Puglia Holidays. Here’s why visiting it

What make Puglia holidays so popular right now?

With millions of people traveling across the globe each year, Italy’s beautiful “boot heel” region Puglia is becoming more and more popular among foreign tourists as a must-see destination.
Puglia –or Apulia, as it was once called- should really be on your travel list for its fascinating beaches and caves, cities and stunning seaside towns rich in history, architecture, archaeology and ancient legends, its peculiar houses “Trulli di Alberobello” one of the most impressive Italian UNESCO World Heritage sites, and an incredible culinary culture worth exploring, rich in olive oil from its rolling olive groves , and regional food.
During your Puglia holidays, the sheer array of attractions and stunning locales might leave you feeling unsure of where to begin.

Who Should Visit Apulia?

Families with kids or teenagers

Whether you are a small family, a large group, honeymooners or just a couple planning a romantic escape, Apulia is the place.

If you chose to spend your summer in Puglia with your kids or teenagers, you made the right choice! Both children and adults are provided with plenty of activities that keep everyone occupied. Apulia is an exceptionally unique destination, boasting an atmosphere that surpasses description by even the most comprehensive travel guides and captivating photographs. Truly, it is an experience that must be encountered in person to be fully appreciated.

Puglia’s beaches offer a diverse range of landscapes, from rugged and untamed to soft and sandy ones. Kids will delight in swimming in the gentle waters reminding the Maldives seas, exploring sea caves, and discovering hidden rocky coves along the astonishing region’s coastline. Discover some of the finest family-friendly beaches in Puglia.

Its expansive and distinctive coastline sets it apart, making Puglia an ideal destination for families. Children will relish the opportunity to experience a family vacation in Puglia. With sun, sea, charming trulli houses, and pizza—every child’s fantasy!

Couples and honeymooners seeking romantic getaways

Are you envisioning a romantic retreat in Puglia with your significant other? Puglia offers an idyllic setting for romance, particularly when you choose beachside Puglia villas as your sanctuary.

Couples can stroll hand in hand along the charming streets before selecting one of the numerous intimate restaurants in Apulia for a candlelit dinner, featuring delectable cuisine and locally crafted wine.

For an unforgettable experience, couples should consider booking a table at some of the various restaurants situated on the beach or inside a cave, overlooking the sea.

This spot is arguably among the most romantic worldwide for a marriage proposal. Moreover, if you’re in search of the perfect Italian wedding venue, remember that this region offers more than just Puglia holidays—it features exquisite mansions available for rent to host your special day.

There are many Puglia beaches for couples to enjoy, some of which provide private coves which offer the perfect picnic spot to share a bottle of prosecco whilst soaking up the rays. Moreover, it is easy to rent villas near the beach; these holiday houses are perfect for couples looking for a romantic holiday in Puglia with plenty of space and privacy.

Group holidays with friends

Puglia offers an ideal setting for bonding with friends. Gather in a spacious villa amidst the charms of the region and revel in shared experiences. Consider renting a vehicle to explore Alberobello for a day, where you can marvel at the iconic trulli houses together.
Indulge in an afternoon of wine tasting at an Italian villa with your crew. Whether you opt for this or any other activity, Puglia offers an abundance of options to keep groups entertained throughout their visit.

The best time for your Puglia getaways

Deciding on the optimal season to visit Puglia can pose a challenge. Will you opt for the gentle winter climate, vibrant springtime, bustling summer festivals, or serene autumn ambiance?
An all-season destination
As Puglia experts, we assure you that this region is enjoyable year-round, with the ideal weather typically spanning from May to October, making it perfect for Italian weddings as well.
Puglia is a top holiday spot for Italians, especially in August, the peak season, when temperatures range from 24-30 degrees Celsius. However, this popularity means beaches can get crowded, so plan accordingly when booking your holiday villa in Puglia.

From June to September

June and September offer the most favorable weather for visiting Puglia, with average daily temperatures around 22 degrees Celsius. Additionally, these months boast quieter beaches, making them ideal for a tranquil getaway. Golf enthusiasts will find May, June, September, and October particularly appealing for hitting the greens. If you’re unable to visit during these off-peak months, consider booking a villa with a pool for your Puglia holiday. This way, you can retreat to your own private oasis and enjoy a refreshing dip whenever the beaches are bustling.

Puglia is a hotspot for celebrities

Puglia is a discreet hub for celebrities. Unlike flashy destinations like Cannes or Costa Smeralda, Puglia exudes a unique charm. It draws a distinct kind of celebrity, one with a refined taste, who not only visits but also invests in properties such as traditional trulli houses and masserias.
Indeed, a haven for A-list Celebs, much like a second residence.

Renowned English actress Helen Mirren openly confesses her deep affection for Puglia holidays. So captivated by the region, she purchased a 16th-century Masseria, a traditional farmhouse known for its robust, square structure.

The grandeur of masserias contributes to Puglia’s allure, alongside its iconic trulli houses—Apulian dry stone shelters with distinctive conical roofs, often renovated into charming, one-of-a-kind villas for rent in Puglia. Helen Mirren, with her husband Taylor Edwin Hackford, savors moments of relaxation in their private oasis, relishing local produce and fine wine—an epitome of the sweet life! Yet, Helen Mirren isn’t alone in her admiration for Puglia. Meryl Streep possesses a holiday villa in Tricase Porto, while French actor Gerard Depardieu invested in property in Lecce, celebrated for its breathtaking Baroque architecture. Moreover, Lecce’s allure drew the attention of John Malkovich, who visited to partake in the Festival of European Cinema.

Puglia weddings are favored by Hollywood stars and VIPs.

The recent highly publicized Puglian wedding of Rohan Mehta and Ritika Agarwal, daughter of Indian tycoon Pramod Agarwal, garnered global attention. Held at Borgo Egnazia, an exclusive Italy wedding venue in Savelletri di Fasano, known for its trulli houses, the event was truly magical. Notable personalities like Jude Law, Sienna Miller, and Stanley Tucci have dined at Lo Scalo, a restaurant and lido on the Salento Bay. Similarly, Italian singer Gianni Morandi frequents Lido Pizzo, a beach near Gallipoli, for his annual holiday.

Celebrities and travelers alike are enamored by this corner of Italy, drawn in by its captivating charm and unforgettable landscapes.
Hollywood darlings Jessica Biel and Justin Timberlake were so taken with Puglia that they selected a luxury resort in the province of Brindisi for their Italian wedding.
Even royalty indulges in Puglia holidays. British Royals Prince Harry, Princess Beatrice, and Pippa Middleton, sister of the Duchess of Cambridge, graced Monopoli Castle in Puglia, a picturesque Italian wedding venue, for the nuptials of their close friends Charlie Gilkes and Anneke von Trotha Taylor. It’s simply the place to be.
Puglia has cemented its status as a premier destination for celebrity weddings, boasting numerous spacious villas available for rent. It’s a must-add to your Italian wedding wish list!

Puglia is like a scene from a real-life movie

Apart from celebrity weddings and sightings, it’s noteworthy that Puglia served as the primary setting for the 80s hit musical “Walking on Sunshine,” featuring British singer Leona Lewis, actor Greg Wise, and Italian heartthrob Giulio Berruti.
Typically, the location of a movie serves as the backdrop, but “Walking on Sunshine” breaks this norm, with its most captivating scenes filmed in Lecce. Known as the Baroque centerpiece of Puglia, Lecce is an essential destination for Puglia holidays.

Step into the limelight by renting a luxurious villa in Puglia

Puglia unquestionably radiates star quality. To immerse yourself in this firsthand, explore our collection of luxury villas in Puglia with pools.
Follow in the footsteps of A-list celebrities, Russian oligarchs, and savvy travelers to experience the finest of Puglia holidays.
Within this region lie numerous popular hotspots, ensuring visitors an unparalleled VIP experience. We believe the perfect starting point for accommodations is among the stunning Puglia beaches.

The beaches of Puglia are enchanting

Forget about the Amalfi Coast; Puglia is the latest trending destination for stunning scenery, breathtaking beaches, and Ionian getaways. With the longest coastline in Italy, Puglia is embraced by the Ionian and Adriatic Seas.
Expect to discover rocky coves with pristine waters, rugged coastlines adorned with ancient olive groves, and flat white-sand beaches reminiscent of exotic destinations like the Maldives or Southeast Asia. Puglia is a distinctive and sophisticated region, and its diverse beaches perfectly reflect this character.
From Vieste to Marina di Pescoluse, Otranto to Monopoli, Puglia offers endless opportunities to enjoy its best beaches and crystal-clear seas.

Here are our top 5 favorite Puglia beaches:

1. San Vito (Polignano a Mare), Bari

San Vito Beach in Polignano a Mare has been awarded the Blue Flag designation and is located at the base of San Vito Abbey, a magnificent example of Baroque architecture that now hosts a restaurant with a sea view.

While the beach is small and partly sandy, don’t hesitate to find your ideal spot among the rocks and enjoy the ambiance. Take a stroll around Polignano a Mare to discover its cultural treasures, including The Museum of Contemporary Art, which is one of its highlights.

2. Fasano, Egnazia Case Bianche, Brindisi

Case Bianche in Egnazia has earned the prestigious Blue Flag award for its commitment to environmental excellence. Here, visitors can enjoy a secluded cove suitable for families and individuals with disabilities. For those interested in the region’s history, a visit to the ancient ruins of Egnazia is a must-not-miss experience.

3. Torre San Giovanni, Lecce

Torre San Giovanni beach offers an impressive six kilometers of coastline framed by rugged sand dunes and a sprawling pine forest.
For those seeking the ultimate Puglia holiday experience, Torre San Giovanni is a dream destination.
This expansive beach is a haven for nature enthusiasts, offering both untamed beauty and ample space—ideal for enjoying a picnic with Italian cheese and fine wine.

4. Pescoluse, Salve, Lecce

Salve, Marina di Pescoluse, Lecce is affectionately known as the ‘Maldives of Puglia’ and has been recognized by The Telegraph as one of the best beaches in the region. It’s a must-visit destination for those seeking picture-perfect Ionian holidays.

If you’re planning a trip to Puglia, a visit to this beach is essential. Its shallow, sparkling waters are ideal for families and novice swimmers alike.
With its white powdery sand, crystal-clear waters, and a variety of private beach clubs, sun-seekers will find themselves spoiled for choice in this breathtaking part of Puglia.

5. Otranto, Lecce

Located in the province of Lecce, Otranto is a captivating coastal town and port. Bursting with charm and history, it’s an ideal destination for day trips or extended holidays.

Otranto’s most renowned Puglia beach, known as Turkeys’ Bay or Baia dei Turchi, is situated within the Lakes Alimini natural reserve. This long stretch of white sandy beach, nestled among cliffs and perfumed by Mediterranean scrub, ranks among our top three most stunning beaches in Puglia.

After a morning spent at the beach, there’s no better way to unwind than by exploring Otranto’s charming old town. Discover mesmerizing attractions such as the Romanic Cathedral, showcasing an awe-inspiring 11th-century mosaic, and the Castle of Otranto, which served as inspiration for Horace Walpole’s famous Gothic novel of the same name. Dive deeper into the best activities in Otranto.

For a serene atmosphere, venture south to Porto Badisco. This quaint village boasts a beach bar and tranquil, crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling.
Explore our top picks for Puglia sea rentals accommodations to immerse yourself in your own piece of Pugliese paradise.

We hope we’ve provided you with a comprehensive understanding of Puglia holidays, the ideal destination for families, couples, and groups of friends.

Now equipped with knowledge of the best times to visit Puglia, how to uncover the VIP spots, and some of the A-list stars who have fallen for the region, as well as a glimpse into some of the best beaches, are you ready to follow in their footsteps and explore the “heel of Italy”?

If your passion for Puglia is growing, dive deeper into our extensive collection of articles and blogs, as well as our detailed Puglia Guide.
Indulge in a stylish siesta with a glass of ice-cold prosecco by the pool in your luxury Puglia villa, and as the sun sets, venture into town to experience Italian aperitivo amidst charming trulli houses and picturesque piazzas.

For a truly VIP experience, explore our luxurious villas for rent in Puglia, ideally located near the beach.
Puglia holidays are meant to be savored without the constraints of daily life. Escape the ordinary and immerse yourself in the glamour of Puglia; we promise you won’t want to leave.