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Puglia (Apulia) in southern Italy is a sun-soaked region with historic towns, limestone coastlines, whitewashed villages and great food — plan for relaxed pacing, warm weather, and limited public transport in rural areas.
Visa / entry requirements
- Schengen rules apply: Puglia is in Italy, part of the Schengen Area. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens need only ID. Many nationalities can enter visa-free for short stays (usually 90 days in 180). Others need a Schengen visa.
- Passport validity: generally at least 3 months beyond intended departure from Schengen and issued within the last 10 years. Check your country-specific rules before travel.
- COVID-19/health: No routine restrictions currently, but verify vaccination/test rules and health advisories shortly before travel.
Best time to visit
- High season: June–August — hot, sunny, crowded, especially beaches and Alberobello/Ostuni/Polignano a Mare.
- Shoulder seasons (recommended): late April–June and September–early October — warm weather, fewer crowds, festivals, lower prices.
- Low season: November–March — cooler, some attractions/seasonal businesses close; good for truffle/winter food experiences.
Safety tips
- Puglia is generally safe for tourists. Standard precautions apply: watch belongings in busy areas, avoid poorly lit streets late at night, and beware of opportunistic pickpockets in tourist hubs.
- Driving: roads in small towns can be narrow; watch for VAS (ZTL) restricted zones in historic centers. Park outside and walk in.
- Beaches: follow local flags/warnings; currents can be strong in places.
Local customs & etiquette
- Greeting: polite, warm; handshakes are standard. In friendly contexts, men may kiss on both cheeks.
- Meals: lunch is often long; dinner typically after 8pm in summer. Many restaurants close mid-afternoon. Reserving for dinner in popular spots is wise.
- Dress: casual in beach towns; dress modestly when visiting churches (shoulders and knees covered).
- Tipping: service often included (servizio), but leaving small change or rounding up is appreciated.
Currency & money
- Currency: Euro (EUR).
- Cards: Visa/Mastercard widely accepted in cities and tourist areas; carry cash for rural shops, markets, small trattorie and some B&Bs.
- ATMs: widely available but may be sparse in tiny villages — withdraw when in larger towns.
Transportation
- Airports: Bari (BRI) and Brindisi (BDS) are the main international gates. Smaller regional flights also possible.
- Trains: Trenitalia and regional lines connect Bari, Lecce, Brindisi and Foggia. Trains to smaller towns can be infrequent; check schedules in advance.
- Buses: regional buses fill gaps in rail service; companies vary and schedules change seasonally.
- Driving: renting a car is the best way to explore rural Puglia, trulli areas (Alberobello), Valle d'Itria, and the Salento peninsula. Expect narrow roads and limited parking in historic centers.
- Ferries: summer ferries connect some coastal towns and offer routes to nearby islands and ports.
Must-know tips & local insights
- Plan for slower pace: Puglia is best savored slowly; allocate time to linger in towns rather than rushing.
- Food & wine: try orecchiette pasta, burrata, focaccia, friselle, fresh seafood, and local olive oil. Explore vineyard tours for Negroamaro and Primitivo wines.
- Trulli & towns: visit Alberobello (trulli), Ostuni (white city), Polignano a Mare (clifftop views), Monopoli, Lecce (Baroque architecture), and Gallipoli. Book peak-time visits early.
- Beaches: Salento (southern tip) has some of Italy's best beaches and clear water; consider both Adriatic and Ionian coasts.
- Markets & shopping: local markets sell produce, ceramics, and textiles — visit morning markets for freshest finds.
- Language: Italian is spoken; English is common in tourist areas but learn a few Italian phrases — locals appreciate it.
- Festivals: check local festival calendars (sagre) for food and religious festivals, which are excellent cultural experiences.
- ZTLs and parking: watch for restricted traffic zones in historic centers. Parking signs and rules are strictly enforced.
- Accommodation: consider masseria (converted farmhouses) for authentic stays. Book early for summer.
Quick packing checklist
- Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, light layers, swimwear, universal adapter, photocopy of passport, and a small day bag with a lock.
Final practical note
If you want a suggested 3–7 day itinerary, driving routes, or restaurant recommendations for specific towns (Bari, Lecce, Ostuni, Polignano), tell me your travel dates and interests and I’ll tailor suggestions.