Everyone loves Italy. There is no doubt about it. Puglia though is where your Italian dream will come true. This is the region of Italy that if you hear the people in Milan, Florence, Venice or even Rome talk about it, you will notice a tone of demotion and maybe even abasement. But surprise surprise… this is where so so many Italians from the North are spending their summer holidays years in and years out.
And we wonder… Are they doing it on purpose? Is their intention to prevent the rest of the world to visit Puglia just so they can enjoy its beauty by themselves? Whichever their reason may be don’t let yourselves be tricked into believing that Puglia is not worthy of your time and visit.
Puglia is marvelous and most spellbinding. Puglia comes with a mild climate all year long, significant history, lush nature, the most mouth-watering cuisine, splendid towns and villages, and gorgeous beaches. On top of all that the generosity, warmth, and cordiality of the locals have no comparison. If you visit once you keep wanting to go back at every chance you may have. And there is no way in this world we will ever stop praising Puglia.
When in Puglia there is so much to see, explore, admire, taste, and enjoy. You need to go to Lecce, the Florence of the South. You must visit Loccorotondo, the round village; Ostuni, the white town; Alberobello, the town of the Trulli, Brindisi the port town of Puglia, part of UNESCO’s Heritage Sites, Cisternino, Porto Cesareo, Otranto, Taranto, Santa Maria di Leuca, Gallipoli, Monopoli, Polignano a Mare, Fasano, Grottaglie, Monte Sant’ Angello, Parabita, Pescoluse, Nardo, Carovigno, Torre Vado, Tulgie … The historical center of Bari and many more.
Getting to Puglia
By Plane
Puglia is served by two main airports. The Bari International Airport is the first, followed by the Brindisi Airport. Both airports have frequent daily flights to and from numerous European cities, including, of course, Rome and Milan. Long-haul travelers may need to make a stopover and switch flights at Milan or Rome airports.
By Train:
Puglia won’t let you down if you prefer trains to airplanes because the entire region is well-connected to major Italian cities as well as many other European cities. The most significant railroad stations are located in Bari, Brindisi, Lecce, Foggia, and Taranto, to name a few.
By Car:
If time is not a constraint, the network of highways and roads makes getting to your destination not only straightforward but also surprisingly enjoyable. Both major highways and smaller, more picturesque coastal roads can get you where you’re going.
It is entirely up to you to make a decision about which option is best for you.
A LOCAL’S GUIDE TO THINGS TO DO IN MONOPOLI, PUGLIA