If you are seeking cultural things to do in Puglia, Italy, you’d love this guide to experiencing Puglia culture by Ruba Shahzada!
A dreamer and a traveler from the Middle East, currently living in the UK, Ruba has traveled to over 25 countries, however, holds a special love for Italy. You can find out more about her on Travel With Ruba.
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Puglia, Italy: An Introduction
Where’s Puglia? Puglia is a beautiful region in southern Italy characterized by two peninsulas – Salento and Gargano.
If you look closely at the map of Italy, you’d notice that the country is shaped like a boot – look over the heel of the boot – that’s the Salento peninsula of Puglia and then take a dekko at the spur of the boot – that’s Gargano peninsula of Puglia.
One of the poorest regions in Italy in the past, Puglia aka Apulia (pronounced poo-li-ya) is gaining a lot of popularity, lately – its endless miles of sandy beaches, deep blue seas, olive groves, whitewashed stone houses, and the super famous Trulli have put the region on the international travel map, thereby, attracting more and more tourists to its beautiful and picturesque lands.
Colonized by Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Normans, Arabs, and Spanish, Puglia is an intriguing mix of diverse cultural influences. This Italian region is a dream for anyone who appreciates art, culture, history, architecture, and gastronomy – the 500 miles of the cerulean coastline is a plus.
Cultural influences abound in every corner, we bring you this insightful guide to experiencing the authentic culture of Puglia!
Top 10 Cultural Things to Do in Puglia, Italy
1. Stay at a Traditional Trullo Accommodation
The first cultural thing you must do in Puglia is stay at an authentic Pugliese accommodation, a historic Trullo House, a bucket list experience indeed.
Probably you are thinking what are these Trulli and why must you sleep in one of them? A significant aspect of the Puglia region, Trulli are white rounded structures topped with stoned cones. Believed to be constructed around 1,000 AD, Trulli define the Puglia region of Italy.
You can find accommodation and farms “Masseria” with Trulli scattered all around Vale Di’Itria at the heart of the Puglia Region.
Vale Di’Itria is the home to cute small towns of Alberbello (the main Trulli town), Martina Franca, Cisternino, Ostuni (the white city “Citta Bianca”), Ceglie Messapica (the gastronomy town of Puglia), Locorotondo, and many others.
Located on the outskirt of the gastronomy capital town of Puglia, named, Ceglie Messapica, Trullo Santangelo is one of the most authentic Pugliese accommodations.
Owned and run by a true Apulian family, this historic accommodation is as beautiful as it gets.
Surrounded by olive groves, a stay at Trullo Santangelo is not only a serene Apulian escape but an immersive cultural experience. Staying here is like living your perfect Italian dream.
Your day here starts with the freshest Pugliese traditional breakfast sourced from local vendors and bakeries.
After breakfast, you can join a cooking class with Nonna Rina to learn more about the Pugliese culinary traditions.
Spend some time by the swimming pool doing what you love the most – swimming, reading a book, or just lying in the sun lounger.
Supercharged, it’s time to rent a bike and cycle between the farms in the area while stopping by and taking in the charm and culture of the beautiful surroundings.
End your day with a wine-tasting session. At Trullo Santangelo, they produce their own organic wines, owner’s brother is an experienced Sommelier and holds rich wine-making knowledge. So, be assured, It’s going to be a super authentic experience.
Book Your Stay at Trullo Santangelo
2. Visit a Cheese Farm and Taste Traditional Fresh Cheese
Puglia is home to an extensive selection of delicious cheese varieties, such as mozzarella and burrata.
If you are staying at Trullo Santangelo you will be pleased to know that under 10
minute’s drive from here you will find Masseria Fragnite, a small traditional family-run cheese farm.
Join a guided tour to see how they make different varieties of cheese, from mozzarella and burrata to ricotta and many more, learn facts about the cheese-making tradition in Puglia, and taste the best varieties of fresh and aged cheese in the region.
The tour at Masseria Fragnite begins with a meet and greet with the cows and their calves. Soon after, you will see and learn about the traditional cheese production process.
At the end of the tour, you will meet Rocco, the famous cheese maker at the Masseria, who will display a mouth-watering and cheesy show of how the Mozzarella cheese is made.
The tour ends leaving you super hungry and impatient to try their fresh cheese, which is served at the main courtyard alongside refreshing Rose Wine.
Join a Traditional Cheese Tour and Tastings at Masseria Fragnite
3. Make Orecchiette Pasta and Pugliese Focaccia with Apulian Nonna
No visit to Italy would be complete without attending a pasta-making class.
Cooking pasta using Nonna’s recipes is a big part of the Italian culture, and this is a must cultural experience when in Puglia!
In 2020, I was lucky to spend 3 weeks in Italy, 2 of those weeks were in Puglia, where I filled my days with nonstop cultural activities trying different cooking and pasta-making classes.
One of my favorite and dreamiest pasta-making classes is the one I attended in Ostuni – The White City with Angelica and her family.
The class starts with cooking Orecchiette pasta (ear-shaped pasta) with the Nonna, followed by baking different flavors of Focaccia bread, and ends with making fresh Ricotta cheese.
While you are busy learning delicious Italian dishes, your kind, and welcoming host prepares the long outdoor table with a nice decoration for you to enjoy the traditional delicacies. The full-course Apulian meal is served with a selection of Apuline wines.
To me, the best aspect of this cooking class experience is that you get to enjoy the traditional food you made with your local host at the same table as one big happy family.
Book a Traditional Cooking Class in Ostuni
4. Visit Alberobello and Dine at Chef Dominco L’Aratro Restaurant
Around 40 minutes drive to the North of Ceglie Messapica, you will find yourself at one of the most beautiful towns in the Puglia region, Alberobello, the town of the Trulli structures.
Alberobello is a small and picturesque town, perfect for a day trip. You can stroll the cobbled streets or stop by one of the nice bars for a quick drink or perhaps shop for some authentic souvenirs.
Tucked between the narrow alleys of Alberobello, you can find L’Aratro Restaurant, one of the most authentic places to eat in Alberobello – here chef Domenico serves Alberobello specialties.
The menu offers an expansive variety of wines from the Puglia region in addition to fresh cheese trolly to accompany your main dish. The best thing at L’Aratro is that the chef himself walks around the tables greeting his guest while ensuring they are looked after. The service and the food are impeccable at L’Aratro.
Tip: I recommend you book your spot in advance, as L’Aratro is insanely popular amongst locals and tourists alike.
5. Explore Bari City & Take A Walking or Cycling Food Tour in Old Bari (Bari Vecchia)
Around 1 hour and 30 minutes drive north of Puglia from Ceglie Messapica takes you to Bari.
You can drive or take the train or bus, just make sure to check the last train/bus leaving from Bari back to Ceglie Messapica.
For those who are driving to Bari, you can find many car parking spots scattered around the city center or Old Centre “Bari Vecchia.”
A guided walking or cycling food tour is the best way to explore Bari.
Old Bari or “Bari Vecchia” is known for the finest street food scene in Puglia. You can find many tour operators offering to explore Old Bari on foot or by bike through its local delicacies.
During the tour, you not only learn about the city and its history and culture but you also get a chance to meet the old ladies and Nonnas and witness the process of making fresh Orecchiette Pastas in the narrow alleys of Old Bari. It’s a delight to see colorful pasta displayed on trays at those picturesque pastel-colored alleys.
Make sure you buy fresh pasta straight from the ladies of Bari. Please carry enough cash with you.
What to expect during the Bari Food Tour?
You’ll stop by Basilica San Nicola (a major significance for Catholic and Orthodox Christians in Bari, possibly the only Basilica that offers both services) and wander around the narrow alleys watching elderly ladies of Bari making fresh
pasta and drying them on the outdoor pasta trays.
You’ll get a chance to taste the best Gelato at the oldest Gelato place in Bari, founded in 1880 – Gentile Gelateria where they offer different and unique gelato flavors. Go bold with your choice of gelato and try something different, I assure you that you will never regret your choice!
You’ll eat fried Polenta (made of corn dough) and Panzerotti (deep-fried folded dough with different fillings such as cheese and tomato or others) from the street food market.
Finally, the tour ends with a visit to the old salumeria where you’ll try out fresh cold cuts, and cheeses paired with local wines.
6. Spend a Day at Polignano a Mare Town
Less than 30 minutes drive South of Bari, a picturesque Pugliese coastal town built on the sea-facing rocky hills, Polignano a Mare (pronounced as poli neigh ano a mar e) is delightful.
What to do in Polignano A Mare?
Just stroll the winding alleys and gawk at the balconies decorated with plants, vibrant flowers, and the famous Pugliese ceramics, an Instagram-worthy walk for sure.
Relax and swim by the Lama Monachile, a rocky beach surrounded by nice bars and restaurants, accessible from town stairs. Watch in awe as the youngsters jump from the surrounding rock formations into the emerald, green-colored sea.
Watch the sun going down from one of the bars or restaurants at one of the town
cliff balconies. I would recommend Caffè Dei Serafini for a refreshing aperitivo.
A sunset dinner at Grotta Palazzese, the famous restaurant built inside one of the caves of the town. You would need to book in advance, at least 4-5 months to secure a spot at this beautiful seaside restaurant and you would also need to prepare your wallet!
Indulge in the best gelateria in town at Joya Canti di Stagione which offers
fresh seasonal treats. Scoring high on Tripadvisor, it’s a must-stop before you leave the region!
Enjoy a refreshing Mojito at the hippie Casa Del Mojito Bar.
7. Shop at the Home of Puglia Ceramics – Grottaglie Quartiere delle Ceramiche
Under 20 minutes drive from Ceglie Messapica, Grottaglie is a cute artistic town known for Pugliese ceramics. If you are a fan of traditional handicrafts, you’d love this place.
It’s a manufacturing hub for the best Puglia-infused design ceramics in the Puglia region. The tiny shops you find across Puglia buy their ceramic supplies from Grottaglie.
You won’t find such a beautiful variety of designs at competitive prices anywhere in Puglia than here. It’s a perfect place to grab authentic souvenirs from the region. if you want to buy bigger items, most shops offer worldwide shipping, just ask and they will deliver!
Note: The above 7 cultural activities are perfect to do when you are staying at Ceglie Messapica as they are in close proximity drive to each other, but for the below-mentioned 3 cultural activities, I recommend moving your accommodation to the Salento (the Crown Jewel of Puglia) area of Southern Puglia.
For Salento bit, I would recommend renting a car, the roads are easy and flat and most places offer reasonable paid car parking options.
8. Stay in a Historical Fortress at the Baroque City – Lecce (read as Le che)
Lecce, famously known as the “Florence of the South” is a beautiful city that hosts several Baroque-style cathedrals and architecture.
When in Lecce, stay at an accommodation with a touch of history, Dimora Storica Torre Del Parco 1419, a fortress within a 10-minute walk from the heart of Lecce – it promises a memorable cultural experience!
Wander around Lecce Vecchia “Old Lecce” or what is called Lecce City Centre – the beating heart of the Baroque city.
Walk slowly and keep looking around and up because you wouldn’t want to miss the incredibly beautiful and detailed facades and architecture.
Visit the historical ruins and cathedrals, such as the beautiful Basilica di Santa
Croce, the Roman Amphitheatre, Triumphal Arch, and Porta Rudiae. Located at Lecce Vecchia, all the attractions are within walking distance.
Stop at Piazza Sant’Oronzo and enjoy a classic Aperol Spritz or any
refreshing cocktail while watching people passing by this massive Piazza. Did I
mention that the Roman Theatre is located at this Piazza?
Indulge in Pugliese wine tasting while making traditional Orecchiette Pasta at La
Strada del Vino Bistrot – it’s an absolute hidden gem in Lecce.
You could watch passers-by from a Juliette Balcony while you are cooking fresh pasta with a passionate chef, Ylenia, while she’s narrating endless stories about Puglia.
Lecce is home to a host of amazing restaurants and bars. The city bustles with people until the early hours of the morning. Book a table at one of the restaurants or bars, and enjoy the nightlife Lecce offers.
If you are visiting Lecce during summertime, you cannot miss visiting the nearby beaches. Lecce is a perfect base for exploring some of the beautiful beaches in Puglia.
Lecce is located right at the center of Salento meaning you could easily reach the charming coastal towns and beaches on the East Adriatic Sea and West Ionian Sea in a short drive (less than 25 minutes).
East Coast or West Coast? You would want to explore both sides, trust me!
9. Explore the East Coast Beaches (Adriatic Sea) in Puglia
On the Adriatic side, you will find endless stretches of sandy beaches that are referred to as the Caribbean Beaches by the locals, as you could go inside the sea for miles while the water remains at your ankle level!
Not to mention the absolute turquoise sparkling waters that are hard to resist.
Some of the top towns, beaches, and attractions to visit on Puglia East Coast are Otranto, Grotta della Poesia, Faraglioni di Sant’Andrea, Torre Del’Orso Beach & Rocks, and Baia Dei Turchi.
Take a day trip to the beautiful coastal town of Otranto and embark on a half-day boat tour to explore the caves along the southern coastal stretch up the most southern bit of Italy’s heel, which is called Santa Maria di Leuca.
On a boat tour, they make several swimming stops along the way and serve fresh Mozzarella as a refreshing snack accompanied by a tasty rose wine.
After the boat trip, wander the streets of Otranto city center and relish a fresh seafood lunch with a sea view restaurant – any choice you go with, you are guaranteed good food.
When the tummy is full, you can shop from the artisanal and local shops that offer unique and individual shopping experiences. From Pugliese ceramics, accessories, and souvenirs to clothes – you can buy from local artists.
Drive for around 25 minutes to the east of Lecce to follow a beautiful hiking trail that leads to the 3,500 years old Rocca Vecchia archaeological site. Stop and admire “Grotta della Poesia” aka Cave of Poetry.
Following the trail, a little further from Grotta Poeisa, the Rocks of Sant’Andrea “Faraglioni do Sant’Andrea” look other-worldly as the turquoise waves crash into the rocks.
Next on the trail is one of the best beaches, in my opinion, in all of Italy, Torre Del’Orso. The soft golden sand, the crystal clear shallow waters, the majestic cliffs, and a thick pine forest everywhere – it’s a magical experience to be here.
Bring your own towel and enjoy a dip in the clear waters or rent a sunbed for as little as 10 Euros to enjoy your time at Torre Del’Orso.
It’s a well-serviced beach -you’ll find many caterers offering refreshments and good quality food at decent prices. During the weekends of summertime and August, make sure you arrive as early as possible to secure the best spot. Also, if you are driving, the paid car parking spot is just off the beach.
One of the other beaches I discovered through a recommendation by a local Leccese, was Baia Dei Turchi aka Bay of the Turks. It’s under a 5-minute drive from Otranto and 25 minutes drive from Lecce.
Near the beach is a massive paid car parking space that charges up to 15
Euros for a full day, and gives access to many colorful beach clubs. It’s also one of the most popular beaches on the East Coast and gets super busy during the peak season, so arrive early to grab a car parking spot and enjoy it crowd-free.
10. Explore the Western Pugliese Beaches (Ionian Sea)
The western side of Salento is brimming with crystal clear beaches of the Ionian Sea, dubbed as Maldives of Salento “Maldive di Salento” by the locals.
With white sand, and unbelievably clear, shallow-water beaches, the towns in this part of Puglia come to life during summertime.
Some of my favorite towns and beaches in the Ionian Sea are Porto Cesareo aka Maldive di Salento, Gallipoli (a nightlife town for those who enjoy partying until the early hours of the day), and Taranto (more of an industrial city, nevertheless, located on the beautiful shores of the Ionian Sea.)
When to Visit Puglia
Honestly, the best time of year depends on your interests and travel style. Autumn (September to November) is a great time to visit Puglia for wine lovers. It’s when the fall colors envelop the region and the vineyards yield some of the region’s best wines.
The summer months of June, July, and August are best for enjoying vibrant nightlife and exploring the lovely beaches. July is also the best time to visit Puglia for art, heritage, and cultural events and festivals.
Spring (March to May) is a good time for a relaxing vacation in Puglia. The region is quieter, cheaper, and resplendent around this time – the crowds are fewer, the flowers begin blooming, and the weather is pleasant.
With temperatures ranging between 6°C to 16°C, Pugliese winter (December to February) boasts a mild Mediterranean climate making it one of the warm places in Europe ideal for the winter sun. it’s still cold to swim, however, it’s an excellent time to spend time cherishing cultural and gastronomic experiences.
How to Reach Puglia
The Puglia region is well connected with both internal and external transportation links. There are two major airports, Bari and Brindisi that offer domestic connections from all the major Italian cities. Also, the famous speedy Italian trains connect the country from the North to the South.
If you opt to drive, Puglia is a great place to rent a car, as Puglia roads are mostly flat roads, and the highways are in very good condition.
Tip: It is always best to book ahead of time, at least 3 months in advance if you are planning to visit Italy, especially in summer. Italy is an insanely popular destination and pre-booking in advance guarantees the best and competitive prices.
Puglia is a rich, diverse, and big region, there is so much to do and see from the Northern bits down to the Southern towns, it never gets boring. Hope this guide to Puglia culture inspired enough to plan a trip to Puglia to immerse in its cultural and natural beauty.
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