Puglia’s enduring beauty takes centre stage in our 12 DAWN-TO-DUSK ITINERARIES which celebrate the best of the region’s natural wonders and urban highlights.
Baroque SalentoBreakfast on iced coffee and bombastic baroque architecture in Lecce’s graceful historic centre. Further artistic splendours await in Galatina whose Basilica of Santa Caterina d’Alessandria thrills with its astonishing interior decor. See the day out on the Ionian coast, basking in the golden light of a seaside sunset in Gallipoli.
In the Heart of BariDive into Puglia’s hot-blooded regional capital for a day to remember. Get down with the fishermen at the portside market before strolling the labyrinthine lanes of Bari Vecchia, taking in sights such as Largo Albicocca, the Cathedral of San Sabino and the Basilica of San Nicola. After some shopping in the 19th-century Murattiano district, round the day off with a trattoria meal and drinks on the seafront.
Across Imperial PugliaWith its show-stopping seafront cathedral, Trani provides a picturesque gateway to central Puglia, an ancient land of castles, cathedrals and medieval villages. Take in Trani’s marina and historic centre, then strike inland to feast on heavenly burrata in Andria. Continue southwards to UNESCO-listed Castel del Monte, Puglia’s most celebrated and mysterious castle.
Road to the End of the EarthBe the first to see the sun rise at Italy’s most easterly point, Capo d’Otranto, where the Adriatic meets the Ionian Sea. From there the road snakes down the Salento’s rocky east coast, winding through a parched, almost other-worldly, landscape as the sea shimmers on the blue horizon. Push on southwards until you reach the end of the earth, the ancient finis terrae at Santa Maria di Leuca.
Around Trulli & the Itria ValleyExperience some of Puglia’s most iconic landscapes and best-loved white towns in the Itria Valley. Kick off by marvelling at conical-roofed trulli houses in UNESCO-listed Alberobello, before pushing on to Locorotondo, famous for its white wine. Next, continue to Martina Franca, renowned for its baroque centre, and Cisternino, where you can dine on grilled meat at one of its popular fornelli (butchers’ shops serving grilled meat).
Gargano’s Uphill Unesco SitesMake a pilgrimage to the heart of the Gargano. With its revered sanctuary to the Archangel Michael, the remote mountain town of Monte Sant’Angelo is the place to start. From here, strike out to explore the enchanted Foresta Umbra before descending to the coast and a sunset dinner overlooking a trabucco (traditional fishing platform, displayed in the photo) in Peschici.
Discovering Taranto & GravineRevel in rugged natural beauty and historical treasures in Taranto and its oft-overlooked province. From Laterza, home of one of Europe’s deepest canyons, head eastwards to Massafra to investigate rocky cave churches adorned with Byzantine frescoes. A few kilometres further on, Taranto boasts one of Italy’s great archaeological museums and a menu of superlative seafood, including the region’s most prized mussels.
Snorkelling in Two SeasTake in two seas on a coast-to-coast dash across the region. Greet the day with a snorkel in the Adriatic at the Torre Guaceto Protected Marine Area. Done there, speed south to the Salento and the Porto Selvaggio Regional Natural Park where you can dust the day off by swimming and snorkelling in its dreamy Ionian waters.
Hopping from Polignano to OstuniFrom echoing sea grottoes to groves of gnarled olive trees rising from rusty-red soil, this part of Puglia encapsulates the region’s myriad faces. Welcome the morning with a caffè speciale in the clifftop town of Polignano a Mare before pushing south through laid-back Monopoli to finish the day in the white streets of hilltop Ostuni.
Relishing Alta MurgiaEnjoy tours of local winemakers as you explore the ravines and wild highlands of the Alta Murgia National Park. Start in Altamura, enjoying elegant architecture and delicious local bread in its handsome historic centre. Then push on to Gravina in Puglia to sample fruity white wine and stare into the vertiginous gorge that bisects the town.
Enchanted Daunian MountainsWith their wooded slopes, medieval castles and remote hilltop towns, the Daunian Mountains (Monti Dauni) are ideal hiking and cycling terrain. For a taste of their bucolic charm, hit the road for a slow tour of their sleepy villages. Kick off in Troia, home to a magnificent 12th-century cathedral, then head south to explore steeply-stacked Bovino, and revel in sweeping views from Deliceto’s lordly Norman castle.
Diving amidst Tremiti Islands & ViesteSpend a day exploring the crystalline waters and idyllic coves of the Tremiti Islands and you’ll be a fan for life. Action is centred on the two inhabited islands, San Nicola and San Domino, where you’ll find wonderful swimming and unforgettable diving. Round the day off back on the mainland in the attractive town of Vieste.
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