This Is Italy
If you've been following the Italy blogs a bit lately, you know that Apulia or Puglia in Italian – is totally the thing. This region has an amazing coastline, cute white villages and an authentic Italian way-of-life. It is pre-eminently the travel destination for anyone who thinks they have seen Italy. But if you haven't seen Puglia yet, you haven't seen anything yet!
As with any trip, a little extra knowledge about what to expect can make the difference between a great trip and a fantastic one. That's why this blog article with 17 useful and practical tips to know before you travel to the heel of the boot.
1. Everything is slowing down
In any case, you always end up in a lower gear in Italy. But in Puglia you switch back a bit further. Long siestas, shops open only in the early morning and late afternoon, everything slows down. Frustrating when you have a deadline to meet or have a lot to do during your vacation.
But the best thing is to just go along with the southern culture. Spend the mornings watching the sights and go to the beach in the afternoon. Or enjoy an extensive lunch to relax afterwards.
2. More Italian than Italian
Yes, it sounds crazy. After all, Apulia is also just another region of Italy. But we noticed that everything here is really so Italian. Old grannies chatting by the side of the road, Vespas and Ape tricycles everywhere, grandparents playing cards and commenting on passers-by. This is the Italy we know from the movie.
3. The food is pretty standard
Don't get us wrong. The food in Apulia is absolutely delicious, but it is more of a variation on a theme. Especially if you are used to the cuisine from the north of Italy. Everywhere the same things are on the menu and everywhere you see fish and other sea creatures in abundance. It can turn out to be a bit of a repetition, which shouldn't be a problem if you're only staying in the region for a while. But if you are going to make a trip through Apulia, you sometimes want something different. Fortunately, you can also cook for yourself with the delicious natural ingredients that you can find here.
4. You really need a car
Public transport in Italy is generally good. You have high-speed trains for the long distances and stop trains and buses to get to practically everywhere. But not in Apulia. Yes, there are some trains and buses, but if you want to take them, you better take a sabbatical right away. And then you miss the best of what the Apulia region has to offer, because you can't get everywhere by public transport. luckily need car rental not to cost you your head. Really recommended in combination with a trip to Apulia!
5. There is more than just Otranto
Apulia is big. So big that many bloggers and travel journalists often get stuck in the places that are close together. Logical, because the distances are large and if you only have 3 days to spare, you don't want to sit in the car all day. But it is good to realize that Apulia is more than just Polignano, Ostuni, Alberobello, Lecce and Otranto. Do you have some more time? Then plan an extensive tour through the interior and along the coast. Especially if you are a lover of sea and beach, you will not regret this.
6. There are a lot of tourists – Italian tourists
Apulia has not yet exploded as a tourist destination (like the Cinque Terre in recent years), but it is clearly a destination that is booming. When you travel through Italy to Apulia it seems like everyone is heading that way. There is one big plus. Outside of the uber-touristy Polignano a Mare, the vast majority of tourists are Italian. At least that way you still feel like you're in Italy!
7. You can choose from 2 airports
Are you flying to Apulia? Then you can choose from the international airports from Bari and Brindisi. The last airport is about 2,5 hours further south. In most cases, Bari will be your first choice airport. Most flights fly here and it is often cheaper too. But if you're making a round trip through Apulia, it shouldn't matter so much which airport you choose. At both airports you can rent cars (please arrange in advance in the Netherlands or Belgium).
8. You can sleep in a trullo
The typical pointed buildings of the Puglia region have been there for hundreds of years. Why exactly they were built that way is still a mystery that is open to several interpretations. Were they built because of the Greek invasion, for deforestation or to avoid taxes? We may never know, but they're cute anyway. And you can sleep in it, which makes your stay in Puglia a real one experience makes. Very romantic and very Pugliese. So just do it.
9. Private Beaches
Smart Italians have long since made a profit from tourism. For example, many beaches have been given to companies that now request access for them. You have to enter a beach club or pay money to put down your towel. In an otherwise authentic region, this regularly leads to an explosion of instruction and prohibition signs and screaming texts and pictograms. But luckily there is always the free beach, the free beach, where you can lay down your towel as you see fit. Sometimes it's just a matter of searching.
10. Don't go in August
Choose June instead, september of oktober. Fewer tourists, cheaper fares and emptier beaches. As an Italy expert, we don't have to explain that to you anymore, do we?
11. Higher costs at tourist destinations
Are you going to eat in a restaurant near a tourist hotspot? Then know that you pay extra. Not only are the prices of the food and drinks a lot higher, you also pay double or triple cover. One more reason to deviate from the beaten track and visit a restaurant or bar in a side street. Sitting on the terrace in Apulia is usually more expensive than sitting inside.
12. Don't think you'll make it with English
In the north of Italy, in Rome and in Tuscany everyone speaks a little bit of English, but in Puglia it can sometimes be a bit disappointing. Sure, in the larger hotels and restaurants it is usually possible to communicate with the staff. But outside those places you may have to fall back on your Italian. And how are you Italian asked?
13. Skimpy breakfast
Now those Italians are not one of those breakfast eaters, but hotels elsewhere in Italy often take into account tourists who want a nice breakfast before starting a day. sightseeing to start. In Puglia you will mainly find the classic Italian breakfast: a cup of coffee or cappuccino with a biscuit or brioche. That doesn't have to be an issue, but we'll warn you anyway.
14. Stay in the historic center
Are you booking a holiday home or apartment in this beautiful historic town? Then choose the historic center. This way you can easily come 'home' after a drink in the cafe and wake up like a prince for a new day full of discoveries. Moreover, isn't it great to stay in the middle of all those beautiful buildings and narrow alleys?
Tip: take a look at what private individuals have to offer through Airbnb. And if you register with Airbnb for the first time, you will receive a €25 discount (even if you don't travel until next year).
15. Book outside the tourist areas
Do you want to save on your travel budget? Then book your stay outside the real tourist locations such as Polignano, Otranto or Lecce. A few kilometers away you are also in a beautiful historic town, but you pay half the rate. Of course you can't completely avoid the crowds if you only have a short time and want to see all the highlights, but cheaper travel is always within reach.
16. Matera, my dear?
Matera is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Well, the city is not in Apulia but in neighboring Basilicata. So what? This city is the European Capital of Culture 2019 and it shows in everything. If you're in the area during a trip through Apulia, you might as well pay her a visit.
17. Nice weather all year round
This region in the heel of the boot is known for its excellent climate all year round. So you certainly don't necessarily have to travel in the summer. September en oktober are perfect months, where you still have plenty of opportunity to enjoy the sea and the beach, but when it is not so sweltering during the day.
Apulia is also worth a visit in winter. Actually all year round. When the sun shines, it soon looks just as beautiful as in summer.
Tip: 🇮🇹 Check out the best and cheapest accommodations in Apulia now.
You might also like to complete the ACSI journey We are almost there! from 2018. It also gave us a look at some beautiful Puglia places.
Do you have any tips for Puglia yourself? Then leave them in a comment below. Thank you!
Source: alongdustyroads.com, photos: Pixabay
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