Discover Puglia Beyond Summer
From block parties and can’t-miss ceramics shops to the best fish you could ever have, Puglia offers a year-round appeal that intelligent travellers appreciate.
Explore the beauty of Puglia with insights from local experts. The experience in this Southwest Italian region is rich and diverse, particularly during the vibrant seasons of spring and autumn.
Why Visit Puglia in the Off-Season?
According to Gianluca Longo, a Pugliese native and style director, “I like to call those who visit Puglia during the spring and autumn, intelligent travellers. They know how to appreciate a place.” He frequently returns home from London, steering clear of the typical tourist influx in July and August. However, the charms of Salento and Alberobello, including the ocean, cuisine, and pleasant climate, extend throughout the year.
The Natural Beauty of Puglia
In April and May, Puglia’s landscape transforms into a paradise, with blooming beach and almond trees alongside golden wheat fields. The sweet spring breezes enhance the experience. Moreover, visiting in September and October reveals Salento’s enchanting golden light at dusk, especially captivating in the village of Muro Leccese, where the west-facing piazza, made of local endemic stone, comes alive at sunset.
Taralli, a ring-shaped, crunchy, traditional Italian snack
Polignano a Mare’s blue waters still stun in the off-season.
Autumn Delicacies and Local Eateries
When it comes to local dishes in the autumn, one cannot miss ciceri e tria—a chickpea and tomato dish. A popular spot to savor this dish is Corte degli Aranci in Taviano, charmingly located in a courtyard filled with orange trees.
Where to Dine
Another beloved destination is Nonna Rosa in Muro Luccese. This authentic establishment shines with fresh and delicious offerings. Even meat lovers are tempted by the vegetarian dishes here, particularly those featuring aubergine. The antipasto, which includes fish, veggies, bread, and Puglia’s traditional taralli, is particularly recommended.
La Cutura, set within a botanical garden, is another hidden gem. Here, you can enjoy meals made from ingredients sourced less than a mile away while strolling through the beautiful gardens.
Puglia’s Community Spirit
During the off-season, local festivals or “feste padronale” light up the tiny villages throughout September. Villagers come out to celebrate, filling the town squares with music and dance, notably la pizzica, which showcases the vibrant local culture.
The handmade ceramic shops of Grottaglie are filled with inviting streets and mesmerizing patterns.
Shops and restaurants line the lanes of Grottigle, which is far less crowded in October.
Connecting with Locals
Off-season travel in Puglia allows for meaningful connections with the locals. One charming experience involved enjoying a lunch of lasagna on the beach with two friendly locals, embodying the warmth and simplicity of life in the region. In the off-season, there is an abundance of time to engage with the community and truly immerse oneself in the culture.
Exploring Beyond the Beach
Don’t overlook the artisanal treasures in Grottigle, renowned for its ceramics. Visiting in October allows for genuine conversations with local ceramicists. Additionally, the shop Tulsi in Maritima features local kaftans, sandals, and crochet items that are perfect souvenirs. Lastly, a visit to Taverna del Porto in Tricase Porto is essential, where the fish is said to be the best you’ll ever taste, earning Tricase the title of the salon of Salento.
