Apulia

Major Cities and Towns

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• Bari – The largest city on the Adriadic Sea and the capital of Puglia, many people fly into Bari but skip over it as a destination in and of itself, which is a shame. Bari’s old town is a fascinating collection of old-world streets, with historic architecture and plenty of hidden gems just waiting to be stumbled upon, plus an impressive castle that is well worth the visit.
   

• Polignano a Mare – One of the more posh beach locations, the town sits on a cliff overlooking the sea. It is famous for the many grottos that dot the cliff face and run underneath the town, as well as it’s well-preserved Roman Old Town.
   

• Ostuni – This iconic “white town” sits perched on a hill overlooking the Adriatic Sea. The old town is a maze of whitewashed houses and winding streets reminiscent of an old Arab bazaar. Navigating the labryinth of alleys, stairs, courtyards, and squares may be confusing, but that's part of the fun. Ostuni is also reputed to have some of the best dining in all of Puglia.
   

• Brindisi – Lying at the eastern end of the famous Appian Way, this city was one of the Roman Empire’s main east coast ports on the Italian Peninsula. Today it’s still an important seaport with a charming old town and a wide array of art-filled churches and basilicas to explore. When cruise ships are not in town, you may feel like the only tourists, which makes it a perfect place to base yourself for a while as you make daytrips across the region.
   

• Lecce – Although there are famous landmarks, like the well-preserved Roman amphitheater in the heart of the old town, Lecce is one of those cities that is best for simply wandering. The golden sandstone buildings of the historic center glow in the sunlight as you while away the day hopping from lunch at a newly discovered trattoria, to shopping for jewelry or handmade bags in a local shop, to grabbing a glass of wine as you watch the sun go down. In the evening, join the locals on their evening passeggiata – the casual communal pre-dinner stroll without any real destination or point, other than simply enjoining being out among your friends and neighbors. Now that’s Italian!
   

• Gallipoli – Not to be confused with the infamous WWI battle that took place in Turkey, this Gallipoli is a small fishing village that has found great popularity as a summer destination for Italy’s gay community. So, expect vibrant night life from May to October and slow, beach-laden days that are ideal for recouperation. The village’s cute old town sits on a small island that is connected to the rest of the town by a bridge, just adding to the charm of this seaside getaway.
   

• Taranto – Founded by Spartans in the 8th Century BCE as a Greek colony, this is a beautiful seaside city that is rich in archaeological interests. The city is split in two with its old and new towns connected by a bridge. The city’s strategic point on the Ionian Sea meant it also later became a medieval stronghold against the Turks, which explains why much of the city is so fortified with well-preserved batteries and other protective bulwarks.
   

• Foggia – The capital of Puglia's northernmost province by the same name, this isn’t typically a destination in and of itself, though there are certainly sites worth seeing. The area was a favorite of Frederick II, the 11th Century Holy Roman Emperor who ruled from Sicily to Jerusalem, so there is a provincial charm and to the city, with old palaces and regal squares. The city is also a popular base for those looking to explore the picturesque Parco Nazionale del Gargano,with it’s sweeping vistas of the rocky coast and access to the nearby Tremiti Islands. 
   

• Matera – while not actually in Puglia, Matera is just over the boarder in Basilicata, and many people pair this fascinating town with a tour of Puglia. See the Basilicata page for more info.