Puglia’s Greatest Hidden Gems
If you’re looking for the best place to go for an excellent Italian vacation, you’re sure to want to pay a visit to the breathtaking region of Puglia. Here, you’ll find a peaceful atmosphere, friendly locals, and delicious traditional meals – and these are just a few examples of the things that make this location so incredible.
A range of individuals choose to come on one of the many great tours we have to offer here at Travel Puglia, but whether you choose to get the full Puglian experience with us or not, you’ll want to be certain that you don’t miss out on any of these hidden gems.
The town of Castellana Grotte
In general, Puglia doesn’t see much tourism at all; although you’re likely to find that just like anywhere, there are a few hotspots that attract plenty of visitors. Fortunately, there are also areas like Castellana Grotte that are the complete opposite, which is ideal for anyone who wants to enjoy a nice and quiet vacation without having to deal with the rush of tourists.
One of the reasons that you might want to come to Castellana Grotte, aside from it being so peaceful, is because this town is a sight to behold – both day and night.
There are a number of ancient caves here; they’re vibrant and considered to be absolutely breathtaking, so you certainly won’t want to miss out on seeing some of them during your visit.
This is far from all that Castellana Grotte has to offer though, so if you decide to take a trip to Puglia and find yourself in the area, take the time to explore this incredible little town and take in all of its beauty.
Casalabate’s secret beach
Another great town that you might want to check out while visiting this Italian region is Casalabate – there’s a little-known beach that’s located on the way to Torre Rinalda (just outside of the town) that you may want to visit if you’re looking for Puglia’s best hidden gems.
With soft sand and plenty of sunshine, this beach is ideal for anyone who just wants to sit back and relax. And with crystal clear waters too, it’s also a great place to go for a swim. If you choose to do just that, you might come across the shipwreck that’s located beneath the water’s surface. The ship was sunk in 1941 by the British Navy and fortunately for anyone who’s curious, it’s not too far down at all.
This site is certainly obscure, mostly only known about by the locals of Casalabate, so you won’t want to miss out on spending at least a few hours here.
The coastal town of Otranto
Otranto may not seem like much, but this small town has plenty to offer its visitors. In fact, you likely won’t be disappointed if you dedicate some time to explore the many wonders of the area. The Bauxite Quarry is a worthwhile spot for anyone who hopes to do a little hiking in Puglia during their vacation, while Cala di Grotta Monaca is a clean and peaceful beach ideal for relaxation – and these are just two things that you could enjoy!
Another factor that you’re sure to love about this town is the food. The restaurants are all well known for their quality service – and what better way is there to end a day of exploring one of the region’s many beautiful towns than by enjoying a traditional Puglian meal?
Torre Guaceto and the World Wildlife Fund
Whether you want to go for a slow bike ride or a peaceful walk, Torre Guaceto has you covered. This spot is endorsed by the World Wildlife Fund and is located right between Ostuni and Brindisi. If you decide to visit one of these towns, you won’t want to miss out on taking the time to enjoy everything that they have to offer, too.
If you want to see some of the amazing flora and fauna that are native to this province, why not pay a visit to the Marine Area and the Reserve? It may be a good idea to take your time while exploring though, as there are so many outstanding views to be found.
Torre Guaceto truly gives visitors a chance to see so much more of the region – and while many tourists choose to spend their vacations here by the beautiful beaches, you could see all of Puglia’s beauty with a visit to this area. From the countryside to the lush Mediterranean plant life, there’s so much that can take your breath away. If you want to relax and rest your legs, you could always stop for a few hours at the nice blue flag beach.
Enjoy a meal at Grotta Palazzese
This district may be home to some truly incredible restaurants, but you may find that none of them compare to Grotta Palazzese, as this eatery doesn’t just offer delicious food, but also stunning views thanks to the fact that it’s built within a cave.
You’ll find this amazing restaurant in Polignano a Mare, so if you’re planning on paying this town a visit, you’ll certainly want to stop by. The views alone make this site well worth a visit; especially during sunset. You can’t overlook the delicious traditional Puglian seafood that is served on site; it’s nothing short of delicious and can’t be missed. With a varied menu on offer, you’re sure to find something that suits your tastes.
It might be a wise idea to enjoy a meal here after exploring the beautiful town; you’re likely to work up an appetite after wandering through the stunning streets of Polignano a Mare.
Take a tour of the Salento Peninsula’s vineyards
Some of region’s greatest wines are made from grapes that are grown in the Salento Peninsula – so you won’t want to miss out on visiting some of the incredible Puglian vineyards that can be found here.
Typically, you’ll find that Negromaro, Primitivo, and Malvasia Nera varieties of grapes are grown in this area. Salice Salentino and Copertino are just two examples of unique wines that are made from the peninsula’s vineyards – and these drinks are enjoyed world-wide.
While Puglia has been in the winemaking business for a long time, the wines here haven’t had much recognition until more recent years. Some may assume that these local beverages are of a lower quality because of this – but the real reason is that they were generally sold locally or in other parts of Italy. There are several Puglian wines that are now famous across the globe, but there are still many that you’ve probably never even heard of.
For this reason, anyone who considers themselves to be a wine connoisseur should consider tasting some of the locality’s incredible varieties. If you’re a fan of wine, our Puglian wine tours could be exactly what you’re looking for.
Santa Maria de Leuca
Santa Maria de Leuca is everything you would expect from a traditional Italian town – and thanks to its location on the heel of Italy’s boot, there are also some truly stunning sights to see.
With the beauty of the town itself, the many excellent restaurants (including the tasty cultural dishes that they make), and the friendly locals; you’ll find that this is the ideal place to learn more about the Puglian lifestyle. On top of all this, there are some amazing beaches here, too!
The Capo d’Otranto lighthouse is worth a visit – as this site is situated where the Ionian and Adriatic seas meet and is considered to be an overall beautiful landmark. With all this and more to offer, there’s never a dull moment in this breathtaking little town.
All this and so much more
These are just a few of the region’s hidden gems – you’re sure to find that there are an endless supply of outstanding landmarks and towns for you to discover in Puglia.
If you want to make the most out of your time here, you may want to consider spending your vacation with a tour company. In general, a tour can really enhance the experience – and there are a number of reasons why we feel that you’d enjoy your time with our team at Travel Puglia.
The best tours in/of Puglia
A truly breathtaking experience awaits you in this stunning part of the world – and we want to help you get as much as possible from your stay. With our vacations in Puglia, you’ll have everything you could need; from luxury accommodation, to a wide variety of activities.
With a number of different trips available, from adventure tours in Bari to small group tours of Ostuni, there really is something for everyone. This is why we’re certain that you’ll just love your time with us!
It’s our passion to provide you with the perfect vacation and with so many of our guests leaving Puglia satisfied, we’re certain that we’ll be able to provide you with a trip that you’ll hold dear to your heart for years to come. If you want to find out more about what we have to offer, feel free to get in touch with us – we’d be more than happy to help you!
