The Puglia region has one of the most picturesque coastlines in Italy, though it’s also famous for its architecture, cuisine and superb produce quality. So, it’s easy to understand why it’s one of the most visited regions in the country, with an influx of millions of tourists yearly.
For those who never visited it, Puglia’s size may look misleading on the map; it’s not as big as it seems. In fact, it’s only the seventh-largest region in the country. It’s great news for visitors since the best Puglia tours can uncover most of its gems. However, travellers who do not have much time to spend there can choose one of its iconic cities, according to their taste.
This article will look at some of the common places in Puglia. Here are the Top 5 cities visitors can’t miss.
Bari
The capital of Puglia is probably the best place to start since it’s where most visitors arrive in the region. Bari is famous for its street food, apart from its 12th-century Norman cathedral and the Basilica de San Nicola. The city’s original architecture has been beautifully preserved in the old town, where simply strolling around its stone arches and narrow alleys can be fun. Bari is also praised for its street food, which includes staples like panzerotti, focaccia barese, sgagliozze (polenta fritters).
Altamura
Altamura is only 45 minutes away from Bari, but often (and unfairly), it’s overlooked by tourists, which is a big mistake. Like most European cities, Altamura has an old town, but it looks like no other. This part of the city was built hundreds of years ago to resist invasions, and it’s defined by its “strade strette,” or claustrophobically narrow streets with archways where people need to crawl to get through.
Polignano a Mare
The cliffs which rise dramatically above the Adriatic Sea illustrate countless Puglia postcards. The Cala Porto beach is also an Instagram sensation; tourists usually flock there for the best angles. For those who love food tourism, the restaurant Grotta Palazzese is carved into a cave with views to see. Polignano a Mare’s beauty isn’t seasonal, but those who want to avoid streets and attractions packed with tourists should avoid visiting it between July and August.
Alberobello
For those who love architecture, Alberobello is nothing short of a fairytale. Indeed, the city has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its gnome-like houses with conical roofs, named “trulli.” There are about 1,500 houses like that in Alberobello, the oldest ones dating from the 14th century.
There’s also a museum, the Trullo Sovrano, treating visitors to an authentic 19th-century trullo experience. Many trulli are available for accommodation, though some visitors prefer to stay in nearby towns like Cisternino and Ostuni and explore Alberobello during the day.
Top 5 Cities to Visit in Puglia
Lecce
The baroque splendour of Lecce isn’t anything lesser than well-established jewels in Tuscany. In fact, Lecce was so culturally strong in the period that it had its own style of architecture, the “Barocco Leccese.” The Basilica di Santa Croce, the Pallazzo Vescovile, and the Duomo are prime examples of the greatness of this period. Still, the city has even older landmarks, such as a Roman-period granary and a pre-Christian Messapian tomb.
Whether you’re drawn to history, architecture, food, or dramatic coastlines, Puglia’s top cities offer something for every kind of traveller.