Puglia is a place for a lazy days, for baking in the sun, swimming in the sea or pool, making sand castles, barbecues, dining alfresco. The list of relaxing and fun opportunities is endless. You may already have explored the coastlines and beaches of Puglia, strolled through the many wonderful historic centres of our Puglia cities and towns and soaked up the laid back lifestyle in the sleepy Puglia villages.
Now for something else. Puglia has so much to offer for those on holiday and for the weekends and days off for those of us lucky enough to be living here. There is so much to see and do. From magical castles to wonderland grottos, the trulli of Alberobello, nature parks, the zoo safari and more. For the holiday visitor who is really more interested in exploring this fascinating region, consider taking a holiday in Spring or Autumn when it is not too hot to get out and about. Discover Puglia and the Salento with us and discover a different way of life. Here are just a few of the Puglia Places we think you shouldn’t miss.
The road between Italy’s Santa Maria di Leuca and Otranto hugs the incredible white stone cliffs of the Southern Italian coastline and offers unparalleled views of the wide-open Mediterranean Sea. The plethora of white sand beaches with friendly, picturesque beach towns make the drive perfect for beach hopping. Part of the Puglia region, the Salento…
The castle and town of Acaya represent an extraordinary example of the work of an important architectural engineer, a master royal engineer to Carlo V, Gian Giacome dell’Acaya. The castle is a tangible testimony to feudal power, contributing to the history of this population, one of great but dignified poverty.
Castel del Monte was built by Frederick II in about 1240. Because of his intelligence and learning Frederick was known as the “stupor mundi”, the wonder of the world. Some believe that the castle was built as a hunting residence but Frederick never visited it and it’s true purpose remains a mystery. The castle does not have the defences required to make it a fortress, neither does it have the basic amenities to make it a royal hunting lodge.
Within easy reach of both our Puglia villas one of the most famous Puglia attractions are the celebrated Castellana Grotto. They were discovered by speloeologist Franco Anelli in 1938. The Grotto should be on list of Puglia attractions to visit. A day out to this fascinating Puglia attraction makes a change from relaxing by the pool or on the beach.
A visit to the Church of Santa Maria di Cerrate is something not to be missed. This old church is located in the isolated countryside between Casalabate and Surbo, among vineyards and centuries old twisted olive trees. It’s one of the best examples of Ramanic architecture in Puglia, dating back to the 12th century. The inside is frescoed with beautiful byzantine paintings.
For us the Zoo Safari was the absolute highlight of the day! As you start to drive around the wild life park you can keep the car windows open. Entrances to the dangerous animal ahead are secured and you close the windows before entering each secure area.
