The Puglia region makes up the ‘heel’ of Italy and is a rare gem almost unknown by tourists. The beauty of Puglia is the unique combination of five hundred miles of Ionian and Adriatic coastline, vineyards, farmland and thousands of olives trees. In fact, Puglia produces the largest amount of olive oil in Italy.

Bari, the capital of Puglia, is one of the two major port towns (Brindisi being the second). Beyond these, several seaside towns are sprinkled throughout the coastline and farmhouses are scattered within the countryside. From one coast to another, Puglia has its own individual style, varied landscape and timeless traditions.

Puglia’s architectural diversity is immense. Some cities reflect a Grecian influence with white washed houses, like Ostuni, and others are Baroque in style. The most popular being the city of Lecce, described as the ‘Florence of the South’. Then, there is the unique city of Alberobello, famous for over 1000 whitewashed ‘trulli’, circular buildings with conical roofs that can not be found anywhere else in Italy.

There is something special about taking a leisurely ‘passeggiatta’ (stroll) within these peaceful towns, as the local people have done for centuries. Walk along the quaint cobblestone streets, admire the hand made ceramics and drop into the trusted café for an espresso where you will hear the locals chatting about times gone by.

Some images compliments of ENIT Fototeca