Your Complete Guide To Visiting Puglia, Southern Italy

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Puglia was always on my mind whenever I thought of visiting Italy. There were more reasons than one to be fascinated by this quiet region in Southern Italy.

I was intrigued by the fact that it’s popular as “the heel of Italy” for the way it appears in a boot shape on the map. And Puglia’s still lesser-known and offbeat vibe makes it even more appealing.

But Puglia, as it turns out, has plenty to offer as a holiday destination. It’s known for its olive oil production, which equates to 40% of the country’s total bounty.

It’s also packed with historical sites, charming beach towns, and delicious food – anyone visiting Puglia will be blown away by all it has to offer.

But what are the top things to do in Puglia and why should you visit? In this guide, we’ll share all the reasons to visit Puglia, as well as highlight its top attractions and unique culture.

Where is Puglia?

Puglia, is a region of Italy, located in the southern peninsular section of the country. This long, narrow peninsula, is bordered by the Ionian and Adriatic with the Strait of Otranto and Gulf of Taranto to the south. It’s the heel of the Italian boot.

Puglia is also known as Apulia in English.

Best Time to Visit Puglia

The best time to visit Puglia is in the summer or into early autumn. From September to October, you will see warm weather but you’ll also start to see the holiday crowds dispersing, which makes it a great time to visit.

Spring is also a good time to visit, as you see warm weather and fewer crowds. The Adriatic sea is warm enough to swim from May to October, but during winter months, it can get quite cold so you might only be able to dip your feet in.

Reasons to Visit Puglia

Are you ready to explore some of the best that Puglia has to offer? Here are the top reasons to visit Puglia.

1. For The Beguiling Historic Centre

If you are a history geek, you would devour the archaeological sites in Puglia.

Lecce, a city renowned as the ‘Florence of the South’, will enchant you with its elaborate baroque architecture and some intriguing excavated sites – Basilica di Santa Croce and Piazza del Duomo, Museo Faggiano and Roman Amphitheatre to name a few.

Besides Lecce, there are ancient churches and museums hidden in every nook of Puglia.

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