Self-Guided Tours Puglia | Italy Vacations

Puglia

Highlights

Soak up the sun-drenched charm of Italy's heel by bike or on foot
Explore Puglia's UNESCO listed fairy-tale 'trulli' houses in Alborobello
Cycle through olive groves, sleepy medieval hamlets and mesmerizing coastal landscapes
Enjoy the view from the terrace of Locorotondo, with a local Salento wine in hand
Visit Ostuni, the “white city” rising dramatically from the Valle d’Itria plateau
Follow the trail through the historic cobbled streets of Otranto’s old town

Explore the sun-drenched southern 'heel' of Italy’s 'boot' on an active self-guided hiking or biking trip in Puglia. Stretched along both the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, Puglia is famous for the Salento coast which boasts some of Italy's loveliest beaches, ancient olive groves and historic whitewashed towns. Thanks to the various invaders who have left their mark, Puglia’s rich history is reflected in its architecture, culture, and cuisine. The region is less commercialized and quieter than Italy's more famous tourist hotspots such as Tuscany or Amalfi, which makes it an ideal Italian vacation destination for outdoor activities on foot or by bike.

Whether you have time only for a short active hiking getaway or a longer cycling adventure, we can help you with an unforgettable adventure in Puglia. With no group or guide, you can enjoy the freedom to travel at your own pace on one of our tried and tested routes, with the full support of our US & European team. Wandering through the labyrinthine streets of Ostuni or cycling through Puglia's tranquil countryside admiring the famous ‘trulli’ houses on one of our self-guided Puglia trips is the perfect way to delve into the history, culture and coastal landscapes of this stunning part of Italy.

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Discover Puglia

Where is Puglia?

Puglia, also known as Apulia, is a region in southern-most Italy. It forms the 'heel' of Italy's 'boot' and is bordered by the Adriatic Sea to the east, the Ionian Sea to the southeast, and the Strait of Otranto to the south.

From North America, the best international airport to fly into is Rome or Naples. There are also smaller airports in Bari, Brindisi and Taranto. Alternatively, from Rome it is possible to take a high speed train to Bari (3 hrs) or from Naples a national train (4-5 hrs) to Bari, and then a national or regional train to your destination.
Getting to Know Puglia, Italy

When is the best time to visit Puglia?
The best time to visit Puglia is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) when the weather is warm and mild but the sea temperatures are still suitable for swimming. July & August can be quite hot, and the sea is quite warm at this time, but still refreshing. August is also when many Italians take their own summer vacations, which can mean that some shops, restaurants and services are shuttered at this time.

Deciding between Puglia & Amalfi?
Puglia offers a more tranquil and less crowded experience than Amalfi, with equally stunning landscapes, charm, and a deep connection to Italian culture. It's ideal for a quieter and more immersive getaway.

What is Puglia known for?
Puglia is known for its miles of beautiful coastline (the longest in Italy), white hilltop towns, ancient olive groves and UNESCO listed 'trulli' houses. The region's distinctive speckle glazed ceramics are also prized by locals and visitors alike.
What to Eat in Puglia?

Tiella (Pictured): Surrounded by the sea, its no surprise that tiella is one of Puglia's best dishes. Fresh octopus or calamari are layered with vegetables in a thin crust to form a portable deep-dish pizza.

Panzerotti: Small pockets of fried dough stuffed with various fillings; these are Puglia's most famous street food. Perfect for a quick bite on a busy day of exploration.

Bombette di Alberobello: Pockets or rolls of seasoned meat and caciocavallo cheese, roasted on skewers - this Puglian street food is a delicious protein snack.

Pasticciotto: Ready for dessert? This heavy crust pasty filled with cream, fruit or chocolate is a wonderful treat!

And for some simpler fare, Puglia is Italy's largest producer of olive oil, and famous for its mozarella burrata. Pair these with one of the best breads in the world, altamura which has a protected designation of origin, it's that good. You now have the start of a perfect picnic!