What to See and Do in Puglia – Travel Guide for Puglia

Are you wondering what to see and do on your next trip to Puglia? We’ve created the list below to answer exactly this question. Puglia is an Italian region located in the South. Furthermore, it’s considered the heel of Italy’s boot (just look at the map and you’ll understand why!). Puglia boasts beautiful beaches, picturesque towns, amazing food and much more. So, let’s start to find out what to see and do in Puglia! However, before you start, keep in mind that all locations are ordered from North to South.

These islands definitely boast the best sea in the North of Puglia. The Tremiti Islands are an archipelago of five islands: San Domino, San Nicola, Capraia, Cretaccio and Pianosa. San Domino, the largest island, boasts beautiful landscapes and sea caves. In addition, it’s covered with an Aleppo pine forest. While, San Nicola is rich in monuments, towers, walls, churches and an abbey. The Tremiti Islands can be reached by ferry and helicopter. We recommend you to rent a boat and discover all their beautiful beaches.

Castel del Monte is a 13th-century fortress built by the Roman emperor Frederick II. Furthermore, it’s one of the landmarks of Puglia and southern Italy. The fortress has an octagonal plan with eight octagonal turrets on each corner. There is a large parking lot a few hundred meters away from Castel del Monte.

There is no trip to Puglia without a stop in Polignano a Mare. In fact, Polignano is a very popular destination because of its position and above all its stunning cliffs. Furthermore, this picturesque town is also famous because it was the home of singer Domenico Modugno (Volare oh, oh). Stroll through the alleys of the old town of Polignano. As well as enjoy the beautiful views from one of its balconies. Lama Monachile beach is the most famous in Polignano. Also, it’s the perfect spot for the postcard of your trip!

Monopoli is another beautiful town just seven kilometers from Polignano. The old town of Monopoli is one of the interesting things to visit. In fact, its picturesque alleys are full of delicious restaurants, quirky shops and several spots for your photos. Furthermore, for beach lovers, Monopoli boasts one of the most beautiful coastlines of Puglia in the locality of Capitolo. Numerous private beaches with lots of amenities and parking areas are located along this coastline of about 15 kilometers.

The Valle d’Itria is a wide area located in the center of Puglia which includes several towns. This valley is famous for the Trulli and Masserie, two typical Apulian rural buildings. For this reason, today the Valle d’Itria is one of the most touristic areas of Italy. The most beautiful towns to visit in the Itria valley are Cisternino, Martina Franca, Locorotondo, Ostuni and Alberobello. Each of these boasts old towns characterized by picturesque alleys, whitewashed houses, flowered balconies, churches and monuments. In addition, this area is also famous for its delicious food.

If you are also interested in food in Puglia, don’t miss What to Eat in Puglia – The Ultimate Food and Restaurants Guide.

This town with its Trulli is a real gem to visit in Puglia. Alberobello is located in the Itria valley and is famous for the buildings called Trulli. These are limestone houses with pyramidal roofs typical of this region of Italy. Furthermore, the entire area of the Trulli has been named a UNESCO World Heritage site. For this reason, Alberobello is often crowded especially in spring-summer. Don’t miss this town in Puglia!

Torre Guaceto is a protected natural area located along the Adriatic coast a few kilometers from the town of Carovigno. The entire reserve boasts numerous wild sandy beaches with crystal clear water. Furthermore, there is an equipped beach in Punta Penna Grossa. We loved exploring the entire reserve and all its beaches immersed in a wild area. The months of May, June, September and October are the best time to visit this natural area.

The southernmost part of Puglia called Salento is one of the most popular areas for tourists who visit this region. In fact, this area is famous for its beautiful beaches and charming towns. Lecce, the most important city of Salento, boasts monuments of Baroque architecture. As well as a long traditional affinity with Greek culture going back to its foundation. Otranto and Santa Maria di Leuca are other picturesque towns to visit in Salento. Moreover, don’t miss the beaches of Porto Cesareo, Gallipoli and Pescoluse located along the Ionian coast.

So, do you want to know more about this incredible Italian region? Don’t miss these other articles on Puglia: