After two months spent in this wonderful Italian region, I would like to share best pictures of Puglia with you. This is not the photo album presenting all best sites in Puglia. By no means! It is, however, my personal itinerary of winter spent there and best pictures I took. I am convinced that a picture is worth a thousand words so with no further hesitation here are 15 best pictures from Puglia.
Small and friendly Towns
It all started in Oria a small and frienly town deep south. It is situated on a hill and has a remarkable history of the Jewish community. For me, however, the most striking thing was the legend that St. Peter walked through Oria when he was going to Rome, to die. Ancient roots of the parish in Oria.
Oria, Puglia
Old and picturesque
Not only old stones but also old cars. Oria was all about old school views.
Vecchio Fiat 500, Oria, Puglia, Italy
Excuisite Architecture
Everywhere you go in Puglia, sooner or later you get to a place that is an example of the baroque style. I saw the real pearls there!
Ostuni, Puglia, Italy
Top Attractions
Ostuni has been known to me for a long time. I considered it a must see while in Puglia. I spent one sunny day in Ostuni but the city, although it is nice, was very touristy. I prefer less known destinations. Ostuni is worth a one day visit but there is so much more to see in Puglia!
Ostuni, the white city, Puglia, Italy
Alberobello UNESCO site
Equally true was the fame of Alberobello. This UNESCO site known for its downtown full of trulli houses was somehow dissapointing. It is just too perfect! Clear, white, well kept looks like a huge tourist attraction. Don’t get me wrong. It is worth a visit. I went there twice and let me tell you this: once is enough.
Alberobello, UNESCO site of trulli, Puglia, Italy
Welcome to Gallipoli!
Gallipoli has recently gained a status of super popular tourist destination. Many of my Italian friends visited it at least once. The inflow of visitors has changed this place. Apart of downtown, the city build along the shore is new and, unfortunatelly, not so beautiful. I enjoyed one morning visit in the old part of Gallipoli. It was so beautiful!
Gallipoli in winter time, Puglia, Italy
Otranto
Otranto was far from Oria but even though I drove down there to enjoy one of a few places in Italy conquered once by the Turkish army. I especially enjoyed the view on totally empty at this time of the year marina. I have a dream to sail there! And, above all, at 15:00 there was literally nobody. I had a city to myself! What a luxury!
Cathedral in Ortanto, detail of facade, Puglia, Italy
Seafood in seaside towns
Every single town in Puglia is so close to the coast that you can eat excuisite seafood literally everywhere. It tastes like heaven!
Spaghetti alle vongole, Oria, Puglia, Italy
Friendly Locals
In many of the locations visited people were charming. I got friendly with the locals and it turned my stay in Puglia in a sort of extended family visit.
Polignano a Mare, Puglia, Italy
Sea
I love the sea. Especially in a cold and windy day. The view of the waves and the lighthouse is one of the most beautiful things on earth! Monopoli was stunning! I visited five times just to fully enjoy its atmosphere.
Monopoli under rain clouds, Puglia, Italy
Bari of Saint Nicola
I had no idea how important the Basilica of St. Nicola in Bari is. A celebration of Christmas there and another visit in a crypt downstairs where relics of St. Nicola are held was a powerful experience to me. And the prayer in Russian of this old lady whispered in front of the Saint was touching.
Orthodox and Catholics together, Bari, Puglia, Italy
Charming downtowns
Here is Monopoli again. I found it most intriguing. A truly lovely place, full of inner beauty, surprising tiny streets, excellent restaurants and the view on a rough sea. The picture perfect.
Monopoli downtown, Puglia, Italy
Olive oil
Crossing Puglia makes you think that this region is all about olive oil. I was lucky. Usually, in December, the olive harvest is long gone. This year was exceptionally good and even in late December and early January farmers were still coming to frantoio to have their olives turned into olive oil. The smell of olives was everywhere not to mention a fantastic taste.
Olives harvest, Puglia, Italy
How to visit Puglia in winter. Advice
I found Puglia in winter the most charming place. There were no tourists, the locals had time and interest in visitors, the quality of services and food was excellent. I personally see no reason why anyone would like to come here in summer time. Winter was just perfect! The weather was spring like with only three rainy days in more than two months! The blue sky was an everyday view and I would recommend Puglia in winter to every traveler who wants more than just sunny beaches and cheap drinks.
I love Puglia
