3 Reasons Holidays in Puglia Are Irresistible

Puglia is a charming, if sometimes overlooked, region in Italy that is perfect for a visit of a few days or even longer. While some travellers eschew the area in favour of better-known regions, holidays in Puglia are becoming more and more popular. Here are just three reasons why.

Sheer Beauty

Like many people who are visiting Italy to explore its stunning landscape, the one breath-taking reason why holidays in Puglia are such an unforgettable experience is its sheer beauty. It's not only the natural landscapes or geographical treasures, but also the towns and villages making up this gorgeous region that make it so special. So if you’re looking for a place that is not only utterly relaxing, but also resonates with an ambience of authenticity, you won’t be disappointed.

The region is ideal for a whole lot of aimless wandering – you can just just set off from one point and allow (for example) the labyrinthine, whitewashed streets of Locorotondo and Ostuni sketch out your day’s itinerary. You could also enjoy the distinctive elegance of towns along the coast, such as Gallipoli and Otranto. But, in fact, everywhere you go you’ll find something to be dazzled by: from balconies with red and pink geraniums, to street market stalls that overflow with freshly picked cherry tomatoes, peaches, or whatever fruit is in season.

The Locals

Like many parts of Italy, the area offers a strikingly slow pace of life: the more you are accustomed to the fast pace of living in a big city, the deeper this realisation will hit you. Holidays in Puglia are notable for the lack of stress and how the locals are always willing to make time for you – restoring one's faith in humanity. It is common for the locals of the region to invite travellers for dinner in their homes, allowing you to have a genuine experience of the lifestyle. The energy and passion of the locals' dedication to their culture and tradition is palpable - from street vendors to housewives making pasta on the street to the guides that show you around the region’s architectural treasures.

The Culinary Delights

One of the true and treasured delights of holidays in Puglia is, of course, the food: quite simply, the region’s cuisine is spectacular. It's very healthy and if you’re vegetarian you’ll find a paradise here. The local cuisine’s innovative use of vegetables is due to the country’s history of poverty – historically, as people could not afford to eat meat as often as they would like, they were compelled to develop dishes made from available ingredients. The result – Cucina Povera ("cooking of the poor") - is the kind of cuisine that could be described as a feast of flavours. Along with a huge array of vegetable dishes, there are different cheeses (the burrata is heaven on the palate) made into an exciting array of sumptuous treats, along with the region's famous orecchiette pasta – to name just a few specialities.

Carolyn Spinks is COO of ABTOI - The Association of British Travel Organisers to Italy. If you’re looking for the perfect holidays in Puglia their LoveItaly website provides destination information, contact details of tour operator members to help you plan the best Italian holiday, ‘insider’ tips, year round special offers and information on everything from beach holidays in Sardinia, cycling in Sicily, to a wedding or honeymoon in Tuscany.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.