The island of Sardinia is blessed with sugar-white beaches, delicious food and dramatic coastlines. The only problem is, you’ll pay through the nose to get there.
If your budget doesn’t stretch far enough, though, you can still enjoy an unforgettable Italian escape with many of the same ingredients – just look eastwards to Puglia, a sun-drenched region on the southern mainland.
Puglia is a brilliant ‘destination dupe’ that won’t break the bank. In fact, it’s been hailed as one of the world’s best alternative travel spots by 1st Move International.
Stretching along 800km of coastline, this beautiful region forms the heel on Italy’s ‘boot’ and is largely agricultural. Cities such as Bari, Lecce and Brindisi look as if they’ve been plucked straight from a postcard.
Whether you’re looking to swim in the turquoise waters of the Adriatic, soak up some history or stuff yourself with Puglia’s many culinary delights, this enchanting spot has something for every traveller.
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Yet unlike Sardinia and the Italian Riviera, you don’t need to spend a fortune to visit. Whereas a mid-range hotel in Sardinia can come in at around €300 (£256) a night in high season, in Puglia, you can find quality accommodation for as little as €36 (£31) a night.
And it’s about to get easier to travel there. As part of its expanded summer schedule, easyJet is launching a new route to the port of Bari from both Manchester and Bristol.
Both routes will fly twice a week, from Bristol on Tuesday and Saturday (from April 18), and from Manchester on Friday and Monday (from July 3).
Additionally, since it isn’t such a popular tourist trap, you’re unlikely to get fleeced with overpriced food and drink. Plus, you can enjoy the sights without battling the crowds.
Fancy it? Here’s the lowdown on holidaying in Puglia.
Things to do in Puglia
It’d be remiss to visit Puglia and not spend time enjoying its beautiful coastlines and beaches.
The sandy shores of Porto Cesareo look more like the Caribbean than Europe, while Caraibi del Salento features activities and music at waterside beach bars and Punta della Suina is ideal for watching the sunset.
The Cave of Poetry (Grotta della Poesia) is a real bucket list spot, and the natural pool surrounded by cliffs and caves shouldn’t be missed if you’re in the Lecce or Otranto areas.
Lecce itself is packed with culture, featuring limestone Baroque buildings like the Basilica di Santa Croce and the Cathedral dedicated to Maria Santissima Assunta. There’s also a Roman ampitheatre build in the 2nd century that’s sometimes open to the public, as well as the hugely interesting Museo Faggiano.
Or, history buffs can head to Gallipoli to the Castello Angioino fortress for guided tours explaining the fortress’s medieval origins. Alternatively, just spend some time on this little island’s Old Town, which is as quaint and quintessentially Italian as it comes.
Like many regions in this country, Puglia is famed for its food. Delicacies here include pillowy focaccia barese, orecchiette pasta, cheese and herb snacks called polpette di ricotta and tiella, a layered mixture of rice, potatoes, and mussels.
And if you’re into animals, you may even spot Europe’s largest colony of pink flamingos at the Saline Margherita di Savoia nature reserve near Foggia or the Salina dei Monaci south of Taranto.
Where to stay in Puglia
Where you stay in Puglia all depends on your base. If you’re keeping it rural, authentic B&Bs (known as masserias) beside olive groves and farms are your best bet, but family-run guesthouses by the sea are just as pretty and affordable.
Luxury lodgings like the Hotel Don Ferrante in Monopoli and Borgo Egnazia in Fasano can also be found if you want all the bells and whistles of a hotel stay – this one is a favourite of celebrities like Madonna, so you’re in good company.
For something a little different, book a stay in one of Puglia’s famous Trulli buildings. These conical-roofed hut properties are distinctive and historic, first built by farm workers as storehouses. Nowadays, you can rent a number of these quirky little Trullo for a unique bolthole.
Puglia weather and when to go
Between July and August, inland weather regularly tops 30°C, while May, June and September see temperatures of around the mid-20°Cs.
April and October can be just as balmy, although you do run the risk of colder days and the odd spot of rain. It’s typically coldest around December to February, and you are likely to encounter showers, so plan your trip accordingly.
Puglia tends to be busiest during the Summer months, meaning there’s something of a trade-off between the warm temperatures and lack of crowds.
Additionally, you may want to visit during the region’s largest festival, Carnevale di Putignano, which runs roughly from Boxing Day to Shrove Tuesday and sees entertainment and floats lining the streets.
How to get to Puglia
British Airways, Ryanair and easyJet all run regular direct flights to Bari and Brindisi from several UK airports. The journey takes just under three hours. During the summer months, routes from Edinburgh or Manchester are also available.
