Because it’s a relatively unknown region, people don’t know what what it will be like to discover Puglia. In some ways, we think that’s a good thing. When most people think of Italy, Puglia is not the first region that comes to mind. They think of beautiful sandy beaches along the coast, day trips for wine tasting at picturesque villas, quaint historic towns, and hearing the melody of Italians conversing. They think of these Italian characteristics in all of the familiar destinations, but not in Puglia.

Puglia is still considered off-the-beaten track because of its relative obscurity in relation to the regions of Tuscany (Florence), Lazio (Rome) and Veneto (Venice). For that reason, it was the next area on our list to explore with a group of very enthusiastic travelers. Located on the heel of the boot of southern Italy, Puglia has a rich and complex historical past that makes it a treasure to uncover.

Here are some highlights we can’t wait to introduce to you on your first visit to the Apulian region.

Orecchiette Pasta

Orecchiette pasta are small ear-shaped pasta. They are famous throughout Puglia, most especially so in Bari’s old town. On one of our day trips, we were thrilled to meet Nunzia who prepared her famous handmade orecchiete pasta for our lunch – what a spontaneous delight that was! For a preview of Bari’s Old Town pasta grannies, watch Making and Eating Orecchiette in Bari.

Orrechiette Pasta in Puglia, Italy
Image by pixel1 from Pixabay

Olive Oil

Puglia is home to around 60 million olive trees – about one tree per Italian citizen. While it is the largest producer of olive oil in Italy, Puglia’s olive groves are in a desperate state, as a deadly bacteria is systematically destroying many of them. It is a tragic situation that is not quite under control yet. Every drop of olive oil we tasted was that much more appreciated.

Old Olive Oil Tree
Image by Ulrike Leone from Pixabay

Alberobello “Trulli” Houses

We learned when visiting Alberobello about the exquisite ‘trulli’ houses, one of the reasons this town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Puglia. The shapes of the homes are not unusual around the world, however what differentiates the Alberobello trulli is that locals still inhabit them. Latin for “tower”, trulli are an architectural delight that must be seen in person.

Trulli in Alberobello, Italy
Image by Jacopo Cima from Pixabay

Gallipoli Fishermen

Another day trip is to visit the Ionian coastal town of Gallipoli. Here, you may be lucky to see fishermen preparing their nets for the catch. Their patience and skill as they separate the fishing lines and bait the hooks, is a testatment to the pride they put into the quality of their work.

Gallipoli Seamen in Puglia, Italy
Image by Raffaello Torrazzina from Pixabay

Burrata Cheese

Burrata cheese is a southern Italian cows milk cheese made from an outer shell of mozzarella cheese with stracciatella cream inside. Are you salivating yet? Our “casaro” (cheesemaker) will teach us how to make burrata cheese. For many, this has been an MP Tours trip highlight!

Fresh Burrata Cheese Knots in Puglia, Italy

Bread in Matera

In Matera, we discover the importance of a simple staple – bread – and make our own loaves in a traditional “forno” (bread bakery). Matera is a fascinating place with generations of bread makers folded into the mix. Their bread can last a long time, which was helpful to those who worked far from home and could not come back to eat. For example, a smaller piece of bread (that weighs in at 1 kg!) can last up to a week, thanks to its thick crust.

Matera, Italy's famous bread loaves

Discover Puglia with MP TOURS

There is so much to discover in Puglia, whether it’s your first visit or your 10th. Don’t take our word for it though. Come along with us for the adventure and see for yourself!

Have you been to Puglia before? Which part of the region was your favourite to uncover? We’d love to hear from you!