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Here we are! We share with you an incredible itinerary we have done last July! 14 stops on the coastline of Low Salento, in the Nature Regional Park from Otranto to Santa Maria di Lauca (website only ITA), with the company of a bright turquoise sea and your camera. Almost all of these stops are beaches where you can relax and get some regenerative sun, but if you're a photo lover, you cannot miss bringing your camera with you: you'll see some of the most instagrammable places of Puglia!
Ready? Let's begin!
[imapu_baloon]
Hi there!
Plan with us your trip from the old town of Otranto driving by the coastline to Santa Maria di Leuca. Beaches, nature, sea, sun, and local culture!
Equipment
Backpack
Swimsuit
Comfy shoes
Camera and tripod
Beach towel
Sun lotion
Water bottle
Food
"No frills and comfy shoes" will be the mantra of this holiday!
You don't need a cute dress or fancy bag: you need to be comfortable with your equipment. So, you actually need just a few stuff to enjoy this route. A good backpack where to put food, the water bottle, your camera, a beach towel, and a sun lotion it's perfect and enough. You can travel pretty light, dressing your swimsuit under a t-shirt and shorts. Remember to put the sun lotion on your skin before starting your day and after every two hours. The game is made!
Way to travel
Car or bike
The easiest way to travel around Puglia is by car, so have a look at the services suggested here. But a lot of o people choose a more responsible and slow way to travel: bike. After arriving at the Airport of Salento Brindisi-Casale, you can get to Lecce by bus of the Sita Sud line, checking the timetable time table here, or grab a taxi ride calling by telephone the number 039 0831597901.
Spring is the best season to enjoy Puglia and its coastline. Beaches are not crowded, but the sun is warm and delightful yet, temperatures are perfect around 18° C and 25° C. But during Spring, there's still the risk of a rainy day, and probably you cannot get your holidays in April or May. Summer, it's a good time too! Maybe too hot if you're not used to it, and a bit crowded, but still enjoyable.
Visit the old town with its incredible belvedere that overviews the seaside. Full of the many narrow streets made colorful and lively with the little gift shops and restaurants. Don't miss to visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria Annunziata, characterized by a magnificent mosaic floor; and the Aragonese Castle, a fortress built in a strategic location to protect the town and source of inspiration for the first Gothic novel "The Castle of Otranto" written by Horace Walpole (1764).
The second stop after Otranto is reachable a few kilometers out of the town: the Bauxite Cave. An unreal and exciting place characterized by bright red rocks in contrast with a spectacular emerald lake. Take your time to visit it on a little hiking tour and admire the sea in sight!
Go on with your tour getting to Punta Palascìa, the easternmost point of Italy. Here, following a light and short hiking or biking trail, you can get to the iconic lighthouse, the night reference point for sailors since 1867 when it was built.
The last stop in the Otranto area we advise you to visit is Porto Badisco (Badisco harbor), also known as the Aeneas' landing. Such a beautiful destination with a small sandy beach and a bathing rocky coastline where is nestled the famous Grotta Dei Cervi (Deer Cave).
Step 2 • Santa Cesarea Terme
It’s the turn of Santa Cesarea Terme: a little town on the Adriatic coastline, which is a hydrothermal and very relevant tourism site. You find it on the coastal road from Otranto to Santa Maria di Leuca, exactly where your tour will end.
While you are in Santa Cesarea Terme, book a reservation at the Lido Caicco as a gift to yourself. Lido Caicco is a terraced seashore in a little but marvelous natural pool you can dive in enjoying the clear sea of Santa Cesarea Terme.
Looking above you at the incredibly blue sky, you are captured by the Moorish stylish dome of Villa Sticchi: your next stop in the tour of the magnificences of the Low Salento coastline.
Villa Sticchi was built between 1894 and 1900 on a 20 m high rocky spur, in a perfect combination of western and eastern cultures. It overviews the Adriatic sea, and with its magnificence, it is now a landmark in Puglia for all photo lovers.
Before leaving the Santa Cesarea Terme area, don't miss spending some hours under the sun and into the sea of Porto Miggiano Bay, such a fantastic place! Getting to the beach is a bit hard, but it is worth it! You should climb the rocks, and it is not easy for people with walking problems or disabilities. If you cannot climb down to get to the beach, you can still enjoy the view from the white cliff that holds the bay. That's incredible!
Step 3 • Castro Marina
Going forward on the coastline road, you get to Castro: the ancient Castrum Minervae. It is also known as Aeneas' Landing since Virgil wrote in the Aeneid that Castrum Minervae is the first Aeneas' Landing and, in 2007, archeologists found some ruins of Minerva's temple confirming this theory. But before reaching the Aeneas' Harbour, there's a stop you must see: Zinzulusa Cave.
The Zinzulusa Cave is a natural cave on the coastline. Its name Zinzulusa comes from "zinzuli": rags in Salentino (the dialect from Salento). This was the name given to the stalactites and stalagmites from the sailors boating there in the old days. The Cave can be visited on an exciting walking tour, which also gives you the chance to visit the Aragonese Castle of Castro on the same ticket, which we recommend. The tour takes 40/45 minutes, after which you can move to the Aeneas' Harbour in Castro Marina and see the floating boats.
It sounds odd, but at the Aeneas' Harbour, the seabed is so clear that, for an optical illusion, it looks like boats are floating on air.
Step 4 • Marittima Marina
Here you are at your ten stop at Cala dell'Acquaviva. This cute bay is a rocky beach famous for its water springs that make the seawater always fresh and clear; the name: Acquaviva literally means living water indeed.
This is one of the beaches we fell in love with!
We actually prefer strolling around finding the best places to get some photos, not to lie on the beach under the sun for hours. But, here, we decided to take some hours from our intense timetable to dive into that incredible sea.
Anyway, another good entertainment is watching the many local guys diving from the cliff to catch the attention of their beloved girls!
Step 5 • Tricase
Next stop? Tricase Porto, a district of Tricase famous for being one of the most beautiful and authentic beaches of Low Salento. What is very interesting here, is that it's not only a beach or a little harbor, but also a museum. It has been recognized as "Ecomuseum of Regional Interest" and it's the unique sample of a harbor that gets the title of a museum for its natural and human asset.
After visiting Tricase Porto, in 3 km, you arrive at Marina Serra, another little district of Tricase, famous for its natural swimming pool. This place is magical! Frequented mostly by locals, it's a cute place with a little old fashioned atmosphere. The beautiful turquoise seawater is surrounded by some coves: remains of an ancient quarry. Here you don't find fancy sunbeds and umbrellas or vain girls. At the Natural Pool of Marina Serra, life is simple and authentic.
Step 6 • Gagliano del capo
Your tour is almost done! Only three fantastic stops to the end. Another location on your way is Il Ciolo: a rocky cove crossed by a bridge. People use to come to Il Ciolo to dive from the cliff or (the bravest) even from the bridge that is 40 m high. It is attended by climbing and hiking lovers who are used to climb the beautiful cliff full of many Mediterranean Machis species. So, we suggest spending a couple of hours hiking the trail on the cliff and getting a bath in the fantastic pebbly bay.
Step 7 • Santa Maria di Leuca
Your last stop on this tour is in Santa Maria di Leuca. One of the most famous panoramas of Low Salento is the Basilica Shrine of Santa Maria de Finibus Terrae, where there's also a beautiful lighthouse that is the reference point for sailors and faithful. Few steps out of the square that hosts the Basilica, there's a stunning belvedere from which you can enjoy Santa Maria di Leuca and its beautiful harbor from above.
Leave your comments, feedback, and feelings about this itinerary! Contact us by the form below if you need to know more about it or if you want us to customize a tour for you!
Leave your comments, feedback, and feelings about this itinerary!
Contact us by the form below if you need to know more about it or if you want us to customize a tour for you!
This is a tour you can make in just one day or more if you need more time to enjoy some of the stops. Bari is a beautiful city, we love it, not only because we were born here, but because it is a European city that is still liveable.
Here, we're going to drive you across the city, pointing out the best points of interest in our opinion. In this itinerary, you find all our suggestions about the must-see places to take your photos, the best cultural sites in the old town, and the best street food you can eat while walking or biking in Bari.
Ready? Let's begin!
[imapu_baloon]
Hi there!
Plan with us your Bari city tour. In one day you'll experience local culture, museums, cathedrals, folklore, and the best street food!
Equipment
Nothing special!
This is a very light and easy Bari city tour you that can make with town wear.
Only two tips:
You should walk for a bunch of kilometers, so take care to wear comfy shoes;
If you’re going to walk in town in summer, remember to use your sun lotion and to stay hydrated;
Ps: Don’t buy any food to bring with you, you’ll find the best street food in Bari.
Time
1 day
This is a quick tour you can make walking or biking across the city. Of course, if you’re staying in Bari you can spend more time at each stop, it’s up to you!
Way to travel
On foot or by bike
This could be a walking tour if you have enough time and can spend your whole day in town.
But if you’re in a hurry because your travel plan is intense, well, you can rent a bike at VeloServicethat is actually on your way in this itinerary.
Season
Every season
Of course, Spring is the best season to enjoy Puglia, temperatures are perfect around 18° C and 25° C and places are still quiet and no crowded at all. I can say the same for Fall, with the difference that the risk of cold and rainy days is higher.
Also, summer and winter are good seasons to enjoy Bari. But we don’t like the extremes: summer in town is hot and humid, places are too crowded, and maybe you have to get in line for everything; winter could be cold, windy and rainy… like all the winter seasons worldwide!
Anyway, if those are the only seasons you can get your holidays, so they’ll be perfect!
Your walk is around 2,3 km long, this is just an idea of timetable to enjoy your Bari city tour
Step 1 • Petruzzelli Theatre
9:00 am
Your tour starts at the Petruzzelli Theatre, an icon of Bari, famous for its story, charm, and fantastic red color!
The Petruzzelli is the fourth largest theatre in Italy, and it has a very fascinating story. It was built at the end of the 19th Century and opened on the 14th February 1903. Until 1991 when it was burned up, it hosted hundreds of shows: opera, musical, music concert, and ballet with the most relevant artists worldwide.
In 2006, after the recovery and rebuilding, the theatre became municipality owned and restarted its theatre season. When you get to the Petruzzelli Theatre, take your time to admire the marvelous architecture. If the foyer is open, try to visit it, sometimes there's a photograph or art exhibition there. In the end, if something is interesting for you in the program posted on the bulletin boards outside, try to get a ticket for the evening: you won't regret it!
Step 2 • The longest seafront of Italy
9:30 am
Walking for two minutes on the street to the left of the Theatre you get to the best seafront of Italy. You know, if you like photography you'll spend a lot of time here, it's beautiful at any time of the day!
It's built around 1927 during the Fascism Era, with its charming buildings and iconic black cast iron streetlights.
Walking on the boardwalk, you find the old fish market at the folkloristic Saint Nicholas Jetty, aka 'Nder a la Lanz, full of fishermen who are selling their fresh fish early in the morning.
This place with the ancient harbor is perfect for your photo memories. In the background, there's also another relevant theatre of Bari: yes, the beautiful rose right there!
Step 3 • Time of museum, time of art
10:00 am
The second Theatre on your way is the Margherita Theatre. It also has a charming story that started in 1910 when the first building was built. The first one was a wooden building, built on stilts to escape the agreements between the Town of Bari and the family Petruzzelli who owned the Petruzzelli theatre, signed to prevent the possibility to erect another Theatre on the land of Bari. So, the Municipality decided to build it on the seawater using stilts!
Just one year later, the wooden structure was destroyed by arson and re-build with fantastic engineering work. It was opened in 1914 as the first building made with reinforced concrete in Bari and the unique Theatre built on stilts in Europe.
It has been renovated many times during these years since its opening and has been closed for decades. But now the Margherita Theatre is beautiful, and it hosts a contemporary art museum. So, if it is open when you get here, try to visit the foyer!
Step 4 • The old town
11:00 am
Now, it's time to strolling around the old town, starting from Piazza del Ferrarese and Piazza Mercantile, the most famous squares of Bari.
These squares are the access to many narrow streets of the old town, and they're the places where you find the nightlife of the city.
Mostly at the weekend, these two squares are the meeting point for the young people who like to spend their evenings eating and drinking together.
In these squares, many buildings are relevant, but perhaps the monument that has the most historical value is the Colonna Infame(shameful column). It was also called the Column of Justice because it was actually the pillory of the town.
Step 5 • Walking on the wall
11:30 am
In Piazza Mercantile, there's a little ramp from which you can get to the city walls, here called Muraglia.
All the people from Bari are very proud of it, and they spend most of the summer evenings wandering here, maybe enjoying a drink.
But if we do the math well, it's time for an appetizer!
Usually, when we're strolling on the Muraglia with friends and need something to eat, well, we get a Panzerotto from one of the many Panzerotterie of the city: Venezia 40.
We like their Panzerotti because they are quite authentic and with homemade flavor. But, do you know what's a Panzerotto?
Panzerotto is very typical street food from Bari. It is pizza dough filled with mozzarella and tomato sauce (the traditional flavor), close like a half-moon and deep-fried, then eaten very warm!
If you want to watch more about it, we made a detailed video recipe, so you can try it before coming and then taste the original one. It could be fun to find the differences!
While you're eating your Panzerotto, you can walk straight on the Muraglia till you find stairs on your left. Walk down those old stairs and take the street to your left: it's time to get a part of your proper lunch!
We said you'd have met a lot of local street food!
Few steps far away from the stairs, there's probably the older bakery of Bari: Panificio Fiore, that's a must to visit when in the old town.
Here you can take a piece of Focaccia barese: a kind of bread seasoned with tomatoes, olives, oregano, salt, and a lot of olive oil.
For people from Bari (Baresi), Focaccia is a snack in the half of the day, it is a lunch when you don't get enough time to eat, it is party time because we eat Focaccia at each party since we are born to end of our lives.
Now you are on Strada Palazzo di Città, so continue to get to Largo Papa Urbano II and turn left, just a few steps to reach the Saint Nicholas Basilica, the main Bari church. The most impressive thing about this religious site is that it is a landmark for two different cultures.
For us, it is the Bari’s patron saint’s home, for Orthodox Christian living in Bari is a warm home for their prayers.
The fusion of these two cultures every Sunday is magical and mystical. It sounds like there are peace and unity instead of differences, which is extraordinary!
Having a crypt reserved for Orthodox could sound weird but, you just think that in Bari, there’s also an Orthodox Christian Russian Church dedicated to Saint Nicholas that calls many Russian devoted every year. But it is far away from the old town, so maybe we will talk about it in future articles or itineraries!
The Basilica was built in Romanesque style from Puglia, known as “Romanico Pugliese”which is an essential architecture style: simple lines e pour decorations, built up using the local stones in the different areas of the region.
We suggest you visit the inside of the Basilica of Saint Nicholas. Try to discover the crypt with the tomb and relics of the patron saint as well. If you're curious about the fun facts and the folk stories, notice the red column protected in a cage located in one corner of the crypt.
It is named 'miraculous column' because Saint Nicholas brought it from Rome to Myra and then to Bari, but this is just the official miracle. There's also a pop legend about it: if a young lady was looking for an awesome husband, she had to turn three times around the column, then the saint would have done the rest!
When you get out of the Basilica, walk under the arch in front of you and turn left. You take Strada del Carmine, full of little local shops, most with souvenirs, but still folkloric.
Go straight on this long road, you are behind the second of the two major churches in the city: the Cathedral devoted to San Sabino.
It is another fabulous example of white and clean Romanesque style, and we suggest spending some minutes here too.
Step 7 • Swabian Castle and ice cream
15:00 am
When we said you can visit in one day most of the beautiful things of Bari, we meant t!
So, you can simply get to the Norman Swabian Castle walking from the Cathedral: the majestic fortress that was chosen as a residence by the Emperor Frederick II of Swabia.
Now it is pretty empty and in its large rooms, it hosts contemporary or historical exhibitions.
Follow the Castle moat to see the whole building and then get back to the facade: time to ice cream!
Opposite the entrance of the Swabian Castle, there is a little café named: Bar Gentile. We suggest ordering an ice cream cone or 'cremolata': a kind of slushie made with fresh fruit blended with ice cubes until they become creamy.
We guarantee it is one of the most delicious ice creams of Bari, you cannot miss in this Bari city tour!
Step 8 • Pasta Ladies and street food
16:30 am
While you’re eating your ice cream, you can walk to the most folkloric attractions of Bari: the Pasta Ladies!
But another step before the end of this itinerary is: getting to Largo Albicocca.
A little square set into the old town, surrounded by the typical houses shaped like towers, we suggest visiting at night. This is the Bari street food heaven!
At Largo Albicocca there's the chance to taste many local food delicacies. We already told about Panzerotti, but here you meet Donna Carmela: the queen of Sgagliozze!
Before going to the Pasta Ladies, our last tip is to try another kind of Focaccia barese, made by another famous and historical bakery of the old town of Bari: Panificio Santa Rita.
This Focaccia is pretty different from the first one made by Panificio Fiore we advised to taste. This one is a bit thin and very oily, still super delicious!
It's time to Pasta Ladies!
Follow the road signed on the map above and get to 'Arco Basso': where the Pasta Ladies are.
Usually, especially in the summertime, the ladies who live in this street put outside their doors the little tables to make their fresh Orecchiette: the local fresh pasta typical of the Bari Land.
Now you're experiencing the most genuine authenticity of this breathtaking city!
Leave your comments, feedback, and feelings about this itinerary!
Contact us by the form below if you need to know more about it or if you want us to customize a tour for you!
Here we are! We share with you an incredible itinerary we have done last July! 14 stops on the coastline of Low Salento, in the Nature Regional Park from Otranto to Santa Maria di Lauca (website only ITA), with the company of a bright turquoise sea and your camera. Almost all of these stops are beaches where you can relax and get some regenerative sun, but if you're a photo lover, you cannot miss bringing your camera with you: you'll see some of the most instagrammable places of Puglia!
Ready? Let's begin!
[imapu_baloon]
Hi there!
Plan with us your trip from the old town of Otranto driving by the coastline to Santa Maria di Leuca. Beaches, nature, sea, sun, and local culture!
Equipment
Backpack
Swimsuit
Comfy shoes
Camera and tripod
Beach towel
Sun lotion
Water bottle
Food
"No frills and comfy shoes" will be the mantra of this holiday!
You don't need a cute dress or fancy bag: you need to be comfortable with your equipment. So, you actually need just a few stuff to enjoy this route. A good backpack where to put food, the water bottle, your camera, a beach towel, and a sun lotion it's perfect and enough. You can travel pretty light, dressing your swimsuit under a t-shirt and shorts. Remember to put the sun lotion on your skin before starting your day and after every two hours. The game is made!
Way to travel
Car or bike
The easiest way to travel around Puglia is by car, so have a look at the services suggested here. But a lot of o people choose a more responsible and slow way to travel: bike. After arriving at the Airport of Salento Brindisi-Casale, you can get to Lecce by bus of the Sita Sud line, checking the timetable time table here, or grab a taxi ride calling by telephone the number 039 0831597901.
Spring is the best season to enjoy Puglia and its coastline. Beaches are not crowded, but the sun is warm and delightful yet, temperatures are perfect around 18° C and 25° C. But during Spring, there's still the risk of a rainy day, and probably you cannot get your holidays in April or May. Summer, it's a good time too! Maybe too hot if you're not used to it, and a bit crowded, but still enjoyable.
Visit the old town with its incredible belvedere that overviews the seaside. Full of the many narrow streets made colorful and lively with the little gift shops and restaurants. Don't miss to visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria Annunziata, characterized by a magnificent mosaic floor; and the Aragonese Castle, a fortress built in a strategic location to protect the town and source of inspiration for the first Gothic novel "The Castle of Otranto" written by Horace Walpole (1764).
The second stop after Otranto is reachable a few kilometers out of the town: the Bauxite Cave. An unreal and exciting place characterized by bright red rocks in contrast with a spectacular emerald lake. Take your time to visit it on a little hiking tour and admire the sea in sight!
Go on with your tour getting to Punta Palascìa, the easternmost point of Italy. Here, following a light and short hiking or biking trail, you can get to the iconic lighthouse, the night reference point for sailors since 1867 when it was built.
The last stop in the Otranto area we advise you to visit is Porto Badisco (Badisco harbor), also known as the Aeneas' landing. Such a beautiful destination with a small sandy beach and a bathing rocky coastline where is nestled the famous Grotta Dei Cervi (Deer Cave).
Step 2 • Santa Cesarea Terme
It’s the turn of Santa Cesarea Terme: a little town on the Adriatic coastline, which is a hydrothermal and very relevant tourism site. You find it on the coastal road from Otranto to Santa Maria di Leuca, exactly where your tour will end.
While you are in Santa Cesarea Terme, book a reservation at the Lido Caicco as a gift to yourself. Lido Caicco is a terraced seashore in a little but marvelous natural pool you can dive in enjoying the clear sea of Santa Cesarea Terme.
Looking above you at the incredibly blue sky, you are captured by the Moorish stylish dome of Villa Sticchi: your next stop in the tour of the magnificences of the Low Salento coastline.
Villa Sticchi was built between 1894 and 1900 on a 20 m high rocky spur, in a perfect combination of western and eastern cultures. It overviews the Adriatic sea, and with its magnificence, it is now a landmark in Puglia for all photo lovers.
Before leaving the Santa Cesarea Terme area, don't miss spending some hours under the sun and into the sea of Porto Miggiano Bay, such a fantastic place! Getting to the beach is a bit hard, but it is worth it! You should climb the rocks, and it is not easy for people with walking problems or disabilities. If you cannot climb down to get to the beach, you can still enjoy the view from the white cliff that holds the bay. That's incredible!
Step 3 • Castro Marina
Going forward on the coastline road, you get to Castro: the ancient Castrum Minervae. It is also known as Aeneas' Landing since Virgil wrote in the Aeneid that Castrum Minervae is the first Aeneas' Landing and, in 2007, archeologists found some ruins of Minerva's temple confirming this theory. But before reaching the Aeneas' Harbour, there's a stop you must see: Zinzulusa Cave.
The Zinzulusa Cave is a natural cave on the coastline. Its name Zinzulusa comes from "zinzuli": rags in Salentino (the dialect from Salento). This was the name given to the stalactites and stalagmites from the sailors boating there in the old days. The Cave can be visited on an exciting walking tour, which also gives you the chance to visit the Aragonese Castle of Castro on the same ticket, which we recommend. The tour takes 40/45 minutes, after which you can move to the Aeneas' Harbour in Castro Marina and see the floating boats.
It sounds odd, but at the Aeneas' Harbour, the seabed is so clear that, for an optical illusion, it looks like boats are floating on air.
Step 4 • Marittima Marina
Here you are at your ten stop at Cala dell'Acquaviva. This cute bay is a rocky beach famous for its water springs that make the seawater always fresh and clear; the name: Acquaviva literally means living water indeed.
This is one of the beaches we fell in love with!
We actually prefer strolling around finding the best places to get some photos, not to lie on the beach under the sun for hours. But, here, we decided to take some hours from our intense timetable to dive into that incredible sea.
Anyway, another good entertainment is watching the many local guys diving from the cliff to catch the attention of their beloved girls!
Step 5 • Tricase
Next stop? Tricase Porto, a district of Tricase famous for being one of the most beautiful and authentic beaches of Low Salento. What is very interesting here, is that it's not only a beach or a little harbor, but also a museum. It has been recognized as "Ecomuseum of Regional Interest" and it's the unique sample of a harbor that gets the title of a museum for its natural and human asset.
After visiting Tricase Porto, in 3 km, you arrive at Marina Serra, another little district of Tricase, famous for its natural swimming pool. This place is magical! Frequented mostly by locals, it's a cute place with a little old fashioned atmosphere. The beautiful turquoise seawater is surrounded by some coves: remains of an ancient quarry. Here you don't find fancy sunbeds and umbrellas or vain girls. At the Natural Pool of Marina Serra, life is simple and authentic.
Step 6 • Gagliano del capo
Your tour is almost done! Only three fantastic stops to the end. Another location on your way is Il Ciolo: a rocky cove crossed by a bridge. People use to come to Il Ciolo to dive from the cliff or (the bravest) even from the bridge that is 40 m high. It is attended by climbing and hiking lovers who are used to climb the beautiful cliff full of many Mediterranean Machis species. So, we suggest spending a couple of hours hiking the trail on the cliff and getting a bath in the fantastic pebbly bay.
Step 7 • Santa Maria di Leuca
Your last stop on this tour is in Santa Maria di Leuca. One of the most famous panoramas of Low Salento is the Basilica Shrine of Santa Maria de Finibus Terrae, where there's also a beautiful lighthouse that is the reference point for sailors and faithful. Few steps out of the square that hosts the Basilica, there's a stunning belvedere from which you can enjoy Santa Maria di Leuca and its beautiful harbor from above.
Leave your comments, feedback, and feelings about this itinerary! Contact us by the form below if you need to know more about it or if you want us to customize a tour for you!
Leave your comments, feedback, and feelings about this itinerary!
Contact us by the form below if you need to know more about it or if you want us to customize a tour for you!
In the charming town of Bovino, surrounded by the splendid atmosphere of the Daunia Mountains, in 1966 an old winery was transformed into a bar: Giannotti 1966.
Thanks to the passion for cooking and pastry of Luigi, the Giannotti bar has become a blooming activity that produces high-quality products and symbols of the made in Italy authenticity.
They create delicious cakes, chocolate bars, mignons but not only: in 2020 one of the flagship products of the bar, the Panettone, won the coveted 5th place in the ranking of the Best Artisanal Panettone in Italy!
Near the castle of King Charles V in Monopoli there is the King’s kitchen: The king street food.
A careful selection of local products at km 0 and homemade exquisite products, let The King become a must in Monopoli for pucce, piadine, salads, exquisite cutting boards and other delicacies.
In 2022 the Accademia del Panino Italiano awarded the puccia Bottino, produced by the King’s kitchen, electing it Autentico Panino Italiano and inserting it in the PaninoMap, the first and only digital guide to Italian sandwiches in the world!
Southern Puglia, the land we call Salento, is the favorite place for Americans who need to change their life. Maybe it’s better to say, who needs to live a good life!
Salento indeed hosts the biggest American community of Puglia. They fall in love with the sun, with the richness of biodiversity, with the lifestyle: slow and peaceful. Almost like California but with low prices!
These were the reasons that dropped Giulia in Puglia, in Salento to be fair. She came in 2016 and opened: At the Aia, a country house famous for its Puglia retreats!
If you’re curious about Giulia’s story and why she decided to change her life by moving from New York City to Nardò, so watch the video below we made with her last summer!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdUoqXkOT98&t=14s
Meditative Puglia retreats
"At the Aia" is located in the countryside of Nardò: a really flourishing village on the Ionian coast of Salento, quite close to the most famous Gallipoli.
It is a wonderful place, surrounded by nature, olive and fruit groves where you can live the best relaxing and meditative moments of your life.
Yes, because the Puglia retreats designed by Giulia are actual meditation experiences characterized by the best Apulian food, yoga classes, massages, acupuncture, and slow living.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IHjjqYO9s8o&t=2s
Contact them!
So, if you’re interested in diving into her special Puglia retreats: contact At the Aia and book your stay!
You find all contacts and localization in the form below!
UNPLI Puglia is the acronym of "Unione Nazionale Pro Loco d'Italia": in this case, the Union of the Pro Loco in the Land of Puglia, which are associations focused on the promotion of the Puglia traditions and folklore.
We know, it could sound weird, but here in Italy, tradition, folklore, and culture are very important matters. To keep and preserve them, in each region and almost in each municipality, there are the Pro Loco Associations.
The Apulian culture is so rich, that there are different traditions and lifestyles, from north to south. But this is also the amazing thing about Puglia! Don't you think?
The role of UNPLI Puglia indeed is to pass on, generation by generation, the dialects, the typical meals, the religious traditions, the folklore, everything that makes Puglia so great!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKsw2iM7Rp4
From North to South of Puglia
UNPLI Puglia is divided into 14 delegations, starting from Northern Puglia to the South:
Gargano
Tavoliere
Monti Dauni
Peucetia Nord
Peucetia Sud
Murge e Gravine
Magna Grecia
Valle D'Itria
Alto Salento
Lecce
Messapia
Finibus Terrae
Grecìa Salentina
Ionia
Each delegation tells a different story and different traditions. After making the Regional video spot for UNPLI Puglia, we started the little video spots for each delegation, we've made 4 of them so far.
You can find them below and fall in love with the land of Puglia!
We are very glad to support them with our expertise and knowledge in making some video content. We have common purposes, we both love our land, and we promote Puglia unconditionally.
Working with UNPLI Puglia we had the chance to live some of the best local experiences ever and to get in touch with some Puglia traditions that we didn't know before.
Contact them!
As a suggestion, if you'd love to visit a place in Puglia, or you need a piece of information about the local festivals, try to contact the Pro Loco associations. Normally, they are experts of the land they are in charge of, so don't hesitate to contact the Pro Loco of "add any town or village of Puglia".
By the form below you'll contact the regional UNPLI, so pretty general on the region and less focused on specific territories. Contact them if you're interested in information about the whole Puglia traditions, folklore, or culture!
In the heart of the Itria Valley, nearby the enchanting Martina Franca, the restaurant Ninò - The Trullo of Villa San Martino offers a culinary proposal that has its roots deeply in the restored, reinterpreted, and exalted local tradition, portraying Apulian smells and flavors.
Tradition and innovation meet each other to invite you on a sensory journey where Mediterranean colors and rich farm flavors can combine perfectly.
The characteristic Apulian Trulli Cones provide the setting for an exclusive restaurant, masterfully directed by Villa San Martino’s staff, Five Star Luxury resort worldwide known, and an authentic impressive location on the Martina Franca territory.
Have you ever slept in a treehouse? Well, the experience is something exceptional!
Just imagine a typical Apulian olive trees grove spotted by beautiful and super functional wooden treehouses... is that kind of thing you don’t see every day, especially in Italy, or worst in Puglia!
From this very ambitious and innovative idea comes Aulìa Treehouse: an eco-village in Puglia made of tiny environmentally friendly treehouses. The treehouses here are designed by three different architects who are used to eco-friendly projects.
These are indeed the only treehouses in Italy having this peculiarity!
Holidays on the olive trees
The eco-village of Aulìa Treehouse is born in 2020 - during a worldwide pandemic - in the heart of Puglia, at San Vito dei Normanni accurately, a cute village in the Brindisi province. It is in the area that we call "Alto Salento": High Salento.
This area is actually full of olive trees grove: it’s really amazing!
That’s why Anna and Mino, a sweet couple from San Vito dei Normanni, decided to build their eco-village here: the place where they were born and the land of the olive trees.
When you hear about a treehouse in Italy, you can often refer to the luxurious and huge treehouses in Northern Italy. Usually, they are built into woods or forests, stunning, as well as olive groves, but totally different from the Apulian scenario.
The project behind Aulìa Treehouse is very ambitious.
Unfortunately, they are having some bureaucracy issues, so after two years they’re still not able to host guests in this fabulous place.
We’ve been in contact with them for such a long time, they’re clients and friends for us, genuine and nice people. So, we wish them lots of luck for future, we wish their dream comes true soon.
We sincerely believe Puglia needs Aulìa Treehouse to improve its tourism offer and local experience!
Parco Rurale is the Archaeological Park and the Rural Museum of the most famous Masseria Spina Resort. An amazing place where ancient history, pristine nature, and local experiences blend harmoniously.
This rural park surrounds Masseria Spina: located in the countryside of Monopoli, which is one of the best little sea towns on the coast from Bari toLecce.
A three centuries long story
The most fascinating thing about Parco Rurale is that it tells a three centuries long story.
The park is divided into different areas, first of all, you can visit the millenary olive trees grove of the property.
It is a beautiful yard also available for private parties and country-style weddings.
But if we can suggest you: try to spend a bit of your time looking at the fantastic olive trees trunks. It could be something really special for you if you've never seen an Apulian millenary olive tree.
Going on with your walking tour in the property of Parco Rurale and Masseria Spina, you'll find "Spina Piccola". It is the old sighting tower of the ancient farm, with the stable, full of horse tools used by the Masseria ancestors.
After "Spina Piccola" another highlight of Parco Rurale is the rupestrian oil mill. Actually, it is very common in Puglia, but this one is huge because it was used to produce the oil (before) and the silk (later) of the entire property.
Some other beautiful spots await you at Parco Rurale, but we won't spoil everything about this place.
So, you need to book your visit here once in Puglia!
Parco Rurale local experiences
Wait! It's not over!
Cultural stuff is interesting and cool, but what about living local and authentic experiences?
At Parco Rural you can also:
taste good local and crafted wine
taste the Masseria Spina extra virgin olive oil
participate in a fresh pasta-making class
book a full immersion local food and drink experience.
One special place to feel the importance of roots and history, but also to enjoy the real taste of Puglia!
Contact them!
As you can see, Parco Rurale is a stunning and eclectic place. We suggest booking your stay at Masseria SpinaResort, which if you don't know yet, you can visit here. After that book, your walking tour through the property and the full immersion experience in the local lifestyle!
You find all the contact info on the form below!
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A gem set in Itria Valley
In the heart of Puglia, there’s a magical place known as Itria Valley, which is the Apulian land of art, local culture, and traditions.
Here, where the best natural landscapes meet the most typical food, stands Villa San Martino, one of the best charming 5 stars luxury hotels in Puglia.
Villa San Martino is located in the countryside of Martina Franca, the province of Taranto.
This little village is famous for its fabulous history which had its main glory during the Baroque era. In fact, Martina Franca is characterized by its charming and fascinating Baroque buildings and the most famous Church dedicated to Saint Martin.
This small village in the Itria Valley is the perfect place to host this luxury hotel full of relaxing corners and romantic beauty.
Lux and charme in Puglia
Villa San Martino was born as a family country house. Now, it is a wonderful resort with a gourmet restaurant, a SPA, and a private pool and a huge garden, where you can still feel the family atmosphere and warm hospitality.
From a rich international breakfast to your bedtime you’ll be pampered in every need.
The professional staff of Villa San Martino is available to satisfy all your requirements!
During the last year, in 2021, they’ve launched a new spin-off project: Il Trullo da Ninò Restaurant.
In the same luxury scenario, indeed, you can also find a very typical corner characterized by a Trullo where you’ll have a chance to taste the local food and delicacies.
5 stars luxury wedding venue
It's easy to fall in love with this fabulous location.Villa San Martino, surrounded by nature and charm, is one of the best wedding venues of Itria Valley and the whole Puglia indeed.
The garden will host your ceremony and the staff will work to set up your wonderful Italian-style wedding in a luxurious backdrop. But, as we said, beyond being a 5 stars luxury hotel in Puglia, Villa San Martino gives you also the chance to enjoy a pre-wedding party in a traditional Trullo. Isn't this amazing?
Contact them!
If you’re in love with this charming and romantic luxury hotel in Puglia, please, check the info area below and contact them to book your stay!
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Best bakery in Daunia mountains
In the charming town of Bovino, surrounded by the splendid atmosphere of the Daunia Mountains, in 1966 an old winery was transformed into a bar: Giannotti 1966.
Thanks to the passion for cooking and pastry of Luigi, the Giannotti bar has become a blooming activity that produces high-quality products and symbols of the made in Italy authenticity.
They create delicious cakes, chocolate bars, mignons but not only: in 2020 one of the flagship products of the bar, the Panettone, won the coveted 5th place in the ranking of the Best Artisanal Panettone in Italy!
Looks like we are in Caraibi, Hawaii, Maldives… but take a guess: where are we?
Of course in Puglia!
Welcome to a trip into one of the most beautiful beaches of whole Puglia: Campomarino di Maruggio!
This magic place, located in Salento in the province of Taranto, is characterized by crystal clear waters, sandy dunes, olive trees, dry stone walls but.. there’s more!
Do you want to discover more about this dazzling place? Take a look at our article below!
Campomarino di Maruggio dunes
Wrapped in a beautiful lush Mediterranean scrub, surrounded by dry stone walls and olive trees, lies the beautiful beach of Campomarino di Maruggio.
The lush nature surrounding it is so precious that it’s protected and included into the Park of the Campomarino di Maruggio dunes!
This area is also full of history: nearby it’s possible to see Torre delle Moline, a beautiful tower raised in the XVI, anciently used to protect Puglia by the Saracens.
It is called "Dei Molini" because the processing of the stones used to create the mills (to produce cereals) took place in these areas: hence this name is so unique!
Furthermore, this beach is very equipped: here there are a lot of organized lidos for all tourists.
But don' t worry: if you don't want to go to the lidos, there are also free beaches!
So, if you love to take vacations among unspoiled nature and beautiful sea, add it to your bucket list!
Tips:
Currently Torre delle Moline hosts the Campomarino di Maruggio Info Point!
The Nature Reserve of Torre Colimena and Saline dei Monaci, another beautiful beach and reserve, is just 20 km from Campomarino di Maruggio: you can’t miss it! (click the name to read the article!)
If you want to be more relaxed and avoid the crowds, choose May or September!
How to go:
From Taranto to Campomarino di M.:
CAR
52 minutes crossing SP 123 (Provincial Road)
From Brindisi to Campomarino di M.:
CAR
1h and 7 minutes crossing SS7 (State Road)
If you want other suggestions for your trip to Puglia, don't forget to visit our Facebook and Instagram pages!
See you in Puglia!
[post_title] => Campomarino di Maruggio
[post_excerpt] => Looks like we are in Caraibi, Hawaii, Maldives… but take a guess: where are we? Of course in Puglia!
Welcome to a trip into one of the most beautiful beaches of whole Puglia: Campomarino di Maruggio!
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Near Santa Cesarea Terme, in Salento, there is a stunning place: the Porto Miggiano beach.
This site is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Apulia because of the beautiful sea, the unspoiled nature, and the thermal baths.
It’s called the beach with the 100 stairs…
Do you want to know more about this and other curiosities? Read the article below!
Porto Miggiano beach: heaven on Earth
The Porto Miggiano beach is located on a very particular u-shaped rock overlooking the sea and surrounded by incredible white cliffs.
Yes, in Apulia you can also see cliffs!
This beach is also known as the beach with the 100 stairs: the difficulty of access to the beach, due to all of these stairs, is rewarded with the breathtaking view that you have once you arrive! A must-see!
The seabed is rich in flora and fauna, part of an incredible and beautiful ecosystem: this is why this beach is often chosen for snorkeling but also other exciting activities!
This beach, for its shape, it’s not the right choice for families but it’s perfect for enjoying the sea with friends!
Tips:
This beach seems ideal to have fun while enjoying the sun but here you can also discover some history in prehistoric caves, such as the Romanelli one!
The 100 tufa stairs are rugged: the erosion of the sea is slowly crumbling this area so you can reach the beach also by boat!
Near this beautiful beach, there is an ancient defending tower called Torre Miggiano, dating back to 1500 and recently restored, which stands on a rock that plunges directly into the sea: you must see it, it’s amazing!
The weather will be perfect anyway, trust us!
If you are at Porto Miggiano beach, you can’t miss Santa Cesarea Terme or Castro: those wonderful places are just a few km from Porto Miggiano!
One last tip: choose May or September if you want to enjoy this place without the crowd!
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Can you believe that in Puglia there is a village painted all in bright blue?
Are you curious?
This magical place is called Casamassima, a little charming town 20 km far from Bari.
Scroll down this article and enjoy other curiosities not to be missed about this place!
Why Casamassima is blue?
Casamassima do have a long history: the medieval village, built in the VIII century, is developed nearby a outstanding Norman Castle with an imponent tower.
This dazzling town is full of chiassi (blind alleys) and chianche (rocks) that compose the beautiful dwellings.
But why this village is all blue?
Legend has it that the town was painted in this typical shade in honour of the Madonna di Costantinopoli for saving the city from the devastation of the plague.
Because of that, in the 60's the italian sculptor Vittorio Viviani renamed this city " Città Azzurra" (BlueCity): he was dazzled by this village and..you can't blame him!
When you dive into this amazing city, you can dream of Moroccan landscapes with your eyes wide open: Casamassima looks a lot like another beautiful village in Marocco, Chefchaouen!
Could you believe that?
We already told you, Puglia is full of beauty!
So.. when are you planning you next trip why not Puglia?
Tips:
Casamassima is beautiful every period of the year but we suggest you come here around 40 days beforeEaster (Quaresima): in this period a beautiful celebration takes place! In the village are also exposed 7 amazing fabric dolls called "Quarantana Pupe" removed one per week until Easter!
In the Christmas time this village is all covered by outstanding luminarie! You can't miss it!
How to go:
From Bari to Casamassima:
CAR
- 24 minutes crossing SS100 (State Road)
TRAIN
- 46 minutes using Trenitalia spa (timetables available on the official site)
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[post_excerpt] => Can you believe that in Puglia there is a village painted all in bright blue?
This magical place is called Casamassima, a little charming town 20 km far from Bari.
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Do you want to relax while enjoying the beautiful Salento’ sea?
Then you are in the right place!
Located along the seaside from Torre Colimena to Torre Lapillo, there is a stunning beach with dazzling sand and crystal-clear waters: the Punta Prosciutto beach.
This beach is 32 km long and it’s one of the most known because of the shallow waters and the unspoiled nature surrounding.
Are you ready to dive into this sea? Scroll down the article below!
The enchanting landscape of Punta Prosciutto beach
The Punta Prosciutto beach is famous for the stunning sea but also for the secular coastal dunes which can reach up to 8 meters, covered by the luxuriant Mediterranean scrub.
The wild nature free from constraints and the unique ecosystem with lush flora and fauna and the also called ‘spunnulate’by the natives (natural caves), has made this land recognizable but also vulnerable.
This is why this beach, also called Li Prisuddi in the local Salentine dialect, is part of the Natural Regional Park of the Coastal Dunes and of the Swamp of the Count - Parco Naturale Regionale di Palude del Conte e Dune Costiere”.
An enchanting place where the eye is lost among the sand dunes, the lush bushes and the bright blue waters.
This beach is characterized by the shallow waters and the white sand so it’s also perfect for families!
Tips:
In the Punta Prosciutto area there are free beaches: go find some to enjoy this beauty freely!
In this area you can do a lot of activities, such as trekking, kitesurfing, scuba diving, riding horses.
You can book a one of a kind experience: click here!
Stunning, isn’t it?
How to go:
From Lecce to Punta Prosciutto beach:
BUS
- 1 h and 40 minutes with Cotrap S.P.A. (timetables available on the official site)
CAR
- 48 minutes crossing SP359 (Provincial Road)
From Gallipoli to Punta Prosciutto beach:
BUS
- 1 h and 40 minutes with Cotrap S.P.A. (timetables available on the official site)
CAR
- 47 minutes crossing SP359 (Provincial Road)
From Brindisi to Punta Prosciutto beach:
BUS/TRAIN
- 23 minutes with Trenitalia SpA (timetables available on the official site) from Brindisi to Lecce
- 1 h and 40 minutes with Cotrap S.P.A. (timetables available on the official site) from Lecce to P. Prosciutto beach
CAR
- 55 minutes crossing SP109(Provincial Road)
See you in Puglia!
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In the Barletta-Andria-Trani area, surrounded by a rich ecosystem and enchanting biodiversity, there are the Margherita di Savoia Salt Pans, 20 km long!
Those “Saline” are called in honor of the first queen of Italy in 1879 and are the biggest ones in Europe and the second ones worldwide!
Do you want to take a deeper look into it? Scroll down the article!
The city of Margherita di Savoia
In the north-eastern Puglia, near Barletta, we can find the beautiful city of Margherita di Savoia.
The coast extends for about 15 km: it’s sandy and bathed by crystal clear waters, often elected “Bandiera Blu”-“Blue Flag” (awarded to beaches and waters that meet high-quality criteria).
The territory of this city is full of Salt Pans called “Salinis”, existing since the III century B.C. and included in the Salapia territory (a pre-Roman center).
In the XII century, the place took the name of Sancta Maria de Salis:the inhabitants of this area are called indifferently “Margheritani” or “Salinari”.
Margherita di Savoia's wetlands
The wetlands nearby Margherita di Savoia do have a long history: located along the ancient Via Salaria, which goes from Rome to Santa Maria di Leuca since 1971 have been protected bythe convention of Ramsar (intergovernmental treaty adopted in Iran which provides the framework for the conservation of the wetlands worldwide).
In this area, especially close to the southern coast of Gargano, can be found Lake Salpi, a coastal basin of marshy waters that gave its name to the ancient Salapia, a lagoon city in Apulia's Daunia.
In the beginning, it was 37 km large: nowadays a part of it it’s included in the Margherita di Savoia’ Salt Pans protected area.
Those Salt Pans become a natural reserve in 1977 because they are characterized by a unique ecosystem: very rare species of flora and fauna can be seen here (more than 100!).
Also here nidify one of the largest populations of pink flamingosin all of Europe!
Amazing, don’t you think?
The landscapes offered by the Margherita di Savoia Salt Pans are dazzling: the contrast between the water, the flora and fauna and the Salt Pans themselves produces an incredible game of suggestive reflections and makes this place one of the most instagrammable places in Puglia!
Thermal baths
In Margherita di Savoia there are also Thermal baths, which use the mud and thermal waters derived from the Salt Pans.
The first official thermal bath in this area was opened in 1930: legend has it that Annibale, one of the greatest Carthaginian leaders and politicians, used the Salt Pans' mud to regenerate!
A stranger on the moon
As you can see, the Margherita di Savoia Salt Pans are beautiful and, at the same time, disruptive. The large amount of salt can look like snow or, even more, weird: it could look like a lunar landscape.
In 2021 indeed, we chose this charming landscape as one of the many locations for a video clip made for the singer Pietro Verna. It is a fantastic project we have worked on and we're very proud of the result.
There's an astronaut on the moon!
In the pics below, you can see how incredible the power of this landscape is when a bit of creativity comes in and makes the difference!
Tips:
It’s not allowed to visit the Margherita di SavoiaSalt Pans without permission: you must contact the salt extraction company (which is still in full operation) to make an appointment.
To discover the historical evolution in the processing of salt you can visit the Historical Museum of the Salt Pans, by booking the visit through the following contacts.
The Margherita di SavoiaSalt Pans are one of the most beautiful instagrammable places in Puglia but it’s not the only one!
Do you want to discover other instagrammable places in Puglia?
Check out our article (click hereto take a look!) and don’t forget to watch our new column on Instagram #instagrammableplaces of Puglia, to know other places not to be missed!
Close your eyes and imagine a fairy-tale place, with whitewashed houses and alleys full of wonderful scents and bright colors.
Done? Now open your eyes! This is not a dream, this place really exists: it's called Ostuni, the White City.
In the green of the Itria Valley stands out this charming village, one of the main tourist attractions in Puglia.
Do you want to take a deeper look at this city? Scroll down and enjoy!
Discover Ostuni - The White City
In the 17th century, the plague devastated Puglia and only a few villages survived.
Among them there is Ostuni: the inhabitants had the brilliant idea to cover each house with limestone mixed with water.
They decided to whitewash every single house also with a strategic purpose: the dazzling sunlight reflecting would blind the enemies and give them a clear advantage!
The results were incredible: there was really less illness in the white houses (the white lime do have antibacterial properties)!
So right now when you take a walk in the small alleys of this charming village, all the houses that you can see are whitewashed: the stark white buildings are dazzling in the sun, brightened by the vivid colorsof the doors and enriched by smelly colored flowers.
Must-see in Ostuni - The White City
On the top of the hill rises the majestic Ostuni Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption, built in the fifteenth century by Ferdinand of Aragon.
This marvelous structure is unique, composed of a distinctive Roman-Gothic style and its large rose window/rosette with 24 rays, one of the biggest ones in all of Europe!
Exactly in front of the Cathedral there is a beautiful Baroque arch, the Arco Scoppa, which links the Bishop’s Palace to the Seminar.
Inside the Bishop’s Palace there is the Diocesan Museum, a Franciscan monastery of the early 1200’s completely restored in neoclassical style in the nineteenth century that contains prestigious pieces of arts.
Once in Piazza della Libertà (the most beautiful Ostuni square), you can admire a majestic obelisk21 meters high in full Baroque style dedicated to the patron saint of Ostuni, Sant'Oronzo.
Talking about Ostuni, it's impossible not to mention the extraordinary beauty of its coastline:20 km of crystal clear seas and white sand that are awarded every year with the Blue Flag Award.
Most of the beautiful villages placed in the Itria Valley were whitewashed to be spared by the plague: if you want, click to take a sneak peek at the white dazzling Locorotondo!
Ostuni is a village full of beautiful places where you can take stunning pictures (like the famous multicoloured door portrayed in the picture above) but here are a lot of places for Instagram lovers in Puglia: check them in this article!
If possible, the best time to visit it is during the months of May, September and October when the climate is spectacular and you can fully appreciate all the beauty of this village.
Don't’ forget to see #5FunFact about Itria Valley and..
In a protected area inside the National Park of Gargano, in the north of Puglia, there is a place where nature is unspoiled and lush: this is the Umbra Forest /ita: Foresta Umbra/.
The name Umbra /eng: shady/ derives from the vegetation that is so dense to make it very shady.
The area of the Forest reaches about 10,000 hectares and has remarkable biodiversity.
Do you want to take a venture into these woods? Read the article below!
Umbra Forest - UNESCO site
The Umbra forest /ita: Foresta Umbra/ has been the subject of ongoing studies, especially for the vegetation phenomenon of macrosomatism: the plants here are much wider than normal.
This enables you to see giant holm oaks, pines and beeches: amazing, don’t you think?
The Forest is also home to more than 2000 plant species: it is the largest Italian hardwood forest with specimens over 40 meters high with huge diameters (more than 1meter!).
In particular, since 2017, its beech forests became part of a UNESCO transnational site called “Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and other Regions of Europe”/ ita:“ Antichi Faggeti primordiali dei Carpazi e di altre regioni d’Europa”.
Must-see in Umbra Forest
The Umbra Forest /ita: Foresta Umbra/ is a must-see for people of all ages: adults can enjoy the outlined paths to have close contact with nature while the child can discover fauna and flora.
It was really lovely to see children discovering deer in the area dedicated to them!
The child can also have a good time in a playground made entirely of wood!
In the heart of the Forest there is an enchanting place surrounded by lush nature: this is the Umbra Lake /ita: Lago d’Umbra/.
This beautiful stretch of water, set in a picturesque setting, is rich in flora and fauna and a must-see place for Instagram lovers.
In particular, there is a little wood walkway with a stunning view of the Lake and the surrounding nature, an ideal place to take unforgettable pictures!
Umbra Forest /ita: Foresta Umbra/ is a magic place where you can take stunning photos but it's not the only one: click here to discover other places in Puglia for Instagram lovers!
Did we persuade you? Take everything you need and...
A place where time seems to have stopped, where you can experience the magical atmosphere of the Itria Valley: is Locorotondo, one of the most beautiful villages in Puglia.
Characteristic of Locorotondo are the Cummerse, houses with sloping roofs covered with chiancarelle.
Do you want to take a look at those abodes? Scroll down this article!
How the Cummerse of Locorotondo were born
Locorotondo is an evocative place for its round shape (its name derives from the Latin “Loco” place and “Rotondo” rounded) and the Cummerse, houses with roofs covered with chiancarelle (the subsoil of this area is rich with it).
The name Cummerse derives from the Latin "cum vertice"for the conformation of the roof.
The Cummerse are built with a technique similar to that used to make Trulli.According to research, they date back to 1300 AD: older than Trulli, could you imagine?
https://youtu.be/LI5JC8RM9yc
The pitched roof of the Cummerse was used to collect rainwater, using the side gutters.
They were built on 2 levels that are linked with steep stairs and the walls of these houses are washed with white lime ( a distinctive element of Itria Valley).
Tips:
Locorotondo was one of the Itria Valley villages spared by the plague in the Middle Ages.
The white lime which covered the Cummerse protected this area but did you know that there is another village in Itria Valley famous all over the world for the white lime?
Looks like we are in Caraibi, Hawaii, Maldives… but take a guess: where are we?
Of course in Puglia!
Welcome to a trip into one of the most beautiful beaches of whole Puglia: Campomarino di Maruggio!
This magic place, located in Salento in the province of Taranto, is characterized by crystal clear waters, sandy dunes, olive trees, dry stone walls but.. there’s more!
Do you want to discover more about this dazzling place? Take a look at our article below!
Campomarino di Maruggio dunes
Wrapped in a beautiful lush Mediterranean scrub, surrounded by dry stone walls and olive trees, lies the beautiful beach of Campomarino di Maruggio.
The lush nature surrounding it is so precious that it’s protected and included into the Park of the Campomarino di Maruggio dunes!
This area is also full of history: nearby it’s possible to see Torre delle Moline, a beautiful tower raised in the XVI, anciently used to protect Puglia by the Saracens.
It is called "Dei Molini" because the processing of the stones used to create the mills (to produce cereals) took place in these areas: hence this name is so unique!
Furthermore, this beach is very equipped: here there are a lot of organized lidos for all tourists.
But don' t worry: if you don't want to go to the lidos, there are also free beaches!
So, if you love to take vacations among unspoiled nature and beautiful sea, add it to your bucket list!
Tips:
Currently Torre delle Moline hosts the Campomarino di Maruggio Info Point!
The Nature Reserve of Torre Colimena and Saline dei Monaci, another beautiful beach and reserve, is just 20 km from Campomarino di Maruggio: you can’t miss it! (click the name to read the article!)
If you want to be more relaxed and avoid the crowds, choose May or September!
How to go:
From Taranto to Campomarino di M.:
CAR
52 minutes crossing SP 123 (Provincial Road)
From Brindisi to Campomarino di M.:
CAR
1h and 7 minutes crossing SS7 (State Road)
If you want other suggestions for your trip to Puglia, don't forget to visit our Facebook and Instagram pages!
See you in Puglia!
[post_title] => Campomarino di Maruggio
[post_excerpt] => Looks like we are in Caraibi, Hawaii, Maldives… but take a guess: where are we? Of course in Puglia!
Welcome to a trip into one of the most beautiful beaches of whole Puglia: Campomarino di Maruggio!
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