South Puglia is mostly known as Salento, an area that’s famous all over the world. It’s a land of contrasts, where the crystal-clear sea laps against some of the most beautiful beaches in all of Italy, where the ancient olive trees proudly grow from the red earth, and where the local food is simple but tasty with strong and authentic flavours. Incredible towns are scattered through the area, each more beautiful than the other. These towns are jewels that shine – with the real sense of the word – like Ostuni, the White Town or Lecce, a Baroque masterpiece. Discover the main towns that should be visited during your holiday in Puglia.
You will instantly become aware of this area’s wealth of places to visit when on holiday in Salento. Once you have visited the closest town to your villa, you will want to visit them all. Here are some of the towns and villages that we think you should include in your itinerary so you can truly get to know the heel of Italy’s beauty.
Get to know some of south Puglia’s attractions and curiosities, picked out to help you organize a fun and interested holiday.
The vibrant fish auction at the Gallipoli market attracts visitors, as well as local restauranteurs and wholesalers. Surrounded by the shouts of the local fishermen, the market is a trip that should not be missed, and that will let you soak in the authentic atmosphere of this beautiful Salento town. The fishermen also sell a variety of shellfish, clams and oysters as an aperitivo… completely delicious!
The intense blue of the sea contrasting against the karstic rock of the cave walls will dazzle you. This is one of the ten most beautiful natural swimming pools in the world, and is one of the most visited places in Salento.
Punta Palascia is found on a small strip of land known as the Capo d’Otranto. This is the most easterly point in all Italy, where you can see the first dawn of the year on New Year’s Day. The lighthouse is found between the rocks, and was fundamental for sailors to aid them avoid the rocky shore in the night. Visit Punta Palascia for an incredible view over the vast sea.
This natural treasure is found in the countryside, not too far from Punta Palascia. Evocative and picturesque, it will leave you speechless. The enchanting lake has an emerald green colour and is surrounded by rocky walls with an intense red colour that create a beguiling contrast of colours, added to which is the dense local vegetation.
Ostuni and its dazzling town centre is unmissable. Wander around its narrow streets, visit the beautiful cathedral with its Gothic rose window; a real masterpiece. Then linger on the staircase and admire the setting sun’s light over the valley and the sea below, perhaps with an aperitivo in hand.
You’ll enjoy an unforgettable gastronomic experience in south Puglia. There are so many high-quality products that come from this area. From fresh fish to cured meats, the wide choice of food and wine in this area will satisfy the most demanding foodies.
Discover the marvellous beaches and cliffs along the Adriatic and Ionian coasts, including fine sandy beaches, rocky bays, and cliffs that plummet into the sea. Unforgettable caves and the crystal-clear sea await you. We’re sure you’ll be left speechless.
This beautiful nature and marine reserve is a rescue centre for sea turtles, as well as a sanctuary for wild animals. You can go for an incredible walk through this unspoilt oasis until you reach the Aragonese Tower, and enjoy a unique day by the sea in an unforgettable location.
Just a stone’s throw from Otranto, a walk through incredible natural scenery awaits you with seastacks, clear waters, caves, and pine woods plunging into the sea. The Grotte dell’Acqua Dolce connects Torre dell’Orso and Torre Sant’Andrea beaches. These are unique thanks to their formations which create many natural swimming pools.
A few kilometres north of Otranto, this bay is charming, thanks to its idyllic setting with luxuriant green vegetation, clear waters, white sands, and incredible natural environment.
Porto Selvaggio – between Gallipoli and Porto Cesareo – stands out thanks to its large pine forest, that is almost 270 hectares and surrounds the beach. This characteristic beach is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxed day by the sea. There’s a mix of rocky and sandy areas, and the trees nearby create a beautiful and tranquil oasis of peace.
Have you ever heard of the Maldives of Salento? This is the nickname that has been given to Marina di Pescoluse’s beach. As you can imagine, it’s one of the most spectacular beaches in the whole region, both for its clear water and for its fine white sand.
South Puglia is rich in art, culture, and history, starting in the furthest antiquity and still ongoing today. Here are a few of the attractions that should be included in your holiday in Puglia.
If you want to really get to know the spirit of Puglia, make sure you take part in one of these events, including traditional events, and modern ones.
This is one of the most important events in popular culture in Italy and Europe. It is dedicated to the rediscovery of the traditional music from Salento, as well as its fusion with other types of music such as world music, jazz, and orchestral music. The festival culminates in the Concertone – a large concert in Melpignano that brings together about 150000 spectators, and includes performances from national and international artists.
An incredible procession with allegorical floats, a masked parade, and musical groups that bring the town to life. The carnival in Gallipoli is the most important in all Salento, and together with the carnival in Putignano, one of the most important in Puglia.
Otranto Jazz Festival takes place over three days in the summer, in various parts of the town, and includes jazz musicians that are famous all over the world. Together with this event, there’s also Jazz and Wine, an initiative that celebrates jazz music and the local wine production.
Take part in a Patron Saint festival and surround yourself with characteristic folklore. The towns are decorated with colourful lights and festoons that celebrate the connection between the patron saints and the local inhabitants.
We want to help you plan your holiday in Puglia. Our helpful map will let you find out how to get around Puglia, and includes details of all towns and attractions.