Apulia, also known as Puglia, is located in southeastern Italy, surrounded by the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, the Strait of Otranto and the Gulf of Taranto. While staying in you Apulia villa, you will be able to visit Greek and Roman ruins, medieval hill towns, 760 kilometers of spectacular beaches and coastline, traditional fishing villages and thermal resorts. An Apulia villa vacation is a chance to view buildings and monuments from ancient Greek and Roman times, such as the Amphitheatre in Leece. There are also fine examples of Gothic, Renaissance, Romanesque and Byzantine architecture, such as the cathedrals in Trani and Bitonto and the Sanctuary of Santa Maria dei Miracoli in Andria. In Lecce, you will notice a distinctive architectural style, known as "Barocco Leccese", a local version of the Baroque style. You will know you are in Apulia when you see the unique structures known as Trulli. They are small, whitewashed, cone-shaped structures made of stone, without mortar. You may see them in fields, being used for storage or, if you visit Alberobello, you can see whole communities living in them. Visit one of the trulli tourist villages to see more.

Get outdoors on your Apulia vacation. Walk or ride along the many trails in the Foresta Umbra, one of Italy's largest forests. As well as being home to the local wildlife, it is also a wonderful place to see a profusion of regional wildflowers. The Adriatic coastline offers the visitor to Apulia a choice of pristine white beaches. Take a dip in the crystal clear water and then taste the day's catch at the local tavern (trabucchi). Shop for souvenirs at one of the many craft markets. These are usually held in conjunction with each town's festival or carnival days. In the capital city of Bari, experience the famous nightlife district or admire the fine architecture of the Castello Svevo, the Basilica di San Nicola or the Catherdral of San Sabino. Visit the city of Andria, a favorite of The Emperor Frederick II, and see one of the most famous castles in Italy, the Castel Del Monte.

The Apulia/Puglia region is known for its production of high quality durum wheat for pasta making. Try the local pasta dishes, especially those with orecchiette, where the pasta has been shaped to look like little ears. Also try the regional breads and biscuits, such as the frisedde or the taralli. Sfogliate is bread with a delicious filling baked inside. The fertile soils of Apulia are also well know for producing delicious Fava beans, zucchinis, tomatoes, eggplants and the distinctively bitter lampasciuoli that flavours some of the regional cuisine. Frutti di Mare or seafood is plentiful, given the proximity to the Adriatic and Ionian seas.

Festivals and events in Apulia / Puglia
Novoli - Puccia all'Ampa (flat bread) Festival (January)
Fasano - Carnival Parade (February)
Putignano - Carnival Parades (Each Sunday in February)
Bari - Historical re-enactment of the arrival of St Nicholas's Bones from Turkey (May)
Mola Di Bari - Octopus Festival (July)
Putignano - Frisella (round bread) Festival (July or August)
Martina Franca - Festival della Valle D'Itria (July-August)
Monteleone di Puglia - Festival of Caciocavallo cheese (August)
Grottaglie - Moustache and Beard World Championships (August)
Lecce - St Orontius's Festival (August)
Adelphia - San Trifone Festival (November)
Rutigliano - Pettola (cinnamon fritter) Festival (December)
Pezze di Greco - Living Nativity Display (December-January)