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Puglia. Many people know the name, and no doubt imagine picturesque cities bathed in sunlight, but they have a hard time discerning this region of southern Italy, yet it is captivating, and conducive to a sense of escape. Surrounded on all sides by the sea, it is also a paradise for sailors of all levels. Once known only to insiders, the destination has become more and more popular, and now getting to Puglia is rather easy. All that remains is to make the right choice.
Where is Puglia?
Puglia, to put it simply, is the “heel of the boot” that geographically forms Italy. It is a strip of land stretching from the north of the Gargano National Park to the municipality of Castrignano del Capo, stretching over nearly 20,000 km2. Puglia’s capital is Bari, the largest city in the region. Just over four million people live there.
Puglia is bordered on its eastern flank by the Adriatic Sea, which separates Italy from the Western Balkans, including Croatia, Montenegro, and Albania. The end of the “heel” of the boot extends the Ionian Sea, beyond which are the Greek coasts.
Which airport to go to Puglia?
The Puglia region has several airports. Two should be of particular interest to you: Bari-Palese Airport in Bari, the main one in the region where international flights arrive, and Brindisi-Casale Airport, which is perfectly positioned for reaching the Salento region, in the very south. Many major companies serve Bari-Palese Airport: Air France, British Airways, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines, and Iberia. There are also low-cost companies, including Vueling, easyJet, and Transavia. Of course, the national company, Alitalia, has several flights there daily.
A little less well-served internationally, the airport of Brindisi-Casale nevertheless receives flights from the low-cost companies Transavia and easyJet. Malta Air also serves the Paris region, and Ryanair covers central Europe.
Another possibility, very popular with visitors, is to fly to Rome or Naples, two destinations for which airlines often have low prices, then rent a car to visit Puglia.
What is the most beautiful place in Puglia?
This is a little bonus question, and one which is impossible to answer. We really like Polignano a Mare, which stands proudly on the cliffs above turquoise blue water, not far from Bari. You will quickly understand why the city has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
There is Gargano, too, of course. This mountain range juts nearly 70km into the sea and is nicknamed “the spur of Italy”. It is home to the Gargano National Park, ideal for beautiful walks.
There is white towns of Alberobello, renowned for its trulli, Locorotondo or even Martina Franca, perched high in the hills and surrounded by unmissable olive groves.
Not to mention the Torre Guaceto nature reserve, a migration site for many birds from the southern hemisphere.
Finally, don’t forget Bari, the regional capital! A single hour in its picturesque alleys and you will never forget it.
Do you want more? Here are our 11 must-see places in Puglia. With that, you will be ready to travel to this beautiful region of Italy.
Well, we hope this article has helped you a little to know how to get to Puglia. If you have other routes, we are obviously takers, in comments.
