Due to its geographic position Puglia beneficiates from two seas the Adriatic and the Ionian Sea. With a wide variety of coastline, from the white cliffs of the Gargano with long stretches of cobblestone, or the rugged Adriatic coast of Salento, to the white sandy beaches of Gallipoli and Taranto. The Gargano coast is generally rocky, but has numerous coves with sandy beaches; the coast is low and sandy up to Barletta. While the coast around Bari alternates sand and rocks, the southern coastline to Otranto is mainly sandy. The whole Ionian coast from the southern Salento is characterized by white sand beaches, which in the northern Gulf of Taranto are surrounded by astonishing pine forests.

A village not to be missed is Alberobello, with its world heritage traditional white houses with dome roofs; it is located in the countryside of the Valle d'Itria. Also beautiful are the Natural Caves of Castellana and the caves of Castelvenere, which have often generated popular legends. The Tremiti Islands, a group of three islands where no cars are allowed and where landscapes and the sea feature incomparable nature scenery. Otranto is a labyrinth and an ancient powerful fortress city, while Ostuni, also called “the white town” preserved the magical atmosphere of a borderline village between the western and the eastern culture. Bari, Lecce and Martina Franca are also known for their numerous monuments. San Giovanni Rotondo and Monte Sant'Angelo are places of pilgrimage throughout the year. Marina di Leuca, Gallipoli, Ugento,  Monopoli, Torre Canne, Porto Cesareo and all the others town along the coast are known for their particular crystal clear water.

Find out more and see all our offers checking on GIALPI Bari holidays and tour operator Bari and Puglia.

Puglia has a very simple cooking but linked to the richness of its land. It is impossible not to try the bread of Altamura, famous for its distinctive taste and colour.  The pasta such as “orecchiette” with turnip tops, vegetables such as "chicory with mashed beans". The "grilled octopus", or the baked rice, also called rice potatoes and mussels. Delicious is the raw fish served only with olive oil and lemon. There are many wines known throughout the world from Puglia, among the most famous are the Aleatico, the Manduria Primitivo and the Negroamaro. The olive oil, made from the ancient olive trees of this land, enhances the flavours of a regional cuisine.

Lecce, Bari, Otranto, are the largest historical cities of Puglia offering all the inner city accommodation solutions you may need, as well as other options in the surrounding countryside. See more information for your stay with Lecce holidays. Along the two coasts from the north to the south you can choose between a lot of holiday places, Monopoli, Porto Cesareo, Marina di Ostuni. Rodi Gargano, Gallipoli and more other gorgeous villages with easy accommodation solutions for your stay.

From small towns to big cities craftsman’s work has always been essential in Puglia traditions. The craftsmen passed on from generations the use of ancient tools to work stone, fire pots, shape pottery, weave robes lined with precious embroideries, papier-mâché statues.
 

All the charm of Puglia’s cities and villages is revealed in their narrow streets and between the palaces, where most of the time, cultural events take place and where you find most of the typical bars and restaurants.

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