Puglia

Stretching from the Gargano peninsula to the heel of the Italian boot, Puglia also known by its Roman name of Apulia is a unique part of Italy, just begging to be explored.

An unspoilt landscape is dotted with whitewashed villages, rolling hillside strewn with ancient castles and sandy beaches edged by rocky mountain ranges sweeping down to the Adriatic Sea. One of its most striking features is its trulli - old whitewashed stone buildings with conical roofs, seen mostly in Alberobello. This is an ideal destination for anyone seeking to avoid the hustle and bustle of the busier Italian resorts and escape to a more secluded region where tradition and warm hospitality are a way of life.

Regarded as the Garden of Italy, Puglia is an important producer of olive oil, pasta and wine and the region positive celebrates food. Cycling is also a popular pastime and there are certainly plenty of views to admire whether you explore the landscape on two wheels, drive through it on four, or simply relax in the grounds of your hotel and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

The resorts of Puglia

Martina Franca

Martina Franca is in the heart of Puglia. The jewel of Martina Franca is its lovely historic centre, a memorable maze of winding alleys where whitewashed simplicity sits side by side with baroque extravagance. The town is built on a hill in the green Valle d'Itria which is the trulli area of Puglia and is regarded as an incredibly photogenic town, so ensure your camera is at the ready!

Polignano A Mare

This is a beautiful little beach town perched on a cliff overlooking the sea. The tiny old town combines charming streets with whitewashed buildings and old churches leading to wide terraces offering breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea. The Blue Flag beach boasts crystal clear waters and dramatic sea cliffs.

Lecce

Built in the local soft white limestone with dazzling architectural surprises around every corner, Lecce is a minor Baroque masterpiece. Its spider's web of streets offer a mix of long-range vistas, alluring glimpses and playful perspectives that have long enchanted visitors. With an abundance of sights. Lecce is one town not to be missed.

Carovigno

This is a charming town with rustic, picture-postcard scenes at every turn. Located just 7km from the White City of Ostuni, Carovigno has a lovely historic centre with a medieval castle. It is surrounded by olive groves reaching to the sea about 5km away.

Alberobello

This town is filled with trulli, whitewashed houses with conical roofs forming lines of attractive peaks along its narrow streets. These curious dwellings earned the town the distinction of being listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Please note that many Italian local authorities have introduced a tourist tax, this is not included in your holiday price and if applicable, must be paid by you directly at your accommodation.

Ostuni

Also known as the White City because of its whitewashed houses, Ostuni is a traditional town with a maze of narrow streets lined with wonderful restaurants and artisan shops spilling out on to cobblestoned alleys. Located in the province of Brindisi, it offers spectacular views of the surrounding countryside and the Adriatic Sea. Just 8km away are some lovely beaches which have been awarded five Blue Flags in recent years.