Destinations

Hotels in Puglia,Italy

Apulia or Puglia as it is more commonly known, lies east of the Apennines in the south east of Italy and extends as far as the spur and heel of the Italian boot! It is a largely agricultural region due to the fertile dark soil which for many years was sun blasted dry but now wheat, tobacco, grapes for wine and eating, almonds, figs and olives are grown everywhere.

The varied terrain, partly flat, partly hilly, especially on the Salentine Peninsula, is where Puglia produces some fabulous red wines most notable of which are Rosso di Salento, Rosso di Puglia and the wide range of Primitivo labels.

Fly into Bari or Brindisi and on the drive to your new home from home you will see Red chillies drying hung from the wrought-iron balconies of white-washed houses. Broom, poppies and mint grow wild in the fields. The coastline is noted for its long sandy beaches, rocky coves and the unspoiled natural beauty of the Gargano peninsula with its dramatic cliffs.

Outside of the two middle weeks of August Puglia is largely ignored by tourism and so you can wander the streets and alleys of Lecce, Taranto or Locorotondo without being crushed. As with the other regions, Puglia has developed a unique cuisine which owes as much to its Greek and Albanian neighbours as it does to the pasta and pizza of Italy. But some things you can guarantee, it is always fresh, it is always local and it is always good.

Known mostly for its unusual buildings, the Trulli, conical stone huts of Alberobello: Puglia has manly whitewashed cities like Ostuni too and the baroque splendour of Gallipoli shouldn't go unmentioned either.

Beaches are long, sandy and plentiful, although much of the countryside is national park and so protected for the future. Days out in Puglia can involve some driving but what you find at the end of the trip is always worth the effort.

We have picked out a selection of our favourite hotels in Puglia for you to have a look through, including a charming unique trullis resort.
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Puglia, Italy

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Things to do in Puglia

Visit S.Maria Di Leuca: the most southerly point on the heel of Italy. Great sea views, stunning countryside and a small chapel frequented by knights on their way to the crusades. Now popular with grail seekers.
Wine tasting: Italy’s long stiletto “heel” from northwest to southeast, rivals Sicily for being the largest producer of Italian wine. In fact, this 360km region produces almost twice as much wine as all of Australia. Chief among the DOCs here are Castel del Monte and Gravina, followed by Rosso Barletta, Rosso Canosa, and the sweet Moscato di Trani. Whites from Locorotondo and Martina Franca are crisp and fruity.
Itria Valley the trulli: This is where you’ll find most of the thousands of strange conical trulli. Towns such as Alberbello, Locorotondo, Martina Franca all have plenty surrounding them. They make unusual and popular holiday homes in summer but can be chilly in winter.
Zoo Safari at Fasano: Part safari and part theme park this is a good one for children. Although you are not supposed to feed the animals on the way around the safari, nobody appears to take much notice, until you get to the lions that is. The rides in the park are extra to the cost of admission, but not badly priced at 2 euros a go, or cheaper if you buy a book of tickets.
Caves: when the summer sun takes its toll, the world famous caves at Castallana Grotte offer a welcome cooling respite. Over 3km in length, the full trip will take you over two hours, though there is a shorter 50 minute version for those who don’t fancy a two hour underground hike. You’ll need warm clothes, even if you go in the height of summer.

Masseria Tenuta Monacelle Hotel - Exclusive country location (4 stars)

We love Masseria Tenuta Monacelle Hotel because...
Trullis, immaculate presentation, beautiful location, stunning scenery and a level of hospitality on a parr with many resort hotels only with a unique charm of its own, the Monacelle is our pride and joy.

From £44.75 pppn

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Victoria Hotel - City chic (4 stars)

We love Victoria Hotel because...
The city of Gallipoli apart from its wartime connotations offers so much to see and do. Shopping is well priced, restaurants extremely reasonable and this hotel is at the heart of it all.

From £35.25 pppn

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