All about Puglia

By: Effetto Italy  On: October 3, 2018  In: Destinations 

As one of the most popular destinations in Europe, if not in the world, Italy has always been high on everyone’s travel wish list. Yet once travelers hit the trifecta of Rome, Florence and Venice (and perhaps Sorrento or Sicily), they often assume they have seen the best of the country and move on to conquer a new trendy destination. That leaves many incredible regions throughout Italy just waiting to be discovered.

Such is the case with Puglia. Filling out Italy’s “heel”, Puglia has been flying under the travel radar for many years. Recently, however, more and more Americans are discovering the region for both incentives and leisure as an antidote to the more traditional Italian stay. From its fairytale-type houses and its amazing beaches to its strong culinary tradition, Puglia (pronounced POOL-ia) should be your next go-to spot.

Why Puglia

Foodies, art and architecture enthusiasts, oenophiles, hikers, and sun-seekers will all agree that Puglia truly has something for everyone. Its countryside is farm-rich with 60 million olive trees and endless fields of blonde grain. The villages, some white-washed, some Baroque and some medieval, are both charming and diverse in styles. The incredible coastline is the longest in Italy, featuring beaches replete with rocky coves and soft sands. Here are some of our top reasons to choose Puglia:

Food

One of Italy’s main agricultural regions, Puglia’s fertile soil, sun and flat landscape make it ideal for growing. It makes 23% of the olive oil in Europe and is known for having some of the best bread and pasta in the country due to its durum wheat. Vegetables are in abundance and often have a brighter and more intense flavor than those grown in the north. The food produced is simple, yet diverse and delicious. Food lovers will not be disappointed. Don’t forget to taste the orecchiette pasta, burrata and Canestrato cheeses, frisella and taralli breads, and il rustico (a pizza/calzone/pastry delight). For those looking for fine-dining experiences, Puglia boasts 3 Michelin starred restaurants.

Wine

Puglia has always had a very strong wine tradition, yet most of the wine produced until recently has been a more rustic one for the purposes of exportation. However, in the past 20 years Puglia has undergone a bit of a renaissance in wine-making. Now producers have been more focused on quality and terroir, garnering much praise in the wine world. The main varietals are Primitivo (the sister grape to Zinfandel), Negroamaro (which makes the Salice Salento wine), and Nero di Troia, but there are many more lesser known local grapes. The main wine towns in Puglia include Lecce, Martina Franca, Manduria and Salice Salentino, but you can enjoy a glass wherever you go.

Trulli

Found in the southern Murgia area of the peninsula, Trulli are traditional, white, dry stone huts with conical shaped roofs. They first appeared in the 16^th century, with numbers climbing to more than 3500 over the centuries. Popular because they were simple to build and even easier to take down, Trulli were a way to avoid taxes (rumor has it) … residents would dismantle them when the taxman was due. The town of Alberobella’s boasts the biggest concentration of Trulli and is one of the UNESCO World heritage sites.

Unique Villages

Puglia has such varied and interesting villages and towns; it’s difficult to choose where to go. The “white city” of Ostuni, a medieval, white washed city atop a hill and just 8 km away from the sea, is one of Puglia’s most beautiful. Often called the Florence of the South, Lecce is a Baroque sensation featuring a ancient Roman amphitheatre and 16^th century castle. Trani, one of the most picturesque coastal towns, is also close to Castel del Monte, another UNESCO Heritage Site. Polignano a Mare, another seaside village, is sheltered by cliffs that drop down to the clear blue water.

A MICE destination

Puglia makes the perfect MICE destination for smaller meetings and incentives. In addition to the necessary infrastructure, facilities and warm hospitality to ensure that any program is met with success, Puglia offers exclusive and unique activities that would appeal to MICE clients. Of course, it has an abundance of private food and wine tastings or lessons. But beyond that, one can experience anything from private opera in amazing horseshoe theaters and various art and stone demonstrations to chartered sea cave excursions. Both the Trulli and the Masserie (akin to Tuscan farmhouses) are available for stays or culinary experiences. And a group can journey further afield to Matera, the 2019 European Capital of Culture.

So consider a journey to one of Italy’s most unique and diverse regions – come to Puglia!

Ciao for now,
The Effetto Italy Team