Apulia: where to go on holiday in 2024

So we begin our 15-stage journey from the chief town of the region, Bari.

We are talking about an influential maritime centre already in Roman times when it was one of the main traffic junctions for the trade with the East. Its long history and its various dominations and contaminations are visible today in each city's architecture and streets.

Visitors to Bari should know that today it consists of a new town, founded in 1813, and an old town, enclosed within ancient walls with typical medieval town planning.

Bari is interesting for its Romanesque cathedrals and the large number of churches, as well as for its Norman-Swabian castle, its great theatre, the Petruzzelli, and its relationship with the sea.

It's still early in the journey, but if you want a bit of shopping, we recommend Puglia Village, located in Molfetta, very close to Bari. An easy place to get to by bus from Molfetta station, just a few train stops from Bari.

In the only large outlet in Apulia, you can find everything from typical products to high fashion, and take a fun and relaxing break before continuing with our long journey. 

About 33 kilometres south of Bari is the town of Polignano a Mare, famous for its spectacular natural viewpoints. The old part of the town, in fact, stands on large spurs of rock overlooking the sea, making the town a unique place. A pearl not to be missed!

If you want the sea, beauty, and culture on your holiday, Trani is a place to visit. In addition to the brilliance of this stretch of coastline, you can admire one of the most important examples of Romanesque architecture in Puglia.

Trani Cathedral  will amaze you with its beauty and the harmony with which it blends into the sea. The simple lines of its façade shine in the sun, and its large bell tower dominates the coastline.

Like many towns in Apulia, Monopoli has a special relationship with its sea, which is one of main characteristics of the town and the region. The small harbour of Monopoli is really picturesque, where in summer you can enjoy fantastic evening walks.

The sea is the gateway to the city, and from the sea you can start to discover the old town, the Baroque churches and all the ancient buildings in the town.

The journey continues, and art culture and beauty are never lacking in Puglia!

It is Known in Italy as the "white city" because of its white houses and narrow streets that glow in the sunlight.

The splendid town revolves around the central Piazza della Libertà, where you can admire the 18th-century Sant'Oronzo column and relax in the open air with a good aperitif. The town's artistic treasures and the nearby Marina di Ostuni, where you'll find crystal-clear waters, will make your stay exciting.

Going even further down to the heel of the boot is the Salento sub-region, where you will find splendid sea, places of entertainment and ancient and modern artistic treasures. The differences in landscape, architecture and culture compared to the province of Bari are immediately apparent.

Lecce, for example, is a treasure trove of culture, a Baroque pearl and one of the most beautiful cities to visit in 2022. Its province is also rich in culture and beautiful landscapes, with places worth visiting such as the Baroque town of Nardò and the village of Otranto overlooking the sea.

Are you Looking for the most colorful sea and the whitest beaches in mainland Italy? Make a stop on the Ionian coast of Apulia. 

The characteristic shallow water drops off after a few meters, and the water suddenly turns from light blue to deep blue.

The white sand stretches for kilometers while the typical Mediterranean scrubland of the Salento exudes scents that will make you lose your head. 

Not infrequently, some people compare these parts of Italy, from Porto Cesareo to Gallipoli, to the tropical islands of the Maldives! A bit too much? Perhaps, but come and see for yourself.

Spectacular landscapes and crystal-clear waters for these five small islands in the Gargano, in northern Apulia. Year after year, these islands attract more and more tourists, fascinated by the natural beauty and unspoiled nature of these places.

Set in the Adriatic Sea right in front of the "spur of Italy", the Tremiti Islands of San Domino, San Nicola, Capraia, Pianosa, and Cretaccio have protected areas in the Gargano National Park. A holiday here will help you relax and reconcile with yourself and the world. 

With a nature similar to that of the Tremiti islands, Vieste is a small and very suggestive municipality located on the Gargano promontory in the province of Foggia.

Vieste's particular town planning is linked to the nature of its promontory, characterized by thick, wind-smoothed rocks overlooking the sea. The sea at Vieste will surprise you with its clarity and the high white cliffs will leave you speechless. A visit is highly recommended

Lake Varano, located in the province of Foggia, is Italy's largest coastal lake and an ideal destination for photography and birdwatching enthusiasts. Mass tourism is not yet present and the place is partially uncontaminated.

Beauty and relaxation are guaranteed if you decide to spend your holiday or part of it in the surroundings of this lake. Bring your bicycle, it will be your trusty companion to enjoy the breathtaking landscapes of this unique area. 

Famous for its trulli, Alberobello is a magical place where we can discover an almost fairytale-like atmosphere while strolling among the characteristic cone-shaped stone houses, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996.

Exploring the Rione Monti and the Aja Piccola area will immerse us in a truly unique and evocative setting, allowing us to admire the most authentic and well-preserved trulli.

We should not miss the Trullo Sovrano, the largest in Alberobello, which highlights an interesting glimpse into traditional Apulian life.

Additionally, as we walk through the streets of Alberobello, we'll find numerous local craft shops, perfect for purchasing unique souvenirs such as ceramics and stone objects.

Halfway between the towns of Alberobello and Martina Franca, set in the enchanting scenery of the Itria Valley, we find another extraordinary village that rightfully ranks among the most beautiful vacation spots in Puglia.

This is Locorotondo, an unmissable stop for anyone wanting to discover the authentic heart of the region, thanks to its unique combination of architectural beauty, breathtaking landscapes, and gastronomic delights.

The white houses and narrow alleys of the historic center create a charming and romantic atmosphere. Here, we can admire the characteristic “cummerse", rural dwellings with sloping roofs typical of the Itria Valley.

Once we leave the center, let's stop at the small but beautiful Belvedere Garden of Locorotondo, from which we can enjoy a panoramic view of the green hills of the Itria Valley. Finally, let’s not forget to taste the local wines, among the best in the region.

Gallipoli, on the Ionian coast of Salento, is a true gem nestled between sea and history, capable of capturing the heart of every visitor thanks to its beautiful center and the stunning beaches nearby.

The historic center is situated on an island connected to the mainland by a bridge and is rich in attractions to discover, featuring historic churches and ancient noble palaces.

Must-see places include the Cathedral of Sant'Agata, a splendid example of Baroque architecture, the authentic and picturesque fish market, and the charming Spiaggia della Purità, located just outside the ancient city walls.

Speaking of beaches, just south of the city, we can find the beaches of Baia Verde and Punta della Suina, ideal for relaxation and summer fun thanks to their fine sand and crystal-clear waters. The lively nightlife also makes Gallipoli (and all of Salento) a perfect area for solo travelers!

Spectacular landscapes, one of the tallest lighthouses in Europe, and enchanting sea caves accessible only by boat. Santa Maria di Leuca is located in a wonderful spot at the southern tip of Puglia, where the Ionian Sea meets the Adriatic Sea.

On the promontory where the Cape Santa Maria di Leuca Lighthouse stands, we can also visit the beautiful Sanctuary of Santa Maria de Finibus Terrae, an important site both for its religious significance and for the magnificent views of the surrounding territory.

Not far from the town center, there is also the spectacular Punta Ristola Leuca, the true "heel" of Italy, accessible via a short path that leads right to the point where the two seas converge.

Santa Maria di Leuca is an ideal place to start exploring Salento, not only during the warm summer months but also for those looking to enjoy a holiday in Italy during the off-season.

An enchanting blend of history, culture, and traditions in the heart of the Murge plateau.

Altamura is renowned for its splendid attractions, including the historic 13th-century cathedral nestled in its beautiful historic center, as well as its local products such as the DOP bread, where every secret can be discovered at the fascinating Bread Museum. Walking along the streets, you will also find numerous bakeries where you can taste the famous freshly baked bread.

Above all, do not miss the opportunity to visit the National Archaeological Museum, which houses prehistoric artifacts including the famous "Man of Altamura," a human skeleton dating back approximately 150,000 years, discovered in a cave near the city.

Lastly, north of Altamura, you can explore the magnificent territory of the Alta Murgia National Park. Instead, heading south, within just a few kilometers, you will reach the border with Basilicata: the extraordinary city of Matera is less than 20 kilometers away, easily accessible for a day trip.