a body of water with a mountain in the background

Puglia Holidays

A tale as old as time, a captivating charm, and a gateway into la dolce vita, let Puglia whisk you away to a land that fills the hearts of those who get lost in the romance of an Italian escape.

Culturally rich with a tumultuous past, the heel of Italy is said to be one of the most beautiful and enchanting regions in the country. Known for its vast coastline, Puglia boasts whitewashed villages with pretty cobbled streets, and pristine sands that meet the clear blue of the Adriatic Sea.

Fall in love with the hauntingly beautiful medieval towns as you meander down the ancient streets or relax to the sound of the waves as they fall on the shore. Olive trees as far as the eye can see makes Puglia famous for its olive oil production supplying around half of the country’s olive oil. This hidden gem really is a destination not to be missed.

Puglia’s Prize-winners

The ‘Florence of the South’, Lecce is the epitome of splendour. With an array of architectural delights, this city is one to admire. Gaining its presence under Roman rule, it showcases a spectacular blend of culture and commerce. There are plenty of little shops hidden around every corner just waiting to be discovered.

Picture perfect Polignano a Mare is a sight to be cherished. Perfectly poised on a cliff overlooking the sea, the old town is rich in history. Take a visit to Cala Porto, the pristine white pebble beach that meets crystal clear waters facing the intense cliffs.

Discover the real Italy with Citalia

Are you ready for Puglia? Well, here is our commitment to you. At Citalia we pride ourselves on ensuring you Travel with Confidence on your next Italian escape.

We have over 90 years’ experience in the industry so our Italy experts are on hand to help you find your dream Italian adventure and will go above and beyond to make your next escape unforgettable.

We have been helping our guests discover the very best Italy has to offer for over 90 years now. Whatever you are looking for, we will help you to create memories to last a lifetime.

So, discover the real Italy with Citalia, your next adventure is just a call away…

Insider tips

Recommendations from our well-travelled team

Erin Bridewell

Whilst staying in Alberobello take a visit to the Trattoria Amatulli. This quaint and rustic family-run restaurant is located just behind the Trullo breakfast room for Trulli Soave. There are lots of tasty local dishes to try and all very reasonable prices too (the best steak I’ve ever tasted), a handy location for both visitors to the area and guests staying in the trulli houses of Alberobello.

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Destinations in Puglia

Alberobello

The small town of Alberobello nestles in the peaceful countryside of the Itria Valley. Its star attraction is its trulli – round, whitewashed dwellings with slate-grey conical roofs.

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Lecce

The ‘Florence of the South’ is one of Puglia’s undeniable gems, offering more than 2,000 years of history and an array of architectural delights. Lecce gained its name under Roman rule and has occupied the same setting ever since, resulting in an outstanding mix of ancient sights throughout the city.

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Monopoli

Monopoli edges right up to the cliffs and coves south of Bari. Its eastern edge looks more like a fortress than a town, thanks to the cannon-topped walls and Adriatic-view castle. They‘ve been fighting back everyone from marauding pirates to the Spanish Armada since the 16th century.

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Ostuni

Visible for miles around, Ostuni is a gleaming tumble of painted buildings and dramatic brick-built palaces, perched almost entirely on a steep hilltop.

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a flock of seagulls standing on a dock next to a body of water

Otranto

Holidays in Otranto will take you right to the bottom of Italy's heel, across the Adriatic Sea from Albania. A former capital of the Lecce province, Otranto lies in the rich olive and wine growing region of Puglia.

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Polignano a Mare

Polignano a Mare is a postcard town settled on Puglia’s Adriatic coast. Its old town clusters on a clifftop, with the newer part of town unfolding behind.

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Savelletri di Fasano

Holidays in Savelletri di Fasano, a tiny village which is officially part of the town of Fasano, give you the tranquillity of a tiny village with the larger town of Fasano nearby.

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Selva di Fasano

Located on the hill with panoramic views over the surrounding countryside towards the sea, Selva di Fasano is a pleasant town, surrounded by woods and pristine nature. Known as the 'Italian balcony of the Orient', the town is dotted by famous 'Trulli' houses, a collection of characteristic old stone buildings.

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Torre Canne di Fasano

Torre Canne di Fasano is a small fishing village and one of the Puglian coast's hidden gems. The main feature of this sleepy town is a long sweep of sandy beach, but the remainder of the town is a wonderfully traditional scene of peaceful streets scattered with a handful of authentic restaurants.

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Puglia Multi Centre Holidays

Take a look at our suggested itineraries for inspiration, or call our Personal Travel Planners on 01293 762400* for a bespoke multi centre

Puglia and Sorrento

8 day suggested trip

At a glance

Journey west to the coastal town, Sorrento
Optional day trip to the stylish islands of Ischia or Capri
Visit Alberobello, Ostuni and Lecce during your four night stay in Puglia

From £955 per person

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Puglia and Basilicata

8 day suggested trip

At a glance

Explore the caves of Matera
Stay in a traditional Masseria in Puglia
Visit the trulli houses of Alberobello

From £1199 per person

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Find out more about Puglia and Basilicata

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Uncover a world of incredible historic treasures during your holiday in Puglia

Find the hidden gems of Puglia with Citalia, including the Museo Faggiano. This astounding place was once simply just a family home, but when they excavated it to fix a pipe, two thousand years’ worth of history was discovered underneath, from the Romans to the Knights Templar.

Today, you’ll be able to witness tombs, cisterns, underground escape routes, and rich symbology. If you’re interested in history, Museo Faggiano is not to be missed!

Puglia: the ideal Italian destination for a self-drive holiday

If you want to explore Italy by car, then Puglia is an ideal region to start.

The roads are mostly quiet and scenic, taking you through gorgeous landscapes and into pretty villages, such as Locorotondo and Cisternino, which are recognised as two of Italy’s ‘most beautiful villages.’

Only accessible by road, drive into the mountains to Vico del Gargano, known as the village of love due to a tiny narrow alley within the winding streets that nudges lovers to touch and perhaps even kiss!

For that truly rustic feel, stay in one of the region’s many masseria, fortified farmhouses filled with character.

Through the countryside you’ll find clusters of trulli, the distinctive limestone houses peculiar to the area, as well as the endless olive groves that give Puglia that classic Italian vibe.

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage site town of Alberobello to see the biggest collection of trulli, which look like they come straight out of the pages of a fairytale.

Travel further south and visit the Salento peninsula, which is home to the Baroque city of Lecce. Dubbed the Florence of the South, Lecce is well worth a visit for the Church of Santa Croce, an elaborate relation of its namesake in Florence.

Handpicked hotels in Puglia

Discover the real Puglia while staying in one of our carefully selected hotels

Canne Bianche Lifestyle Hotel

Torre Canne di Fasano, Puglia

A charming boutique hotel located on the coast of Torre Canne
A relaxing ambience with contemporary rooms and lovely surroundings

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Hotel Monte Sarago

Ostuni, Puglia

Fantastic setting within easy walking distance of Ostuni's historic centre
Fresh decor and modern amenities

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Masseria Montenapoleone

Selva di Fasano, Puglia

Lovingly restored farmhouse with individually designed rooms
Fresh, organic local produce served al fresco

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Borgo Egnazia

Savelletri di Fasano, Puglia

A luxurious hotel celebrating Puglia’s beautiful landscapes and architecture
Caters to both couples and families, including no adult dinners and Michelin starred dining

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Risorgimento Resort

Lecce, Puglia

Located in the centre of the historic town Lecce
An elegant hotel with luxurious accommodation and contemporary design

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Hotel La Sorgente

Savelletri di Fasano, Puglia

Just a five minute walk from the restaurants of Savelletri di Fasano
Fantastic position right on the sea front

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Tour Inspiration

Authentic Puglia Small Group Escorted Tour - Hotel Monte Sarago

At a glance

Enjoy a guided trip of Matera
Explore Alberobello
Learn how to make pasta
Visit Ostuni, Bari and Lecce
Visit the caves of Castellana
Maximum group size: 18
Exclusive to Citalia

8 days from £1495 per person
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Things to do in Puglia

Puglia is one of the most captivating parts of Italy, meaning will not be short of things to do, explore and experience.

Build your holiday beyond your hotel and visit Ostuni, one of Italy’s most impressive hilltop towns. With excellent train links to Bari, Lecce and more it’s a must visit destination. The whitewashed town cascades down the hillside under the watchful eye of the 15th Century Duomo, which stands impressively at the top of the hill.

If you’re feeling adventurous, visit the Grottoes of Castellana where you can experience a natural wonder which will take your breath away. See the extraordinary stalactite and stalagmite formations as you take a tour through 3km of underground caves.

Things to doAdmire the ArchitectureLargely built from a gold-coloured stone that was mined from the very ground the city stands upon, Lecce is one of Puglia's stars, and one of Italy’s historic wonders. The ancient centre of Lecce dates as far back as 3rd century BC, and is considered to be one of the finest of any Italian town, with incredible buildings still standing after hundreds - or even thousands – of years.Find out more about the architecture of Lecce

Things to doDiscover the trulli in AlberobelloAlberobello, or ‘Trulli Town’ as it’s sometimes called, is one of Puglia’s must-visit towns. It’s home to neighbourhoods of trulli, traditional stone dwellings with whitewashed walls and cone-shaped roofs.Find out more about Trulli in Alberobello

Things to do Explore the city of LecceWhile the newer part of Lecce is lovely, with elegant townhouses, a grand castle and blossom tree-lined streets, it’s the old town which really steals the show. Find out more about the exploring the city of Lecce

Things to doGrottos of CastellanaThe natural wonders of Puglia’s caves grace the entrance to the Itria Valley and have been attracting tourists ever since they first opened. Find out more about Grottos of Castellana

Things to doVisit OstuniOstuni is one of Italy’s most impressive hilltop towns, cascading down the hillside in a whitewashed jumble that has earned it the title of Puglia’s ‘White City’.Find out more Ostuni

Flight Information

Flights to Puglia arrive into Bari (BRI) from London Gatwick and London Stansted or Brindisi (BDS) from London Gatwick, London Stansted and Manchester and take approximately 3 hours. Please call our Italy Experts in order to book flights to Brindisi.

Visa Information

At the current time, British citizens do not require a visa to visit Italy.

Tipping

You don’t have to leave a tip in Italy – most Italians don’t tip for restaurant meals, bar drinks, taxi rides or hair and beauty treatments. However if you do leave a tip, you might receive quicker service.

Introduction to languages

Puglia Specialities Puglia’s history and location has helped to shape its cuisine, with dishes influenced by Greek, Spanish, Arabic and French cuisines and resulting in a reputation for delicious dishes which are unique to southern Italy.

For a dish that originated in the area, try panzarotto, a savoury pastry resembling a small calzone. Unlike calzone however, these little delights are fried rather than oven baked but they are just as filling. Common fillings include tomato, mozzarella, spinach, mushrooms, baby corn and ham, making these little turnovers a truly hearty snack and perfect for a picnic or to enjoy while wandering through the town.

Puglia Specialities For those venturing further south to Lecce and Salento, rustico leccese is a must try dish popular in the area. Made from rich puff pastry, these parcels are filled with béchamel sauce, tomato, mozzarella and pepper and are a real savoury treat. The pastries are commonly found as street food which is a big part of the area’s culture, but you can also find them in cafés where they are usually eaten as breakfast or a mid-morning snack.

Puglia Specialities The region of Puglia is the best place to sample orecchiette ('little ears'). This homemade, ear shaped pasta is traditionally served with fresh tomatoes and ricotta cheese and is a treat in the simple, yet delicious, southern Italian style. Fasano has its own local way of serving the dish, combined with broccoli rabe and garlic. Enjoyed with a glass or two of delicious Italian wine, these 'little ears' are the ideal snack or evening meal.

Puglia Holidays

Insider tips

Erin Bridewell

Puglia Multi Centre Holidays

Puglia and Sorrento

Puglia and Basilicata

Uncover a world of incredible historic treasures during your holiday in Puglia

Puglia: the ideal Italian destination for a self-drive holiday

Canne Bianche Lifestyle Hotel

Hotel Monte Sarago

Masseria Montenapoleone

Borgo Egnazia

Risorgimento Resort

Hotel La Sorgente

Authentic Puglia Small Group Escorted Tour - Hotel Monte Sarago

Things to do in Puglia

What our customers think