Italy's secret boot located in its famous heel, the Apulia region undeniably invites escape. A land of strong character with its history, traditions, natural heritage and refined gastronomy, Apulia offers its visitors breathtaking views of its spectacular coasts, spread out over the Ionian Sea to the north and the Adriatic Sea to the south.
Start your discovery of this mysterious region by its capital : Bari. Its historical centre, the "Bari Vecchia", is a maze of typical alleys absolutely adorable. You will be able to meet many craftsmen like those who make orecchiettes, these small pasta in the shape of ears so popular in the region and originating from Apulia. Take a tour of the San Nicola Basilica and its crypt, visit the Petruzelli Theatre, San Sabino Cathedral, the Palazzo Simi, the Norman-Swabian Castle and its ramparts, as well as the Bari Picture Gallery which houses an important collection of paintings. A little further south is Polignano a Mare: its white houses perched on cliffs give it a crazy charm ! Lose yourself in its tangled alleys and from the terraces above the cliffs, succumb to the breathtaking beauty of its views over the open sea. At the foot of the cliffs, the pebble beaches with transparent waters are worthy of the most beautiful postcards. Not far away, Monopoli is also worth a visit for its rich historical pedestrian centre : you will absolutely have to visit Piazza XX Settembre, its archaeological museum, but also the Santa Maria della Madia cathedral and its Charles V castle. The white city of Ostuni is one of the wonders of Puglia. Built on a rocky promontory, Ostuni dominates the olive groves and the Apulian countryside. Its historic alleys, whitewashed houses, staircases and small secret passages make it an astonishing and exotic destination. At the top of the city, the cathedral and the episcopal palace offer stunning views of the azure sea.
Solar and bewitching, the region of Apulia is certainly one of the most unknown of all Italy. Between long sandy stretches, pebble coves with crystal clear waters and rocky coasts, Puglia is a delight for lovers of landscapes with different shades of blue. Along the Adriatic coast, the villages follow one another like jewels all more precious than the other, but it is in the valley of Itria that is one of the most amazing villages of Puglia : Alberobello. Famous for its small white houses with conical roofs (trulli) sometimes painted with mysterious white symbols, Alberobello is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the region, Cisternino and Locorotondo are also not to be missed : while the former is better known for its medieval historical centre, the latter is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Its typical white houses and its gastronomy make it one of the jewels of the Apulia region : you will absolutely have to taste the local speciality, the "u tridde", a dish composed of fresh pasta sprinkled with parsley and peconino. While in Cisternino, don't forget to try these famous slices of meat stuffed with cheese and ham. On the banks of the Adriatic, Brindisi is one of Italy's main ports : its churches, cathedrals and castles make it an architectural highlight.
As far as nature is concerned, the caves of Castellana are among the unmissable in Puglia and are one of the most important tourist attractions in the region. Three kilometres long and over 70 metres deep, they are the largest in Italy. If the place is ideal for hiking, speleology is also very popular with visitors. A little further on, Lecce is one of Apulia's leading destinations : a veritable open-air museum whose charm you will inevitably fall under, Lecce and the Salento region are also famous for hosting some of Apulia's most beautiful beaches. For moments of idleness under the legendary Italian sun, head for the "Alimini Beach" adored for its warm waters, "Porto Badisco" and its magnificent cove, "Torre Dell Orso" or "Punta della Suina". Swimmers can rest assured : along the region's 800 kilometres of coastline, you're bound to find the perfect place to indulge in your favourite activities. The "Faraglioni" of Torre Sant Andrea are one of the most beautiful landscapes in Puglia : these yellow rocks, arched above the turquoise water are among the most photographed natural sites in the region. For relaxing moments on the most beautiful beaches of Puglia, do not miss Oranto, Gallipoli, Tarento, the Tremiti Islands, San Vito and its beach at the foot of a fortified abbey, "Baia di Manaccora" and its surf spots, "Torre Canne" or "Punta Prosciutto", a real little corner of paradise with such precious beauty.
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