Puglia is the Italian name for this region, though it is often referred to as Apulia in English. This long strip of land on the Adriatic comprising the “heel” of Italy has a unique landscape devoid of mountains and covered by plains and hills. Farms devoted to vineyards, olive trees and vegetables are separated by neatly constructed stone walls. The giant ancient olive trees, several feet in diameter, twisted and towering, are startling. The area surrounding Alberobello is dotted with trulli. These small conical buildings, first built in the 13th century, are created out of limestone and unique to Puglia. Puglia’s sandy beaches are a big draw; three-quarters of the region borders the sea. Puglia’s strategic location made it a target for conquering and colonization by Byzantines, Saracens, Greeks, Romans, Normans, Swabians, Turks and Spaniards, among others.
Free Articles
- Just Add Love: Five Highlights From Dream of Italy on TV
- Learn the Traditional Pizzica Dance in Puglia
- Finding Santa’s Bones in Southern Italy
- Villa Rental in Puglia: Masseria Gelso Bianco
- Borgo Egnazia — Puglia Resort Where Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel Married
- Puglia Cooking School Recipe – Cicoria e Fave (Puree of Chicory and Fava Beans)
Premium Content – Members Only
- Sweet 16 Places to Stay
- Sweet 16 Experiences in Italy
- Dream of Italy’s 16th Anniversary Favorites
- New in Puglia: Castello di Ugento (May 2018)
- New Hotels in Italy: Flashy to Farmhouse Chic (May 2018)
- Unique Experiences for Kids in Puglia, Sardinia and Sicily (May 2016)
- Great Places in Italy to Stay With Kids
- Dine With The Mammas of Puglia (Feb. 2016)
- New, Affordable San Domenico Hotel in Puglia (Feb. 2016)
- Five Lessons from Puglia’s Pasta Mamas
- Italy’s Best Cooking Schools: Puglia
- Italy’s Best Cooking Schools: Programs With Multiple Locations
- New Hotels in Capri, Puglia, Rome and Sicily
- Spotlight: Lecce’s New Concept Hotel (Nov. 2013)
- Resources for Italian Ancestry and Citizenship
- Tracing Your Italian Genealogy and Heritage
- 6 Tips for Getting Started With Italian Genealogy
- A Lesson in Pugliese Cooking
- Great Local Tour Guides in Calabria, Molise, Basilicata and Puglia
- A Day Out in the Salento with Yle
- Where to Stay in Puglia: An Eco-Friendly Vacation at a Biomasseria
- Where to Stay in Puglia: Romantic Guest House on a Golf Course
- Where to Stay in Puglia: Luxury and Golf in Seaside Savelletri
- Where to Stay in Puglia: Rustic Charm, Peacocks, Cooking Lessons and Pizzica at This Masseria
- Where to Stay in Puglia: Elegant Retreat and Rental in Ostuni
- Where to Stay in Puglia: Il Frantoio
- Where to Stay in Puglia: Six Masserie Offer Charm and Comfort
- More Places to Eat and Drink in Puglia
- Two Puglia Insiders Share Their Tips
- You Can’t Beat Their Meat: Visit A Braceria in Puglia
- Italian Yoga Retreat: Saluting the Sun in Salento (Puglia)
- Cooking School in Puglia, With a Splash of Wine
- Sisters Share Their Private Puglia Italy
- Recommended Rental Agencies, Apartments and Villas in Italy
- Noteworthy Italy Hotel Openings
- Italy’s Most Romantic Restaurants
- On the Road in Italy with St. Francis of Assisi
- Italy’s Best Beaches Can Be Found in Campania, Puglia and Sardinia
- Puglia’s Bounty Awaits Food Lovers
- A Quick Puglia Italy Travel Primer
- Puglia: No Longer a Silent Wine Producer
- Lecce: Puglia’s Crown Jewel
- Castles, Cathedrals, Caves: Highlights of Puglia
- Escape to a Peaceful Puglia Masseria, Masseria Torre Coccaro
- Noteworthy Travels: Puglia Edition
- Be Trulli at Home in Puglia Italy with a Trulli Rental or Stay
- Get Your Sports Fix, Italian Style: Cycling, Running, Walking and Golfing in Italy
- Puglia: Mussels and the Click of Manolos at Masseria San Domenico