Things to do and see in Apulia

As a lively port and well-known university city, the capital of Apulia has a lot to offer. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the picturesque city center of Bari on a relaxing stroll. Visit the Cathedral of San Sabino, the Basilica of San Nicola and, of course, the beautiful Castello Normanno-Svevo di Bari.

Follow the winding alleyways to experience the city's fantastic architecture. Take a trip to the Strada delle Orecchiette to watch the Nonnas prepare fresh pasta dough. And reflect on your impressions of Bari on an unforgettable walk along the Adriatic Sea.

Hohenstaufen Emperor Frederick II had the imposing castle in Apulia built as early as 1240. The fortress has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. Castel del Monte not only impresses with its impressive architecture, octagonal layout and a total of 8 octagonal protective towers, but also with its breathtaking view of the Adriatic Sea and the enchanting Murgia Valley.

Explore the impressive monument alongside an experienced guide. Enjoy the panoramic view over the beautiful landscapes of Apulia. And use the Castel del Monte as a starting point to discover the Alta Murgia National Park.

The stunning coastline of Polignano a Mare is guaranteed to take your breath away. Located just about 20 miles south of Bari, this spectacular stretch of the Adriatic is defined by jagged cliffs, rocky coves, and a brilliant whitewashed town perched above the sea.

Wander through the historic alleyways and discover traces of Arab, Spanish, and Norman influence in the town’s architecture. Marvel at the ancient stone arch bridge and visit the beautiful Matrice Church, dating back to the early 13th century. Savor fresh seafood at a local restaurant, or head down to the small bay of Lama Monachile for a swim in the crystal-clear waters or a relaxing afternoon on the beach.

Away from the coast, Lecce invites you on an unforgettable city trip with its rich history and fascinating Baroque buildings . Stroll through the historic city center with plenty of time to spare. Discover Lecce's unique Baroque style, which was used to build impressive monuments such as the Basilica of Santa Croce and Santa Maria della Provvidenza or central squares such as the enchanting Piazzetta dell'Addolorata.

Admire the filigree facades made of tuff in the Florence of the South. And round off your visit to Lecce with a fabulous meal. Because you can indulge your taste buds in the many first-class restaurants in the city.

Visit the magnificent Salento peninsula and explore the lively town of Otranto - Italy's easternmost city. Surrounded by imposing walls, Otranto is situated on a small hill that guarantees you a fabulous view over the coastal region. But the old town is also worth a visit.

In addition to the Romanesque cathedral of Santa Annunziata and the idyllic little alleyways, Otranto also boasts the majestic Castello di Otranto, which was built by Alfonso of Aragon in the 15th century. Visitors looking for some relaxation after all the sightseeing can relax on the golden yellow Spiaggia della Riviera degli Haethei in Otranto. Alternatively, the Grotta dei Cervi and the picturesque Baia di Porto Miggiano bay are well worth a visit from here.

Halfway between Lecce and Otranto, there are two natural treasures waiting to be discovered. On the one hand, the dreamlike Grotta della Poesia with its circular opening, turquoise-blue water and rocky surroundings.

On the other hand, theimposing rock bridge Torre Sant'Andrea attracts visitors with its enchanting little beach and breathtaking coastal landscape. Whether for swimming, diving or snorkeling - both the Grotta della Poesia and the Torre Sant'Andrea are perfect for an unforgettable day of swimming.

Alberobello is simply magical! While the historic cobblestones provide an unmistakable flair, it is above all the traditional trulli that make Alberobello one of the highlights of Puglia. Thanks to these whitewashed, round limestone houses with their conical stone roofs, Alberobello has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996.

So take some time to discover this treasure. Take a leisurely stroll through the alleyways of the village. Visit the church of San Antonio, which was also built in the trulli style. Climb the steps of the Scalinata dell'Amore up to the Belvedere Santa Lucia viewpoint . And enjoy the breathtaking view over Alberobello from here.

In Locorotondo, nomen est omen! The picturesque town, whose name simply means round place, is actually built completely round. Just a stone's throw from Alberobello, Locorotondo can be recognized from afar. Stroll through the snow-white alleyways and enjoy a touch of La Dolce Vita.

Treat yourself to the delicacies and specialties of the region in one of the many cosy cafés and traditional restaurants. Follow the hustle and bustle on Piazza Vittorio Emanuele. Visit the ancient church of Madre San Giorgio. And be amazed by Palazzo Morelli, built in 1819 in the Baroque style, with its fantastic balconies and richly decorated façade.

The snow-white town of Ostuni is one of the pearls of Apulia that should not be missed on your trip. The charming little town is perched high up on a hilltop and invites you to take a relaxing stroll through its whitewashed alleyways. Be sure to explore the historic old town while you are here.

Visit the baroque Oronzo Column, the beautiful church of Santa Maria Maddalena or the cathedral of Ostuni. And make yourself comfortable in one of the numerous cafés in Piazza della Libertà to watch the colorful hustle and bustle of the city in peace. Or let yourself be carried away by the city's lively nightlife after sunset.

The lively port town of Monopoli is also worth a visit. Explore the historic town center with its 9 medieval churches. Stroll along the impressive fortress walls of the Bastione di Babula. Follow the beautiful promenade to Cala Porta Vecchia to refresh yourself in the crystal-clear water.

Visit the Castello di Carlo V near the small harbor. And let yourself be enchanted by the unique atmosphere of the town. Afterwards, you can easily reach the magical Grotte di Castellana from Monopoli. The almost 90 million-year-old stalactites are considered one of the absolute highlights of Apulia.

Also located on the Salento peninsula, Gallipoli awaits you with a special ambience. While the new town is located on the mainland, the historic old town is situated on a small island that is only connected to the rest of the town by a bridge.

So don't miss out on admiring the historic alleyways, the Fontana Greca, the beautiful Cathedral of Sant'Agata or the Church of Santa Maria della Purità with its fantastic floor made of hand-painted majolica. Pay a visit to the Castello di Gallipoli. Or relax on the small town beach, which offers a fantastic view of the town's lighthouse and the offshore island of Sant'Andrea.

Santa Maria di Leuca is one of the best-known vacation resorts on the Salento peninsula. No wonder, as the region boasts enchanting landscapes, beautiful olive groves and a breathtaking coastline. However, Santa Maria di Leuca is also home to various worthwhile fish restaurants, which offer first-class local dishes and an unforgettable view of the Apulian coast.

A trip to the snow-white lighthouse, the impressive basilica of Santa Maria de Finibus Terrae or the remains of the Apulian aqueduct should not be missed during your visit here. So take the opportunity to experience the magnificent coastal landscape and breathtaking nature of the region up close!

The 6 small Tremiti islands of San Domino, San Nicola, Capraia, Cretaccio, Pianosa and La Vecchia off the coast of Italy are an absolute paradise for active vacationers and outdoor fans. Discover the spectacular archipelago with its countless bays and underground caves and spend an unforgettable summer vacation here.

Explore the Tremiti Islands while swimming, diving or snorkeling. Whatever you decide to do, a trip to the Tremiti Islands is sure to leave you with positive memories for a long time to come.

Located in the Murge region, the Terra delle Gravine Nature Park showcases some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Apulia—making it a must-visit for hikers and active travelers. Here, you can fully immerse yourself in nature’s beauty across a dramatic terrain shaped by erosion, with plateaus and cliffs rising up to 330 feet high.

Set out on unforgettable treks and scenic hikes, or follow winding waterways by bike through the valley. Birdwatchers will find plenty to marvel at, while adventurers can opt for horseback riding excursions or even paragliding for a bird’s-eye view of this spectacular landscape. Don’t miss the area's natural caves either, many of which have served as homes and fortifications over the centuries.

If you want to experience the typical landscapes of Apulia up close, you should not miss out on a visit to the Valle d'Itria. The fertile valley between Bari, Brindisi and Taranto will delight you with its beautiful olive groves, wonderful vineyards and many charming inns.

Experience Puglia at its most beautiful here. Taste the famous white wines, fantastic olive oils and local delicacies such as sporcamuss - a puff pastry with a cream filling. Or visit one of the region's fairytale towns, such as Alberobello, Martina Franca, Putignano, San Vito dei Normanni or Locorotondo.