Exploring Puglia: Italy's Best Kept Secret for summer holidays travel

Naples, Rome, The Amalfi Coast, Lake Como and Sicily are undoubtedly great places to holiday in Italy, but have you ever heard of the Apulia region (or Puglia as it is known in Italian)? The region has some of the most beautiful beaches in Italy (offering fierce competition for the Sicilian beaches) as well as an array of charming towns and gorgeous grottos The only tourists you will find in Puglia are Italians visiting from the North for their summer holidays - so Puglia must be good if the Italians themselves approve! If you ever decide to visit this breathtaking region, here are a handful of my favourite places that I would recommend

Grotta della Poesia (The Cave of Poetry)

Grotta della Poesia is a natural rock pool situated inbetween caves located near

This was one of the most memorable spots I visited in Puglia, as I had never seen such clear, turquoise water before Castle ruins are scattered around the pool, and if you are brave enough to climb down the crumbling steps etched into the side of the cave, it can be a great place to have a summer swim!

Alberob

This iconic town in Puglia traveller! Charming Alberobe white, stone houses and con little dwellings are called trul you’ll often find a symbol pai These symbols were thought to ward off evil demons If you visit one of the souvenir shops, you can pick up a map which tells you what each symbol means

After exploring the centre, head down to its picturesque beach, which is sandwiched in-between ater took my breath away and dn’t help but swim into the under the cliffs It was worth back home allipoli as Turkey’s Gallipoli, Puglia’s th just as much recognition n) some of the region’s most own has much to enjoy The of people . Not to memade

Polignano al Mare

Another trip highlight was visiting this historic town on Puglia’s Adriatic Coast Take time to visit the cafés and restaurants in its centre - any coffee lovers should try a crema di café (a mix between an ice cream and coffee-flavoured granita)

Lecce

Finally, I have to mention Lecce. If towns and beaches aren’t for you; visit the city of Lecce instead Famous for its Baroque buildings, Lecce is a great city to explore Visit the Piazza del Duomo which is surrounded by the city’s charming buildings, or roam around the Basilica di Santa Croce: Lecce’s most famous Baroque-style church!

by Isabella Iacono