The more expensive option is to fly directly from Florence's Peretola ( FLO) Airport to Bari Palese ( BRI) via Alitalia airlines, with a connection in Rome. If you are considering flying to Puglia there are three main airports in the region. Its also home to the imposing Basilica di Santa Nicola*, a huge 12th-century edifice built to house the remains of its eponymous saint (better known as Father Christmas). It is most definitely not a tip though, and the charge should be noted in the menu or signs outside. Check out Le 4 Contrade in the countryside of Andria for a walk in the olive fields and a tasting with Sebastiano and Valeria, a young couple that makes stellar extra virgin olive oil. However, much of the region remains a little . Gargano Italy: How to Explore (Northern) Puglia's Hidden Gem The Gargano With its white limestone cliffs, picturesque towns, beaches, groves of olive trees, and forest-covered interior, this small corner of Italy is a beautiful place to explore. The distance between Sicily and Puglia is approximately 344 miles (554 km), depending on your starting and ending points in the regions. Take the day to drive along the coastal road that connects Otranto and Santa Maria di Leuca in Salento. Bari Province Bari (Karol WojtyaAirport) serves the north of Puglia, and Brindisi (Salento Airport) is located further south, although both are perfect for exploring Puglia's ever-changing landscape. Obviously, we're not saying that to avoid the crowds you have to head over to Puglia in the dead of winter (although we're sure it would lovely, that ocean deserves to swum in! At Castello Frisari in Scorrano and Castel di Salve in Depressa, young winemakers are eager to let you try the traditional Primitivo and Negramaro wines. 29 - 78 3 alternative options Bus 5h 12m Getting on one of the 130 daily journeys is easy - electronic travel documents include your ticket and a personalised mini-guide with handy information. For those of you aiming to spend around seven days in the region, you have options. The train via Fiumicino Aeroporto from Rome (FCO) to Arezzo takes 4h 57m. The oldest item in the museum is a marble Roman sarcophagus (2nd century AD), depicting depicts the battle of Dionysus. The Sicilian town of Cammarata is the latest Italian destination hoping to appeal to new residentsby offering them free houses. There are daily flights between Catania and Bari . Our first visit to Puglia took place in late September, and we were amazed at just how wonderful the weather was. lecce province Even if you plan to stay for a weekend, renting a car will allow you to visit different places on the same day without relying on the often unreliable public transportation system. It was established in November 1944, to house the remains of Allied casualties from World War II. Taranto Province The Adriatic and Ionian Sea hugs the region from left to right, and the region shares borders with Molise in the north, and Campania and Basilicata in the north west. To begin with however, take a look at this in-depth itinerary we followed on our first visit to Puglia. Highlights of the museum include several works of Giorgio Vasari and the Pace di Siena. We would also like to send you exclusive promotions, competitions and content from The Times and Sunday Times and selected partners. Bursting with baroque architecture and dubbed 'Florence of the South', Lecce is a dream for lovers of photography and architecture, with its 17th century highly decorative buildings at every turn. Full property management is included when you are not there. While some lay abandoned, others have been refurbished to host some of the coolest restaurants in the area. This 8,000-year-old history-drenched town lies 25 miles from Bari and is one of the most photographed spots on the Adriatic coast. Over on the west coast, Gallipoli is an attractive seaside town with a particularly lovely centro storico. Apulia by train, Italy - Tickets & Travel Tips | ItaliaRail If you reach Puglia by car from the north of the country, once you cross the region's border, do not think, "Ah, we have finally arrived." Trenitalias high-speed Frecce trains run on specialised tracks and have a greater level of service and comfort than InterCity and regional trains. Pasquale Dell'Erba freshly-made a daily supply of these snacks in his grocery shop for the nearby hungry students, passing on their way to school! No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. Sicily to Puglia - Best Routes & Travel Advice | kimkim Two other operators also service this route. Flying into one of these airports is the easiest way to reach Puglia and start out on your journey. If youre in the planning stages of your Puglia holiday, then you should know that the southern region of Italy - its the heel of the boot if you look at the map - is perfect for a week, or even better if done in two. Trains leave from Rome's central Termini station and reach Foggia in 3 hours, Bari in 4, Brindisi in 5, and Lecce in 5.5. However, during our first visit, having previously only spent time in Rome, Venice and Milan, we weren't prepared for just how Italian Puglia would feel. The nearest airport to Puglia is Florence (FLR). 11 Reasons Why Is Puglia Worth Visiting | Italian Trip Abroad The nearest airport to Puglia is Florence (FLR). Business, Premium and First Class tickets include a complimentary drink and snack. We stayed in the beautiful town of Monopoli and we would make the same decision all over. How to Get to Puglia The Puglia region has two airports- Bari or Brindisi. We based ourselves in the charming little town of Sternatia for a few nights during our first stay (in this gorgeous little airbnb - still one of our favourites around the world), and had a wonderful slow experience, surrounded by locals and gained a real small town Italian life. As the bus subsidiary of French railway SNCF, Ouibus offers eco-friendly coaches serving 35 French cities and 10 European cities at affordable fares. Parking can be tricky in hilltop towns, so its often easier to leave your car on the outskirts. There are over 1,500 of these Smurf-like buildings built from large limestone slabs. Although significantly rarer, they at least allow you the opportunity to plonk your towel wherever you damn please! Generally it ranges between one and two Euro per person, which may not seem very much if sitting down for a large evening meal, but will make you think twice if just nipping in for a quick cheap and cheerful lunch. There's no denying however that it can get a little repetitive. If you've got more than a couple of days, we implore you to head all the way around the coast to the city of Gallipoli, with its gorgeous historic old town located on an island. - Wikipedia. If youre planning a trip for ten days to two weeks, then the world is your oyster and youll be able to cover a lot of ground and have many fantastic experiences at a really enjoyable pace - we opted to do a road trip and recommend this as the best way to explore Puglia. It takes approximately 7h 40m to get from London to Puglia, including transfers. Top tip // The majority of tourists stick to the coast, so if you have the time wed highly recommend heading inland for a day or two. Our first car rental in Puglia was really, really excellent value and whilst in the intervening years it has definitely increased (not helped by the post-pandemic rush to get away plus car shortage), we still secured a fantastic rate during our third visit in September 2022 of just over 35 a day. Along Dusty Roads is a travel blog by British couple, Andrew & Emily. Lufthansa, Air Dolomiti, KLM and two other airlines offer flights from London City Airport to Florence Airport. Tradition matters deeply here, not least in the delicious, rustic local cuisine good food, wine and sunshine are ubiquitous, and should be sampled at a suitably unhurried pace. However,we just want to make clear that there is soooo much more to Puglia than just Polignano, Ostuni, Alberobello, Lecce and Otranto! UNESCO World Heritage Please note that some links on our blog are affiliate links. Seafood is plentiful and freshly caught in almost all towns, pasta is handmade, the pizza is divine, olive oil is local, and we never met a piece of bread we didn't immediately inhale. Trenitalia tickets are available online, in stations across the country or from many travel agents that offer bookings. Meander the streets of whitewashed buildings and ornate churches. If youre planning on doing a full Puglia-loop road trip, and trying to choose between the two airports from a practicality standpoint, it really doesnt matter too much which one you fly into, or out of as youll inevitably pass through both cities. The railway between Rome and Taranto also stops in Bari and Naples. At Al Trabucco da Mim in Peschici, you can sip a glass of d'Arapr, one of Puglia's best sparkling wines, sitting on the old wooden structure while a band of jazz musicians plays as the sun drops down below the horizon. Puglia's 940km (584 miles) of coastline, which were once part of the Magna Graecia and harbored ancient Romans' mighty flotillas, outlines what is known as the "boot heel" of Italy. 19 Best Places to Visit in Puglia Italy - World Travel Connector How long does it take to get to Arezzo from the Airport? You needed spend days there either, with a two hour walking tour covering the main sites. We would also like to send you exclusive promotions, competitions and content from The Times and Sunday Times and selected partners. We're so glad youre curious aboutour Italy intel. Several tour operators organize biking group trips along the region. Wander the hypnotising streets of this UNESCO World Heritage Site peppered with iconic conical roofed stone trulli huts. The city of Taranto has decided to offer council-owned buildings for just 1 to people willing to move to its Old Town. Bari is a great choice if you prefer basing yourself in one place and taking day trips (like I did) instead of staying each night in another town. Still, this might be the best time to sit at a neighborhood cafe, drink an espresso and chat with pugliesi. This means long siestas,shops opening early in the morning and late afternoon (but not in between) and a true sense that however much of a rush you may be in, it really makes very little difference to those that live here. There are 1347+ hotels available in Puglia. The museum was founded in 1975. A two-minute walk from the church, it is over two floors, with a gorgeous en-suite bedroom within its conical roof,a lovely outdoor terrace and breakfast included. There are several ways you can get to Puglia, as the region is well covered by the national Railway service and served by three airports and two main ports. Thirty places have just been released. Puglia Airport - How to Get to Puglia by Air - Beautiful Puglia And whilst the winter months certainly require a jumper or two (our second visit was mid-March), you'll still be able to enjoy most of what the region is famous for - just with a little more time to discover pretty little towns rather than secluded coves. The first thing to know is there are no airports in the immediate vicinity of the Gargano or the north of Puglia. By Plane Duration: 3 to 5 hours The fastest method of reaching Puglia is by plane, though the lack of direct flights from Florence requires multiple steps. Puglia travel guide | CN Traveller Yes - snacks and drinks may be purchased from the driver. South of Bari is the Parco Nazionale dellAlta Murgia, a hilly area studded with karst outcrops and limestone caves such as the vast Grotte di Castellana*, Italys largest cave system. Rome2Rio uses cookies to help personalize content and show you personalised ads. Including why you should alway stay in the historic centre, hire a car and follow the rhythms of southern Italian life, these are 17 essential things to know before you visit Puglia, Italy. Puglia is a compact region, and with a car can easily be explored in a week or ten days (if youre short on time, skip the port towns of Brindisi and Taranto). Dont want to be that first-timer in Italy getting unjustifiably outraged at the coperto change or confused about whether to tip or not? This shouldn't come as much of a surprise. We thought Italy was supposed to be more affordable than that?! Promontorio del Gargano, with its mountains passing 1000m (3280ft) above sea level, towers over the rest of the region. The Best Guide Of Puglia Airports | How To Get To Puglia Beaches are crowded in July and August (mainly with Italian tourists); visit in spring or autumn for lighter crowds and the best seasonal produce. Two hours north of Bari, you'll arrive at the Gargano Peninsula. Puglia travel guide: all you need to know - Times Travel One way will lead you to a Roman Amphitheatre, the other to The Basilica di Santa Croce a marvelous example of the baroque period with its detailed pillars and extravagantly carved exterior. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 14h 43m. If you are planning on visiting only the main cities, the easier way to move around is with the train, as all the main stations are conveniently located in the city centre and the price of the ticket is pretty affordable. A Short Guide to Bari | Your Gateway to Puglia - ALONG DUSTY ROADS On the edge of the Murgia rises another of Puglias primo sights, the bizarre Castel del Monte: an octagonal castle built by Frederick II in the 13th century. No surprise then that Puglia is the winner of 13 coveted Blue Flag beach awards. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 32h 36m. Of course, it's not actually in Puglia (something that embarrassingly took us a while to realise), but don't you dare let that put you off. Salento, Italy: Planning Your Trip - TripSavvy It promotes sustainable and responsible travel for the curious modern day explorer. Rome2Rio also offers online bookings for selected operators, making reservations easy and straightforward. The region comprises 19,345 square kilometers (7,469 sq mi), and its population is . It is housed in a series of linked palaces, including the medieval former Palazzo della Residenza, the Palazzo dei Conservatori del Popolo (or Comunale) and the Palazzo del Capitano o Pretorio, located on Via Niccol Aggiunti #65, near the center of Sansepolcro, formerly Borgo Santo Sepolcro, in the Province of Arezzo, region of Tuscany, Italy. Tickets cost 16 - 29 and the journey takes 2h 28m. Where is Puglia Puglia is located in the heel of the Italian boot in the very deep South. Additionally - and perhaps more importantly for those of you whod like to save a bob or two - prices will sky-rocket during these peak summer months. However, there are better options for getting to Puglia. There are so many churches to visit, but the Cathedral Sant'Agata and its intricate facade is a real stand out. Popular routes include Paris to Marseille and Paris to Strasbourg. Fly from London Heathrow (LHR) to Pisa (PSA), Fly from London Gatwick (LGW) to Pisa (PSA), Fly from London Stansted (STN) to Perugia (PEG), Take the train from Perugia P.S.Giov to Arezzo, Take the train from London St Pancras Intl to Paris Nord, Take the train from Paris Gare De Lyon to Torino Porta Susa, Take the train from Torino Porta Susa to Arezzo, Take the bus from London Victoria Green Line Station to Luxembourg P+R Bouillon, Take the bus from Luxembourg P&R Gasperich/Howald to Milan Lampugnano, Take the train from Rho-Fiera Milano to Arezzo, Take the bus from London Victoria Coach Station to Paris, Take the bus from Paris - Bercy Seine to Florence, Take the bus from Florence to Ingresso Valdichiana, Take the Eurotunnel from Folkestone to Calais-Frthun. Not long after booking our flights, we began the arduous task of weighing up various accommodation options - unfortunately, that search began in Polignano a Mare. Spring, through to June, and then September and October in Puglia offer gloriously sunny days and warm bathing waters. Southeast of Bari, extending out to Puglias tip, is the Salento, a hot, dry, agricultural area carpeted with vineyards, olive groves and pretty towns. Whether it's wine tasting, a walking tour to discover beautiful architecture or a boat trip to magical caves, or olive oil tasting and cooking classes to make dishes from recipes passed down through generations there are 101 reasons you should visit Puglia. We've created a lovely little guide to Matera, full of things to do, where to stay and how to get there - and of course, lots of pretty pictures! Private train company Italotreno operates high-speed trains in Italy on the same tracks as Trenitalia. Other nearby airports include Forli (FRL) (49.2 miles), Pisa (PSA) (76 miles), Bologna (BLQ) (77.3 miles) and Rome (FCO) (120.1 miles). Apulia (/ p u l i / -POO-lee-), also known by its Italian name Puglia (pronounced ), is a region of Italy, located in the southern peninsular section of the country, bordering the Adriatic Sea to the east, the Strait of Otranto and Ionian Sea to the southeast, and the Gulf of Taranto to the south. Both are international. On top of the peninsula sits Monte Sant'Angelo, a Unesco World Heritage Site and a famous pilgrimage site to St Michael the Archangel sanctuary, built inside an old karst cave. Every single town and city in Italy has a centro storico, a wonderful place of crumbling facades and labyrinthine streets, now returned to ancient splendour by those who left for the new town many years ago. There are some fabulous beaches in Italy - you can find our favourites in this guide - and we happen to be of the opinion that everybody should have access to them. Alternatively, you can bus, which costs 10,000-17,000 and takes 32h 36m. Top tip // Theres nothing like learning to make fresh pasta, from scratch, with your own two hands (although we must admit, having taken three classes thus far, were still a long way from being experts! HOW TO GET TO PUGLIA ITALY. 3 Puglia Road Trip Itinerary: Overview. There are 1347+ hotels available in Puglia. Puglia is no day-trip destination. You might still have 400km (250 miles) almost the distance between Paris and Amsterdam to drive if you aim to reach its deep south in one go. ', 'How much should I expect to pay? Italy's southern-most region is famed for its vast 800km coastline framing the peninsula with its Adriatic waters lapping the east coast. Bari has good air links across Italy and Europe, and regular ferries run from Bari and Brindisi across the Adriatic to Greece, Albania, Croatia and Montenegro. The museum exhibits works of art and liturgical items, from the 12th to the 19th centuries, that come from the cathedral and other churches in the diocesan territory, significant for their religious and cultural significance to Arezzo and the surrounding area. As you reach the tip of the region, you enter Salento, the easternmost part of Italy. Sure, there are trains and local buses, but using them exclusively to cross this varied region is going to take more time than most travellers have. Travel inspiration and top planning tips for getting around Italy. Pride of Rotterdam Hull to Rotterdam route, European Highlander Cairnryan to Larne line, Rome2Rio uses cookies to help personalize content and show you personalised ads. Intersperse wandering around the stunning cathedrals and churches with a leisurely coffee stop and enjoy the local 'caffe leccese' iced coffee with almond milk and 'pasticiotto' (a custard-filled Italian pastry). Initiatives like the Cammino Materano aim to bring recognition to the many areas in Southern Italy that are breathtakingly beautiful but largely unknown. How to Get from Tuscany to Puglia View Map Traveling from the Tuscany region of Italy down to the southern region of Puglia is a trip of almost 500 miles (800 kilometers) that will take about seven to eight hours by car or train or three to four hours to fly. Typically six trains run weekly, although weekend and holiday schedules can vary so check in advance. Lined with vibrant cafes and restaurants, you can indulge in beautiful plates of local cured meats, homegrown vegetables, olive oil and cool glasses of Puglian wine bliss! If you're in the planning stages of your Puglia holiday, then you should know that the southern region of Italy - it's the 'heel of the boot' if you look at the map - is perfect for a week, or even better if done in two. So, what is it about this southern point of Italy, more commonly referred to as the "heel" of Italy, that's piquing visitors' curiosity? There are two main airports in which you can choose to fly into from the U.S Bari or Brindisi, usually with a connection in Rome. This is an additional fee, charged per person, that is applied to the bill irrespective of what you eat, how much you spend and where you sit. Get lost in the Sassi di Matera, take a slow hike across a ravine, stay in a boutique cave hotel, marvel at the beautiful cathedral, or join a walking tour - theres plenty to keep you occupied for a few days but if you only have a night, its still worth adding it in. Its fascinating, but best visited outside July and August when coachloads of tourists spoil the atmosphere. Its one of the most underexplored regions of Italy, offering all the pleasures without the crushing crowds, with hilltop towns, baroque churches, archaeological ruins, olive groves, vineyards and plenty of beaches (Puglia has more coastline than any other region of Italy). Some of the most tourist centers are: Bari, the capital city, Brindisi, Monopoli, Ostuni, Alberobello, Locorotondo and Lecce. Sit on the open terrace overlooking the sea and let the blue Mediterranean calm your eyes and reward you for taking the time to slow down. I grew up in this territory at Biomasseria Lama di Luna, my family's organic masseria, one of the typical farmhouses open to guests that delineate the landscape. Puglia's ancient Foresta Umbra teems with abundant wildlife, Aleppo Pines, Oaks and Beechwood trees. For those of you aiming to spend around seven days in the region, you have options. How to get around Puglia (car, bike and train) The Valle dItria is postcard Puglia: a lush valley carpeted with olive groves and vineyards. The other option is to take the A1 motorway . As with every holiday however, knowing a little more about what to expect (and some insider tips from people that have already been) can be the difference between a good trip and a great trip. Located in the Terra delle Gravine Regional Natural Park (alongside Laterza and Mottola, two other delightful off-the-beaten-track canyon towns), this is a land of scars from the deep cuts and crevices of ravines and canyons formed millions of years ago, and the pockmarks of hundreds of human cave settlements carved within the soft tufa rock slopes.
