Puglia is one of the most beautiful and visited regions in Italy. Located at the south-eastern end of the peninsula and washed by the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, it offers many attractions to its visitor.
Therefore the things to see during a trip to Puglia are really many. So, in this article we will try to recommend a list of what to see in Puglia. Furthermore, we will suggest what to visit in Puglia in 7 or 10 days and we will provide you with a list of what to do in Puglia.
You can see the Tours in Puglia on Puglialifestyletravel.com
Table of Contents
Puglia, Why Visit It
Puglia is a very large region, able to combine settings of all kinds. In fact, it is very easy to go from the splendid beaches of Salento to the wild hills of the Itria Valley.
Or you can find yourself in the green Umbra Forest of the Gargano or in the rocky scenery of the Parco delle Gravine. Finally, in Puglia, history and architecture present themselves with a thousand different facets.
Therefore you will pass from the splendid baroque of Lecce to the trulli of Alberobello, from the archaeological finds of Taranto to the medieval art of Altamura and Castel del Monte.
What to see in Puglia – 10 Things not to miss
So, let’s now see together what to see in Puglia. In fact, whether you want a beach holiday or a cultural trip, in Puglia you will find what is right for you.
Below you will find the map of the region with all the most significant places not to be missed during your trip to Puglia. Later we will show them in detail in the guide “What to see in Puglia“.
1.Bari
At the top of the list of what to see in Puglia, its capital could not be missing. Indeed Bari is an extraordinary city, which offers numerous attractions and experiences. First of all, you cannot fail to visit Bari Vecchia, the historic center of the city.
Also known as the district of San Nicola, Bari Vecchia is enclosed within medieval walls and dominated by the Norman-Swabian Castle. But here, what is most striking is its great authenticity. In fact, it will be usual to meet local women intent on preparing the typical orecchiette in front of their homes.
The locals are indeed very friendly and welcoming. An experience not to be missed to get in touch with the daily reality of Bari Vecchia.
But the real symbol of Bari is undoubtedly the Basilica of San Nicola. This is one of the few sacred places in the world for both the Catholic and Russian Orthodox churches.
In fact, the remains of the saint are buried right under this imposing basilica, built in 1089. Finally, in addition to the medieval remains of Bari Vecchia, the seafront of Bari is absolutely not to be missed. Inaugurated in 1927, this elegant area of the city features palaces in Liberty style such as the Kursaal Santa Lucia Theater and elegant streets such as Via Imperatore Augusto.
2.Lecce
Another city that falls on the list of what to visit in Puglia is undoubtedly Lecce. The main center of Salento is in fact full of squares, churches, monuments and buildings in the Baroque style that make the city an authentic masterpiece.
To begin, you enter from Porta Napoli, an imposing triumphal arch built in 1548 in honor of Charles V. It represents the entrance to the historic city center.
But what to visit in Lecce?
First of all, Piazza Sant’Oronzo, the oldest public space in the city surrounded by buildings from various eras.
Not to be missed, in the center of the square, the extraordinary mosaic depicting the coat of arms of Lecce. But other city symbols are the magnificent Cathedral of Lecce, which stands on the homonymous square, and the Basilica of Santa Croce. In fact, both buildings represent the highest level of Lecce Baroque in the city.
Also, a stone’s throw from Piazza Sant’Oronzo, do not miss the ancient Roman Amphitheater. Built in the 2nd century AD. it could accommodate over 20,000 spectators. Finally, the Castle of Charles V is an important manor, strongly desired by the Habsburg ruler. Don’t miss its impressive interior, in typical medieval style!
3.Penisola Salentina
If you are looking for what to see in Puglia, it is impossible not to come across the paradise of Salento.
The Salento Peninsula is the extreme tip of the region and includes the provinces of Brindisi, Lecce and Taranto. The things to see and experiences to live in Salento are endless.
First of all, the waters of Porto Cesareo and its surroundings are so clear that they deserve the nickname of the Maldives of Italy. In fact, in the localities of Porto Selvaggio, Punta Prosciutto, Torre Lapillo and Torre Pali you will find a fabulous sea.
But Salento is not just the sea. In fact, this land is made up of ancient villages and full of interesting places to visit. You could start from the enchanting Otranto, the easternmost town in Italy located in a panoramic position on the Ionian Sea.
But also Gallipoli, a splendid village that has its historic center on an island dominated by the castle of the same name. Also, don’t miss Santa Maria di Leuca.
Located on the tip of Puglia, it preserves an interesting historic center and the spectacular Sea Caves of Leuca. In short, between crystalline sea, villages and ancient traditions, in Salento you never get bored!
4.Ostuni
Among the 10 things to see in Puglia, the famous white city of Ostuni should never be missing. It is one of the oldest urban centers in the region. In fact, the human presence in Ostuni seems to date back to the Paleolithic.
However, the current splendor of Ostuni is due to the Renaissance period. In fact, the main squares and the most beautiful buildings in the city date back to this period. Among streets surrounded by whitewashed buildings, you can discover ancient Apulian traditions.
Ostuni is full of shops where the pasta is still made by hand. But among the things to see in Ostuni we mention the Aragonese Walls, built in the late Middle Ages, the splendid Cathedral of Ostuni and the central Piazza della Libertà.
Finally, the surroundings of Ostuni are a true paradise for nature lovers. You will therefore find authentic farms surrounded by expanses of olive trees, but also a splendid coastal strip. In fact, Marina di Ostuni offers beaches and coves that are nothing short of stupendous.
Don’t miss the splendid beaches of Cala Quarto di Monte, Rosa Marina and the spectacular Torre Pozzella! If, on the other hand, what you are looking for is unspoiled nature, the fabulous Coastal Dunes Park and the adjacent beach of Lido Morelli is what you are looking for.
If you want to read other beautiful places in Puglia, you can look at Puglia cosa vedere nel 2022
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