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Apulia
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Discover Apulia through Baroque Lecce, trulli villages, Adriatic coastlines, ancient ports, olive groves and the flavours of southern Italy.

Apulia, or Puglia in Italian, forms the heel and spur of Italy’s south-eastern peninsula, stretching from the wooded Gargano promontory and the broad Tavoliere plain to the Salento peninsula between the Adriatic and Ionian seas. Its geography is unusually varied for a single region: sea cliffs and coves give way to olive plains, vineyards, limestone plateaux, karst ravines and fertile agricultural country. Long distances make it rewarding to explore in stages, with Bari, Lecce, Ostuni, Taranto or towns in the Valle d’Itria providing distinct bases.
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The regional capital, Bari, combines a working Adriatic port with the atmospheric old lanes of Bari Vecchia, the Basilica of Saint Nicholas and a lively seafront. Further north, Trani is known for its pale Romanesque cathedral beside the harbour, while the Gargano offers forested landscapes, coastal viewpoints and seaside towns such as Vieste and Peschici. The Murgia inland is marked by dry-stone walls, ancient masserie, cave settlements and expanses of olive groves; Castel del Monte, near Andria, is its most enigmatic medieval monument.
The Valle d’Itria is recognised by its conical-roofed trulli, especially around Alberobello, and by whitewashed hill towns including Locorotondo, Cisternino and Martina Franca. Ostuni rises above the surrounding plain in a cluster of white façades, while the Ionian-facing town of Taranto preserves traces of its Greek foundation and an important maritime identity. In the south, Lecce is celebrated for richly carved Baroque architecture, and Salento’s towns, watchtowers and beaches reflect centuries of contact across the Adriatic and Mediterranean.
Food is closely tied to landscape and season. Handmade orecchiette, wheat-based breads, vegetables, legumes, fresh and preserved seafood, burrata, local cheeses and robust olive oils feature widely, while Salento is associated with dishes such as ciceri e tria and the sweet pasticciotto. Vineyard areas produce wines including Primitivo, Negroamaro and Salice Salentino. Evening life ranges from Bari’s bars and music venues to harbour restaurants, traditional cafés and summer gatherings in coastal towns. Walking in the Gargano, cycling among the trulli and olive groves, swimming from rocky coves, and visiting farm estates offer different ways to experience a region whose identity is shaped by both land and sea.

When is the best time to visit Apulia?

Best: May–June, September · 23–27°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January1240
February1335
March1635
April1930
May (best)2325
June (best)2720
July3015
August3020
September (best)2630
October2240
November1745
December1350

Getting to and around Apulia

How to get there

Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport is the principal international gateway for northern and central Apulia, with road and rail connections into Bari and onward regional travel. Brindisi Salento Airport serves Brindisi, Lecce and the wider Salento peninsula. Both airports are within Apulia. High-speed and long-distance trains reach Bari from mainland Italy, with rail services continuing towards Brindisi and Lecce; other destinations are reached by regional trains or road. Driving from northern or central Italy normally involves the A14 motorway, while the A16 provides an approach from the Naples area.

Transportation

Rail is practical along the main Adriatic corridor linking Bari, Monopoli, Ostuni, Brindisi and Lecce, though not every inland town has a direct connection. Bari has the region’s most extensive urban transport network, while buses and local railways serve additional towns and rural districts. A car gives greater flexibility for the Valle d’Itria, Gargano, Alta Murgia and coastal coves, but historic centres often restrict vehicle access and parking can be difficult in summer. Cycling and walking work well on selected routes, but heat, limited shade and uneven rural surfaces should be considered.

Top city travel guides in Apulia

The cities of Apulia, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in Apulia

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Apulia

Apulia’s attractions range from major historic cities to landscapes best explored slowly by road, bicycle or on foot. Bari’s old town and Basilica of Saint Nicholas introduce the region’s religious and maritime connections, while Lecce’s churches and palazzi display the elaborate local form of Baroque architecture. The Valle d’Itria is defined by trulli, masserie, dry-stone walls and hill towns such as Locorotondo and Cisternino. Castel del Monte provides a more monumental medieval focus on the Murgia, and Alberobello offers the largest concentration of trulli buildings. In the north, the Gargano National Park combines beech forest, limestone coast and seaside towns, while the Tremiti Islands lie off the Gargano coast within the region. Salento adds sandy beaches, rocky coves, coastal towers and places such as Otranto and Gallipoli. Archaeological museums, cave churches, olive mills, farm estates and food-focused visits broaden the offering beyond conventional sightseeing.

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Best landmarks in Apulia

Apulia’s landmarks reflect its position between Europe and the Mediterranean. Bari Vecchia is defined by narrow lanes, stone houses and the Basilica of Saint Nicholas, an important Romanesque church with international pilgrimage connections. Trani Cathedral stands directly beside the sea and is one of the region’s most recognisable examples of Apulian Romanesque architecture. Castel del Monte, the distinctive thirteenth-century octagonal fortress near Andria, is the region’s most celebrated medieval monument. Alberobello’s dense groups of white trulli create a memorable architectural landscape, while the conical roofs of the Valle d’Itria appear in smaller settlements and countryside buildings. Lecce’s Basilica of Santa Croce and Piazza del Duomo display the richly carved local Baroque style. Otranto Cathedral preserves a remarkable medieval mosaic, and the coastal towers of Salento recall the defensive network built along a vulnerable maritime frontier. Further south, Taranto’s historic setting between two seas reflects the city’s ancient Greek foundation and continuing relationship with the water.

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Explore Apulia on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Apulia

Apulian cooking is based on wheat, vegetables, olive oil, dairy and the daily catch from both the Adriatic and Ionian coasts. Orecchiette with vegetable sauces is a familiar regional staple, while Bari is associated with dishes such as tiella barese, made with rice, potatoes and mussels, and focaccia barese. Andria is closely linked with burrata, and the Murgia and Valle d’Itria are known for grilled meats including bombette and for rustic breads and legumes. Salento brings its own dishes, including ciceri e tria, while pasticciotti are a prominent sweet of the southern peninsula. Menus vary from seafood restaurants and family-run trattorie to masseria kitchens, bakeries, cafés and more contemporary dining rooms. Market stalls and food shops are good places to find olives, taralli, cheeses and seasonal produce. Apulian wines include Primitivo, Negroamaro, Salice Salentino and Verdeca, alongside increasingly diverse local bottlings.

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Best bars in Apulia

Evening life in Apulia is strongly shaped by outdoor socialising, food and the length of the summer season. Bari has the broadest year-round choice, with bars, wine-led venues, cafés and live music around the old town, centre and waterfront. Lecce attracts a younger evening crowd through its university population, historic-centre bars and cultural programme, while Brindisi, Taranto and the larger coastal towns offer restaurants, harbour cafés and music venues. In the Valle d’Itria, evenings tend to centre on piazzas, wine bars, gelaterie and traditional festivals rather than large clubs. Salento’s coastal resorts develop more seasonal nightlife, including late venues and open-air events, but programmes and opening arrangements change from year to year. In rural districts, a long dinner at a local restaurant or an evening passeggiata is often more characteristic than clubbing.

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Best nightclubs in Apulia

Evening life in Apulia is strongly shaped by outdoor socialising, food and the length of the summer season. Bari has the broadest year-round choice, with bars, wine-led venues, cafés and live music around the old town, centre and waterfront. Lecce attracts a younger evening crowd through its university population, historic-centre bars and cultural programme, while Brindisi, Taranto and the larger coastal towns offer restaurants, harbour cafés and music venues. In the Valle d’Itria, evenings tend to centre on piazzas, wine bars, gelaterie and traditional festivals rather than large clubs. Salento’s coastal resorts develop more seasonal nightlife, including late venues and open-air events, but programmes and opening arrangements change from year to year. In rural districts, a long dinner at a local restaurant or an evening passeggiata is often more characteristic than clubbing.

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Best shops in Apulia

Shopping in Apulia is varied but generally rooted in local production rather than large luxury districts. Bari offers the region’s broadest urban retail choice, combining modern streets with the old town’s bakeries, food shops and small craft businesses. Lecce is known for workshops and galleries connected with carved local stone, ceramics, papier-mâché and contemporary design, while the Valle d’Itria’s towns provide independent boutiques, household goods and artisan products alongside cafés. Market towns such as Ostuni, Martina Franca, Fasano and Andria are useful for seasonal produce, cheeses, olive oil, wine and traditional baked goods, although market days vary by municipality. In smaller villages and rural areas, look for farm shops and masserie selling oil, preserves, almonds, pulses and taralli. Salento adds ceramics, woven goods and regional sweets, while food products are often the most practical souvenirs because they convey the character of the landscape and travel well when properly packed.

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Apulia essentials

Currency and Payment
Apulia uses the euro, with the currency code EUR, as part of Italy. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in hotels, established restaurants, supermarkets and larger shops, although a small amount of cash remains useful for market stalls, village cafés, beach facilities and modest rural businesses. Carrying smaller notes can be helpful, and visitors should check that unattended parking machines or local transport ticket machines accept cards before relying on them.
Safety
Normal urban precautions are appropriate in busy stations, ports, beaches and crowded historic centres, particularly with bags and mobile phones. Driving requires care on narrow rural roads, roundabouts and unlit lanes, while cyclists should expect uneven surfaces and fast-moving traffic outside towns. Swimming conditions can change with wind and currents, especially on exposed coasts, and rocky shorelines may be slippery. In the Gargano and Alta Murgia, carry water, use marked routes where available and take heat seriously during summer walks.
Emergency Situations
In an emergency anywhere in Apulia, call 112, Italy’s general emergency number, for police, fire and medical assistance; operators can direct the appropriate service. Give the exact town, road, beach or landmark and, where possible, use a location pin. Coastal visitors should follow lifeguard and warning notices, while walkers in remote parts of the Gargano or Murgia should not rely on a weak mobile signal. Pharmacies display a green cross, and asking accommodation staff for the nearest medical facility can be useful for non-urgent problems.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress respectfully when entering churches and religious sites, especially in Bari, Lecce and smaller towns, and follow any photography restrictions. Do not enter restricted historic buildings or archaeological areas, climb on old walls, or remove stones from beaches and rural sites. In restaurants, dining is generally leisurely; tipping is discretionary rather than compulsory, though rounding up or leaving a modest amount is appreciated for good service. Keep noise down in residential lanes, use marked bins and respect private olive groves, masserie and cultivated land.
Local Tips
The region’s character changes considerably from the forested Gargano and broad Tavoliere to the trulli country, the Murgia and the two coasts of Salento. Consider travelling outside the hottest part of the afternoon in summer and expect some smaller businesses to close between lunch and evening service. Local food markets and bakeries are often more useful for regional specialities than souvenir shops. In coastal towns, confirm access and parking arrangements before setting out, especially during August.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloCiao[chow]
GoodbyeArrivederci[ah-ree-vay-der-chee]
YesSì[see]
NoNo[noh]
Please/You're welcomePer favore[per fah-voh-ray]
Thank youGrazie[grah-tsyay]
Excuse me/SorryMi scusi[mee skoo-zee]
How are you?Come stai?[koh-meh stai]
Fine. And you?Bene. E tu?[beh-neh. eh too]
Do you speak English?Parli inglese?[par-lee een-glay-zeh]
I don't understandNon capisco[non kah-pees-koh]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseVorrei vedere il menu, per favore[vor-ray veh-day-ray eel meh-noo, per fah-voh-ray]
I don't eat meatNon mangio carne[non man-jo kar-nay]
Cheers!Salute![sah-loo-tay]
I would like to pay, pleaseVorrei pagare, per favore[vor-ray pah-gah-ray, per fah-voh-ray]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Aiuto![ah-yoo-toh]
Go away!Vai via![vai vee-ah]
Call the Police!Chiama la polizia![kyah-mah lah poh-leet-zee-ah]
Call a doctor!Chiama un dottore![kyah-mah oon doht-toh-ray]
I'm lostMi sono perso[mee soh-noh pear-soh]
I'm illSono malato[soh-noh mah-lah-toh]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Vorrei comprare...[vor-ray com-prah-ray]
I'm just lookingSto solo guardando[sto soh-loh gwahr-dahn-doh]
How much is it?Quanto costa?[kwahn-toh koh-stah]
That's too expensiveÈ troppo costoso[eh troh-poh koh-stoh-soh]
Can you lower the price?Puoi abbassare il prezzo?[pwoi ah-bah-sar-ray eel pret-soh]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Che ore sono?[keh oh-ray soh-noh]
It's one o'clockÈ l'una[eh loo-nah]
Half past (10)Dieci e mezzo[dee-eh-chee eh med-zoh]
MorningMattina[maht-tee-nah]
AfternoonPomeriggio[poh-meh-ree-joh]
EveningSera[seh-rah]
YesterdayIeri[yeh-ree]
TodayOggi[oh-gee]
TomorrowDomani[doh-mah-nee]
1Uno[oo-noh]
2Due[doo-eh]
3Tre[treh]
4Quattro[kwah-troh]
5Cinque[cheen-kweh]
6Sei[say]
7Sette[seh-tay]
8Otto[oht-toh]
9Nove[noh-vay]
10Dieci[dee-eh-chee]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Dove si trova...?[doh-vay see troh-vah]
What's the address?Qual è l'indirizzo?[kwahl eh leen-dee-reet-soh]
Can you show me (on the map)?Puoi mostrarmi (sulla mappa)?[pwoi mos-trar-mee (sool-lah mahp-pah)]
When's the next (bus)?Quando passa il prossimo (autobus)?[kwahn-doh pah-sah eel prohs-see-moh (ow-toh-boos)]
A ticket (to ....)Un biglietto (per ....)[oon bee-lyet-toh (per ....)]

History of Apulia

Neolithic Settlements and Bronze Age Exchange

Apulia has a substantial prehistoric legacy, visible in settlements, dolmens, cave sites and archaeological collections across the region. Its position between the Adriatic, Ionian and wider Mediterranean worlds encouraged movement of people and goods long before written history. The fertile plains and limestone uplands supported farming communities, while coastal locations connected local societies with maritime networks. The archaeological landscapes around the Murgia and Salento reveal changing settlement patterns, burial practices and technologies, establishing a deep human history beneath today’s olive groves and towns.

Greek Colonies and the Messapian South

From the eighth century BC, Greek settlers established important communities along the Apulian coast, most notably Taras, modern Taranto, which became a major city of Magna Graecia. The indigenous Messapians were prominent in Salento and maintained their own settlements, languages and political traditions while interacting with Greek communities. Archaeological remains, pottery and museum collections in Taranto and other southern centres preserve evidence of these encounters. Greek influence helped connect Apulia to the cultural and commercial world of the eastern Mediterranean.

Roman Roads, Ports and Agriculture

Rome gradually incorporated Apulia during the third century BC, and the region became an important agricultural and strategic zone. Roads such as the Via Appia and Via Traiana linked inland settlements with ports including Brundisium, modern Brindisi, and Tarentum. Roman administrations developed estates, harbours and transport systems, while grain, olive products and wine moved through regional and imperial markets. The remains of roads, farms, ports and urban buildings, together with the archaeological collections of towns such as Brindisi and Taranto, reflect Apulia’s enduring role as a bridge towards the eastern Mediterranean.

Byzantine, Norman and Swabian Apulia

After the fragmentation of Roman authority, Apulia passed through periods of Byzantine, Lombard and later Norman influence. Byzantine religious traditions left a mark in cave churches and southern settlements, while Norman rulers consolidated control during the eleventh century and sponsored castles and churches. The region flourished strategically under the Swabian emperor Frederick II in the thirteenth century. Castel del Monte, his remarkable octagonal stronghold near Andria, expresses the political importance of Apulia and the cultural connections linking the Latin West, the Byzantine world and the Mediterranean.

Ports, Pilgrimage and Mediterranean Rule

Bari became a major pilgrimage centre after the relics attributed to Saint Nicholas were brought there in 1087, strengthening links with Orthodox and Catholic communities across Europe and the Mediterranean. Other ports, including Brindisi, Otranto, Gallipoli and Taranto, supported trade, naval activity and communication with the Balkans and the eastern Mediterranean. From the late Middle Ages through the early modern period, Apulia was governed by wider powers including the Angevin, Aragonese and Spanish monarchies. Coastal towers and fortified towns reflect the insecurity and strategic importance of these maritime frontiers.

Agrarian Society and the Modern Region

For centuries, Apulia’s economy rested on grain, olive cultivation, vineyards, pastoralism and maritime trade, with large estates existing alongside small farming communities. In the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, land reform, agricultural modernisation, new roads and railways, and industrial growth around Bari, Brindisi and Taranto reshaped the region. Emigration also affected many rural communities. Contemporary Apulia combines export agriculture, manufacturing, port activity and tourism, while its masserie, dry-stone walls, trulli, historic centres and food traditions preserve visible connections with its agrarian past.

Apulia in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

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The closest regions to Apulia, if you have time for more than one.

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Apulia, Italy

Discover Apulia with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide. Explore attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more with local tips, maps, and easy bookings.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich set of information including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
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More about the Evendo app

Unlock the secrets of Apulia, Italy with Evendo. From historic landmarks to the best restaurants, this app has everything you need to make your trip unforgettable.

  • History of Apulia and travel essentials
  • 'Near Me' feature to discover nearby attractions
  • Curated local tips for an authentic experience
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases
  • Coverage of 7,000+ destinations worldwide

Welcome to Apulia, Italy - a region known for its stunning coastline, historic towns, and delicious cuisine. With Evendo, making the most of your trip has never been easier. This 100% free app-based travel guide offers detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities.

Imagine exploring the ancient streets of Lecce, often called the 'Florence of the South,' or visiting the iconic conical-roofed trulli houses in Alberobello. With Evendo, you'll have access to rich descriptions, images, local tips, and maps for these and many other must-see sites.

Craving authentic Apulian cuisine? Let Evendo guide you to the best local restaurants, such as Osteria del Tempo Perso in Ostuni or the seafood haven, Grotta Palazzese in Polignano a Mare. The app's curated local tips ensure you experience Apulia like a true local.

But that's not all. Evendo also makes it simple to book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly through the app. Say goodbye to the hassle of searching multiple platforms - everything you need is right here, in one place. Features like the 'Near Me' function help you easily discover nearby attractions, while the travel essentials and history sections provide valuable insights into Apulia's rich cultural heritage.

Whether you're soaking up the sun on the beaches of Salento, exploring the historic castles of Andria, or enjoying the vibrant nightlife of Bari, Evendo is your ultimate travel companion. Download the app today and unlock the full potential of your Apulian adventure.

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