Located at the southernmost corner of Italy, Puglia is slowly but surely becoming a top tourist destination. It's the very definition of an 'escape,' allowing you to run away from your everyday hassles and the stress of city life and enjoy the idyllic rural serenity of the place. As you'd expect, going to the beach is the top activity to do in Puglia, thanks in large part to its stunning coasts. However, apart from that, there's actually a lot to look forward to here as well. Ready your cameras and put on your sunscreen because here is what you can do in Puglia for a day!
See The Famous Trulli of Alberobello
Just like the moai statues on Easter Island or the Terracotta Army in Shaanxi, China, The
Trulli houses in Alberobello are an archeological phenomenon. They've been around for hundreds of years, offering a peek into what life was like in this part of Italy all those centuries ago. The symmetry and precise organization of the whitewashed houses with stone conical roofs make for a stunning visual, almost as if they're natural wonders instead of man-made marvels. From a mile away, you can already take a snapshot and it'd immediately catch attention on Instagram and other social media platforms.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Cycle through Itria Valley
Although a great tip to follow when going to Puglia is to rent your own car, try renting a bike as well. The beautiful trails all over the region are second to none. You can spend an entire day cycling through Puglia and it wouldn't feel tiring at all. In fact, it'll feel more rewarding than anything else. Especially if you pedal your way through the Itria Valley. Located near the charming
Apulian towns of Alberobello, Ostuni, and more, you can explore all these amazing places all while you cycle your way to a healthier and fitter you!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
See The Olive Trees in Ostuni
Speaking of Ostuni, now here's a city where you can do a lot! Many of which allow you to
get to know Italian culture as its purest too! For example, you can go to the beautiful L'Ulivo Che Canta farm and learn a lot about olive trees. Since olive oil is an Italian cuisine mainstay, this place will teach you everything you need to know about the plant and how the Italians came to maximize it when preparing their food. A notable highlight is the beautiful gallery of wooden handicrafts, all made out of the olive tree wood planted in the place.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Have A Walking Date Through Locorotondo
Whilst exploring the beautiful region of Puglia, another whitewashed town you ought to not miss is Locorotondo. Though it's a stark white city through and through, the colorful flora that decorate the narrow pathways, bustling avenues, and charming windowsills make it a romantic destination that's perfect for couples. If you simply want to enjoy each other's company, you can spend an entire day just strolling the town, getting lost at ever mysterious corner. You'll definitely feel the mood as you watch local life go by, especially since Italians are known to express their love unapologetically and out in the open.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Marvel at The Churches in Lecce
If there's one thing to expect in any city in Italy, it's a grand old church. As the country that houses the seat of power in the Roman Catholic church, it makes sense that its many cathedrals, basilicas, shrines, and chapels are quite the sights to see. And here in Puglia, some of the most beautiful can be found in the
city of Lecce. The churches here are something else, exhibiting the finest in Baroque and Renaissance architecture while preserving the rustic appeal of the southern region. And when you get inside, majestic frescos and gilded altars await your sparkling eyes.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Explore the Baroque Town of Martina Franca
Another charming Apulaian town where you can bask in Baroque beauty is Martina Franca. Located in the province of Taranto, this is one of the more bustling cities in the region. Instead of the more quiet environments that you've probably gotten used to in the small villages in the area, Martina Franca offers busier streets, lots of commercial establishments, hordes of tourists, and more. But all of that fades away once you see the majestic beauty of the Baroque side of the city. One main attraction, the beautiful Piazza Maria Immacolata has a Colosseum-like quality to it that's undeniably Roman.
Source: Wikimedia Commons/ Martina Franca
Go on an Adventure in Gargano National Park
One of the great things about Puglia is that it's one of the best largely untouched regions in Italy. Sure, the previously mentioned towns and cities are worth checking out, but if you prefer a more adventurous day here, there are a lot of places to choose from. From the stunning costalines to the breathtaking mountainous areas, your next adventure awaits. Out of all of them, however, you might want to choose Gargano National Park as a start. It includes tons of the exceptionally beautiful natural wonders of Puglia, including the Tremiti Islands and Lago Salso wetlands among many others.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
There's a lot to look forward to here in Puglia. Even if you only have one day to spend in the region, you'll find that you have a myriad of options on what to do. From exploring the beautiful towns to going on a nature-filled adventure, get ready to live life to the fullest in Puglia!
