I’m coming to Puglia: can you suggest some beautiful places to visit?
How many times have my friends and guests at BeBari Apartments asked me this question?! 😀 Nice to meet you, I’m Michele, Personal Concierge at BeBari Apartments, and today I’ll give you some tips for a Weekend in Puglia or if you’re planning a longer vacation. Puglia is a region rich in history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. But beyond the famous beaches and trails, there are some hidden gems to see and discover, and today I’ll present them to you. If you’re looking for unique experiences and lesser-known spots, we’ve prepared a list of some of Puglia’s hidden gems that are worth exploring. (… and thanks to free parking and independent apartments, BeBari Apartments can be a great starting point for your trips! :D). If you don’t find something on the list, don’t worry… check out the list of “Most Beautiful and Famous Places to Visit in Puglia”! Let’s get started!1. The Gravines of Gravina in Puglia: Have you ever seen the Grand Canyon of Europe?
Gravina in Puglia is famous for its spectacular gravines, deep gorges carved into limestone rock. These natural canyons are home to ancient caves inhabited since prehistoric times and fascinating hiking trails that allow you to discover the wild nature and ancient history of the area. Beyond the trails, the town itself offers splendid rock-hewn churches and the imposing bridge-aqueduct that spans the gravine.- Discover more about the most beautiful gravines in Puglia and where they are here
2. Alta Murgia National Park
The Alta Murgia National Park is a protected area established in 2004, covering about 68,000 hectares. Characterized by a karst landscape with dolines and gravines, the park hosts rich biodiversity, including Apennine wolves and peregrine falcons. It also has historical significance, encompassing the UNESCO World Heritage site Castel del Monte. It’s an ideal place for trekking, cycling, and outdoor activities, offering educational programs about the region’s nature and culture.3. “Sancta Maria” installation by artist Edoardo Tresoldi at the Siponto Archaeological Park
The Siponto Archaeological Park, located near Manfredonia in Puglia, provides a unique look into Italy’s Roman and medieval history. Once an important Roman port and Daunian city, the site features significant ruins, including a Roman theater and the 6th-century early Christian Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore. The basilica has recently been enhanced by the “Sancta Maria” installation by artist Edoardo Tresoldi, a wire mesh structure that recreates the building’s original form. This modern artwork merges with ancient remains, creating a visual bridge between past and present. The park is not only a historical testament but also an active cultural center, hosting events and exhibitions that attract visitors and scholars.4. The Bauxite Quarries of Otranto: A Lunar Landscape!
The Bauxite Quarry in Puglia is a remarkable natural site near Otranto, in the Salento region, with an atmosphere reminiscent of Martian landscapes, thanks to the intense colors and rugged terrain. It’s an old bauxite quarry, the mineral from which aluminum is extracted, active until the 1970s. Since then, nature has transformed this quarry into a unique geological attraction. These abandoned quarries present a spectacular contrast of colors. The walls are deep red, derived from the iron oxide in the bauxite, contrasting with the bright green of the lake formed by rain and the underground water table. The area around the quarry is covered in typical Mediterranean vegetation, providing a stunning setting for hikes and walks. The quarry and its lake have become a habitat for various bird and animal species. Thanks to its secluded location and natural recovery, the area is now a small ecosystem that attracts nature lovers and photographers.5. Foresta Umbra: An Enchanted Place
The Foresta Umbra is a natural area located in the Gargano National Park. Covering over 15,000 hectares, it’s a unique place in Puglia to find a lush woodland environment, perfect for hiking and nature walks. You’ll encounter deer, boars, and a variety of birds, and enjoy the coolness of the forest in summer. It’s a wonderful trip if you’re in the area of Peschici or Vieste for vacation.6. The Abbey of San Vito in Polignano a Mare
Although Polignano a Mare has become increasingly famous, its unique beauty still deserves a mention. Today I recommend a particular spot in the city. Near Polignano a Mare, the Abbey of San Vito is an ancient monastic complex located on a promontory overlooking the sea. It offers a tranquil and contemplative experience, with beautiful views of the Adriatic and the chance to visit the abbey church and its cloister.7. Torre Pinta, located in Otranto
The hypogeum of Torre Pinta is part of a complex of tunnels and underground chambers dating back to the medieval period. The interior of the hypogeum contains archaeological remains that testify to the historical use of the site, from the medieval period to its use as a shelter during World War II.8. The Saline of Margherita di Savoia
The Saline of Margherita di Savoia are the largest in Europe and form an area of considerable natural interest. Here, you can admire vast stretches of white salt and observe a large variety of migratory birds, including pink flamingos. The unique landscape of the salt flats also provides excellent photographic opportunities.9. Vincent City, also known as Eremo di Vincent
This is a unique and fascinating place located in Guagnano, in the province of Lecce. Founded by Vincenzo Maria Brunetti, an artist from Milan, Vincent City began as a votive church in the Salento countryside in the 1990s, gradually transforming into an extremely personal and eclectic home-museum. The hermitage is known for its architecture and unusual decorations, with mosaics and artwork covering every surface. The works include a variety of artistic elements, from sacred representations to popular cultural icons like the Statue of Liberty, Michelangelo’s David, and the Venus, blending the sacred and the profane in a unique style. The artist uses recycled materials to create his works, giving life to a continuously evolving space. Eremo di Vincent is also a place for creative expression, where the artist hosts live painting sessions every Sunday, accompanied by techno and house music. These sessions are an expression of his free spirit and his personal battle against a serious illness, earning him the nickname “Dragonfly of the South.” Although the hermitage has been threatened with removal due to unauthorized construction, it remains a celebrated local attraction, with a separate part of the house showcasing the artist’s works available for purchase. To visit Vincent City, you can access without the need for reservations, but the artist’s presence is essential for a guided tour. The site is along a cycle tourism route, making it accessible for a variety of visitors.10. The Caves of Zinzulusa
The Caves of Zinzulusa are located on the Salento coast, near Castro. This fascinating limestone cave extends for hundreds of meters and offers a suggestive experience among stalactites and stalagmites. The guided tour will take you along an underground path that ends in an inner lake, providing a unique view of the region’s geology.11. The Rock Churches of Massafra
Massafra is famous for its rock churches, carved into the rock and dating back to the Byzantine period. Here you will find a series of ancient churches with well-preserved frescoes, including the Church of San Marco and the Church of Santa Marina. Visiting these churches offers a fascinating experience into the religious history and ancient art of Puglia.12. The Sanctuary of Santa Maria di Leuca
The Sanctuary of Santa Maria di Leuca is located at the southernmost point of Puglia, where the Ionian Sea meets the Adriatic Sea. The sanctuary sits on a promontory with a spectacular panoramic view of the sea. It is a place of pilgrimage and spirituality, with a history that dates back centuries.13. The Dolmens of Bisceglie
Bisceglie is home to some ancient dolmens, megalithic structures that date back to the Bronze Age. The Dolmen della Chianca is one of the most famous and best-preserved, consisting of large stones arranged to form a covered passageway. These dolmens are a testament to the ancient history of Puglia and a unique opportunity to explore the region’s prehistoric past.14. The Abbey of Santa Maria di Cerrate
This ancient abbey, located near Lecce, is a jewel of Romanesque art. Founded by the Normans in the 12th century, the abbey was recently restored and opened to the public. It is a place of great beauty and tranquility, with medieval frescoes and a charming cloister.15. The Grotte di Dio in Mottola
The Grotte di Dio, located in Mottola in the province of Taranto, are rock churches adorned with extraordinarily beautiful frescoes, earning them the nickname “the Sistine Chapel of Southern Italy” by Bell’Italia magazine in the 1980s. These caves include four main churches: Santa Margherita, Sant’Angelo, San Gregorio, and San Nicola, dating between the 11th and 14th centuries. Among the most notable frescoes is the one in the Church of Santa Margherita, depicting the miracle of Myra by Saint Nicholas, where he saves three young girls from a fate of prostitution by providing them with bags full of riches.16. The Sanctuary of Monte Sant’Angelo
Monte Sant’Angelo, in the Gargano region, is an important pilgrimage site, but its sanctuary is often overlooked by tourists. The Sanctuary of San Michele Arcangelo is a sacred cave located inside the mountain, with a history dating back to the 6th century. The cave is decorated with ancient inscriptions and has a unique spiritual atmosphere.17. Palazzo Sticchi in Santa Cesarea Terme
Palazzo Sticchi, located in Santa Cesarea Terme in Puglia, is a fascinating example of Moorish architecture, particularly known for its ornamental style that evokes Eastern shapes. Built between 1894 and 1900 by engineer Giovanni Pasca, this building stands out for its distinctive red dome and the arch vaults that create an almost exotic impression. The facade of the palace is embellished with locally crafted Lecce stone, used for architectural details like a trifora loggia and twisted columns. Although the interior of Palazzo Sticchi is not accessible, the exterior remains a popular attraction for tourists and photographers, especially due to its proximity to the sea, offering a spectacular view, making it an ideal spot to admire the region’s beauty at sunset or sunrise. The building is also distinguished by being surrounded on three sides by a portico with arches, adding another level of detail and charm to the structure. In the past, the palace was more colorful, with traces of white, blue, and red paint, adorned with stars and floral motifs, which have since faded but once added an additional touch of exoticism to the already extraordinary architecture.Let’s Go on an Adventure!
These places offer a wide range of unique experiences in Puglia, allowing visitors to discover the region from a different and more intimate perspective. At BeBari Apartments, we love exploring and recommending even the less touristy spots and hidden gems to discover. We look forward to seeing you in Bari for more recommendations 🙂 Have a great trip and happy exploring!Where to sleep in Bari before visiting Puglia
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BeBari Apartments is located at 145 Via Garruba, just a few minutes from the "Quintino Sella" metro stop for the airport, about 10 minutes from the central train station, the historic center and all major points of interest in downtown Bari.
Via Michele Garruba 145, 70122, Bari
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