Things to do in  Puglia

With 500 miles (800 kilometers) of coastline, this southern Italian region is famous for its endless beaches. Puglia is also known for its inland hills blanketed in olive groves—the region produces more olive oil than any other in Italy—and dotted with whitewashed villages, fairytale-like trulli dwellings, and baroque cities.

Yes, visit Puglia to experience its cultural treasures and seaside fun. Fans of history and architecture love its extravagant 17th-century towns, foodies revel in the unbeatable local cuisine, and just about everyone is drawn to its golden sands lapped by turquoise waves along the Adriatic and Ionian shores.

Tourism and agriculture are the two mainstays of Puglia’s regional economy. The former is focused along the coastal resorts and historic hill towns and the latter in the “breadbasket” countryside of the Itria Valley and Salento Peninsula, where the area’s excellent olive oil, wine, cheese, and other specialties are produced.

Puglia’s coastline is a hub for watersports, boating, and beach retreats, while the pristine countryside is a popular destination for hiking, biking, and wine and food tours. There are UNESCO-listed towns filled with baroque gems to visit, plus natural caves, medieval castles, and traditional walled masserie estates with farm-to-table restaurants.

Begin by exploring Gargano National Park at the north end of the region before heading south to the historic port city of Bari on your second day. Spend the third day exploring Alberobello and the Itria Valley before ending with two days in Salento to admire Lecce and the coast.

Puglia is a sprawling region packed with cultural treasures and dazzling coastline, so you’ll need at least five days to touch on the highlights. For a more relaxed pace and time to both sightsee and unwind at the beach, plan on spending a week in Puglia.