Puglia Map 363

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Between 2007 and 2013 the economy of Apulia expanded more than that of the rest of southern Italy. [17] Such growth, over several decades, is a severe challenge to the hydrogeological system. [18] The landscape here is more rugged and mountainous, with a lush greenness and dazzling cliffs that resemble those across the sea in Corfu. Somehow, it’s not that well-known amongst international visitors. For more details on these beaches, as well as how to deal with lidos and summer crowds, see our detailed guide to the best Puglia beaches.

From Lecce, it’s an extra hour’s drive to Santa Maria di Leuca, the southernmost tip of Salento (and Puglia).Lecce is easily reached by train as it’s the last stop on the national network (see Trenitalia). It’s a 6-hour train ride from Rome. I would split your time between the Valle d’Itria and the Salento. If you want to add one extra place, spend a few nights in Matera. It was easy to drive, comfortable, and had space to lie on the cushions at the front. There’s a 10km limit on where you can go, so you can’t reach the sandy beaches north of Torre Vado.

Highlights to the north of Gallipoli include the quieter Padula Bianca beach, and the smaller village Santa Maria al Bagno with a wilder section of coast On the easternmost tip of Puglia, you’ll find Otranto, a Puglian gem and one of the best beach towns in Italy. Bari is known as a major transport hub in southern Italy with an international airport, major train station, and ferry port. Ferry: Connections to Greece and the Balkans are available at Bari and Brindisi, see Ferryhopper for more information. Ionian Coast For a more rustic seafood experience, at Il Trabucco da Mimi you can eat on an old wooden fishing platform above the sea. Where to Stay in PeschiciThe Massaria Corda Di Lana Hotel & Resort is the standout hotel in the area. It’s just a 5-minute drive from town and has access to private beaches. Porto Cesareo is a popular Salento beach town further north on the Ionian Coast. The town itself has no real beach so head north to Torre Lapillo and Punta Prosciutto. The walls are the perfect place for a drink at sunset. We enjoyed aperitivo at Trattoria Scoglio delle Sirene with a wonderful view.

Apulia's coastline is longer than that of any other mainland Italian region. In the north, the Gargano promontory extends out into the Adriatic sea like a "sperone" ("spur"), while in the south, the Salento peninsula forms the "tacco" ("heel") of Italy's boot. [5] The highest peak in the region is Monte Cornacchia (1,152 m/3,779 ft above sea level) within the Daunian Mountains, in the north along the Apennines.

Portions are fairly small so you will likely want more than one course, but that means you can try more. Where to Stay in Monte Sant’Angelo It’s located a five-hour drive southeast of Rome (four hours by train) and three hours from Naples. To the south, there are several smaller bays as well as a mini archipelago of uninhabited islets just offshore. Salento is on the Salentine Peninsula (Penisola Salentina) in the southern Italian region of Puglia (also known as Apulia). It’s the tip of the heel of Italy’s boot.