From the round city to the white city to the “Florence of the South”, 5 must-sees in the “heel of the boot” of Italy

The Puglia Region (in Spanish, Puglia), in southern Italy, is synonymous with Steep cliffs, golden sandy beaches surrounded by crystal clear water and Stone cities where time has stood still.

But fertile levels also unfold within him, rolling hills and fields with old olive trees.

With 370 km of beaches on 995 km coastWith impressive Mediterranean landscapes and the mountainous region of Gargano, the region invites you to rest by the sea, enjoy its gastronomy and stroll among buildings that stand out for their rich heritage and historical and cultural value.

Although Puglia became a “trend” among travel agents and has no longer become “fashionable” on social networkstoday it definitely integrates the country’s tourist map.

Below are five unmissable destinations in this ancient region that stretches across the immensity of the land sea Adriatic and Ionian Seas.

You can see on the horizon a sea of ​​gray conical roofs over dozens of white houses. We are in Alberobelloa small town that seems like something out of a picture book and whose streets are steep and narrow.

It doesn’t take long to discover the fascination that tourists from all over the world have with these houses Trullideclared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Almost Barithe place owes its name to the Latin expression Siva Arboris Belli (“the wood of the war tree”).

A blue-green (singular of Trulli) is a small one-story country house where large families lived in groups Trulli built next to each other.

At first they served as field shelters and warehouses, but later they became the usual accommodation for the population.

There are two large districts: Aia Piccola is a residential area, while Rione Monti is the main tourist destination with about a thousand Trulli.

“I’ll fly, oh oh / I’ll sing, oh oh oh oh”. One of the catchiest Italian songs has its origins in Polignano a Marethe hometown of the author Domenico Modugno.

And thanks to its success, it has become the main ambassador of this charming city with a great offer Seafood restaurants and artisan ice cream.

Without a doubt it is one of the most beautiful Apulian towns on the Adriatic coast very picturesque historic center almost on the edge of the cliffsBeaches and hidden coves.

The iconic postcard of Polignano is the beach of Lama Monachile: On the ancient Via Trajana that connected Brindisi with Rome, it was a fishing village during the Roman Empire.

There was an important trading port there around the 16th century and part of the medieval city wall is still preserved.

Its special geography attracts visitors from all over the world and it is one of the meccas of diving. Of course: swimming You have to wear water shoes because the ground is stony.

Is Known as the “White City” for its whitewashed housesand offers spectacular panoramic views.

As you enter the labyrinth of narrow streets and squares overlooking the olive groves and the sea, Ostuni becomes more and more attractive to visitors.

Set on three hills and just a few kilometers from the Adriatic Sea, it is perfect for walking without the rush, taking incredible photos and enjoying the local culture trattorias and cafes.

The cobbled staircases, ancient arches and quiet squares form an incomparable architectural ensemble, where every corner has a centuries-old history.

At the top stands the Gothic-style cathedral, while the city’s ancient walls and gates are also preserved.

They call it “the Florence of the South” for its dazzling Baroque: The trademark of Lecce is precisely the churches, palaces and squares with which it was built Pietra Leccese (the local stone) golden.

Excellent base for exploring Salento and the nearby beachesLocated in the center of Salento, Lecce has excellent connections by car and train to the rest of Italy, making it an ideal base for exploring the Italian “boot heel”.

The historic center is home to small streets, squares and monuments, highlighted by the baroque churches, noble palaces and ancient ruins such as the Roman amphitheater.

But Lecce is not only history and stone: the present is lived intensely thanks to a lively cultural life with festivals, concerts and events that attract both residents and tourists enchanted by traditional gastronomy.

Nestled in the heart of the Valle d’Itria, the historic center of Locorotondo It is arranged in a circle, hence the name (which In Latin it means “round place”.).

It is a charming town with white houses, flower-filled streets, sloping roofs and valley views.

From the Locorotondo viewpoints, a landscape that blends unfolds Vineyards, olive groves and rolling hills that stretch as far as the eye can see.

The panoramic view of the valley in particular allows us to understand why this city is one of the most valuable in the region: its surroundings, its architecture and its tranquility They make it an ideal escape for those looking for beauty, silence and nature combined with history.

It is not a destination for crowds, but rather a peaceful village where you can get lost among the white streets, breathe in the pure air and let yourself be carried away by the details: an old portal, a window with flowers, the evening light on the stone.