Tag: Where in Puglia

Why you should visit Puglia’s during the Off-Season (February-April)

Escape the summer crowds and experience a different side of Puglia, bathed in the warm embrace of spring. While February to April may not be peak season, it holds unique treasures for travellers seeking tranquility, affordability, and authentic experiences.

Embrace the Quiet Charm

Puglia transforms into a haven of peace during this period. Imagine strolling through charming towns like Ostuni (“the White City”) without jostling for space, or soaking up the sun on pristine beaches devoid of umbrellas. Embrace the slower pace, connect with locals, and immerse yourself in the region’s true character.

Budget-Friendly Bliss

Compared to peak season, accommodation and travel costs plummet, making Puglia an incredibly budget-friendly option. Treat yourself to a luxurious stay in a historic masseria (farmhouse) or charming boutique hotel without breaking the bank.

Unleash Your Inner Carnival spirit 

Immerse yourself in the vibrant energy of Carnevale di Putignano, one of Europe’s longest-running carnivals, held in February. Witness dazzling floats, elaborate costumes, and infectious revelry that paint the town red (or rather, confetti-covered!): Carnevale di Putignano. Also a great opportunity to try Pugliese’s most loved dragees: the originals are Mucci Giovanni! 

Embrace the Outdoors

Spring awakens Puglia’s natural beauty. Lace up your boots and explore the countless trekking routes, like the Bosco delle Pianelle Natural Reserve, where ancient olive groves and Mediterranean flora unveil their secrets: Bosco delle Pianelle Natural Reserve. Find out more here  

Breathe in the fresh air, soak in panoramic views, and reconnect with nature.

Foodie Delights at Friendly Prices

Indulge in Puglia’s renowned cuisine without the summer sticker shock. Cooking classes like Masseria Moroseta’s offer immersive experiences at more affordable rates, allowing you to master local dishes and savor authentic flavors: Masseria Moroseta Cooking Experience. Explore charming trattorias and indulge in fresh, seasonal delicacies at budget-conscious prices.

Bonus Gems

     

      • Witness the enchanting almond blossom spectacle: The Apulian countryside paints itself in a delicate white blanket from February to March. Don’t miss this breathtaking sight!

      • Cycle through scenic landscapes: Puglia offers many flat, scenic routes perfect for leisurely cycling adventures. Rent a bike and explore charming villages and hidden coves.

      • Go spelunking in Castellana Grotte: Descend into the magical underground world of Castellana Grotte, a network of caverns adorned with stalactites and stalagmites. Book your adventure here.  https://www.grottedicastellana.it/en/

      • Visit the historic city of Lecce: Wander through the “Baroque Capital of Puglia,” admiring its ornate architecture and vibrant historical center. Immerse yourself in the city’s rich history with this self-guided walking tours.

      • Take a boat trip along the beautiful Adriatic coast: Discover hidden coves, explore marine caves, and spot playful dolphins in the crystal-clear waters. Embark on an unforgettable journey with this incredible boat tour provider.

    Puglia awaits, ready to unveil its magic to those who dare to explore beyond the ordinary. Ditch the summer crowds and embark on an unforgettable Apulian adventure during the off-season. Unwind in the peaceful ambiance, discover hidden gems, and indulge in authentic experiences – all at a fraction of the peak-season cost.

    Visiting Puglia in winter: things to do

    Quoting Danielle Pergament, travel writer for the New York Times, visiting Puglia in winter is far better than in the summer. She writes: “Granted, it’s too cold to swim, but the food is tastier, the shops are emptier and the prices are lower. And the lack of attachment to the beach encourages exploration of the area’s inland charms. It’s like discovering an entirely new Italy — or at least an Italy that is only populated by Italians.”

    Many talk about pristine beaches, crystal blue water, clear sky and perfect temperatures… not to mention the most ‘instagrammable’ food and the most glamorous parties by the seaside. But one might wonder, what is the real Puglia?

    Beyond bulging burrata and fresh seafood, there’s a culture that waits to be discovered and this is why the cooler season, particularly October and November is a wonderful time to visit the region. From history to gastronomy, nature and leisure, visiting Puglia in winter allows travellers to enjoy the region at its fullest by replacing the busy crowds and the long queues with comfort food, cooler weather and more welcoming locals. It goes without saying that overall you will get better value for money.

    Local tradespeople and those in the hospitality sector value visitors all the more for choosing to explore the real Puglia and its inland charms during the off-season. There’s lots of activities and places to explore during the quieter months. The list is long so we are only going to name a few, but you can get a sense of what’s on offer and we’ll leave you to choose.

    Torre Guaceto, a hidden jewel between sea and nature and a great attraction for sustainable tourism.

    A natural reserve and protected area, Torre Guaceto gives visitors a unique opportunity to relax and reconnect with nature. In the area you can observe a great variety of plants and animals.
    This includes 20 types of orchidacee and animals such as falcons, black-winged stilts and a rare species of butterfly called Zerynthia cassandra. We also highly recommend to stop for lunch at Ristorante l’Agrumeto, a down to earth but truly authentic restaurant located in the countryside, not far from the reserve. We also highly recommend to stop for lunch at Ristorante l’Agrumeto, a down to earth but truly authentic restaurant located in the countryside, not far from the reserve.

    Walking among hectares of olive, almond, prickly pear or cherry trees in the Valle d’Itria is a wonderful way to spend your day.

    Similarly to Torre Guaceto, a day in the countryside is a fantastic way to spend your day. Starting from Monopoli you can head towards Castellana Grotte and after that drive towards the ‘Selva di Fasano’. This wide and hilly forest overlooking the Valle d’Itria and the towns and villages within the region is a gift from nature. You can also visit by one of the many masseria – the typical Apulian farmhouse located on country estates and enjoy the most authentic food there.

    Touring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Alberobello: a name that speaks for itself.

    Located in the heart of Valle d’Itria, its narrow streets and little shops selling all things conical-roofed make it a great spot to visit in autumn. Located 400m high from the sea, Alberobello in the summer could be really hot, given its location right in the middle of the region. Visiting this part of Puglia in winter is far more enticing and Alberobello is a great day out for a day of fun and culture. Time travel in Conversano, a medieval town that has preserved its history and tradition. Even though this is not always the first town visitors go to see in Puglia, Conversano has plenty to offer and is well worth spending time in. For instance, the history of Conversano and its influential families is a throwback in 15th century and European history. Ferdinand 1st, King of Naples, the battles against the Turks and the legacy that the Spanish kingdom has left in the south of Italy in the years to come is an incredible deep dive into medieval history. The castle of Conversano is a great reminiscence of it. Located on a hill overlooking the city this beautiful piece of architecture was in fact the residence of the Counts of Conversano for almost seven centuries, since Norman times.

    How to get to Puglia:

    The easiest way to get to Puglia is to fly into Brindisi or Bari (regular flights from major Italian and European cities).

    We hope you enjoyed this article.

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    Monopoli – Guide

    Thank you from Casa La Torre.

    We want you to truly enjoy Monopoli as a local, so we have put together a guide for our guests to make sure you can make most out of your time here. The guide is listing the main tourist attractions as well as our favourite restaurants, beaches (both pebbly and sandy) and much more.

    These are the places where our friends and I genuinely spend time in Monopoli so we hope you will enjoy our recommendations.

    If you have any question please do not hesitate to contact us at info@casalatorrepuglia.com We wish you a pleasant time in Puglia.

    Please note that by filling the form below you give us consent to contact you with regards to promotions and activities of Casa La Torre.

    Federica e Natalia

    Download – Monopoli Guide

    Top beaches around Bari and Monopoli

    To help you pick the best stretch of sand or your intimate rocky cove we cherrypicked the top beaches around Bari and Monopoli that you cannot miss.

    Puglia has some of the most beautiful coastline in Italy, however choosing the right spot can be a stressful task when there are so many options! For this reason, we have selected some of the top beaches around Bari to make your experience in Puglia stress-free. All you need to worry about is packing your beach bag and get ready to turn your skin into pure gold!

    Calamarena

    Arguably one of the best beaches around the area, this is a very popular spot where locals often hang. Wild and untouched are just some of the words used to describe this shoreline, which gives you everything you need. The water is crystal clear and less busy than the average beach, meaning that you can truly relax here. Also, loungers and shade are available to hire at a very affordable rate. In other words you’ll have the best value for money you could possibly hope for. Finally, and a bar that features a mix of typical Apulian dishes. If you love simplicity and nature, this is your cup of tea.

    Santo Stefano (Monopoli)

    Nestled between two rocky ridges, with a medieval castle overlooking the natural cove, Santo Stefano is a magical place that attracts local and international visitors every year. The water is pristine and this is also thanks to its natural springs streaming from the ground which was used by Benedictine monks in the 14th century. Moreover, the camping area allows adventurous travellers to access the public beach, whereas the privately-owned area ensure you have all the comforts.

    Bambu beach (Capitolo)

    If you love sandy beaches and you are in for a treat without giving up on your adventurous spirit, this is definitely your must-go spot. A tropical inspired beach resort with tiki influences offers its guests the most relaxing and indulgent experience thanks to its shell-shaped sunbeds, a restaurant, a sushi bar and last but not least a tremendous green/turquoise sea in the beautiful coast line of Capitolo. The icing on the cake? This beach offers plenty of sport facilities ideal for kids and adults. This includes a beach volley court, wind-surfs, canoe and laser-sail boat rental and the possibility to also get an instructor. Time to learn how to ride those waves!

    Archeolido

    We dare you to find something as unique as the Archeolido, A sandy beach facing the crystallised water that takes thousands of shades of blue from the sky. The old Acropolis of Egnathia, the Ancient city of the Messapii is standing in the background. Archeolido is more than a beach. It’s a place that wants to bring you back to the 2nd century B.C. reviving your passion for the Mediterranean culture and history. In other words, the Archeolido is the place where you can lose yourself between nature and culture with the comforts of a private beach club. The beach is equipped with shades and lounges and the bar offers a great menu selection, using ingredients that have been carefully sourced locally.