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Picture of Puglia, Italy

Travel Guide for
Puglia

Italy

Mediterranean; hot, dry summers, mild winters

Introduction

Puglia, Italy’s sun-drenched southeastern region, stretches along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. Known for its whitewashed hill towns, ancient olive groves, and the unique trulli houses of Alberobello, Puglia is steeped in history and tradition.

September brings mild, pleasant weather—ideal for leisurely strolls through charming villages or relaxed coastal visits without summer crowds. Savor regional cuisine, explore Roman ruins in Lecce, or enjoy slow-paced vineyard tours. Puglia offers a tranquil, affordable escape with easy access and warm southern hospitality, perfect for senior travelers.

Customized for these preferences:

Travel StyleSenior

Dates03-17 September 2025

BudgetAverage budget

AccommodationApartment or house, resort, hotel, villa

Interests and Activities:

gastronomynightlife and entertainmentfestivals and eventsarts and culturesightseeing and tours

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Picture of Puglia, Italy

Key Facts

Location

Southern Italy

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Religion

Roman Catholicism

Population

4,000,000

Language

Italian, Apulian dialects

Electricity

230V, 50Hz, Type F/L plugs

Time zone

UTCCET/CEST (UTC+1)

Country code

+39

Internet access

Widespread 4G/5G, broadband, moderate cost

Climate

Mediterranean; hot, dry summers, mild winters

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Language:

Italian

  • hello

    ciao (chao)
  • goodbye

    arrivederci (ah-ree-veh-dehr-chee)
  • yes

    (see)
  • no

    no (noh)
  • how much

    quanto costa? (kwan-toh koh-sta)
  • please

    per favore (pehr fah-voh-reh)
  • thank you

    grazie (grah-tsee-eh)
  • excuse me

    mi scusi (mee skoo-zee)

Map

Logistics

Getting to Puglia is easy and comfortable for seniors. The region has two main airports—Bari and Brindisi—both of which offer direct flights from several major European cities. Train travel is also a pleasant option: Italy’s efficient rail network links Puglia to Rome, Milan, and other main cities with frequent, relaxing journeys.

For local travel within Puglia, regional trains and buses connect towns and coastal villages affordably. Ferries run from Greece and Croatia to Brindisi or Bari if you wish to arrive by sea. September is typically mild, making travel pleasant, though it’s wise to book accommodations and tickets in advance as the area is a popular late-summer destination.

Weather

Puglia enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Sun is abundant from late spring through early autumn, making this region especially enticing for beach lovers and outdoor activities. Rain is infrequent in summer, though brief thunderstorms can occasionally roll in starting in September.

From September 3 to September 17, expect pleasantly warm temperatures—generally 23–29°C (73–84°F) during the day and comfortably cool evenings. Humidity is moderate, and rain showers are possible but usually short-lived. Extreme weather like storms or heatwaves is uncommon, so it's an ideal time for sightseeing, savoring local gastronomy, or enjoying open-air events and nightlife.

Food & Drink

Puglia’s cuisine is rustic and fresh, with favorites like orecchiette pasta, burrata cheese, fresh seafood, and taralli crackers. Local olive oil and robust Primitivo wines are a must-try. For dessert, sample pasticciotto or almond pastries with an espresso.

Great mid-range restaurants include Osteria del Tempo Perso in Ostuni and Trattoria Le Zie in Lecce, both offering local specialties with attentive service and accessible settings. For a leisurely afternoon, enjoy coffee or an aperitivo in Bari at Antico Caffè del Carmine.

Tipping isn’t obligatory—just rounding up the bill is enough. Menus often include vegetarian options, and autumn brings mushroom and truffle dishes. Many eateries close for a midday break, so plan your meals accordingly.

A picture of Pizza

Pizza

Pizza is one of Italy's most famous and beloved foods. It features a thin, crispy crust topped with...

A picture of Lasagna

Lasagna

Lasagna is a classic Italian pasta dish consisting of layers of wide flat pasta, rich tomato sauce, creamy...

A picture of Risotto

Risotto

Risotto is a creamy and comforting Italian rice dish cooked with broth until it reaches a velvety consistency....

A picture of Tiramisu

Tiramisu

Tiramisu is a luscious and decadent Italian dessert made from layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, creamy mascarpone cheese, and...

A picture of Ossobuco

Ossobuco

Ossobuco is a traditional Milanese dish featuring braised veal shanks cooked with white wine, broth, and aromatic vegetables....

Accommodation

In Puglia, charming towns like Alberobello, Ostuni, and Lecce offer beautiful apartments and historic villas, perfect for a relaxed senior trip. Resorts along the coast—such as those near Polignano a Mare or Otranto—provide great amenities and accessible comforts. Browse booking sites like Booking.com or Airbnb for apartments and villas in quiet neighborhoods.

Hotels in Bari and Matera make excellent bases, combining modern comforts with old-world atmosphere. For a local touch, “masseria” stays (country estates) near towns like Fasano and Monopoli can be both comfortable and unique. September is popular for late-summer travelers, so reserve early for more choices and better prices. Look for accommodation with elevators and minimal stairs.

Itinerary

Ease into the rhythms of southern Italy, acclimating to the region's warm hospitality and lively ambiance.

Stroll through Bari Vecchia

Wander the labyrinthine streets of Bari Vecchia, the atmospheric old town, to soak up its lively ambiance and centuries-old history. Pause for a gelato in a shady square and watch locals chat and play cards.

Evening Aperitivo by the Seafront

Enjoy a traditional Pugliese aperitivo at one of Bari’s seaside cafés. Savor local wines and small bites while you take in the Adriatic views and the gentle pace of life.

Visit the Basilica di San Nicola

Marvel at the Romanesque architecture and rich history of the Basilica di San Nicola, one of Bari's most important landmarks. It's a peaceful spot to reflect and appreciate the region’s spiritual heritage.

Bari’s Ultimate Street Food Tour - Small Group by Do Eat Better

Bari’s Ultimate Street Food Tour - Small Group by Do Eat Better

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Experience Bari like a true local on our unforgettable Street Food Tour. Let yourself be guided through the heart of the city as you uncover authentic flavors, hidden gems, and the stories that bring Bari’s food culture to life. From golden, crispy panzerotti to fresh octopus sandwiches and the irresistible focaccia barese, every bite tells the story of a land whose flavors are famous and loved around the world. As you wander through the atmospheric alleys of Bari Vecchia, you’ll stop at beloved local spots known only to residents. Surrounded by mouth-watering aromas, you’ll taste the city’s most iconic specialties while a friendly local guide shares colorful anecdotes, traditions, and secrets passed down through generations. This is more than a food tour: it’s an authentic journey into the soul of Bari, where every flavor, smile, and story makes you feel like part of the city. Please, note that the tour is always run in English and Italian.

5.0 (1181 reviews)

From $58 USD

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Attractions

4.9 (233 reviews)
Bari Rickshaw Tour

Bari Rickshaw Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

• Explore Bari for 1.30 hour comfortably seated on our modern and eco-friendly rickshaw-bike • Join a tour and discover picturesque and hidden corners with an expert local guide • Enjoy home made ice cream tasting • Immerse yourself in the real southern italian atmosphere, arts and culture

From $62 USD

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4.4 (67 reviews)
From Bari : Unesco Tour - Guided Tour of Alberobello and Matera

From Bari : Unesco Tour - Guided Tour of Alberobello and Matera

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Discover the two most iconic UNESCO sites in Puglia and Basilicata without worries: bring only your camera! Our driver will accompany you along the way and wait for you as you explore each place with expert professional guides, ready to tell you the history, curiosities and secrets of the region's most famous heritage. In case of a private tour, we will pick you up and take you back to your hotel, ensuring a relaxing and stress-free experience. A journey through culture, breathtaking landscapes and unique traditions, designed for those who want to experience the treasures of Southern Italy in an authentic and comfortable way.

From $179 USD

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3.7 (3 reviews)
Mozzarella Experience

Mozzarella Experience

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Enjoy an authentic dining experience on a family-run farmhouse and learn how to make authentic Apulian mozzarella from an expert cheesemaker.

From $60 USD

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5.0 (1 reviews)
Negroamaro Wine Vineyard Tour and Tasting Experience

Negroamaro Wine Vineyard Tour and Tasting Experience

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Explore centuries-old vineyards, visit a historic winery, and discover a one-of-a-kind artistic retreat—culminating in a guided tasting of fine wines paired with local delicacies. All that - just about 20 km outside Lecce. Begin your journey in Guagnano with a visit to a historic winery known for preserving the heritage of Negroamaro and Primitivo wines. Enjoy a scenic stroll through vineyards cultivated using the traditional “alberello” (small tree) system. Step into a hidden artistic sanctuary created by a local painter. Blending art, architecture, and nature in a whimsical Gaudí style, this peaceful retreat offers a glimpse into Puglia’s vibrant cultural and creative spirit. Relax with a guided tasting of four premium wines led by an expert sommelier. Savor each pour alongside a traditional marenna—a rustic Puglian breakfast featuring local cheeses and cured meats that beautifully complement the wines.

From $89 USD

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4.8 (65 reviews)
Lunch and dinner at my house with the typical products of Salento

Lunch and dinner at my house with the typical products of Salento

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

This is the only experience of Salento cuisine that offers you a taste of the real typical products of our region. I will be happy to explain to you the whole history and the food and wine culture of Salento while we will prepare lunch or dinner tasting together the best wines of Salento.

From $71 USD

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5.0 (8 reviews)
Private Tour in 3 Towns: Locorotondo, Monopoli, Polignano a mare.

Private Tour in 3 Towns: Locorotondo, Monopoli, Polignano a mare.

INSTANT

This tour invites you to explore three of Puglia’s most beautiful hidden gems: the cliffside charm of Polignano a Mare, the whitewashed elegance of Locorotondo, and the coastal beauty of Monopoli, with its historic harbor and sunlit piazzas. Each town offers its own unique blend of history, culture, and breathtaking scenery. From dramatic sea views to quiet cobblestone streets, this journey is perfect for anyone who loves discovering the authentic heart of Italy.

From $332 USD

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5.0 (8 reviews)
Fresh pasta and dinner in my biogarden

Fresh pasta and dinner in my biogarden

INSTANT_THEN_MANUAL
Free Cancellation

You will be fascinated by anecdotes about how my grandmother prepared pasta, and what cooking represented in the past and still represents. And then our traditional music, in our local language! An immersion in true Apulian life and Italian sociology. I will communicate with my heart and experience. And, once you get home, you'll produce your own good food DA, and you'll treasure the memory of what I showed you. The lunch that follows is collaborative, everyone helps, with dishes and pans in their hands. The wine, the foods I serve together with the pasta we prepare together and that are all local and largely the result of my organic garden, all local and fresh, do the rest.

From $117 USD

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5.0 (2 reviews)
Trulli & Wine tasting: Alberobello + Locorotondo Small-Group Tour

Trulli & Wine tasting: Alberobello + Locorotondo Small-Group Tour

INSTANT
Free Cancellation

Immerse yourself in the beauty and flavors of Puglia with this unforgettable experience! Explore the charming whitewashed alleys of Locorotondo, one of Italy’s most beautiful villages, and be captivated by its breathtaking views over the Valle d'Itria. Then, step into the fairytale world of Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you'll discover the fascinating history behind its iconic trulli houses. After soaking in the region’s unique charm, indulge in a wine tasting at a local winery, where you’ll savor exquisite Apulian wines paired with traditional delicacies. This immersive tour is the perfect way to discover the culture, history, and flavors of Puglia in one unforgettable journey.

From $177 USD

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