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Flights to Puglia: Discover Italy's sun-kissed hidden gem
Do you fancy a beach holiday in crystal-clear waters and exploring whitewashed villages? Your next destination should be Puglia in Italy. This sun-drenched region in Southern Italy is a hidden gem with gorgeous beaches and historic towns, without the crazy crowds of Rome or Venice. Puglia sits along the Adriatic and Ionian coasts, and its major cities include Bari, Lecce, Taranto, Foggia and Brindisi.
Your itinerary should start in Bari's Old Town, or you can get lost in the fairy-tale trulli houses of Alberobello. If you love the coast, swim in the turquoise waters of Polignano a Mare or relax on the sandy shores of Gallipoli. And let's talk food: handmade orecchiette pasta, fresh seafood and olive oil make every meal unforgettable.
Whether you are planning a romantic getaway or foodie adventure, take advantage of our cheap deals for hotels and flights to Puglia.
Puglia at a glance
Flight duration (from London): 2 hours 40 minutes
Main airport: Bari's Karol Wojtyla International Airport (BRI) or Brindisi Airport (BDS)
Population: 3.89 million
Language: Italian and English
Currency: Euro
Time zone: Central European Standard Time (GMT+1)
Getting to Puglia from the UK
Are you heading to the sunny Puglia? Getting there from the UK is super easy, with direct flights to Bari (BRI) and Brindisi (BDS) airports from several UK cities. You can fly to Puglia from London, Manchester and Bristol, with flight times of around three hours. Budget airlines like Ryanair, easyJet and Wizz Air often have great deals, making a Puglia getaway totally affordable.
If you arrive in Bari, you're just six miles from the city centre. A quick 20-minute taxi ride or a train trip gets you right into the heart of this historic coastal city. If you land in Brindisi, it's even closer, just three miles to the centre.
The best time for Puglia holidays
Puglia is beautiful all year round. Spring is one of the best times to visit Puglia. The weather is warm, wildflowers are blooming and the olive groves look lush and green. It is a great time to wander the Alberobello's trulli houses, explore Lecce's baroque streets and indulge in fresh seafood without the summer crowds.
If you love the beach, summer holidays in Puglia promise endless adventure. With temperatures hitting 35°C, it's the ideal time for swimming in Polignano a Mare's turquoise waters and enjoying seaside aperitivos. Expect bigger crowds and higher prices, but there are also amazing festivals, like Notte della Taranta, where the streets come alive with music and dancing.
Autumn is Puglia's secret sweet spot; it is still warm but with fewer tourists and lower prices. It's harvest season, meaning you can enjoy olive oil tastings, wine festivals and fresh truffle dishes. Winter in Puglia is quiet, charming and budget-friendly. While it's too chilly for the beach, you can explore without the crowds, cosy up in trattorias and experience Christmas markets.
Top experiences in Puglia
Find your perfect Puglian beach
If you're dreaming of golden sands and Italian seaside charm, Puglia has a beach for every vibe. Do you want a dramatic, Instagram-worthy spot? Head to Lama Monachile in Polignano a Mare, where cliffs frame a crystal-clear cove straight out of a postcard.
Maybe you prefer soft sand and shallow waters? Pescoluse, known as the Maldives of Puglia, is a paradise for swimmers and sunbathers alike. If you love a wilder, untouched feel, explore Torre Guaceto, a protected nature reserve with pristine beaches and no crowds. For those who like their beach days with a side of history, Baia dei Turchi near Otranto combines Caribbean-blue waters with an epic backstory of Ottoman invasions.
Go hiking in Parco Nazionale del Gargano
If you want a break from swimming, Parco Nazionale del Gargano is Puglia's wild, green escape! This stunning national park in northern Puglia is a mix of dense forests, dramatic cliffs and hidden caves. You can plan a hiking trip through Umbra Forest. Enjoy your hike with sea views by taking the coastal trails near Vieste. It leads to breathtaking limestone cliffs and sea grottoes.
If you love history, hike to the San Michele Archangel Sanctuary, a centuries-old pilgrimage site perched high in the hills. After your adventure, refuel with local cheeses and fresh seafood in a nearby village.
Wander the Alberobello trulli houses
Step into a real-life storybook as you wander through Alberobello, home to Puglia's famous trulli houses! These whitewashed, cone-roofed homes look like hobbit houses straight out of a fantasy movie. But they're not just for show; locals have lived in them for centuries. Explore the Rione Monti district, where 1,500 trulli line the winding streets.
If you want the best views, climb up to Belvedere Santa Lucia for a breathtaking panoramic shot. Some trulli have been transformed into boutique shops and even hotels, so you can step inside and experience their charm.
Island hop the Tremiti archipelago
If you think Puglia is all about beaches and hilltop towns, wait until you sail for the Tremiti Islands. This stunning archipelago in the Adriatic Sea is Puglia's best-kept secret, offering crystal-clear waters, hidden caves and rugged cliffs. San Domino is a great spot to start your adventure. It's known for secluded coves and pine-scented hiking trails. Visit San Nicola, an ancient fortress and monastery overlooking the sea. You can go snorkelling in Cala delle Arene or explore Grotta del Blue Marino.
FAQs about Puglia holidays
Q: What is the best month to visit Puglia?
A: The best month to visit Puglia is September. The summer crowds are gone, but the weather is still warm. It is ideal for beaches, sightseeing and food festivals. The sea is still warm for swimming, and it's the harvest season, meaning plenty of fresh wine and olive oil tastings. Plus, hotel prices drop, making it a budget-friendly yet dreamy Italian escape.
Q: Is Puglia expensive to visit?
A: Compared to Italy's tourist hotspots like Rome or Venice, Puglia is surprisingly affordable. You can enjoy delicious Italian meals and local wine for less. It is also easy to find budget-friendly hotels in Puglia, and many beaches and attractions are free. Avoid July and August, when prices peak. Instead, visit in spring or autumn for better deals and fewer crowds.
Q: How many days is enough for Puglia?
A: Five to seven days is ideal for exploring Puglia's highlights without rushing. Spend two days in Bari and Polignano a Mare, wander the trulli houses of Alberobello and relax on the beaches of Monopoli. Add a day for the baroque beauty of Lecce and another for Matera. If you have a full week, explore the Gargano Peninsula or Tremiti Islands.
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