In South-Eastern Italy, Apulia constitutes the "heel" of the Italian boot. This region is one of the most exotic regions of Italy, and many different cultures have ruled here. Accordingly, the area today stands out as a region rich on cultural monuments, varying architecture and interesting buildings. All over the area, there are beautiful green olive groves with up to 3000 years’ old trees. Apulia produces approx. 50 per cent of Italy's entire olive oil production.
By reason of the location of Apulia, swimming possibilities are never far away, either for snorkling in clear water between rocks or a on nice sandy beach.

The landscape of Apulia

This region has a charming landscape with a hilly area towards the North that is very impressive with its rich and varying nature. By the transition to the Appenines is the natural area, Dauno, which is characterised by soft hills which in some places reach heights of up to 1200 m. The coastal stretch varies between steep rocks and exotic sandy beaches.

Large cities in Apulia: Bari, Lecce, Ostuni

The capital of the region is Bari which is located straight towards the wonderful Adriatic Sea. The city is rich on monuments, i.a. the citadel, Castello Svevo, and the basilica, San Nicola. Bari also has a ferry connection directly to Igoumenitsa in Greece, among other destinations.

Lecce is a true pearl for the ones interested in architecture and history. The city architecture has been highly characterised by the baroque times, and accordingly, you should i.a. see the Dome and the Santa Croce church. The city also presents an amphitheatre, a Roman theatre as well as a citadel and is overall charming with lovely piazzas and interesting streets.

Ostuni, also called The White City, is located on three hills, and with its character and atmosphere, it is a fascinating experience. The city accommodates several interesting monuments, such as the church San Francesco, the cathedral and Chiesa delle Monacelle. There is also an archaeology museum in the city.

Tourist attractions in Apulia

In the small town Alberobello, a quite unique experience is expecting you. The town is influenced by the so-called ”trullo”, a conic-shape building prepared by limestone and natural stone. These round houses create a very characteristic architectural experience beyond the usual. Every Thursday is market day in town.

Experience true medieval atmosphere on Castel del Monte. This Gothic inspired octagon-shaped castle with eight towers with its mystique and fabled history has been the inspiration of many writers and artists through times.

Put time on a hold with a visit to the fascinating and beautiful stalactite and stalagmite caves, Grotte di Castellana, which are more than 2 km long and created by prehistoric, underground rivers that have left fantastic formations of stalactites and stalagmites.

Sports activities in Apulia

The long costal stretch encourages many different types of water sports, for instance, snorkling among rocks in crystal-clear water, sailing, waterskiing, wind- and kite surfing.

Gastronomic characteristics of Apulia

The cuisine of Apulia is inspired by the long costal stretch of the region. On the menu, there are fish, shellfish as well as sea urchin. Oysters are also a delicacy here, and the area has been famous for them ever since the grand times of the Roman Empire. Eel is also a frequent ingredient, though eel soup is the most popular one.
Apulia is also known for its delicious bread which is sold all over Italy as well as the sausage specialties, Capocollo di Martina Franca and Salsiccia di Lecce. Cheese to be emphasised is Caciocavallo Podolico del Gargano which is one of the best ones with a scent of herbs and vanilla.
With this food, you should drink a glass of wine or two made on the local, yet famous, Primitivo grape.

The climate in Apulia

The weather in the region is lovely and mild all year, with many hours of sunshine, almost no rain and daytime temperatures in the summer of approx. 30 degrees.

Some of the photos are kindly lent out from the Italian Tourist Office. Photographer: Fototeca ENIT.