If you’re seeking a sun-soaked autumnal getaway, an Italian ‘hidden gem’ offers sand, sea and breathtaking beauty in abundance. Puglia, located on Italy’s southeast coast, is famed for its extensive coastline, charming whitewashed villages and exceptional food and wine.
Beyond the bustling summer season, it’s the ideal spot to uncover uncrowded beaches where the crystal-clear Adriatic Sea meets the Ionian Sea. The region enjoys warm and sunny weather with temperatures lingering in the mid-20s in September. As the crowds disperse, this romantic and authentically Italian destination becomes the perfect place to experience ‘la dolce vita’. Puglia is a lesser-known destination that offers a more relaxed and friendly atmosphere than some of Italy’s more tourist-heavy areas.
Sprinkled with picturesque medieval towns, visitors flock here to wander down ancient streets and immerse themselves in the region’s rich history.
A standout highlight of the region is the Roman city of Lecce, often dubbed the ‘Florence of the South’. This Baroque masterpiece is brimming with incredible architecture and traditional Italian piazzas.
Polignano a Mare, perched atop limestone cliffs overlooking the Valle d’Itria coast, is a magnet for tourists. Visitors are drawn to its winding old town streets, panoramic terraces perfect for wine sipping, and stunning beaches with crystal-clear blue waters.
The breathtaking coastline that envelops the region offers a quintessential Italian beach holiday experience, even beyond the summer months.
From the pristine white sands and turquoise waters of Torre dell’Orso and Punta Prosciutto to the untouched beauty of Porto Selvaggio, seaside adventures abound.
Such is the reverence for the beaches in this tranquil corner of Italy, one has been christened the ‘Maldives of Puglia. ‘ With its fine white sands and mesmerising blue sea, Pecoluse is an all-year-round paradise.
Autumn is also an ideal time for boat trips in the serene seas surrounding Italy’s ‘heel’. Away from the shore, sailors can marvel at the stunning views of ancient villages like Monopoli, Taranto, Otranto, and Santa Maria di Leuca.
Puglia is also a significant wine region in Italy, thanks to its Mediterranean climate and fertile lands. The winemaking process here blends tradition and innovation, producing some of Italy’s most acclaimed wines.
With the grape harvest taking place in September and October, there are ample opportunities for visitors to taste the delightful red and white wines that the region is renowned for.