“Lu sule, lu mare, lu ientu“, the sun, the sea and the wind. But that is not all. Puglia is an incredible region, with places of rare beauty that capture the hearts of all travellers. Precisely for this reason, in recent years this region has been experiencing a thriving tourist season, welcoming people from all over the world.
Here we can find the beaches of Salento, the wild nature of the Gargano, the white towns and wild hills of the Itria Valley, the sea of the Tremiti.
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But what are the absolute unmissable sights to visit in 7 days in Puglia?
Here is our handy guide.
Gargano
The Gargano is located in the northernmost part of the region. Also known as ‘the spur of Italy’, it is a National Park. Here you will encounter very diverse landscapes that will only be a preview of what you will see in the rest of the region. Lakes, long white beaches, villages overlooking the sea, mountains. If you like the outdoors, you will enjoy trekking here.
Among the treasures of the Gargano, Vieste and Peschici stand out with their unique beauty.
Vieste is a picturesque coastal town, with its characteristic white houses overlooking the turquoise sea. The narrow streets of the historic centre invite you to get lost in the alleys and small squares, revealing enchanting and authentic views. Here you can admire the imposing majesty of the Castello Svevo, visit the Cathedral and discover the numerous sea caves dotting the coast.
Peschici, on the other hand, is a charming medieval village perched on a cliff overlooking the sea. Its small white houses, narrow cobbled alleys and panoramic terraces offer an unforgettable sight. Exploring the historical centre, you can visit the Church of San Michele Arcangelo and enjoy the breathtaking view from the belvedere. Peschici is also renowned for its golden sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, inviting you to relax and enjoy the sea.
On the Gargano you will also find the village of Monte Sant’Angelo, known for the Sanctuary of St Michael. Descending a flight of steps, you can visit the sacred cave, where the ‘altar of the footprint’ is located, with the footprint – according to legend – of the Archangel.
Isole Tremiti
The Tremiti are the only Italian islands in the Adriatic Sea. San Domino, San Nicola, Cretaccio, Pianosa and Capraia are six wild islands surrounded by crystal-clear waters and ready for all sea lovers to be enchanted by them. The waters are turquoise and the seabed rich in natural treasures. Snorkelling and diving enthusiasts can admire all kinds of fish and discover real underwater itineraries. Some of the most famous diving spots are Punta Secca and Cala dei Turchi.
Many beaches are stony, with pebbles and rocks. The unmissable ones in San Domino are Cala Matano and Cala dei Benedettini. The other islands are easier to reach by boat or dinghy, given the steep descents through the Mediterranean bush that might make sunbathing more adventurous than expected.
Bari
When talking about Apuglia, it is impossible not to mention the capital, Bari. Its historic centre leaves you speechless. Strolling through the cobbled streets of Bari Vecchia, don’t miss the Basilica of San Nicola. Dedicated to the city’s patron saint, worshipped by Catholics as well as Orthodox, the cathedral is a charming example of Romanesque architecture. The peculiarity of this church is that, as St Nicholas is both a Catholic and an Orthodox saint, services for both cults are celebrated inside.
From the basilica you can then start your tour through Bari Vecchia. One of the things you really can’t miss during your stay in the city is a walk down Via Arcobasso where, on the doorstep or in the window, women still prepare the pasta orecchiette as they used to. You can buy them as souvenirs for friends and family. You can then continue wandering the streets until you reach Fortino di Sant’Antonio Abate with its massive walls. This is where the people of Bari gather to chat. On the seafront you can also admire elegant Art Nouveau buildings and admire the horizon: this will be one of the best memories you can take home of Bari.
Alberobello
Who says trulli says Alberobello. if you wish to admire some of the ancient rural constructions of Apuglia, you absolutely must make a stop in the Valle d’Itria, in the province of Bari. Alberobello is indeed a quaint little town, dotted with these typical construction, called “trulli”. Most of these trulli, with a cylindrical base, whitewashed in limestone and topped by a conical roof, are located in the Rione Monti. There are more than 1,000 of them, of all kinds. Many of these trulli today function as restaurants or shops selling typical products.
Castellana Caves
In the Murge, you cannot miss the Grotte di Castellana (Castellana Caves), a few kilometres from Alberobello. It is an incredible speleological complex of karstic origin and one of the most astounding in Italy. From the entrance to the caves, called “Grave”, you step into a cavern that is 60 metres deep and about a hundred million years old. You can decide which route to take: a shorter one of about one and a half kilometres and a longer one of 3 kilometres. In both cases, you can walk among stalactites, stalagmites and caves with unusual shapes.
Martina Franca
Martina Franca is an unmissable stop on your trip to Puglia. Surrounded by the Itria Valley, with its white houses and cobbled streets, Martina Franca’s historical centre is a real gem. In particular, don’t miss the Church of Sant’Antonio, the Ducal Palace and the Basilica of San Martino. But these are not the only things that have made Martina Franca so popular: there is also the famous capocollo. Don’t miss the chance to taste it in one of the many restaurants and, why not, take it home with you.
In the Itria Valley there are also many “masserie”, the traditional farmhouses surrounded by walls. Many now have been converted to restaurants where you can eat among fig trees, olive trees and cacti. It will certainly be an unforgettable experience!
Ostuni
The white town, as Ostuni is known, certainly does not go unnoticed thanks to the whitewashed houses that stand out in the small streets of the historic centre. This whitewashed houses have become a true symbol of the area. Strolling through the historical centre, enclosed by a wall with two gates – Porta Nova and Porta San Demetrio – you will come across small squares and pretty churches. The town is presided over by the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, which is definitely worth a visit. The façade with its central rose window is a wonderful postcard of the city.
Lecce
Lecce is one of Apulia’s treasures. More than a city, it is a work of art. Here you will find monuments from Roman, medieval and Renaissance times. Not to mention the famous Lecce Baroque, which sees its highest expression in the Basilica of Santa Croce. Its façade, with its central rose window surrounded by laurel leaves and berries, it’s so ornate that it looks like a lacework and rich in ornamental elements.
Then continue your tour to Piazza Duomo, where you can admire masterpieces of Baroque and Roman art. For example, Piazza Sant’Oronzo is home to both the amphitheatre and the cathedral. Buildings of different styles coexist here: the Palazzo del Seggio and the churches of San Marco and Santa Maria delle Grazie.
Otranto
Otranto is a beautiful seaside town that deserves to be discovered. Here you can admire the Aragonese Castle with its defensive walls and the watchtowers that used to protect the city. Once you arrive, stroll through the centre, with its whitewashed houses, cobbled streets and hanging laundry. Also, don’t forget to visit the Cathedral and, once you have left the centre, leave some time to laze on the nearby beaches. Otranto’s most famous beaches are the Baia dei Turchi, so called because the Turks landed there at the time of the invasions.
Salento
By now it is impossible to think of Apulia and not mention Salento. Situated in the southernmost part of the region, it is famous for its Caribbean beaches and for the many clubs that get packed with tourists from all over Italy and beyond every summer. One of the most beautiful places in the Salento is Santa Maria di Leuca. Its pristine beaches, such as Pescoluse, will win you over. It is no coincidence that this stretch of Apulian coastline is called ‘the Maldives of Salento‘. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Grotta del Diavolo or the Grotta delle Tre Porte.
Also in Salento is Gallipoli, facing the Ionian Sea. This location is ideal for young people looking for fun. But there are also beaches, some of which are truly incredible, such as Punta della Suina and Punta Pizzo.
Ready to take an immersive journey with all your senses? Apulia is waiting for you, book one of our villas now!
