Puglie italy. Adriatic coast of Italy - resorts. Puglia: rest, beaches, attractions, shopping. Santa Cesarea Terme

Apulia (Italy) on the map of the country occupies the extreme southeast, being the "heel" of the famous boot. The main cities of this region are Bari, Brindisi, Taranto, Lecce, Foggia.

Puglia region on the map of Italy

Taranto on the map

Taranto is located in the extreme south of the region on the shores of the Gulf of Tarentum (Ionian Sea). It is called the city of two seas because it is located on two peninsulas, between a small bay (Mar Piccolo) and the bay itself (Maar Grande), separated by a narrow channel.

Bari on the map

Bari, the administrative center of Apulia, is located on the Adriatic Sea in the heart of the region.

Puglia on the map

Coastline length

In terms of the length of the coastline, Apulia ranks first in mainland Italy - 865 km. It is a region rich in history, culture and a wonderful climate that attracts many tourists here.

Main attractions, resorts

If you go from north to south, then the first place that you must visit is national park Gargano, located on the peninsula of the same name. 17 species of wild orchids can be seen in the forests of the park, and 170 of the 234 bird species that nest in Italy live there, including peregrine falcons, red herons and sparrowhawks. In addition, there is the largest sinkhole in Europe, the so-called Pozzatin sinkhole, 600 meters long, 400 meters wide and 100 meters deep. In the park there is the Palicci cave of the Paleolithic era, in which drawings of prehistoric man have been preserved. In addition, Gargano is home to some of the best beaches in Italy - sandy Cala Lunga and Cala del Sanguinar, also rocky Ponente and Levante with crystal clear water incredible colors and shades. They are all free.

Important! No need to visit the park. special permission... The entrance to its territory is free. There is also no operating mode, however, basic precautions must be taken so as not to end up in the wild forest at night.

To the south, in the city of Bari, there is the main religious attraction of the region - the relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, resting in the basilica of the same name. Also of interest is the 13th century castle, which protected the approaches to the city. There is also a Russian church in Bari, which has recently become major center, hosting Orthodox pilgrims heading to Italy to venerate the relics of St. Nicholas. That is why the Russian language is familiar to the locals and in a difficult situation they are able to understand what the problem is and help with all the goodwill characteristic of southern Italy.

The relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker

The beaches

Not far south of Bari, in the area of ​​the town of Polignano a Mare, there are several beautiful pebble and sandy free beaches at once - Porto Contessa, Cala Porto and Porto Cavallo.

Apulia also has 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites - Castel del Monte and Alberobello.

The first was built in the 13th century by the Sicilian king, mystic and astrologer Frederick II. The unusual location of the castle (flat terrain), the octagonal shape is not typical for structures of this kind and the fact that the king never lived in it, make some historians think that it was built with a different purpose - to attract universal energy. At least the king himself was engaged in mystical calculations for a long time in search of such a place.

As for Alberobello, this town is famous for its unique, unparalleled in the world, traditional buildings - trulls, with conical roofs, making them look like the dwellings of some fabulous creatures. At the same time, the solution was not used when laying stones.

Interesting! According to legend, this form of construction was due to the fact that the feudal lords who owned this city took a tax from the roof. Therefore, when tax collectors approached Alberobello, the residents only had to remove one stone from the building, so that the entire roof collapsed.

Castle of Castel del Mont

If we return to the Adriatic coast and continue south towards the city of Brindisi, then one after another there will be a series of wonderful wild beaches, among which the snow-white sandy beach of Torre Santa Sabina stands out. By the way, Brindisi itself is of considerable interest to tourists - in addition to several baroque temples, there is a Roman column built in the 2nd century. n. NS. It marks the end of the famous Appian Way, which ran from Rome to the Adriatic coast.

Further south begins famous area, which on the map of Italy and Apulia is not indicated in any way. However, this area has its own name - Salento. It is there that some of the best beaches of the Apennine Peninsula are located - the Maldives di Salento with pink sand, the snow-white Punto Prosciutto and the four-kilometer white sand beach - Baia di Tore Lapillo. All of them are wild, so there are no services in the form of changing cabins, sun loungers, umbrellas and waterfront bars so as not to disturb the pristine beauty of nature.

What seas wash Apulia

Apulia is washed by two seas at once - the Adriatic and the Ionian. At the very end of the heel on the promontory is the town of Santa Maria di Leuca, where the two seas merge. From the sandy beaches of the city, you can watch the turquoise water of the Adriatic collide with the dark, almost purple water of the Ionian Sea.

Important! Going on a summer vacation in Puglia, it should be borne in mind that large hotel complexes there are no and therefore almost all beaches are free. The tourist has two choices. The first is to rent a house near any wild beach, since such services are widely offered by local residents, and spend time in peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle. The second is to rent a hotel room in one of the Apulian towns and visit the municipal beach. In this case, most likely the beach itself will be worse than the wild one, but with proper infrastructure and leisure facilities.

Just on the shores of the Ionian Sea in the town of Gallipoli, there is another popular beach - Baia Verde. He is a favorite place summer vacation for Italian actors, singers, show businessmen and other celebrities. As a result, there are in stock good infrastructure for both entertainment and recreation.

Baia Verde beach

Taranto is the last point on the journey along the coast of Puglia. A city founded by the Greeks in the 8th century BC. NS. famous for its numerous monuments. Among them, it is necessary to highlight - the remains of Dorian columns, the Greco-Roman necropolis, the famous Aragonese castle, built in the 15th century and locking the bay of Taranta, also the magnificent Cathedral of San Cataldo, the construction of which lasted from 700 years, in connection with which you can see elements in the building different eras... In addition, the city houses the National Archaeological Museum with one of the richest exhibitions in the world of works of art dating back to the period of Magna Graecia (6-4 centuries BC).

The most popular places of the region on the map

The sights of Puglia are not limited to the places mentioned above. Puglia is a very rich and varied region for all-round people. There you can see historical and cultural sights of different eras, relax on the beautiful beaches untouched by mass tourism, join the spirituality of early Christianity and just live surrounded by wildlife, moving away from the bustle and monotony of modern cities.

Popular places of Puglia on the map

The hardest part about this variety is to make your own choice. After visiting these unforgettable places, pleasant impressions will stir the soul for a long time. Many tourists have a desire to return to this wonderful piece of paradise.

The Puglia region is located on the southeastern coast of the Apennine Peninsula, occupying the heel of the Italian "boot". This traditionally agricultural region is also one of the most interesting tourist destinations in Italy. The world famous city of trulli Alberobello and the relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker in Bari, cozy seaside towns and sunny beaches huge parks entertainment and thermal springs, olive groves, wineries, castles, caves - all this will give travelers a lot of new discoveries and impressions.

Business card

Puglia has the longest coastline in Italy, which is washed by two seas at once - the Adriatic and the Ionian.

What to see, where to visit

In the capital of the region, the city of Bari, from where acquaintance with Italian Puglia most often begins, there is the Cathedral of St. Nicholas, where the relics of Nicholas the Wonderworker are kept. Also noteworthy are the Gothic Cathedral of St. Sabino, the Church of St. George, the Pinakothek, located in the building of the Provinchale Palace, and the Fort of St. Anthony, within the walls of which there is a museum of modern art.

No less famous is the town of Alberobello, where you can see trulli - small whitewashed houses with conical roofs. The main city church, the Church of St. Anthony, was built in the same style.

In general, interesting sights can be found in every corner of Puglia. In Andria - numerous churches, the Museum of Chocolates and the famous "castle on the mountain" Castel del Monte; in Barletta - a white-stone castle and a huge bronze colossus, erected in honor of the Roman emperor; in Brindisi - the Grande castle and the Forte Mare fortress; in Ostuni - an amazingly beautiful historical center with intricate streets and snow-white houses; in Martino Franca (20 km from Ostuni) - the Ducale Palace, where Leonador da Vinci, Donatello and other Italian geniuses once lived; in Lecce, richly decorated baroque palaces, churches and mansions; in Gallipoli - impressive architectural monuments different eras and styles.

In addition, there are several natural parks on the territory of the region (Gargano, Pollino, Gallipoli Cognato, Alta Murgia, etc.), and 40 km south of Bari, in the town of Castellana Grotte, there is unique complex karst caves, along which runs a 3-kilometer excursion route.

The beaches

The coast of Puglia in Italy, stretched along Adriatic sea, is a long line of picturesque beaches, mostly sandy.

There are excellent beaches in the north of the region - on the rocky shores national park Gargano (resorts Matinatta, Vieste, Rodi) and on the Tremiti islands. Towards Bari and further south there are a number of large seaside resorts(Barletta, Trani, Molfetta, Monopoli, Torre Canne, etc.) with well-equipped beaches stretching for tens of kilometers.

In southern Puglia, the most popular beaches are the beaches of Brindisi, Ostuni, Marino di Audriano, Otranto, Galliano del Cape, Porto Cesareo, Gallipoli, etc. This part of the coast is characterized by expressive landscapes - grottoes, rocky coves and natural panoramic terraces.

Springs and Wellness

Holidays in Puglia can be combined with treatment at one of the local thermal resorts... The most famous are the Baths of Torre Canne (Brindisi province), rich in healing mud, which are widely used for respiratory diseases, rheumatic and orthopedic problems; Margherita di Savoia (province of Barletta-Andria-Trani), famous for its salt lakes; Santa Cesaria Terme (province of Lecce) with hot sulfur springs, which help in the treatment of rheumatism and dermatological diseases.

Entertainment and active recreation

Most vacationers spend time on the beaches - sunbathing, swimming, doing aquatic species sports and beach games. You can go for a walk through the vineyards and olive groves (on foot or by bike), get to the natural or amusement park, visit any cultural event: each town has its own traditional holidays. Shopping, outlets and markets are just as enjoyable: antique in Gallipoli and Brindisi, handicraft market in Alberobello, flower market in Lecce. In the evenings, tourists will find restaurants, bars, nightclubs and discos. How larger city or a resort - the higher their concentration.

Local cuisine and wines

The local cuisine is based on natural products grown (or harvested) here in Puglia. The most famous delights are taranta oysters and mussels, octopus dishes, fish baked in salt, mozzarella and burrata made from the most delicate cream, lamb cooked in pots, orecchiette pasta with turnips, Apulian cauliflower, etc. Apulian olive oil, which is considered the best in Italy.

In addition, it is worth trying original desserts made from fruits and honey, as well as local wines, such as the red Salice Salentino or the white Locorotondo.

Family holiday

Puglia has several fun parks for the whole family. So, in the largest in Italy safari park Zoosafari (Fasano, 60 km from Bari) you can see dozens of species of wild animals, visit a dolphin show or ride a mini-train around the monkey village. The Miragica amusement park (Molfetta, 24 km from Bari) has an amazing "Land of the Giants", attractions and a 4D cinema. Indiana Park (50 km from Bari) offers exciting adventures for all ages and skill levels. 20 km from Brindisi (Cellino San Marco village) there is a huge Carrisiland water park, and not far from Lecce - the Splash water park.

, Taranto, Foggia.

How to get there

Many international airlines operate direct flights to Bari Airport from the UK, Belgium, Germany, as well as from Italian cities including Rome and Milan. Charters are often launched from Russia to Bari during the season.

V international Airport Brindisi operates flights from Switzerland, Great Britain and some Italian cities.

Search for flights to Bari (closest airport to Apulia)

By train

Puglia can also be reached by train (Trenitalia) from Rome. From the main railway. from Bari train station, trains leave for Milan (travel time 7.5 hours, the fare will be 79-120 EUR) and Rome (travel time is about 4 hours, the fare is 45-70 EUR).

Prices on the page are for April 2019.

On a ferryboat

In Bari (Porto di Bari) and Brindisi (Porto di Brindisi) there are regular water connections with Greece - the islands of Corfu, Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Patras and the city of Igoumenitsa.

Transport

Ferrovie del Sud Est provides services public transport in the region (buses and trains). The cost of tickets, both for bus and train, will vary from 2-3 to 16-20 EUR depending on the route. Also sold passes for a week, month or year.

Weather in Puglia

The climate is Mediterranean, with average temperatures in winter ranging from 6 ° C to 16 ° C, in summer from 28 ° C to 33 ° C.

Views of Alberobello

Shopping

The Gallipoli Antique Market opens every first Sunday of the month. The craft markets in Grumo Appula and Alberobello can be visited in August. The flower market in Lecce is open for 10 days in May. Here, in Lecce, on every last Sunday of the month, a flea market opens in Piazza Libertini.

In Brindisi, you can visit the monthly large market in Teresa Square, where antiques and unique items are sold. low prices... One of best markets located in Acquarica del Capo, here you can buy a variety of handicrafts made from bamboo, straw and other materials in May.

In September, during the festival in Madonna del Ponte, a large market opens where you can buy souvenirs and local products.

Kitchen

In the cuisine of Puglia, three dominant elements in the preparation of traditional dishes stand out - olive oil, considered one of the best in the world; vegetables and durum wheat.

Pasta dishes are an essential ingredient on every table. local residents... The most unique pasta in Puglia is the orecchiette, traditionally made with turnips. Also popular is the vegetable dish tiella (translated as terracotta pot) with rice, potatoes and mussels.

Orecchiette is a typical homemade pasta of the Puglia region. The name of the pasta in translation from Italian means "small ear" - in shape these pasta really look like ears.

The landscape of Ostuni is stunning, where silver olives topped with a green crown grow on the red ground, and the city itself stretches under the feet of spellbound tourists. The heart of ancient Ostuni is a maze of swirling corridors and staircases.

Puglia produces unsurpassed olive oil, because it is in this region that some of the oldest olive groves are located. Fish is especially loved here: the most delicious dish is the seafood sauté Ciambotto cooked with tomatoes, onions and peppers, and mussels from Taranto are considered the best in Italy.

You should definitely try the lamb baked in a clay pot with potatoes and wild onions. In Puglia, the ancient tradition of cheese making is carefully preserved, and juicy mozzarella and burata from Andria are unmatched in Italy.

Mediterranean desserts, often based on dried fruit, honey and syrup, will satisfy even the most demanding taste. Of the wines, the most popular are the reds Primitivo di Manduria and Salice Salentino, the whites Martina Franca and Locorotondo. Taralli appetizer is considered very tasty.

Hotels

Tourists will have no problems with accommodation in Puglia. It is worth booking strongly in advance only for hotels in Bari during the period of major religious holidays (for example, on St. Nicholas Day in early May): this city is very popular with pilgrims, I must say, deservedly.

Puglia beaches and resorts

The historical region and sub-region of Italy Gargano attracts tourists with its sunny resorts, in particular, for example, the town of Vieste. It is distinguished by the beauty of its coastline, formed by numerous grottoes and arches carved by water in limestone rocks.

Marina di Andrano, located in the province of Lecce, is considered a popular tourist destination for its picturesque landscapes with rocky coves. The two main beaches are Zona Botte and Zona Grotta Verde, the second boasts one of the most beautiful karst caves on the coast.

The Adriatic coast in the area of ​​Cape Castrignano del Capo (province of Lecce) is characterized by wild rocky terrain and magnificent sea views. Adriatic and Ionian Sea found at Cape Santa Maria di Leuca. On the cape there are beautiful grottoes, which were previously shelters for Byzantine monks.

In Puglia, the ancient tradition of cheese making is carefully preserved, and juicy mozzarella and burata from Andria are unmatched in all of Italy.

The resort town of Galliano del Capo (still the same province of Lecce) is located at an altitude of 147 meters above sea level. The coast is characterized by rocky shores and numerous grottoes. Gallipoli (province of Foggia) is known for clean sea and snow-white beaches, as well as international competitions in sailing... Lido San Giovanni beach, located 2 km south of the city, is ideal for families with children.

The resort of Margherita di Savoia (province of Barletta-Andria-Trani) is located in the southernmost part of the Adriatic coast and boasts magnificent natural beauty and thermal baths. The Monopoli coast (in the province of Bari) stretches for 13 km and consists of 25 beaches.

The sea around Ostuni (Brindisi province) combined with beautiful beaches considered one of the most beautiful in all of Puglia. A coastline Polignano a Mare big amount grottoes, and above the coast there are amazing panoramic terraces.

The coastline of Porto Cesareo (province of Lecce) is characterized by a rocky coastline, panoramic terraces overgrown with dense bushes, dunes, bays, spurs. There are 53 underwater karst caves, which are home to a large colony of red corals and sponges. Most interesting places for diving are areas near the coast of the Neretin.

The resort of Santa Cesaria Terme has been known since ancient times for its sulfuric waters.

Views of Lecce

Guides in Puglia

Entertainment and attractions of Puglia

Trulli of Alberobello - traditional drywall houses with conical roofs - are perhaps one of the favorite tourist attractions in Puglia. In 1996 they were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The old town in Bari is a beautiful old quarter with many churches. Romanesque Basilica of St. Nicholas; Church of St. George; the gothic cathedral of St. Sabino; Fort St. Anthony, now a museum of modern art, is a must-see not only for the entire region, but also for the south of Italy.

Matera (although located in the neighboring region of Basilicata, it is often visited from Puglia) is certainly the most unusual city in Italy. Thanks to the preserved rocky settlement of Sassi di Matera on its territory - a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important attractions Southern Italy, - Matera has gained international fame.

5 things to do in Puglia

  1. Bow to the relics of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, who have been resting for almost a thousand years in the basilica in Bari.
  2. Stay at least one night at the Trulli Holiday Hotel (as the name clearly indicates, the main attraction of which is that the hotel is located in a Trulli House). What for? To feel like a gnome or an elf, of course!
  3. Stop by the town of Barletto and enjoy the perfectly Romanesque nave of the Cathedral of Santa Maria Maggiore.
  4. Take a chance and embark on a 3 km journey through the intricate karst caves of Castellana.
  5. Take children to the zoosafari in Fasano, where for 24 EUR you can show them tigers, rhinos, baboons, bears, and even prehistoric monsters (alas, not real).

The picturesque system of karst caves of Castellana, located in the town of Castellana Grotte (province of Bari), is also of interest. The caves were discovered in 1938, their length is about 3000 m, and the natural entrance is a 60-meter vertical shaft. It is one of the most visited natural attractions in southern Italy.

Castle Castel del Monte, located 16 km from the city of Andria (province of Bari) - an outstanding structure of the time of Emperor Frederick II and a UNESCO World Heritage Site - was built in 1240-1250. The castle is a two-storey building with a flat roof in the form of a regular octagon, with octagonal towers at the corners.

In the ancient Roman city of Conversano you can visit medieval castle counts, Romanesque cathedral, Benedictine monastery, Franciscan church and Marcione castle. The ancient city of Martina Franca, surrounded by fortress walls, invites you to see the Ducal Palace (Palazzo Ducale), built in 1290-1708. as the residence of the Dukes of Gonzaga (an ancient Italian princely family). Nowadays it is a museum. Many famous Italian artists lived and worked in the palace: Leonardo da Vinci, Donatello, Andrea Mantegna, Giulio Romano, Pisanello, Leon Batista Alberti.

The landscape of the town of Ostuni is stunning, where silvery olive trees topped with a green crown grow on the red ground, and the city itself stretches under the feet of spellbound tourists. Heart ancient city- a maze of swirling corridors and stairs.

Developments

Martina Franca hosts the annual Summer Opera Festival (Festival della Valle d'Itria) at the Palazzo Ducale Palace. From 6 to 8 May, a grand celebration takes place in Bari in honor of St. Nicholas, the patron saint of the city. Historical reenactments are staged, shows and fireworks are staged. These days, a huge number of pilgrims from all over the world flock to the city.

The Puglia region is located on the southeastern coast of the Apennine Peninsula, occupying the heel of the Italian "boot". This traditionally agricultural region is also one of the most interesting tourist destinations in Italy. The world famous city of Alberobello trulli and the relics of St. Nicholas in Bari, cozy seaside towns and sunny beaches, huge amusement parks and thermal springs, olive groves, wineries, castles, caves - all this will give travelers a lot of new discoveries and impressions.

Business card

Puglia has the longest coastline in Italy, which is washed by two seas at once - the Adriatic and the Ionian.

What to see, where to visit

In the capital of the region, the city of Bari, from where acquaintance with Italian Puglia most often begins, there is the Cathedral of St. Nicholas, where the relics of Nicholas the Wonderworker are kept. Also noteworthy are the Gothic Cathedral of St. Sabino, the Church of St. George, the Pinakothek, located in the building of the Provinchale Palace, and the Fort of St. Anthony, within the walls of which there is a museum of modern art.

No less famous is the town of Alberobello, where you can see trulli - small whitewashed houses with conical roofs. The main city church, the Church of St. Anthony, was built in the same style.

In general, interesting sights can be found in every corner of Puglia. In Andria - numerous churches, the Museum of Chocolates and the famous "castle on the mountain" Castel del Monte; in Barletta - a white-stone castle and a huge bronze colossus, erected in honor of the Roman emperor; in Brindisi - the Grande castle and the Forte Mare fortress; in Ostuni - an amazingly beautiful historical center with intricate streets and snow-white houses; in Martino Franca (20 km from Ostuni) - the Ducale Palace, where Leonador da Vinci, Donatello and other Italian geniuses once lived; in Lecce, richly decorated baroque palaces, churches and mansions; in Gallipoli - impressive architectural monuments from different eras and styles.

In addition, there are several natural parks on the territory of the region (Gargano, Pollino, Gallipoli Cognato, Alta Murgia, etc.), and 40 km south of Bari, in the town of Castellana Grotte, there is a unique complex of karst caves along which a 3-km excursion route.

The beaches

The coast of Puglia in Italy, stretching along the Adriatic Sea, is a long series of picturesque beaches, mostly sandy.

There are excellent beaches in the north of the region - on the rocky shores of the Gargano National Park (resorts Matinatta, Vieste, Rodi) and on the Tremiti Islands. Towards Bari and further south - a number of large sea resorts (Barletta, Trani, Molfetta, Monopoli, Torre Canne, etc.) with well-equipped beaches stretching for tens of kilometers.

In southern Puglia, the most popular beaches are the beaches of Brindisi, Ostuni, Marino di Audriano, Otranto, Galliano del Cape, Porto Cesareo, Gallipoli, etc. This part of the coast is characterized by expressive landscapes - grottoes, rocky coves and natural panoramic terraces.

Springs and Wellness

Holidays in Puglia can be combined with treatment at one of the local thermal spas. The most famous are the Baths of Torre Canne (Brindisi province), rich in healing mud, which are widely used for respiratory diseases, rheumatic and orthopedic problems; Margherita di Savoia (province of Barletta-Andria-Trani), famous for its salt lakes; Santa Cesaria Terme (province of Lecce) with hot sulfur springs, which help in the treatment of rheumatism and dermatological diseases.

Entertainment and active recreation

Vacationers spend most of their time on the beaches - sunbathing, swimming, water sports and beach games. You can go for a walk through the vineyards and olive groves (on foot or by bike), drive to a natural or amusement park, visit any cultural event: each town has its own traditional festivals. Shopping, outlets and markets are just as enjoyable: antique in Gallipoli and Brindisi, handicraft market in Alberobello, flower market in Lecce. In the evenings, tourists will find restaurants, bars, nightclubs and discos. The larger the city or resort, the higher their concentration.

Local cuisine and wines

The local cuisine is based on natural products grown (or harvested) here in Puglia. The most famous delights are taranta oysters and mussels, octopus dishes, fish baked in salt, mozzarella and burrata made from the most delicate cream, lamb cooked in pots, orecchiette pasta with turnips, Apulian cauliflower, etc. Apulian olive oil, which is considered the best in Italy.

In addition, it is worth trying original desserts made from fruits and honey, as well as local wines, such as the red Salice Salentino or the white Locorotondo.

Family holiday

Puglia has several fun parks for the whole family. So, in the largest in Italy safari park Zoosafari (Fasano, 60 km from Bari) you can see dozens of species of wild animals, visit a dolphin show or ride a mini-train around the monkey village. The Miragica amusement park (Molfetta, 24 km from Bari) has an amazing "Land of the Giants", attractions and a 4D cinema. Indiana Park (50 km from Bari) offers exciting adventures for all ages and skill levels. 20 km from Brindisi (Cellino San Marco village) there is a huge Carrisiland water park, and not far from Lecce - the Splash water park.

If someone tells you that (Puglia) is comparable in beauty to Tuscany, and the city Lecce(Lecce) this is southern Florence: kill the speaker, and fry his liver with thyme and rosemary and eat it, because it is a lie, n ... and a provocation.

Terre di Puglia, Apulia is a part of Italy, which is located in the southeast of the Apennine Peninsula, popularly called the “Italian boot” and there is a necessary part of it - a heel with a spur.
According to Wikipedia, this region of Italy ranks first in wine and olive oil production.

I readily believe in this: the vineyards and olive plantations in the region are constantly “an eyesore”.
But nevertheless, on the roads of Puglia, you will not find the tasty and coveted signs of Vino Testing, Oil Vende.
These places are hidden from prying eyes, the eyes of tourists, and therefore one has to be content with visiting wineries in villages and small towns.

The landscapes here are sad and dismal: the plain is planted with cultivated trees or bushes.
Plain plowed and planted with wheat.
A plain cut by low fences of stacked stones, as well as some ruins of the same cobblestones.

Small towns and villages here are dull and sad: identical boxes with flat roofs, folded from foam concrete and plastered in pastel colors.
The streets are rectangular and in general all this strongly resembles some Kolpino or Kapotnya with typical houses cut down to the second floor.

People here speak Italian, but they understand little jokes and make contact.
The closeness with Albania, it seems to me, influenced this part of Italy, that I suspect a potential Albanian in every inhabitant of Puglia I meet.

The food here is not interesting at all. Moreover, I want to say that in this area of ​​Italy, Italians have become Albanians and have forgotten how to cook.
Local gastronomic specialties are based on bread: these are bagels and pasta with huge holes in which you can put ... fingers, as well as pasta reminiscent of our "ears".

The fish apparently caught everything, since in restaurants local fish costs from 70 euros per kilo, octopuses are prepared here so that it is better to immediately throw them into a handbag hanging behind a nearby chair. Mashed peas plus stewed greens reminiscent of roadside weeds are the gastronomic specialties of Puglia.

What seafood is represented more or less: mussels, the catch of which is well established, and there is even a small fleet of ships that deliver fresh food to restaurants.

.
Primitivo wine is the most famous and I can say that I like it.
At least I like something in Puglia. Any red. Take it and drink it - you can't go wrong: in terms of its richness and softness, it reminds me of the recent experience in Georgia with Kinzmarauli.
The color is dark ruby, easy to drink and goes well with cheeses and soft cottage cheese, which is also produced here.
White Chardonnay is more noble than the classic Chardonnay, which I am simply afraid to drink because of the floral-fruity flavor (for example, in Australia, Chardonnay can only be used for the production of moonshine).

An interesting serving of wine in Puglia: here, when asked to give a liter of "casa wine", they put a bottle on the table.
Well, I did not find here homemade wine in jugs, but we have already formed a dose for dinner - 1 liter.
You have to take 2 bottles and take away the unfinished one with you.

What else to add about Puglia?

Probably worth writing about beaches in this region as the local coastline is the longest of all regions of Italy.
As you yourself probably know: quantity (in this case, length) does not always translate into quality.
I can say that what I have seen sandy beaches are something garbage, which, of course, will be removed by a rake by the season and a price tag for a sunbed and an umbrella will be put on the day.
In the first two days in this region there was bad weather: it rained and stormy and therefore I could not compose and will not be able to convey the correct review about the beaches and the sea, but you can see what I saw in the photo below

The water is icy. At night +12 in the afternoon the wind - in general, in May it is quiet and deserted - beach hotels are closed, and who would think of settling in beach hotel Apulia at the end of May (although I swam on the Amalfi coast of Italy on the May holidays)

But if you are still going to come to these parts to relax on the sea, then I would advise ...
Yes, I will not advise anything.

A little about the cities?
Not much at all, since I avoid the city - they make me bored and I can only use them as a place for shopping ( about shopping in Bari I wrote in a separate article :) or an emergency overnight stay when all restaurants are closed in the countryside.

V historic center Bari it's nice to walk late in the evening - when the buses have already taken away the Korean tourists, and the Albanians are out on business in their parts of this port city. Narrow streets, along which it is pleasant to wander and even, I am not afraid of the word, to inhale the smell of perfume for linen, which is dried according to the old Albanian tradition - under a film of dust, but rather from rain.

Trulli(trulli) in Alberobello- these are traditional dwellings, which were built not by trolls, but by completely law-abiding Italians.
These dwellings have a distinct and recognizable conical roof as well as walls made of uneven cobblestones.
The walls are thick, whitewashed on the outside, which is why it is cool in these dwellings in summer. But in the cold season, you need good heating to heat such a pencil.

Why am I writing so confidently about this?
Yes, because yesterday we lived in such a house. I can advise the hotel - a very good owner who, without my asking, added me to his friends on fb as soon as he saw my passport.

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