Take a bit of homesickness, add a connection to one’s roots and homeland, and mix it all together. That’s why I have written this article, which describes a 7-day itinerary in Puglia. During these days, you can make the most of this marvellous land and discover its beauty not only by land but especially by sea. It is an itinerary designed especially for your holiday in Puglia, from Gargano to Salento, where adventure and relaxation come together in a perfect embrace. All the information I will provide is based on my own personal experience, as I grew up in these places. You will discover the region from North to South, through its characteristic element: the sea.
Located in the heart of southern Italy, Puglia is a multifaceted region that enchant every type of traveller. The best months to visit are undoubtedly May, June and September. The temperatures are pleasant, and you can fully enjoy the free beaches along the coast. As bases to stay in during your holiday, I would recommend the cities of Bari and Lecce. In this way, you can reach the different destinations easily by car. For years, I have had so much beauty before my eyes, without even realising it and taking it for granted. So, I would like to keep you company for a few minutes and guide you on a journey that I hope will leave indelible memories in your heart.
The itinerary includes stops at:
- Vieste
- Polignano a Mare
- Porto Cesareo
- Porto Selvaggio
- Gallipoli
- Torre Vado
- Santa Maria di Leuca
Day 1: Boat Trip to Vieste and along the Gargano Coast
Vieste is like a love poem written by the waves and sculpted by the salty breeze. The narrow streets and cobbled alleys tell ancient stories, secrets that seem to be preserved in their stones. And then there is the sea, the sea of Vieste that captures the heart and lulls it with its iridescent hues. The cliffs overlooking the deep blue, the hidden caves, the small shelters of golden sand are like so many secrets that the sea whispers to curious travellers.
If you want to experience Vieste in its entirety, I recommend that you set off on a boat trip. This is the perfect way to discover the town from a completely different perspective. Boat trips from Vieste take you out into the turquoise waves of the Adriatic and along the Gargano Coast. The imposing cliffs silhouetted against the sky, the enchanting sea caves that open up on the coast and the fascinating Faraglioni of Baia delle Zagare are just some of the stops that will make your maritime journey unforgettable. A visit to the Tremiti Islands, a group of enchanting islands a short distance from the coast, is also a must. At the end of the day, you can relax and wander around the narrow streets of the village. Do not forget to go to the Mattei promenade and admire the Pizzomunno. It is an imposing limestone monolith, 25 metres high, to which various legends and love stories are linked.
Day 2: Visit to Polignano a Mare and its Caves
When I think of the town of Polignano a Mare, I immediately think of its typical blue and white streets with small flower balconies overlooking the sea. I think of the ladies hanging out their clean laundry and the smell of tomato sauce that pervades the air and reminds me of my grandmother’s Sunday lunches. This town faces the Adriatic Sea and is easily accessible from Bari, which is about 34 km away.
But it is the sea and its rugged coastline that give Polignano a Mare its distinctive character. The Grotta Palazzese, a natural cave transformed into a restaurant overlooking the sea, is a perfect example of how Polignano a Mare combines nature and culinary art. Enjoying a meal inside this cave is an experience that blends with the environment, a combination of landscape and taste that leaves an indelible impression. And then, there is the famous Lama Monachile Beach, a little corner of paradise surrounded by cliffs. You can discover these wonders on a boat trip or, for the more adventurous, on a stand-up paddle tour to its caves. To immerse yourself even further in the history of this town, drop by the Domenico Modugno monument. You are sure to hear one of his most famous songs, ‘Nel blu dipinto di blu’. Then strike a pose and open your arms towards the sky, with a breathtaking panorama behind you.
Day 3: Porto Cesareo, its Marine Protected Area and Punta Prosciutto Beach
Porto Cesareo is the first stop on our itinerary that takes us to the Salento area in southern Puglia. This place evokes memories in me from when I was a little girl. My parents used to bring me here, and we would take long walks on the piers, where I used to have fun finding crabs hiding under the water. This town belongs to the province of Lecce, and is located on the Ionian coast. Unmissable will be a stop at the most famous bar in the town, to taste the pasticciotto, a typical dessert composed of short pastry filled with custard.
This place is especially famous for fishing, in fact you can find many restaurants that overlook the sea and offer a fresh fish menu. To fully enjoy the sea of Salento, I recommend a boat or catamaran trip to the Protected Marine Area of Porto Cesareo. Here a visit to Isola dei Conigli (Rabbit Island), so named because in the past it was home to hundreds of wild rabbits, is a must. If, on the other hand, you want to relax and sip a drink under the warm sun of this land, drop by Punta Prosciutto Beach. This place is a true paradise, and I am not just saying that because I am originally from this area. It will leave you spellbound with its white beaches and fine sand and its transparent waters that you can explore by snorkeling.
Day 4: Porto Selvaggio, Santa Caterina and Sant’Isidoro Beach
Always staying in Lecce, you will find it easy to reach Porto Selvaggio, about 39 km away. Get ready to get in touch with the nature and beaches with wild and rocky nature. Porto Selvaggio is a nature reserve located on the Ionian coast of Puglia. It reminds me of long hikes with friends, packed lunches, and the typical shoes for walking on the rocks. In fact, I recommend wearing comfortable clothes coming here, as access to the reserve is only possible via a path that leads to hidden bays and beaches.
This area is rich in Mediterranean vegetation, with pine forests, maquis and spectacular cliffs. It is perfect if you are looking for some peace and quiet but also some adventure. In fact, its waters are ideal for exploring the marine life, armed with fins and a snorkeling mask. If you are in the area, I suggest visiting Santa Caterina, a picturesque coastal resort, and Sant’Isidoro Beach. After a day of exploring and snorkeling, your stomach will also want its share. But you are in the right place, here you can once again enjoy local food and delight your taste buds with traditional dishes and fresh, local ingredients.
Day 5: Explore Gallipoli, Sant’Andrea Island and Punta Pizzo
Gallipoli is a city full of life and warmth. Strolling through its narrow streets, you will be welcomed with open arms by its inhabitants. It is a city with two sides: during the day it is perfect for long walks or tours along its coast, while at night it turns into an open-air disco. In fact, it is a popular place for young people, who come here especially for dancing and carefree nights. You can stop at one of the many clubs that overlook the beach and sip a good drink.
During the day, you can lose yourself among its quaint little streets. Among the must-see sights is the Co-Cathedral Basilica of St. Agatha, the city’s dome. Built in the 17th century, it is in typical Lecce Baroque style. Another point of interest not to be missed is the Castle of Gallipoli, built as early as the 11th century and surrounded almost completely by the sea. If, on the other hand, you wish to embark on an adventure by sea, you can head to the Island of Sant’Andrea and Punta Pizzo. Both are ideal places for nature lovers and those seeking a quiet experience away from the crowds. The island is surrounded by clear waters, which also make it a perfect destination for activities such as snorkeling and swimming.
Day 6: Parasailing and Boat Trips in Torre Vado and Spiaggia di Pescoluse
Torre Vado is a picturesque coastal resort in Salento. On the waterfront, you can admire the distinctive lighthouse, which tells stories of ancient sailings. The golden sandy beaches offer a perfect place to relax and enjoy the crystal clear sea. This place offers several options. Among the different activities you can do, I recommend that you do not miss the parasailing tour, to admire the coast from above. You can combine this tour with a boat trip along the coast. You can then fly above the sea for a few minutes and savor a moment of lightness, with a panoramic view of the coast and turquoise waters.
A visit not to be missed is to the Mannute Cave. You can explore the cave with a small boat or by swimming through the rocky passages. Within easy walking distance from the seafront promenade is Spiaggia di Pescoluse (Pescoluse Beach). This stretch of coastline is also known as the Maldives of Salento, in fact it boasts one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Salento. Its seabed is shallow, its water is transparent and crystal clear, and its sand is white and fine.
Day 7: Discover Santa Maria di Leuca and Its Caves by Sea
Santa Maria di Leuca is located in the far south of Puglia and is famous for its marina and caves located on both the Ionian and Adriatic sides. Some of the most famous are Grotta dei Giganti, Grotta del Presepe, Grotta del Diavolo and Grotta degli Innamorati. This is the place where the two seas embrace, a very rare phenomenon that can be observed in only a few places in the world. You can observe this enchanting union from Punta Meliso, the most scenic point.
Wandering through its characteristic alleys, you can stop in the main square and visit the Basilica Santuario di Santa Maria de Finibus Terrae. Or you can soak in the local atmosphere, sipping a good coffee or savoring an artisanal ice cream. Take the last day of this magical itinerary to relax once again and try one of the sunset boat trips that depart from its marina. While enjoying a good apéritif you can watch the sky turn shades of pink, orange and red and the warm, golden light illuminating the water.