Tour of Apulia: what to see and where to go
Are you considering Apulia for your summer vacation? If you have a car at your disposal, there are many experiences you can enjoy in this sun-kissed region rich in history and culture. In this article, we’ll give you some ideas on where to go and what to see in Apulia. Follow along!
Apulia food and wine tour: experiences not to be missed
Apulia is a land rich in authentic flavors and culinary traditions rooted in ancient times. For this reason, a food and wine tour of the region is a must-do experience for those who want to discover the gastronomic wonders this area has to offer. Starting from Bari, the capital of Apulia, you must try the famous focaccia barese, soft and fragrant, often topped with cherry tomatoes, olives, and oregano. Moving inland, in Altamura, you'll find the renowned DOP bread made according to ancient recipes and baked in wood-fired ovens.
Another essential stop is Alberobello, famous not only for its trulli but also for its typical products like caciocavallo podolico and ricotta forte. Heading south, Lecce offers a unique culinary experience with dishes like puccia, a bread stuffed with fresh ingredients, and rustici leccesi, delicious puff pastry parcels filled with béchamel and tomato. A visit to the masserie, typical Apulian farms, is a must. Here you can taste locally produced extra virgin olive oil, cheeses, and cured meats, often accompanied by fine wines like Primitivo di Manduria and Negroamaro.
Sea, art, and culture: where to go in apulia
Apulia is a region that offers a perfect combination of natural beauty, art, and culture. With a car, you can explore both the Adriatic and Ionian coasts in a single trip, discovering breathtaking beaches and historic towns. Let's start with Polignano a Mare, famous for its cliffs overlooking the sea and its charming old town. Here, you can swim in the crystal-clear waters of Lama Monachile Beach or stroll through the narrow streets of the historic center, admiring the white houses and flowered balconies.
Continuing south, the city of Otranto, with its Cathedral and Aragonese Castle, is a must-see. Otranto is also known for its beaches, including Baia dei Turchi and the Maldives of Salento, which offer white sand and clear waters. Lecce, known as the "Florence of the South," is a Baroque gem with its historic buildings, churches, and palaces decorated with typical Lecce stone.
Another destination not to be missed is the Gargano, with the Gargano National Park and the Tremiti Islands. This area offers natural landscapes of rare beauty, including forests, rocky coasts, and enchanting beaches. Vieste and Peschici, two of the main towns in Gargano, are perfect for those who love the sea and the tranquility of ancient villages. Finally, the Itria Valley, with its characteristic trulli and the white cities of Ostuni, Martina Franca, and Locorotondo, offers a unique experience for those who want to immerse themselves in Apulian tradition and culture.
Do you already know what to see in Apulia? To optimize your travels, we recommend renting a car from one of our rental locations in Apulia:
