Apulia, or Puglia as the region is called in Italian, is located at the bottom of southeastern Italy and forms the “heel” of the Italian boot. The region is known for its white houses, olive groves, coastal stretches and small villages where the pace is often a little slower than in many of Italy’s more visited areas. With Rolfs Flyg & Busresor you get to experience Apulia in the company of other travelers and knowledgeable tour guides. Our group trips to Apulia combine culture, food, nature and excursions to several of the region’s most interesting places. This can include everything from the trulli houses in Alberobello and the baroque city of Lecce to coastal towns such as Bari, Monopoli and Polignano a Mare.
Country
★ Italy
Largest city
★ Bari
Residents
★ Approximately 3.9 million
Puglia is located in southern Italy, along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. The region stretches from the Gargano Peninsula in the north, down to Salento in the south, and has a long coastline with cliffs, beaches and small port towns. Thanks to its geographical location, Puglia has long been a meeting place for different cultures and trade routes. This is evident in the architecture, the food and the historic cities, where influences from both East and West have left their mark.
Bari is the largest city in Apulia and a common starting point for trips in Apulia. The city is located on the Adriatic Sea and has an old city center, Bari Vecchia, with narrow alleys, churches and small squares. Here, everyday life mixes with history in a way that feels very Italian. For many, Bari is a good introduction to Apulia. Here you can walk along the sea, visit the Basilica of San Nicola and discover the local food. The city also works well as a starting point for excursions to other parts of the region.
Alberobello is one of the most famous places in Apulia and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town is famous for its trulli, small whitewashed stone houses with cone-shaped roofs. The houses give Alberobello a very unique look and make the place one of the most photographed places in the region. A visit to Alberobello is often a highlight of any trip to Apulia. Here you can stroll between the special houses, visit small shops and get a picture of Apulia's unique style of buildings.
The food in Puglia is based on simple ingredients, lots of flavour and local traditions. Puglia is one of Italy’s major producers of olive oil, and other popular ingredients are olives, vegetables, bread, pasta and fresh fish. One of the most famous types of pasta is orecchiette, small “ear-shaped” pieces of pasta that are often served with vegetables or tomato sauce. The meals are often rustic and quite simple, but that is a big part of the charm of Puglia. With our food and wine trip to Puglia, you get to explore the local flavours.
Before a trip to Puglia, it is good to keep in mind that the area can get very hot during the summer, especially in the interior. Light clothing, sunscreen and comfortable shoes are therefore a good idea to pack, especially if you are going to walk in older city centers with cobblestones and stairs. Many smaller towns have a calmer pace, and some shops and restaurants may be closed in the middle of the day. Take the opportunity to try local dishes, visit small villages and allow yourself some time to travel. Puglia is best experienced when you do not stress between stops.
We use our own cookies and third-party cookies so we can display the website to you and better understand how you use it, allowing us to improve the services we offer.