Apulia, the land of sun and sea: come and discover it

Are you looking for a B&B in Apulia in one of the many beautiful destinations of this wonderful region? We'll give you recommendations, depending on the location you visit. 


Where does a visit to Apulia or Puglia begin? The answer to this question depends very much on the kind of trip you intend to take, whether you prefer a cultural or a seaside location, or whether you want to do both.


In this guide, let's take a closer look at the places you should not miss if you decide to travel to Puglia. 


What places are not to be missed in the Puglia region?


Our guide will cover both cultural and seaside locations, and we will recommend where to stay in each place.


Bari


Bari, the capital of Puglia, offers a wide variety of sights that attract visitors from all corners of the world. 


The question on many people's minds is: what are the places of interest to visit in Bari? At the centre of this wonderful city, the Basilica of St Nicholas stands as a symbol of faith and history, welcoming curious visitors and pilgrims.


Walking through the narrow streets of Bari Vecchia, you feel the authentic atmosphere of the city, while the Petruzzelli Theatre is a beacon of culture and art with its rich programme of events. 


The Norman-Swabian Castle and the Cathedral of San Sabino have centuries of history, offering a plunge into the past. For art lovers, Palazzo Simi and the Bari Metropolitan Art Gallery hold artistic treasures that showcase Bari’s cultural history and the Puglia region. 


Bari, then, is not just a regional capital but a crossroads of history, culture and spirituality waiting to be explored.


Where to stay in Bari: 3 hotels for you



Lecce 

In the heart of Salento, Lecce is a gem of the Apulia / Puglia region, famous for its Baroque architecture that shapes the face of the city with timeless majesty. 


At the centre of this splendid artistic expression, the Cathedral of Lecce rises majestically, dominating the square with its refined elegance, an undisputed symbol of human creative capacity. 


Walking through the cobbled streets, you can admire many of Lecce's Baroque monuments, each with a story to tell of faith, art and culture. 


These masterpieces, carved from Lecce stone, a malleable and luminous rock, reflect the light in a unique way, giving the city an almost magical atmosphere at sunset. 


Visiting these monuments take you on a journey through time, where every corner reveals breathtaking architectural surprises, making Lecce an unmissable destination for lovers of history, art and architecture.


Where to stay in Lecce: 2 Hotels for you



Alberobello


In the heart of the Apulia Puglia region, Alberobello stands out as a worldwide architectural gem, famous for its Trulli, conical-roofed houses built of dry stone, constructed without mortar. 


These unique structures, dating back to the 15th century, offer a fascinating spectacle that attracts visitors from all over the globe, eager to explore these traditional dwellings that seem to belong to an enchanted world. 


The Trulli of Alberobello, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are not only an outstanding example of vernacular engineering, but also represent a deep connection to the land and traditions of this region. 


Strolling through the cobbled streets of Alberobello, surrounded by hundreds of these characteristic buildings, is an unforgettable experience, a plunge into the past that remains etched in visitors' hearts.


Where to sleep in Alberobello: 1 recommended accommodation


Trulli and Puglia - experience sleeping in a trullo.


Gargano


The Gargano Peninsula, wonderfully extends into the Adriatic Sea, one of the most precious jewels of Apulia or Puglia, is a paradise for nature and sea lovers. 


At its heart, the Gargano Nature Park offers a mosaic of breathtaking landscapes: from the lush forests, home to a rich biodiversity, to the jagged coastline hiding inlets and beaches of unprecedented beauty. 


This park, with its varied landscapes that also include the famous oak forests and vast olive groves, invites endless exploration, offering hikes along paths immersed in greenery and panoramas that embrace the infinite blue of the sea. 


The Gargano Peninsula, with its Natural Park, is a place where nature expresses all its strength and beauty, a corner of the world in which to immerse oneself to rediscover the pleasure of discovery and authentic contact with the environment.


Where to sleep in the Gargano area: 1 recommended accommodation


Le Cese - Le Cese is located near the Gargano National Park, 8 km from San Giovanni Rotondo. It has a swimming pool and is surrounded by beautiful greenery.


Tremiti Islands


In the heart of the Adriatic, in front of the Gargano coast of Puglia, the Tremiti Islands emerge, a small paradise consisting mainly of San Domino, San Nicola and Capraia. Each island boasts unique characteristics: San Domino allures visitors with its inlets and transparent waters, perfect for diving and snorkelling. San Nicola is shrouded in history, with ancient ruins and a fortress commanding attention. Capraia, more unspoilt, offers natural panoramas and unparalleled tranquillity.


Where to sleep in the Tremiti Islands: 2 recommended accommodations


  • Gino's House
  • Hotel Gabbiano


Polignano a Mare


Polignano a Mare, a jewel of the Apulian Adriatic coast, is renowned for its fascinating cliffs and crystal-clear sea. It has a charming historic centre, famous for its narrow streets and picturesque balconies. Not to be missed are the beach of Lama Monachile, enclosed by rocks, and the ancient bridge, from which to admire a breathtaking sea view.


Where to stay in Polignano a Mare: 3 recommended accommodations



Monopoli


Overlooking the Adriatic Sea, Monopoli combines the charm of a bustling seaport with the historical appeal of a city teeming with life. Its main attractions include the majestic Castle of Charles V, the splendid Cathedral of the Madia and its Baroque-decorated churches. Its coastline is dotted with serene and inviting beaches, including Porto Verde and Cala Porta Vecchia.


Where to stay in Monopoli

1 recommended accommodation for you is,


B&B Al Picchio


Trani


Trani, a beautiful coastal city nicknamed the 'Pearl of the Adriatic', boasts a charming marina and magnificent examples of Romanesque architecture. Its Cathedral of San Nicola Pellegrino (the Cathedral of Trani), overlooking the sea, is a masterpiece of Apulian religious architecture. The imposing and historic Swabian Castle dominates the urban scene, adding a touch of majesty.


Where to stay in Trani

1 recommended accommodation for you is,


Palazzo Bianchi Domus Holidays


Itria Valley


In the centre of Puglia or Apulia lies the Itria Valley, a land of trulli, vineyards and olive groves. This valley has the towns of Alberobello, Cisternino, Locorotondo, and Martina Franca, famous for their unique cone-shaped constructions. 


Visit and immerse yourself in a fairytale landscape of traditional architecture, lush nature and the opportunity to taste excellent food and wine.


Frequently asked questions about Puglia


What to do and see in Apulia?


Depending on the destination you choose, i.e. whether more inland or by the sea, there are several cultural and scenic attractions we can recommend and which you will find marked in this guide to Puglia.


What are the most popular experiences in Apulia?


Generally, sleeping in a Trullo or going on nature or cultural excursions - or both - are among the most popular experiences to have in Puglia.


What are the most popular cities in Apulia?


Among the inland locations, certainly Lecce, Bari and Alberobello can be considered among the favourite destinations, as well as those on the sea such as Monopoli, Otranto, Ostuni, Polignano a Mare and the Gargano are among the most popular.


What are the main attractions in Puglia?


The answer depends very much on which part you visit. Undoubtedly the sea is one of the main attractions, and Puglia’s wonderful cities such as Lecce, old Bari, Alberobello, but also Ostuni and Otranto offer many tourist attractions.



12/04/2024

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