From the school bench, we remember that Italy, with its outlines, looks like a real boot. On his "heel" and "spur" is the region of Puglia. It has many characteristic features that distinguish Italy from other countries of the world, and at the same time it pleasantly surprises with features that can only be seen here.
Geographical position
Immediately on the shores of two seas - the Ionian and Adriatic - is a long and relatively narrow region of Apulia.
Italy "provided" her with its easternmost tip. The world map clearly demonstrates that this region is very close to Albania, which is only 80 kilometers away. Also nearby is Greece. Passenger ferries regularly run from the
capital, the city of Bari, to Greek Patra. Traveling takes about 15 hours, depending on the class of the vessel. In addition, from Bari you can sail to the islands of Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Igoumenitsa, Corfu. The city has a modern international airport, which also operates local flights from Rome and Milan. You can get to the capital of Puglia by train, bus (from Rome) or by car.
The nature of the region
Not everyone likes the monotonous landscapes that distinguish Apulia. Reviews of tourists are sometimes full of such epithets as “boring”, “dull”. Indeed, when you go along the highway, both left and right look continually stumbles upon cultivated squares of land and manicured olive groves.
There are practically no mountains here, entirely plains (53% of the territory) and low gentle hills. The highest point in the region is the peak of Kornakkiya (1152 meters). But the coastline pleases with picturesque, sometimes having bizarre shapes grottoes, cozy bays, unusual arches created by nature in the rocks. Most of the land occupied by vineyards and
olive trees, because the very first in the country to produce wine and olive oil is Apulia. Italy is famous all over the world for these two products thanks to this hardworking region. In addition to agriculture, industrial production is also developed here. Especially many businesses in Bari and Taranto.
Weather
Among other regions of the country, Apulia has the longest coast. Italy is famous all over the world for its wonderful beaches, and its eastern region is no exception. However, weather conditions suitable for a beach holiday exist only in the summer months.
In Sicily, they bathe in December. But in Puglia, even in May, the water is pretty cool. In summer, the air temperature is kept at + 28-32 degrees, and in winter drops to +6. September is still quite warm, but from October to March, storms are frequent at sea, which should be considered for those who wish to travel by ferry. It will not rain much in Puglia, mainly from the second half of autumn. Showers are usually powerful, but short-lived. At their end, the sun comes out again, and the weather is quite conducive to exciting sightseeing walks. In general, the word "puglia" means "land without rain." For the first time this name was applied to the region by Emperor Augustus.
A bit of history
The famous centuries-old history is famous for Apulia. Italy over the thousands of years of its existence has known both the dawn and the decline. The same can be said of Puglia. Ancient Greek historians Herodotus and Hecateus of Miletus wrote about it, they only called Yapigia in honor of the son of the mythical Daedalus. His name was Yapig.
According to legend, he went to look for new lands, saw a wonderful coast, moored and founded a settlement there. The Illyrians moved there. Their leader was Barion, who further upset the city. Some historians believe that this is where the name Bari comes from. Later, this place was taken by the long-standing and famous Trojans. A trojan path once passed through Apulia. A very long time ago, the entire coast belonged to Greece. Then it was conquered by the Normans, Byzantines, and the Romans. Each of the conquerors contributed to the appearance of the region. As a result, the current Puglia looks quite peculiar. Reviews of fans of ancient architecture are mostly similar - in the region you can find traces of all the cultures that existed here.
Capital
Bari is the second most important (after Naples) city of southern Italy, famous for its port and the Basilica of St. Nicholas. He was a priest in the Greek city of Peace, where he died in the 4th century.
According to legend, after his burial there were several miraculous inexplicable healings by science (hence Nikolai the Wonderworker). Thousands of pilgrims reached the city. But at the beginning of the XI century, the relics were stolen and secretly taken to Bari. A crypt was built specifically for their storage. Now this city is famous for this artifact, and with it Apulia. Tours here can be ordered not only in the beach season, but also in winter to get to the famous
holiday of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker (December 6). Bari is beautiful at any time of the year. It is divided into new and old parts. The most interesting for tourists is the old one, where there are 29 churches and a basil. The new part is no less beautiful. There are many fountains drowning in the colors of squares, museums, theaters and shops for every taste and budget.
Fairytale Troll City
It is impossible to come to Puglia and not visit the famous Alberobello. This small town is famous for its unusual houses, similar to the dwellings of trolls. These architectural creations are called trulli.
They have domed roofs made of flat stones. Once upon a time, trulli were built in order not to pay taxes, because such a dwelling was not considered a house. Now they are protected by UNESCO, and every year earns a tidy sum of Apulia. Reviews of tourists, which are full of here in winter and summer, about these unusual houses are always enthusiastic. Recently, the mayor’s office relocated most of the residents to standard houses. But the trulli are still inhabited. Moreover, Alberobello has shops, restaurants and even a trulli church. And some residents have organized their business on such an unusual architecture, that is, for a small fee, they invite to their house and show how it is arranged from the inside.
Rock city
Another interesting place to look at is the city of Matera, famous for its settlement, hollowed out in huge rocks. It is located far from the coast, on the border with another region - Basilicata, and more recently, it is geographically ranked to it.
However, the Apulians hope that Matera will return to them again, not without reason this name translates as “my lands”. The area of rock settlements is called Sassi, which means "stones". There are charming cave complexes carved in the rocks here. Puglia, whose attractions include many religious buildings, attracts hundreds of tourists with these monumental antiquities. Arriving in Matera, you must definitely visit Convincinio di Santo Antonio, where you can enter through the amazing portal of four churches that are not alike. The church of San Giovanni and Santa Maria Idris are cut down in the middle of the rock. In addition to these religious buildings, the Lanfranci Palace, in which the museum now operates, is of interest.
Gargano - Spur Boot
The mountains in Puglia occupy only 1.5% of the territory. And almost all of them are located in Gargano. It is thanks to her that Apulia boasts an extraordinary beauty of mountain scenery. Reviews of tourists about this region are the most enthusiastic.
The relict giant trees, roe deers walking along forest mountain paths, flowering orchids in the clearings and mountain arches and rock fragments sticking out of the azure waters of the coastal line, similar to the teeth of fairytale monsters, are especially impressive. Almost the entire territory of Gargano is a national reserve. The famous resorts of Vieste, Mattinata, Peschici are located on its territory. Therefore, prices here are slightly higher than in other areas of Puglia, but Gargano is worth it.
There are several nature-created attractions on the peninsula. Tourists are always interested in two lakes with salt water. One of them is Lezina, the second is Varano. Both of them are separated from the sea by a narrow strip of land, decorated with flowers and trees. Fans of mysticism will certainly be attracted by three small beautiful islands lying about 20 km from Gargano. These are San Domino, Caprara and San Nicolo. They form an archipelago, in the central part of which the cliffs of Cretacio and La Vecchia rise. Locals claim that on one lives the ghost of a prisoner who was executed, and on the other - the ghost of a spinner.
Lecce - second Florence
Talking about Puglia, it is impossible not to mention the small town of Lecce. There are so many architectural monuments and fragments of buildings made in the Baroque style that it is rightly called the second Florence.
The most famous building is considered the basilica of the 15-17 centuries of Santa Croce. Walking along the shady streets and looking at the unusual stone lace of old houses, it is impossible to find a similar ornament. Incredibly, they are all different. They say that at the end of the work, ancient architects poured milk on the stucco molding. Over the centuries, it acquired a golden hue, especially manifested in the sunset, and gave this corner a second name - the Golden City. Here's how many interesting things Apulia can offer its guests. Holidays here, no doubt, will appeal to lovers of boat trips, and lovers of ancient masterpieces.
Sea and kitchen
No matter how interesting the sights are, in the summer we all go to the resort to enjoy the sea and the sun. The beaches of Puglia are located practically along the entire coastline.
Especially interesting in this regard is Salento, where you can simultaneously swim in the waters of two seas at once. It is great to relax with children here, as the entrance to the water is smooth and the sand is perfectly clean. In addition, the southernmost part of Puglia is located here, so you can swim in September. Excellent beaches await tourists in all resort areas of the region. Umbrellas and sun loungers on many of them are paid, but if you try, you can find a place where you can’t drive away with your towel. No rest is complete without food. Puglia cuisine is famous for fish dishes, delicious mussels, unusual cheeses, special bread and pasta, which are sculpted by hand. You can also order puree soup with peas, but this is not for everybody. Of the wines, Primitivo is especially popular. His name is not very, but the taste is divine. “Salice-Salentino” and “Marina-Franca” also have excellent taste. In general, all Puglia wines are excellent. Restaurants serving delights open here in the evening, but you can always have a bite to eat freshly prepared pizza.
Puglia Hotels
One of the most important problems when choosing a vacation spot is where to stay. There are no problems with this in Puglia. In almost every city, the doors of numerous hotels of all types are open for tourists. There are luxury apartments at a cost of 1200 euros per night, and there are very inexpensive hostels, very suitable for undemanding tourists. The middle position is occupied by three-star hotels and villas. Booking a place many days in advance makes sense only in the summer months and during national holidays, such as St. Nicholas Day in Bari. Usually travel agencies can find a decent accommodation option, even if the desire to visit Puglia arose spontaneously.