What to See in Central Puglia: Seven Must-Visit Places
Discover central Puglia with its beautiful towns, gorgeous beaches, and incredible food and wine.
Exploring Central Puglia
Central Puglia is a land of beautiful contrasts, where natural beauty meets rich artistic heritage and Puglian culture. Including the gorgeous towns of the Valle d’Itria, the superb views of centuries-old olive groves, dry-stone walls, and ancient masseria, time seems to stand still in this part of Puglia. You will find yourself in a truly authentic part of Italy. Traditional agricultural practices and excellent local food and wine also makes this part of Puglia a must for foodies.
In this article you will find seven unmissable places in central Puglia for your holiday in this region of Italy.
1. The Towns and Trulli of The Valle d’Itria
The Valle d’Itria, found right in the heart of central Puglia, is a charming area where picturesque towns and iconic trulli paint a picture unlike any other in the world.
Locorotondo
Locorotondo is close by. This town is magnificently positioned on top of a hill that looks out over the Valle d’Itria with incredible views of vineyards and olive groves. Getting lost in Locorotondo’s streets with its white buildings and ornately designed balconies is all you need to do to enjoy this town. You won’t be able to resist taking photos of the beautiful sights in the town centre. This area is also famous for producing white wine with indigenous varietals such as Verdeca and Bianco d’Alessano.
Alberobello
Trulli are the symbol of Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You don’t need a specific itinerary at Alberobello; you just have to walk around the narrow streets to be wowed by the beautiful sights found around every corner. However, don’t forget to visit Trullo Sovrano that dates from the start of the 1600s and now houses a museum. Or Rione Monti and Rione Aia Piccola, two parts of the town centre with the most trulli. Sant’Antonio church shines bright at the top of Rione Monti. This church is incredibly unusual as it is the only church in the world that is built from trulli, with a characteristic Greek Cross formation covered by a typical dome.
Martina Franca
The unique beauty found in the Valle d’Itria continues at Martina Franca with its Baroque architecture. There are many churches and palaces in the town, but the Basilica di San Martino is a highlight. This is a true emblem of the Baroque architecture found in Martina Franca. Don’t miss the Palazzo Ducale either. Its interiors are breathtaking! Martina Franca is also famous for the Valle d’Itria festival – an international music event – as well as Capocollo, one of Italy’s most delicious salumi.
Cisternino
Cisternino is another gem found in the Valle d’Itria. This town is a labyrinth of narrow streets, charming piazza, and typical “Fornelli pronti” which are normal butcher shops during the day, but by night are transformed into restaurants that serve freshly grilled meats and other local specialities like bombette and turcinieddi. If you want to stay near Cisternino, take a look at our villa Masseria della Valle, a prestigious villa with a swimming pool and trulli.
Ceglie Messapica
You can easily reach Ceglie Messapica from Cisternino. Ceglie Messapica is one of the oldest towns in Puglia. Take a step back into Medieval times by visiting the Castello Ducale and the Torre Normanna, and also by walking through the town’s street with cobbled courtyards and stone arches and white washed walls. Ceglie Messapica is also a haven for food lovers. One of the best local recipes is “biscotti cegliese” (local biscuits) but the true culinary star of Ceglie Messapica is the “capello del prete”, slow-cooked pork with spices and herbs. It’s a perfect mix of traditional, intense flavours.
Putignano
Finally, you can’t miss Putignano, a small and pretty town at the edge of the Valle d’Itria. Its historic centre is full of beautiful aristocratic palaces, as well as ancient churches like the San Pietro Apostolo chuch with its Puglian Romanesque style. However the highlight is the Grotta del Trullo, which was the first karstic cave that was opened to the public after the vast series of caves was discovered near Castellana. The Carnevale di Putignano is also one of the most famous events in Puglia, dating back to 1394. Our villa Dimore dei Ciliegi is close to Putignano, where you can find all modern comfort and charm in an exclusive and luxurious villa.
2. Grotte di Castellana
A few kilometres from Putignano are the incredible Castellana caves. This is a series of ancient underground caverns and caves with stalagmites and stalactites, and is considered one of the most beautiful natural sites in Puglia, and even all of Italy. Uncovered in 1938, the caves run for around 3 km and their depth goes to 70 metres.
A lift takes you to “Le Grave”, a large and deep cavern from where you can walk through the caves. This is a unique location, with light streaming in through a natural opening in the rock creating wonderful reflections throughout the day. It’s an unforgettable experience.
3. Bari
Don’t miss the capital of Puglia! Bari is a fascinating city that mixes history, culture and gastronomy in an irresistible way. There are so many things to see in Bari. Start in the heart of the town – Bari Vecchia – an intricate maze of alleys. The Basilica di San Nicola is a true masterpiece of Puglian Romanesque architecture. The Basilica holds the relics of the city’s patron saint, and is visited by pilgrims from all over the world. The Norman-Swabian castle is close to the Old City. This imposing castle dates from the 12th Century and is a symbol of the strength and history of the city. You’ll be bowled over by Bari’s unique atmosphere when walking through the town. Elderly women sit outside their homes and make the famous orecchiette pasta by hand. This pasta is one of the most famous gastronomic products of Bari.
The local food is known for its authenticity, with dishes that celebrate simple and fresh ingredients. Don’t miss focaccia barese with its tomatoes and olives, as well as the many types of fresh pasta available. A passeggiata along Bari’s seafront allows you to experience another side of Bari’s magical atmosphere. The view over the Adriatic Sea is unbeatable, and the late Liberty style palaces along the road are elegant and eye-catching. Visit Giovinazzo – a small seaside town just outside of Bari – for its charming town centre right by the sea, with cobbled streets, old churches, palaces, and arches that hark back to another time.
4. Monopoli and Polignano a Mare
Heading towards the coast you will find two pearls of the Adriatic, both wonderful in their own, different way.
Monopoli
Monopoli is a succession of whitewashed houses, narrow cobbled streets, and picturesque piazzas. The Old Port with the blue boats creates a picture-postcard scene. The town is dominated by the Castello Carlo V, a magnificent fortress dating from 1552, and the Maria Santissima della Madia cathedral with is Baroque bell towers that are 61 metres high. Monopoli is also known for its Capitolo beach; 4 km of coastline that alternates between sandy dunes and rocky bays with lidi or free areas.
Polignano a Mare
Polignano a Mare is also a beautiful town, just like a postcard. The historic centre is perches on a rocky promontory offers breathtaking views with whitewashed houses that look directly out over the sea, spectacular cliffs, and turquoise water. The most famous area of Polignano is Lama Monachile, a narrow cove between the rocks with a lovely beach that’s right in town. One of the best ways to enjoy Polignano is by the sea. You can visit the many sea caves by boat. The largest and most famous is Grotta Palazzese where you can find an elegant restaurant. Finally, you shouldn’t miss the statue of Domenico Modugno on the coast. This famous singer was born in Polignano.
The local food also deserves a special mention. Since both towns are by the sea, you will find quality fresh fish, served in delicious ways, such as fried whitebait, raw seafood, and the unbeatable mussel soup.
5. Murgia
Going north of Bari and inland, you can explore an area rich in local traditions where the true soul of Puglia can be experienced. The Altopiano delle Murge has a unique landscape, full of vast fields dotted with historic farmhouses, and ancient farms that are now often charming agritourisms. The masseria farmhouses are one of the symbols of Puglia and are characteristic examples of rural Puglian life. Visit one and try local products like olive oil, cheese, and wines that are produced using methods passed down by generations.
One of the most famous local products in the bread from Altamura. This bread uses an ancient recipe and is appreciated all over the world. Known as the “lioness of Puglia” Altamura is a beautiful small town with Medieval architecture such as the Santa Maria Assunta cathedral which was commissioned by Frederick II of Swabia.
Another unmissable sight is the unbelievable Castel del Monte in Andria, about an hour from Altamura. This is one of the most enigmatic and fascinating castles in all of Italy with its octagonal floor plan. This was also commissioned by Frederick II and is a masterpiece of Medieval engineering. Surrounded by the wild beauty of the plans of Merge, Castel del Monte dominates the local countryside with its imposing, geometrically-perfect structure.
6. Dune Costiere and Torre Guaceto
You can find one of the most beautiful and well-preserved areas of coastline on the Adriatic coast.
Parco delle Dune Costiere
The Parco delle Dune Costiere is found between Torre Canne and Torre San Leonardo. The park’s name comes from the particular white dunes that are shaped by the wind, that are lapped by crystal-clear waters on one side, and surrounded by Mediterranean scrub brush on the other side. There are many trails through the nature park where you can explore the area’s unique ecosystem with its flora and fauna, as well as the ancient watchtowers and historic farmhouses.
Oasi di Torre Guaceto
Oasi di Torre Guaceto is further south. This protected area stretches out over more that 1,200 hectares and includes a large marine area. This natural paradise is famous for its transparent water, unspoilt beaches, and its seabed that is rich in sea life making it ideal for snorkelling and diving. Oasi di Torre Guaceto is also an important habitat for migratory birds and is a breeding ground for Caretta marine turtles.
7. Ostuni
Although Ostuni is part of the Valle d’Itria, it deserves its own section due to its beauty. The “White City” is the most radiant jewel in Puglia, thanks to its characteristic historic centre that is totally white and shines bright under the Puglian sun. This picturesque town is set on three hills and is about 200 metres above sea level. The maze of streets, piazzas, and courtyards suddenly opens up to an incredible view of the Adriatic coast and then heads up to the top of the highest hills where you will find the Santa Maria Assunta cathedral, an incredible example of Gothic architecture.
As well as historic and architectural sights, Ostuni also has many places of natural beauty to visit. Don’t miss the close sandy beaches like Piole, Rosa Marina, and Lido Morelli. These beaches are lapped by clear water and surrounded by unspoilt nature. La Rocca and Nido degli Aranci – two of our villas with pools – are close to Ostuni.
A Dream Holiday in Central Puglia
Do you want to visit all of these incredible places during your next holiday in Puglia?
Choose one of our villas so you can easily visit these towns and beaches. Take a look at our villas to rent in central Puglia and pick the one that meets your needs to enjoy a perfect holiday that you have always dreamt of.