Puglia / Apulia |
Puglia is a fascinating region of Italy that remained a well-kept secret from anyone but the Italians for many years. Foreign tourists are now discovering its many charms: the scenery, sunshine, unspoilt sandy beaches and clear turquoise seas.
Located right down in Italy's southern 'heel', bordering the Ionian Sea to the southeast, the Adriatic to the east, and the Strait of ̉tranto and Gulf of Taranto to the south, inland there are olive groves and grapevines while the heavily indented coastline alternates between sandy beaches and rocky outcrops.
The natural park at Porto Selvaggio on the Ionic coast is a rocky stretch between two watchtowers, with great swimming in the clear seas. For sandy beaches, try Pantanagianni, Specchiolla, Bosce Verde, Torre Santa Sabina, or Pulsano.
UNESCO has designated the town of Alberobello a World Heritage Site for its collection of 'trullo' - traditional Apulian stone dwellings, each with a conical roof. Many are still inhabited, and others are used as guest houses, storerooms or restaurants. Trullo can also be found in Locorotondo, Fasano, Cisternino, Martina Franca and Ceglie Messapica.
Romanesque architecture is another fine feature of the region's towns; among some of the finest examples are the Sanctuary of San Michele at Monte S.Angelo, and the cathedrals at Trani and the popular tourist town of Otranto.
Last but not least, Puglia's wonderful cuisine deserves a mention: the proximity to the sea makes seafood popular, especially oysters and mussels, and many dishes use generous quantities of garlic and vegetables such as courgettes, tomatoes, spinach, aubergines and fennel.