Things to do in Puglia

Looking for things to do in Puglia? Here are just a few of our recommendations.

1. Walking - if you are wanting something a little more strenuous than the passegiata around the towns and ports in Puglia then it has to be a visit to the Gargano nature reserve. Exploring well preserved ancient ruins, learning about the region's flora and fauna or voyage deep into the Foresta Umbra (Forest of Shadows). We like to start (for this 7-hour trek) at the beach in Mattinata, leaving the chairs and umbrellas behind and following the trail up to Il Principe. The purple signs lead the way to the beginning of the long climb through the spectacular valley of the Ripe Rosse toward Tor di Lupo, 450m above sea level. Carrying along on this stretch, overlooking the sea, taking in the beautiful rock formations of Baia dei Merglio the last 3km are pleasantly easy to the final destination of the bay of Vignanotica.

2. Boat & sailing tours - from speed boats to yachts, self-rentals to grotto tours, the Puglia coastline has something to suit every taste. A couple of our favourites are the hop on local boats from Mattinata, Vignanocita and surrounding areas, these are almost like a local ferry around the nature reserve of the Gargano and takes you to see the many grottos along this picturesque and dramatic stretch of unspoilt coastline. For a more rustic and low cost option, why not hire a pedalo on the beach at Lido Cala Paura in Polignano al Mare - the best way, some would say, to see the town - from the crystal blue waters looking up. Another great way to see the restaurants and villas carved into the rocks of the town and choose a place to go for dinner later!

3. Shopping - our favourite shopping in Puglia is by far the markets, widely spread all over the region and host a variety of local food, drink, olive oils, fresh catches of day and handmade arts, crafts and clothing. We highly recommend the weekly market every Saturday in Ostuni, always a bargain to be had and the Puglianese love a good barter. The Antiques market in Gallipoli is another delight, on the 1st Sunday of every month, where its easy to uncover all sorts of hidden gems when browsing the stall laden streets of the old town. If fashion is more your idea of a good shopping day out then its best to stick to the larger towns of Bari and Lecce offering a great variety, whilst further north you can find some exquisite boutique stores in Taranto.

4. Wine tasting - quite surprisingly to most, in recent times Puglia is the 2nd largest wine producing region in Italy behind Veneto. This southern heel is a narrow region where you are never far from the sea and therefore creates a near perfect climate for the vineyards. Puglia is known for its diverse wine, steeped in rich history with a vibrant yet contemporary wine scene which is always surrounded by beautiful scenery and superb food. Flagship wines of the region range from the I'tria Valley to Salento and just as popular and wider known are the wines Manduria Primativo and Negroamaro.

Voted one of the best organic wineries the Antica Enotria is just a stone's throw from the coast and one of our favourites. Dated back to the 1700s and has been recently restored by the Tuccio Family and still operate the business today generating a host of indigenous Italian grapes such as Sangiovese to Falanghina. This place is definitely worth a visit but try to make sure it's an excursion rather than driving there!

5. Sights & landmarks - often said that the Baroque period and a new age of splendour really put Puglia on the map many centuries ago. Lecce - the region's biggest town in the South and often labelled "the Florence of the south" has the most examples of this most wonderful architectural era which spills out from Lecce in to many of the towns and villages you can visit. Its Duomo, a baroque masterpiece in the centre of the city is truly breath taking not just for itself but also for the setting. We have touched on the many grottos, the Trulli in Alberobello and the nature reserve of the Gargano in the north but we would also recommend a visit to the Castel del Monte. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a 13th Century Citadel and is situated on a hill and a wonderfully restored unique example of a medieval castle with breath taking views of its surrounding area leading out to the sea.

6. Beaches - with over 800km of coastline, the region offers the largest stretch in Italy and definitely its most diverse. If you are in search of golden sands, crystal clear waters, stunning natural backdrops and a great climate to boot (do you get the pun?), you need look no further. Whether it's either a luxurious seaside retreat, secluded dip after a steep climb, rocky cove or mysterious grotto with Puglia offers a variety that cannot be rivalled within the whole of Italy.

For a luxury day at the beach where you can lay and be waited on, you cannot miss the Coccaro Beach Club offering a wonderful terrace by the sea with a cocktail bar and luxury eating directly to your sunbed or in the exclusive restaurant. Or why not visit Pescoluse beach in Leuca (Italy's answer to the Maldives) and is a great beach for families with its shallow waters.

7. Food & drink - Puglian cuisine will not disappoint, with a combination of Italian, Greek and Spanish influences meaning it is one of the most flavoursome in Italy. Expect to see plenty of fresh fruit, olives, grilled meat and fish, exquisite bread and copious amounts of wine. Italy is the world's largest producer of Olive oil and the region of Puglia which is said to be less aggressive than its northern counterparts as it rarely freezes here in winter and accounts 45% of the country's production. Famous for many dishes from its little ear pasta (Orecchiette) to crunchy snack Taralli and its deep-rooted cuisine means it tends to be a simple but delicious menu focussing on fresh and local products in the main. The Focaccia here cannot be beaten and if you get to visit Polignano al Mare you cannot leave with out a visit to their Focaccia shop - Pan Per Focaccia - some of the best we have ever experienced.

8. Events and Festivals - Puglia has a rich calendar of cultural and religious event and festivals throughout the year. From the Gargano running and trekking week in April to the Red Bull Cliff Diving events in July, where Polignano al Mare is the European home of this frightening sport! Most notarised though, has to be the famous "Hell in the Cave" Show - combining voices, dance, sound and lights in the natural setting of the Castellana Caves which provides a gigantic backdrop of a stage inside Europe's biggest grotto.

9. The arts, museums & history - Puglia is steeped in history and behind every corner awaits another wonder. Over the centuries this region has been invaded by the Greeks, Romans and Moors and each has left their mark on its diverse art and architecture. There is always plenty of great towns to visit from the City of Lecce with its unique Baroque architecture, the "Florence of the South" to Gallipoli and its ancient medieval castle at the old town's gates. If you get to visit Bari its well worth seeing the splendid Italian Style theatre in the heart of this town. The Teatro Petruzzelli is said to be the region's most cultural building and the largest private theatre in Europe holding up to 1500 people with a rich artistic program of plays and shows hosted there all year long.