Puglia

Book a holiday to Puglia, one of the most charming regions of Italy. Tucked away from mass tourism sits undiscovered Puglia, boasting golden beaches, cuisine dictated by seasons with an abundance of delicious locally grown produce, quirky villages and glittering sunshine. The "bread basket of Italy" is a haven for those seeking quintessential Italian experiences. 

Puglia can surely take its place as number one of Italy’s famous regions. With over 800km of coastline, the area draws plenty of travellers both Italian and foreign each year, though there is still plenty of quiet spots. For centuries it was a strategic province, colonised, invaded and conquered by just about every major power of the day – from the Greeks to the Spanish. With the sea on two sides, it is not only one of the longest coasts in Italy but also one with the finest natural white, sandy beaches. 

It is becoming increasingly popular as travellers discover the area's varied charms: great baroque architecture, white-washed Trulli houses, olive groves and orchards, blue sea and beaches, plenty of sunshine and excellent cuisine add to the essence of authentic Italy. You’ll find the biggest collection of Trulli in Alberobello, a UNESCO-listed town in the picturesque Valle d’Itria. 

The main towns and cities include Bari - the regional capital, Brindisi - a bustling port town, and beautiful Lecce referred to as the 'Florence of the South'. Puglia also has some uniquely delightful small towns, such as the photogenic town of Ostuni, also known as the 'wedding cake town' earning its nickname from whitewashed walls which layer the hillside, sea-front Otranto to the fortified island town of Gallipoli, not forgetting untouched gems such as Cisternino and Locorotondo, Puglia has so much to offers it's visitors. 

If you have only seen small olive groves before, the endless 'forests' of olive trees come as a surprising sight with the countryside blanketed with more than 50 million olive trees.