Italy is world-famous not only for its cities of art but also for its many seaside resorts. The best known are on the Ligurian and Tyrrhenian Seas (just think of the Cinque Terre and the Amalfi Coast), while those on the Adriatic side are largely snubbed, which is a big mistake. In particular, the region of Puglia is home to some of the most picturesque towns in the Mediterranean offering fantastic views of crystal-clear waters that will leave you breathless.
Inhabited since ancient times, these are locations where artistic and natural beauties come together to form a unique mix that can rarely be found elsewhere.
Otranto:
The first among these towns that stand out is undoubtedly Otranto, which, due to the fact that it is the easternmost town on the entire Italian peninsula, played a crucial strategic role in the past from a military and commercial point of view, Having been a perpetual temptation for the feared Ottomans. Its centerpiece, an imposing castle that served to protect the citizens from the constant attacks from the sea has remained as a reminder. Otranto is a town that is at its best on sunny days, with a fine harbor and an enchanting promenade from which to admire the splendid blue sea.
The ancient cathedral of Santa Maria Annunziata, is also a well worth a visit, with an enormous rose window on the façade and a grandiose medieval mosaic (one of the best preserved in Italy) adorning its floor inside on which, starting from the main subject of the Tree of Life, hundreds of biblical and chivalric representations unfold, forming an evocative visual encyclopaedia.
If a swim is more your thing, go to the nearby enchanting beach of Grotta Monaca, where turquoise water will delight your eye as it refreshes your body.
Ostuni
Further north, not to be missed is Ostuni, a town located a few dozen kilometres from the sea, known as the White Town because of the color of its historic dwellings. If you’ve visited the Greek island of Santorini, you may see a similarity.
Wandering through its alleyways is a must, perhaps you’ll take a souvenir photo in front of the house with the blue door, the most beautiful and captivating of the viewpoints here, but don’t forget to pass under the Arco Scocca, the most beautiful homage you could make to the Bridge of Sighs in Venice, and to contemplate the astonishing Column of Sant’Oronzo. Tall and richly decorated, it’s a bit like Trajan’s Column in Rome, with a statue of the local patron protecting the town from above.
And here too you can soak up the sun, just go to Torre Pozzelle, a pebbly beach where the water comes in every conceivable shade of blue.
Polignano a Mare
Going towards Bari, a must-see destination is Polignano a Mare, one of the most unique towns in existence.
If the fact that it was built on a rocky outcrop overhanging the sea is already striking, what makes it even more fascinating is the inland beach of Lama Monachile, a sort of fjord in which a narrow strip of sand is bathed by the crystal-clear waters of the sea, enclosed by the scenic rocky cliffs on which the houses are built. At sunset, the light effects created on the beach is pure ecstasy. And as you stroll through the center, make sure to read the phrases of illustrious personalities that are written on its walls.
If you’re a fan of Italian pop music, make sure to admire the statue of Domenico Modugno, whose song, Volare”,which is perhaps the most famous Italian song in the world, along with O sole mio. This is where he was born and spent his earliest years. here.
Trani
Trani, one of the most picturesque towns in Italy can bring the Puglian itinerary to a conclusion. Don’t miss the Swabian Castle and the Romanesque cathedral. The latter, made entirely of pink-white stone, is scenic and elegant; its façade and bell tower are in perfect harmony. Standing guard at the port, it is a landmark for those arriving by sea, almost as if to welcome them.
Food and wine
In terms of food and wine, you will not be disappointed, for if you love pasta dishes, you know that in Puglia “orecchiette con le cima di rapa” (ear-shaped pasta with broccoli) is the region’s signature dish. As for street food, the local delicacy is the octopus sandwich. For a good local wine, have a glass of Primitivo, a DOC red that you will find is served wherever you go.
