| Apulia |
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Apulia If the map of Italy outlines the shape of a boot, then Apulia – or Puglia as it is known to the locals – is the heal. Encompassing a seemingly endless stretch of powdery sandy coast and some of the most breathtaking views of both the Adriatic and Mediterranean Seas (not to mention other regions of Italy), Apulia does a superb job of combining rolling, verdant countryside with breathtaking white-walled villages cropping up along the coastline, and embedded like jewels within the region’s pastoral countryside.
The sections of Apulia are divided into Foggia to the north, Barletta Andria-Tranni next down, Bari, a large and beautiful swath of land in the middle of it all, Taranto, whose coastline spans much of the incredible Golf of Taranto, and Brindissi and Lecce in the very south, poking out into the Mediterranean Sea. If you have the time, absolutely every region in Puglia should be thoroughly explored.
Before going, however, it is important for travelers who have been to southern Italy to note that there’s no mistaking it for the north – or anywhere else in the world, for that matter. The thick local dialects and centuries-old ways of life provide incredible glimpses at the proud gusto at the heart of the warm, hospitable and fiery Italian culture.
It’s warm, dry yet hospitable climate also make Apulia a perfect winegrowing region, and there is no shortage of wineries to prove that. In fact, Apulia is outdone by but Siciliy in terms of natural wine production. Wine tours are also a delightful pursuit for the tourist, although this activity will be competing for your attention among a host of other incredible things to do and see in Puglia. The beaches, for one, are spectacular. Nestle into the powdery white-gold sand that shimmers in the sun and work on a nice Italian bronze. Dive into the cool fresh water, or enjoy lively water sports such as swimming, sailing, windsurfing, kite surfing, parasailing and more.
Among the places to go in Apulia, Ostuni is one of the most incredible villages, as it is completely white. No, really. The pavement, the walls, everything is encasing in a glistening, snowing plaster that is emblematic of the Moorish Mediterranean, the very site of which will cool you in the hot summer sun (peak season is July and August). Throughout Puglia, accommodations are offered in a diverse array of options, from lodging in rooms that people rent out of their homes to 5-star luxury hotels on the Tarantino Gulf waterfront. Apartment rentals are also quite common. Those seeking more formal options should be sure to book ahead during high tourism season, as vacancies go quickly. |
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