Apulia enjoys a more eclectic historical narrative than much of the rest of Italy. It was first settled by Greek colonists, perhaps out of Sparta, who arrived as far back as the 9th century BC. Their legacy can still be seen poking up in places like Taranto – look for the recognisable Doric columns near the waterfront. The Romans came later, leaving behind a stunning amphitheatre in Lecce and establishing important ports, like Bari, along the Adriatic coast. Then centuries of upheaval followed, with everyone from Normans to Aragonese invaders flocking to the Apulian lands, infusing the cities with grand churches and Gothic forts that now mingle together amid the trattorias and marble piazzas.
A mix of natural and manmade wonders await in the southern lands of Apulia. That means days of wandering the carved stone arches and splashing in the turquoise bays of the Gargano National Park can be balanced out with visions of the muscular 9th-century Monte Sant'Angelo castle and its fusion of Norman and Aragonese styles. UNESCO-tagged Alberobello is another must. It's home to curiously shaped houses that ooze centuries of Apulian architectural tradition. And then there's the maze-like heart of Lecce city. Get lost in the warren of lanes, there, to see filigreed baroque churches towering over earthy wine bars.
Apulia is a vast area of Italy that ranges across more than 7,000 square miles. A smattering of small towns and cities is encompassed by a vast hinterland, where earthy trulli hamlets and Italian villages stud the olive tree-dotted hills. Many Apulia holiday homes are located there, out with the vineyards and farms. That all means a car rental is a great way to get around, offering you the freedom to hop between places like Lecce and Bari while still being based in the countryside. You can hire a set of wheels from port towns like Brindisi, or major regional airports. There are also trains connecting the main urban hubs of Apulia, linking up to Rome and beyond.
Fertile and flat Apulia has been one of Italy's breadbaskets for centuries. Everything from old-growth vines to olive trees to tomato plants are reared in the farms, which lends an earthy, organic edge to the cooking. Fresh passata-based pasta sauces with oodles of pecorino cheese are on offer across the land. Undertones of North Africa and Greece can be tasted in bowls of delicious ciceri e tria – chickpea tagliatelle. Grilled artichokes and freshly caught fish combine to create interesting flavour layers along the coast. And then there's the wine. Apulia produces millions of bottles of the stuff each year, with full-bodied reds taking centre stage in the DOC wines of Salice Salentino and Alezio.
Yes, our 2021 property listings offer a large selection of 11,150 vacation rentals near Puglia. From 2,683 villas to 6,285 houses, find a unique house rental for you to enjoy a memorable stay with your family and friends. The best places to stay near Puglia for a holiday or a weekend are on Vrbo.
There are many lovely places to stay for a holiday trip or just for a weekend in Puglia. From Vrbo UK travelers, the most popular destinations to visit are:
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Vrbo UK offers a large selection of rentals near lovely places in Puglia. From Vrbo UK travelers, the most popular points of interest to stay for a holiday trip or just for a weekend are:
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