Travel Tips for Puglia, Italy

If you’re planning a holiday in Italy, consider heading down to Puglia. While it has become more recognized, it still remains a less-traveled destination compared to other coastal areas in Italy.

From the best time to visit to understanding local customs, here are essential tips to help you enjoy your stay in Puglia.

1. A Few Days Isn’t Enough

Exploring the beauty of Puglia requires more than just a couple of days. This region boasts magnificent beaches in the Gargano and Salento peninsulas, along with historical cities such as Bari, Lecce, and Taranto. Spend a couple of weeks to explore charming towns like Ostuni and Monopoli, oozing with history.

Given Puglia’s length, driving from one end to the other can take approximately five hours. Therefore, consider staying in multiple locations to minimize travel time.

2. Visit During Shoulder Season

While summer offers a quintessential Italian experience, with July and August being peak months, the crowds can be overwhelming. Consequently, visiting during the shoulder season—late spring and September through mid-October—brings pleasant weather and fewer tourists.

3. Getting Around by Train

Although renting a car is ideal for flexibility, you can also reach major cities by train. The Trenitalia app is an invaluable resource for understanding routes, schedules, and ticket prices. This tool allows travelers to purchase tickets directly, avoiding long lines at ticket counters.

4. Alternative Ticket Purchasing Locations

Finding ticket offices may sometimes be a challenge, particularly in small towns. Look for a tabaccheria (tobacco shop) or an edicola (newsstand), where you can usually buy valid tickets without added fees.

5. Be Aware of Road Restrictions

When exploring Puglia by car, be vigilant of ZTLs (Limited Traffic Zones) in larger cities. Entering a ZTL can lead to significant fines. Therefore, always check street signs that typically indicate these restricted areas.

6. Book in Advance for High Season

If traveling during peak season, it’s advisable to make reservations ahead of time, particularly for beach clubs, or lidos. Booking ensures you have access to amenities such as beach chairs and changing rooms, thereby enhancing your beach experience.

7. Swimwear Etiquette

While enjoying Puglia’s stunning beaches, remember that swimwear should remain on the sand. Many towns have dress codes against wearing swimsuits in urban areas. A simple dress or shirt will do when strolling through town.

8. Embrace the Afternoon Nap

One of the most effective ways to cope with the summer heat is by embracing the pennica, or afternoon nap. Local businesses often close between midday and early evening for this sacred time, aligning with the region’s relaxed pace of life.

9. Basic Italian is Useful

While English is commonly spoken in tourist areas, knowing some basic Italian phrases will help you connect with locals, especially in smaller villages. Simple greetings like “buongiorno” (good morning) or “grazie” (thank you) can go a long way in creating goodwill.

10. Greeting Etiquette

Italians often greet each other with two kisses on the cheek among friends, but you are not expected to do this with strangers. A friendly “buongiorno” or “buonasera” upon entering shops or restaurants will be appreciated.

11. Keep Cash on Hand

While electronic payments are widely accepted in urban settings, cash is still preferred in smaller towns. Carrying a small amount of euros can prevent inconvenience in such situations.

12. Safety Precautions

Puglia is generally safe for tourists. Nevertheless, using common sense, such as staying vigilant for pickpockets and securing valuables in your car, is always wise.