About Apulia |
As far as Italian regions go, Puglia, also known as “Apulia,” is among the best of the best. It's no secret that Italy has a lot of different sides to it. There are historic places like Rome and Florence, the rusting elegance of Tuscany and Lake Como, not to mention the romantic paradises of Venice, Sicily, and the like. Puglia, on the other hand, has a heritage that's all its own. It's not far-fetched to say that there's no other place in the world that's quite like it.
Known as “Italy's boot” as it's located in the heel part of the country's shoe-shaped geography, Puglia is one of the most beautiful regions in southern Italy. It has a population of over 3,900,852 residents, a good chunk of which are living in Bari, Apulia's capital. Although Bari is often the starting point for those visiting Puglia for the first time, the region itself is made up of different Instagrammable towns, ranging from the famous commune of Alberobello to the bustling city of Lecce. As for the language here, it's mostly Italian but some also speak the Barese dialect.
Thanks to its geographical location, the region of Puglia tends to be one of the hottest places in all of Italy. Even in the Italian countryside alone. During the summer, particularly in its hottest month, July, the average temperature here is 24°C (75°F). Meanwhile, in winter, particularly during its coldest month, January, the average temperature here is only 9°C (48°F). With that said, the best time to go here is when the weather isn't all that intense, namely during springtime or early autumn. Around the months of late March to early May and September to late October. Not only is the weather milder during these months, but they're also the least busy that Apulia gets.
Puglia is the ultimate Italian paradise. When you want to feel and experience the magic of the Mediterranean in Italy, this is where you want to go. Located in southern Italy, its scenic coasts and beautiful beaches are unlike any other. They all belong on the back of a postcard or featured in a travel magazine. And the many charming towns of Puglia are just as magical too. Think Alberobello and its world-famous stone-topped huts. Or Gallipoli and its old-world Medieval charms. Locorotondo, on the other hand, is a romantic escape just waiting for honeymooners. While Polignano a Mare is the quintessential Mediterranean escape!
What truly makes Puglia such a worthy destination for any traveler is that it's filled with sights and sounds you won't find anywhere else. In fact, just spending a day here would have you experiencing a lot of firsts, making for great memories you'll treasure forever. And, when it comes to what must-see in Apulia, there are a lot!
The famous Alberobello huts, for instance, are the type of archeological wonder that's so fascinating, you won't soon forget it. The city of Lecce, on the other hand, has a collection of opulent churches that can rival even those in Rome and Florence. And of course, don't forget the beautiful beaches here too!
Seeing as Puglia is located in the southernmost tip of Italy, you'll need a good mobile plan in order to use your phone here. Fortunately, Italy's own local networks offer coverage with wide scopes and a far-reaching range. For example, there's Iliad Italia, one of the biggest telecommunication companies in the country. Not only does it offer great plans with amazing coverage, but they're also affordable too! Meanwhile, if a strong internet connection is what you're after, your best bet is TIM. With a browsing efficiency of 73.19% on any app, it's like you never went to the Italian countryside at all!
At times, you need to remember that when you go to Puglia, you're going to the Italian countryside. This means you're entering communities that, although they welcome thousands or even millions of foreign tourists per year, they've still preserved and retained their traditions and culture. The way you act here can lead to massive consequences
To avoid that altogether, it's best that you brush up on Italian social customs and adhere to them when you get here. Things like waiting to be kissed during first greetings, eating your food silently, never belching after your meal, and giving proper respect to elders hold more weight here than in cosmopolitan places like Rome to Milan.
When you plan to go to Puglia, the first question you ought to answer is how to get there in the first place. As you might expect, the most common way is to fly to the region, especially since it has many airports that welcome flights from all over Italy and around the world. You can also opt to take the train too as this might be a more scenic way to travel and enjoy the southern Italian countryside while you're in transit. And, of course, there's always the option of taking a ferry as well.
Although Puglia is largely a provincial region, it certainly doesn't lack quality Italian healthcare. In the bustling city of Bari, the region's capital, hospitals like Anthea Hospital and Ospedale S. Maria del Piede ensure that all patients, regardless of their illness or ailment, will get proper treatment and sufficient medical care. Now, when it comes to paying for said services, it depends on whether you're covered or not. According to the country's healthcare system, only legal residents of Italy can get access to the public option, which provides subsidized rates. Those who aren't legal residents here can only opt for private insurance instead.
As with any other Italian destination, Puglia has its own local cuisine that you really ought to try. It's already well-known that Italian food is among the most delicious in the world. The country's cuisine is so beloved that you can easily find a place that serves it practically anywhere else in the world.
You won't, however, find as many places that serve local Apulian dishes and delicacies. Snack staples like Focaccia, for instance, serve as a great yet equally delicious alternative to pizza. Orecchiette Con Le Cime Di Rapa, on the other hand, is a type of pasta that you'll only get to taste in Ostuni, the cultural hub of Puglia.
It's important to know about Italy's national holidays when you travel to the country. You never know how going here during a holiday might affect your trip. And yes, it's the same for those visiting Puglia. Although the region is far from the more central places like Rome, Venice, and the like, holidays still have a lot of weight here just the same. During religious holidays like La Befana (January 6) or Easter Monday (Every March or April), for instance, the various Apulian towns tend to get quieter. Locals are busy going to church and praying than opening up their establishments to serve tourists.
Finally, for some last-minute yet equally important travel tips on visiting Puglia. Firstly, you might want to learn some Italian beforehand. As already mentioned, Italian remains the dominant language here. Getting to speak and understand it, even if it's just the basics, would help you a lot.
Secondly, there are things that you'll probably want to do for yourself, such as cooking and driving. This isn't to say that the places to eat or the region's public transport are lacking in any way, it's just that depending on yourself might prove to be more convenient in the long run.
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