Are you curious about the heel of the Italian boot? Then go to sunny Puglia. Nestled in the south of Italy, the region is dotted with snow-white houses, countless olive trees and beautiful beaches. Puglia is not yet as touristy as other regions in the country. Although unjustified, it's perfect if you are looking for a quiet and peaceful holiday in the sun. Stroll through the most beautiful cities and coastal villages, and explore wherever you want. Book your flight, hotel, rental car and activities with Transavia Holidays and be surprised by this undiscovered part of Italy.
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Puglia has over 700 kilometres of beautiful coastline, wedged between the Adriatic Sea (on the east coast) and the Ionian Sea (on the west coast). Fly to the city of Brindisi and you will be on the most beautiful beaches of the region in no time at all. For example, go to Torre dell'Orso, a white sandy beach set against pine trees and dunes. Dive right into the turquoise water to get your holiday off to a perfect start. However, even if you book your hotel near Bari, you are never far from a fantastic beach. In the historic town of Polignano a Mare, you will find a narrow, but dazzlingly beautiful beach between the cliffs. Or hire a rental car and head to the Gargano Peninsula, where you can enjoy mountains and paradisiacal green scenery.
Are you ready for some activities? Puglia has a rich history so there’s lots to see. Bari is a port city with an authentic Italian vibe. Picture charming narrow streets with fluttering laundry and locals making pasta on their doorstep. Here, you will also find the Basilica San Nicola, an impressive church dedicated to Saint Nicholas. You could also visit Lecce, the 'Florence of the Baroque'. The many ornately decorated churches make it easy to see how it earned this nickname. To top it off, there is a beautiful Roman amphitheatre in the heart of the city. Find a spot in the sun, order a fresh espresso or cappuccino and simply enjoy this beautiful place.
The interior of Puglia also has a surprising number of treats in store for you. Have you ever wanted to spend the night in a little gnome's house? Well, you can in Alberobello! This is the town of the 'trulli', ancient white houses with pointed grey roofs. Fun fact: the trulli were originally built by locals so that they could quickly tear them down again. This was a way to avoid paying taxes. You can also see beautiful white houses in Ostuni, the 'white city' of Puglia. On sunny days with clear blue sky, it's a spectacular sight. Alternatively, drive along roads lined with endless olive trees and vineyards to Matera, one of the oldest cities in Europe. The city is located just outside the region, but definitely worth a road trip. The prehistoric mountain dwellings (Sassi) make it a spectacular destination. As you sip a glass of wine in the evening, you will undoubtedly reminisce about all the beauty you have seen!
