Apulia (Puglia): Everything You Need to Know

Quite often I receive the question…How should I call your region? Puglia or Apulia? My quick answer would be Puglia.

Let’s male some clarity!

What Is Apulia?

Apulia (locally known as Puglia) is a sun-drenched region in the southeastern tip of Italy, forming the “heel” of the country’s iconic boot shape. It is famous for its whitewashed old towns, dramatic coastline, olive groves, baroque architecture, UNESCO villages, and some of the clearest waters in the Mediterranean.

The name Apulia is the English and Latin form, while Puglia is the Italian name. Both refer to the same region.

Where Is Apulia Located?

Apulia stretches along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas in Southern Italy.
It borders:

• Molise to the north
• Campania and Basilicata to the west
• Albania and Greece across the Adriatic Sea

It is one of the longest regions in Italy, covering more than 800 km of coastline, the longest of any Italian region.

Capital city: Bari
Main airports: Bari (BRI) and Brindisi (BDS)

Why Visit Apulia?

Travellers choose Apulia for its mix of beaches, history, food, and slow travel experiences. Whether you want to explore ancient ruins, swim in crystal-clear coves, or wander medieval alleys, the region offers something for every type of visitor.

Highlights of Apulia

• Stunning beaches with turquoise water
• Whitewashed villages like Ostuni and Locorotondo
• Trulli houses of Alberobello (UNESCO)
• Lecce’s baroque architecture
• Gargano National Park and the Umbra Forest
• Delicious food: orecchiette, burrata, olive oil, seafood
• Wine regions producing Primitivo and Negroamaro

Best Places to Visit in Apulia

Here are the top destinations to include in your itinerary:

Bari: A lively port city with a beautiful old town, Basilicas, and great food markets.

Alberobello: Famous for its unique trulli houses — a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Lecce: Known as the “Florence of the South” for its extravagant Baroque architecture.

Ostuni: A striking white hilltop town with panoramic views and narrow lanes.

Polignano a Mare: A dramatic seaside town perched on cliffs above turquoise water.

Monopoli: A charming coastal town with sandy bays and a picturesque old harbour.

Gargano Peninsula: Home to Peschici, Vieste, white cliffs, sea caves, and the Umbra Forest.

Salento: The southernmost part of Apulia, home to incredible beaches like Punta Prosciutto, Porto Cesareo, and Pescoluse (often called “the Maldives of Italy”).

Best Beaches in Apulia

Apulia is famous for having some of the most beautiful beaches in Italy.

Top beaches include:

• Baia delle Zagare (Gargano)
• Torre dell’Orso
• Punta Prosciutto
• Pescoluse / Maldives of Salento
• Polignano a Mare
• Torre Guaceto Nature Reserve

The water is shallow, clear, and ideal for swimming from May to October.

What Is the Weather Like in Apulia?

Apulia has a typical Mediterranean climate:

• Hot, dry summers (June–September)
• Mild winters (December–February)
• Warm springs and autumns

Average summer temperature: 28–34°C (82–93°F)
Perfect beach weather from May to October.

How to Get to Apulia

Apulia is easily accessible thanks to its two airports:

✈ Bari International Airport (BRI)

Main hub for international flights.

✈ Brindisi Airport (BDS)

Ideal for Salento and the southern part of the region.

You can also reach Apulia by:

• high-speed trains from Rome, Milan, Bologna
• ferries from Greece and Albania
• highways connecting major Italian cities

Food and Wine in Apulia

Apulia is one of Italy’s richest food regions, known for:

Traditional dishes

• Orecchiette with turnip greens
• Fresh burrata from Andria
• Focaccia barese
• Bombette (meat rolls)
• Fresh seafood along the coast

Wine

Apulia produces excellent wines, including:

• Primitivo di Manduria
• Negroamaro
• Nero di Troia

Wine tastings and vineyard tours are widely available.

How Many Days Do You Need in Apulia?

A good trip length depends on what you want to see:

• 3 days → Bari, Polignano, Alberobello
• 5–7 days → Valle d’Itria + Ostuni + coastal towns
• 10–14 days → Full region, including Gargano and Salento

Is Apulia Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. Apulia combines beautiful nature, history, beaches, food, friendly locals, and authentic culture. It’s ideal for couples, families, and road-trip lovers.