The best things to do in Puglia

Spending a vacation in any of the wonderful hotels in Puglia will take you to the boot of Italy and a region steeped in history and wonderful tradition. There are many activities that can take you away from the beautiful beaches to taste the culture of this great region. Whether you are interested in history or exploring scenic landscapes, you will find many things that will interest you.

Historical places

Visiting Otranto, which is located on the Adriatic, will reward you with the opportunity to see the 800-year-old mosaic of the Tree of Life, found in the Norman Cathedral. It completely fills the choir floor and nave and looks like a family tree. You can spend hours looking at the wonderful mix of bizarre images that spread through the branches, including biblical characters like Noah and historical and legendary figures like Alexander the Great and King Arthur. They are joined by a variety of unicorns, Norse gods, and dragons and are definitely worth a visit.

In Lecce, the nobles of the 17th century decided to compete with the great architecture that was being built in the north and commissioned their own. The resulting Baroque architecture caused the city to be labeled the ‘Florence of the South’. There are six beautiful churches scattered throughout the city center, which are located next to the Roman amphitheater, the triumphal arch, and wonderful squares and courtyards. The most beautiful of the Baroque churches is the 16th century Basilica of Santa Croce, with its carved mermaids, wolves and cherubs.

If your lucky number is eight, you should definitely visit the 13th century Castel del Monte, as the building is a tribute to eight! It has octagons all over it and was built by the Roman Emperor Frederick II. It is a unique piece of military architecture and is one of two World Heritage sites in the region.

For those interested in the archaeological history of the region, a visit to the Egnazia Museum is recommended. It is located within the ancient walls of Gnathia and has eleven pavilions, containing many archaeological treasures.

Outdoor attractions

For a quiet beach with a hidden secret, you can visit the area around Casalabate and San Cataldo. The beach is found following an unpaved track past the Rinalda Tower, where you will find an unspoiled paradise, which is usually quiet. For fans of diving, a secret can be found 50 meters from the beach, where there is a wrecked ship that was sunk by the British Navy in 1941.

The Gravina and Alta Murgia national park is another great place to visit when staying at Puglia hotels in this region. The ancient medieval city perches next to one of the ravines that define this landscape, and the nearby Alta Murgia National Park, with its protected plateau, is a great place to stroll.

Another beautiful natural park is located in the Salento area. The Porto Selvaggio Nature Reserve is a protected area of ​​scots pines that leads to a picturesque stream lined with white rocks. There are several hiking trails that lead to delicacies such as the Torre Uluzzo and the Grotta del Cavallo.

Whether you prefer to spend your time staying in Puglia hotels, delving into the history of the region, or exploring the landscape, you will find plenty to occupy in this beautiful part of Italy.