissioned the construction of coastal towers to better defend the kingdom from the onslaught of pirates and Saracens. Due to the geographical characteristics of the region, almost half of the coastal towers that were built to protect the kingdom of Naples were erected on the coasts of Puglia.
A trip through the region reveals the differences between a northern area with an ancient tradition of a middle-class society and medieval Latin heritage, evoked by castles and monasteries, and a southern area influenced by Magna Greece and Byzantine rule.

The interior of the region is mostly flat and hilly, without major contrasts between adjacent territories. The Gargano and the mountains of The Daunia, (the latter also known as Dauno Subappennine) are the only mountainous areas in Puglia. The Murge is a plateau of limestone located south of the Table of the Apulias, which extends to Salento. There are several UNESCO World Heritage sites in the Region: Castel del Monte, the trulli of Alberobello, and the Sanctuary of St. Michael Archangel.

Things to do

Forbes has defined the almost 900 km of Apulian coast as “Captivating coast.” In fact, this coast bathed by the Adriatic and Ionian seas and dotted with suggestive and ancient watchtowers, seduces with that succession of ancient villages overlooking the sea, caves, white stacks, and beaches of fine sand, high dunes, and romantic and wild coves. Every day, the view presents an ever-changing scenery. In 2022, eighteen Blue Flags were awarded to Puglia by the international recognition, by the FEE – Foundation for Environmental Education, because of the excellent quality of the water of its seas. You can enjoy the captivating coast, from the quiet and exclusive beaches, or admire the infinite range of colors of the sea with hues of turquoise and indigo, from the deck of the boat where you can dive in the crystal-clear water between high rocks and breathtaking coves.

An exploration of the hinterland will lead to a continuous discovery of extraordinary landscapes and places that range from the wild Umbra Forest to the UNESCO sites. You cannot miss visiting Apulian castles, imposing and magical as Castel del Monte, commissioned by Frederick II of Swabi, a man who deeply loved this land, and Romanesque basilicas, masterpieces of art that preserve precious rarities such as the large mosaic floor of the Cathedral of Otranto. The secrets of elegant Baroque cities like Lecce will be revealed to you by our expert guides.

You will have an unforgettable gastronomic experience, and you will taste the exquisite cuisine of starred chefs, which includes traditional dishes as well as contemporary and modern dishes. You will learn to make Pasticciotto of Galatina and orecchiette, a type of traditional Apulian pasta, with the help of professionals selected for the excellence of their cooking classes. You will visit the most beautiful wineries, where you can have breakfast among the vineyards and meet the producers who will guide you through a unique wine tasting experience. You will stay in noble palaces and charming fortified farms where you can fully experience the true essence of the Apulian lifestyle.

Photo: Vista Resort - Ostuni

Cities To Visit

The capital city of Puglia, is a port city that overlooks the Adriatic sea. It is a well-known university city. It boasts great architectural works, wonderful churches, a romantic promenade, and a picturesque old town whose narrow and winding streets are dominated by an ancient castle. There are examples of Romanesque architecture in Bari that feature massive thick walls and decorative sculptures.
Bari is a cultural city: the Teatro Margherita and the Murat Space host contemporary art exhibitions, while the Archeological Museum of Santa Scolastica hosts a collection of ancient artefacts.
When in the old town, stop at St. Nicholas Basilica, Norman Svevo Castle and the Romanesque Cathedral of San Sabino that conceals an interesting hypogeum.
The Province of Foggia is the second largest in Italy, and it includes a variety of geographical feautures such as plateaus, lakes, cliffs and bays. it has a stunning amount of sites and some truly beautiful architecture such as the Duomo and the Cheisa delle Croci.
Foggia’s proximity to Gargano and the gorgeous Tremiti Islands allows you to go on day trips and explore places of immense natural beauty.
In Monte Sant'Angelo, not far from Foggia, there is a wonderful shrine that is a UNESCO Heritage site: 'The Longobardi in Italy'.
It is the Sanctuary of St. Michael Archangel, a minor basilica that contains true architectural and artistic treasures from the Italian Middle Ages as well as valuable testimonies of the Renaissance period in southern Italy.
Taranto is called “the city of the two seas” because of its two bays where there are an important commercial port and a military port.
The history of Taranto is intertwined with the history of its bridges that connect the old city to the modern one. The Stone Bridge with its massive structure, was built after the flood in 1883. The most famous bridge is the Swing Bridge, a symbol of the city of Taranto, whose charm is that of great works of mechanical engineering. Crossing the bridge you find yourself in the maze of alleys around the central Via Cava, along which you can find artisans shops.
The city of Baroque Often called the "Florence of the South", is an incredible and fascinating city .
It features many examples of Baroque architecture and works of art of the Baroque period. One of the peculiarities of Lecce is its typical stone, called leccese stone, which was used throughout history to build the majority of the buildings in the old town.
Brindisi is a port city, in southern IPuglia . It has been an ancient crossroads of people and culture,
This city has many distinctive landmarks such as Roman ruins, fortresses overlooking the sea and medieval churches.

Photo Credit: Alberto Blasetti Vinilia Wine Resort

Experiences from the Seas to the Hills on the Northern side of the Murge and the Tavoliere delle Puglie, the largest plain in central-southern Italy.

History from Medieval to Byzantine to Roman to Baroque. Castles, Sacred places, Archeological areas, Historic villages, UNESCO sites.
Food for us is an opportunity to socialize. From starred restaurants to the typical trattoria with products that come directly from the farms.
Cooking classes in a beautiful Masserie, wine tasting, experience of the harvest of grapes in the vineyards or olives in the magnificent countryside.
Seaside rides with yachts or sailing boats along the coast. On a sailing boat along the coast, you can participate in the regattas, from Puglia you leave for the largest sailing regatta in the Mediterranean.
As well as the possibility to explore marine protected areas diving between the Adriatic Sea and the Ionian Sea.
Go trekking in the Regional Natural Park in the land of the Gravine, exploring enchanting landscapes in contact with nature, discovering the most authentic sense of this land, following in the footsteps of the ancient pilgrims heading to Jerusalem.
Paragliding on the hills of Monopoi and Fasano towards the coast.
Horseback riding on the Murge mountains or along the coast.
Cycling through the olive groves with rocky paths, from the hinterland to the sea, from the Gargano to Santa Maria di Leuca.
Golfing in the beautiful 18-hole courses near the sea.
The region of Puglia is not short of sporting adventures.