Experience the diversity of Apulia
Among the historical sites, one attraction in Apulia stands out: the Castel del Monte. The castle, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, built by the Hohenstaufen Emperor Frederick II, is a must-see for any Apulia holiday. (See more under highlights). Further south is the old town of Ostuni, nicknamed the "White City" because of its bright white houses. It is located on three hills from which the view stretches over extensive olive groves to the sea. From Ostuni, you can reach the city of Monopoli in a few minutes with its old harbor, the 18th-century Cathedral Maria Santissima della Madia, and a castle of Emperor Charles V. Throughout Apulia, you will find the typical round houses, called Trullo (or Trulli in plural). Alberobello has particularly noteworthy Trulli. A holiday in a historic Trullo will be unforgettable. In Brindisi, a visit to the harbor, which was mentioned by Herodotus in his writings, is worthwhile. In ancient Rome, the famous Via Appia ended there. Two columns mark the spot overlooking the sea.
The stone landmark of the Apulia region
The Castel del Monte is the fascinating attraction of Apulia and southern Italy par excellence. The Stone Crown of Apulia is the symbol of the region and one of the most famous castles in Italy. A visit to the castle is a must for any holiday in Apulia. Emperor Frederick II had the building constructed in the 13th century. Historians have been debating the purpose of the castle for decades. Was it a hunting lodge or a fortress for storing treasure? In any case, the building impresses with its powerful shape, unusual room layout, and unique architecture. The castle has inspired conspiracy theorists and mystics with hair-raising theories for years. In the heart of Apulia lies the Itria Valley, with vineyards, fields, and silvery-green olive groves. See for yourself or simply enjoy the view of the rolling countryside with its olive groves and vineyards. Rent a cozy holiday home at an affordable price or an apartment directly on the sandy beach in the fantastic nature and enjoy an unforgettable trip to Southern Italy.
Excursions along the coast
Apulia is ideal for a dream family holiday. Here you will find numerous family-friendly accommodations, apartments, and holiday homes close to the beach. The most beautiful beaches in Apulia can be found south of the center of the city of Vieste, at Spiaggia di Pizzomunno, and at Torre dell'Orso and Torre Pali. Pets are often welcome in holiday homes, so there is nothing to prevent excursions with four-legged family members. Along both coasts of Apulia, you will find both lively beaches with restaurants and bars as well as remote, secluded bays where you can relax and enjoy the tranquility. You can also go hiking in the Gargano, on the Tremiti Islands, or on the sandy beaches of Italy's east coast. A visit to the seaside resort of Santa Maria di Leuca at the southern tip of Apulia is also a must for families. Take a trip to Taranto, Otranto, or Gallipoli as well. The Grotte di Castellana is located on the edge of Castellana Grotte, north of the Trulli-town of Alberobello and is truly impressive, as are the caves there. They are a real insider tip. The dream of a relaxing trip between caves and national parks comes true!
The taste of the south
In Apulia, as in all of Italy, people eat well and passionately. In all cities, you will find numerous restaurants, taverns, and bars near your affordable apartment or private holiday home. Durum wheat pasta, olive oil, and excellent bread are the characteristic ingredients of Apulia's cuisine. The most popular type of pasta is Orecchiette (little ears). They come in a wide variety of variations with fish and meat – Mare e monti. A culinary highlight! The Adriatic and Ionian Seas provide fresh fish, mussels, and shellfish of all kinds, while the mountains offer mainly lamb and sausage specialties. At the local markets, especially in smaller towns, you can find fresh ingredients for cooking in your own accommodation. No meal is complete without Apulian wine. Salento produces strong, spicy, and full-bodied red wines. Try the varieties Primitivo, Negroamaro (the black-bitter), and Nero di Troia. They are especially delicious with grilled lamb. The rosé variants go well with shellfish and special pasta dishes on hot summer days.
The city of Saint Nicholas
Art and culture lovers should spend a few days in the city of Bari. The city reached its peak in the Middle Ages. Emperor Frederick II built a castle here, called Castello Svevo or Swabian Castle. For Duchess Isabella of Aragón, the castle was expanded into a magnificent palace. Two significant churches are then on the sightseeing program. The Basilica of San Nicola di Bari houses the remains of St. Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors. In the early 11th century, these relics were brought from Myra in Asia Minor to Bari. According to legend, they smuggled the bones in troughs filled with pig fat, which the local Muslims did not touch. Nicholas is also a high saint in the Orthodox Church. In the basilica, both Catholic and Orthodox masses are held. The second church is the 12th-century Cathedral of San Sabino. The most important attraction of the cathedral is the Bishop's Chair of Elias, dating from 1098. The figures beneath the elevated seat are intricately worked. You can almost see the weight of their burden. Follow the art historical highlights with a stroll through the old town with its magnificent facades and villas. In the evening, a visit to the Piccinni Theater, built in the late 19th century, is worthwhile.
The impressive south of Italy up close
The dreamy province of Apulia (in Italian: Puglia) is located in the southeasternmost part of Italy on the Adriatic Sea. The region of Salento, between the Ionian Sea and the Adriatic Sea, forms the heel of the Italian boot. You can reach your holiday accommodation, apartment, or private holiday home in Apulia comfortably and quickly from Northern Europe by plane. The two airports of Bari and Brindisi are served several times a week from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Rental cars are available at the terminals. You can get good deals when booking in advance on the Internet. Of course, you can also come by train: From Germany, the journey to Apulia takes about 17 hours. Night trains from Northern Italy will take you to Bari, Lecce, and Brindisi. By car, follow the Adriatic coast from Bologna via the A 14 motorway southwards to Bari and along the well-developed coastal road. Almost everywhere there are accommodations and private holiday homes, for example in Alberobello, Lecce, and Ostuni in the hinterland or in the cities of Otranto, Vieste, and Leuca on the coast of Apulia. The Gargano Mountains on the spur of the boot are popular among hikers. Book a holiday home or apartment at an affordable price directly on the sandy beach in southern Italy now and enjoy a relaxing trip full of possibilities for excursions into unspoiled nature, such as in the national park, with your loved ones.