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Often referred to as the “heel of Italy”, Puglia is a beautiful little region comprising six provinces in Italy. Known for its agricultural output, historic architecture, and Mediterranean coastline, it offers a blend of cultural richness and natural beauty to visitors who come from all around the globe. Puglia is known to be Italy’s top olive oil producer, with significant outputs of wine, tomatoes, and wheat. The delectable cuisine here features orecchiette pasta, burrata cheese, and many seafood dishes. Read this article further and find out about all the things to do in the Puglia Region on your next trip to Italy.
Top 10 Things To Do In Puglia Region
Explore the Puglia Region of Italy and find out about the activities you can be immersed in. Read ahead to know more about the best things to do in the Puglia Region of Italy.
1. Explore The Trulli Of Alberobello
Photo: MPhernambucq / Wikimedia Commons
The Trulli of Alberobello are one of the most enchanting places in Italy and a unique architectural heritage boasted by the Puglia Region. The houses here look like they are straight out of a fairy tale. These small, round houses have cone-shaped roofs made of stone. They were built a long time ago without using any cement. People believe the reason behind this was so they could be taken down quickly and avoid taxes. Now, these houses are considered to be a part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Location: Alberobello, Province of Bari, Puglia
Main Attraction: UNESCO-listed Trulli houses and old town walking experience
Best Time To Visit: April to June and September to October
2. Relax In Ostuni, The White City
Photo: ParisTaras / Wikimedia Commons
Ostuni is called “The White City” because most buildings are painted white. They glow brightly against the blue sky when the sun shines on them. Built on a hill, a walk through the city feels like walking through a maze of little white houses, narrow streets, and cute shops. You can also visit the big old cathedral that stands in the middle of the city. It has beautiful doors and windows, and the view from there is amazing. Ostuni is a peaceful place, perfect if you want to relax and enjoy the beauty of Italy.
Location: Province of Brindisi, Puglia
Main Attraction: Whitewashed historic centre, Ostuni Cathedral, panoramic views
Best Time To Visit: April to June and September to October
3. Discover The Caves Of Castellana
Photo: Rafael Rodrigues Camargo / Wikimedia Commons
The Castallena caves are a spectacular system of Karst Caves. It extends for approximately 3,348 meters in length and a depth of 122 meters below sea level. Inside the caves, you will find that the temperature remains fairly constant around 16.5 to 18 degrees Celsius, with very high humidity levels, sometimes reaching 90 per cent. In the entire system, the White Cave (Grotta Bianca) is known to be the most dazzling of all. Its spectacular white stalactites and stalagmites create a lunar-like landscape. You can choose between two main guided tours, which follow a beautiful paved path and are guided by experienced multilingual staff.
Location: Castellana Grotte, Province of Bari, Puglia
Main Attraction: Grotta Bianca (White Cave) and the full karst cave system
Best Time To Visit: April to October
4. Take A Cooking Class Or Food Tour
Photo: Aurélien Lemasson-Théobald / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Puglia is a culinary treasure, offering immersive cooking classes and vibrant food tours that showcase its rich traditions, fresh ingredients, and warm hospitality. Whether you’re interested in hands-on pasta-making with local nonnas, guided tastings of olive oil and wine, or multi-day gourmet adventures, Puglia has something for everyone. Their classes focus on healthy, local, and seasonal cuisine and are perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike. Private group sessions and special event workshops can also be arranged.
Location: Puglia region, Italy
Main Attraction: Hands-on cooking classes, local food tours, and visits to cultural sites
Best Time To Visit: April to June
5. Cycle Or Walk Among Ancient Olive Groves
Photo: Patrick Nouhailler’s pictures / Wikimedia Commons
With some olive trees over 1,000 years old, Puglia’s countryside is ideal for biking or leisurely walks. Trails pass through farms, stone walls, and fields filled with wildflowers and olives. It’s a peaceful way to see the rural side of Italy. One of the best places to explore is the Itria Valley, where charming towns like Cisternino, Locorotondo, and Martina Franca are connected by quiet country roads and scenic routes. You can stop along the way to taste fresh-pressed olive oil, sip local wine, or enjoy a picnic under the shade of ancient trees.
Location: Itria Valley, Ostuni, Monopoli countryside
Main Attraction: Ancient olive trees and rural landscapes
Best Time To Visit: March to May, September to October
6. Swim In Natural Pools And Beaches
Photo: ParisTaras / Wikimedia Commons
From the dramatic cliffs of Polignano a Mare to the natural pools of Grotta della Poesia in Roca Vecchia, Puglia has some of the best beaches in Italy. The turquoise waters are perfect for swimming, cliff-jumping, or just relaxing on the sand. One of the most famous spots is Polignano a Mare, where houses cling to the cliffs and brave swimmers leap into the deep blue waters from rocky ledges. It’s a postcard-perfect place for sunbathing, swimming, and exploring hidden caves.
Location: Salento Peninsula, Polignano a Mare, Torre dell’Orso
Main Attraction: Clear waters, caves, and natural pools
Best Time To Visit: Late May to early September
7. Experience Local Festivals And Markets
Photo: Anonymous / Pxhere / Image For Representation Only
Puglia comes alive with festivals, especially in the summer. From the Festa di San Nicola in Bari to traditional food and music fairs in towns like Locorotondo and Martina Franca, there’s always something happening. Don’t forget to browse weekly markets for souvenirs and snacks! In charming towns like Galatina, you’ll find smaller, traditional festivals with folk dancing, live music, and endless local dishes to sample, from grilled meats to regional pastries. These events are a great way to experience Puglia’s warm hospitality and rich cultural roots.
Location: Puglia Region, Italy
Main Attraction: Festivals, folk music, local food
Best Time To Visit: May to September
8. Marvel At Baroque Lecce
Photo: Albarubescens / Wikimedia Commons
Known as the “Florence of the South,” Lecce is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture. Its honey-colored stone buildings are decorated with intricate carvings, balconies, and cherubs that make walking through the city feel like visiting an open-air museum. Visit the Basilica di Santa Croce, the Roman amphitheatre, and local artisan shops selling papier-mache crafts. It’s a perfect city for culture lovers.
Location: Lecce, southern Puglia
Main Attraction: Basilica di Santa Croce, Baroque architecture, Roman ruins
Best Time To Visit: April to June, September to October
9. Enjoy The Coast
Photo: Andrea Pavanello / Wikimedia Commons
Puglia’s coastline, especially around the Salento Peninsula, offers some of the most scenic drives in all of Italy. Winding along the Adriatic and Ionian seas, the roads take you past dramatic cliffs, historic watchtowers and lighthouses, and hidden coves with crystal-clear water. As you drive, make time to stop in small fishing villages like Santa Maria di Leuca, Castro, or Tricase Porto, where you can enjoy fresh seafood and a slower pace of life. The coastal breeze, the sound of waves, and the salty air make it a refreshing break from city sightseeing.
Location: Salento coastline
Main Attraction: Scenic views, sea breeze, and quiet coves
Best Time To Visit: May to October
10. Visit The Bitonto Cathedral
Photo: Daniele Testa / Wikimedia Commons
Bitonto may not be on every tourist’s list, but its cathedral is a masterpiece of Romanesque design. Quiet and full of history, it’s perfect for those looking to explore less crowded gems. What makes this experience special is the peaceful atmosphere. You won’t find large crowds here, giving you the chance to soak in the history at your own pace. After visiting the cathedral, stroll through Bitonto’s charming old town, where quiet piazzas, shaded alleyways, and local cafés offer a taste of authentic Puglian life.
Location: Bitonto, near Bari
Main Attraction: Romanesque architecture and peaceful old town
Best Time To Visit: March to June and September
Puglia is a region where history, nature, and culture come together beautifully. From exploring ancient Trulli and Romanesque cathedrals to relaxing by the coast and tasting fresh local food, there’s something here for every kind of traveller. Whether you’re into peaceful countryside walks, vibrant festivals, or discovering hidden gems, Puglia promises an unforgettable experience. Now that you know all about things to do in the Puglia region, make sure to plan a trip to Italy with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Massimo Virgilio / Unsplash
