Do you want to surprise your sweetheart with a surprising and unforgettable gift? Then why not spend a weekend in beautiful Apulia?

A land rich in colors, flavors, and a vast historical and cultural heritage, Puglia is easily accessible from anywhere in Italy and has a diverse territory, made up of countryside, sandy and rocky beaches, caves, Mediterranean maquis and a crystal clear sea with turquoise hues.

Puglia is a place of a thousand resources, with its large population centers and small towns and ancient villages where time seems to stand still. For your weekend you will be spoiled for choice, as there are so many destinations available.

For example, you can bet on the beautiful Adriatic coast that include the metropolitan area of Bari, in whose province there are beautiful destinations such as Monopoli, Polignano a Mare and Alberobello. Equally evocative is then the Gargano coast, on whose promontories rise magnificent tourist towns such as Vieste, Peschici and Mattinata.

Also not to be missed is the Salento peninsula which offers breathtaking panoramic vistas and grand Baroque architecture. It is one of the most tourist-dense areas, thanks to such pearls as Otranto, Porto Cesareo, Gallipoli, Santa Maria di Leuca and many others. Alternatively, you can book a stay at one of the farmhouses that populate the countryside of Puglia.  

Bari, Foggia and Gargano

The northern part of the Adriatic coast of Apulia includes all the vacation destinations in the province of Bari and Foggia. Among the most popular Bari locations we have especially Monopoly, also known as the City of the Hundred Contrade. Overlooking a coastal stretch of rare beauty, it also has a medieval historic center that rises around the Charles V Castle.

A short distance away is then Polignano a Mare, known for being the birthplace of Domenico Modugno. The town gives you enchanting scenery, thanks to promontories and striking beaches such as Lama Monachile. If, on the other hand, you prefer to visit the Bari hinterland, then you can head to Alberobello, famous for its trulli. The trullo is a picturesque construction with a stitch roof and decorated with white lime.

Also of interest is the province of Foggia, where the Gargano National Park, called the "spur of Italy." There are many villages here that teem with tourists in the summer. Among them we have Vieste, Mattinata, San Giovanni Rotondo, Peschici, Manfredonia, Rodi Garganico and San Marco in Lamis. You will find accommodations of all kinds, from hotels to B&Bs and all the way to campsites for those who want to experience a vacation immersed in nature.

Salento

Salento is a peninsula located between the Adriatic Sea to the east and the Ionian Sea to the west. It stretches between the provinces of Lecce, Brindisi and Taranto and symbolically represents the "heel of Italy." This area of Apulia is particularly popular with national and international tourism, so much so that many American star system personalities choose Salento as their wedding location.

Some of the beaches located along the Salento coastline are awarded the Blue Flag for the quality of services offered, but in this area you can also admire extraordinary examples of Lecce Baroque. Among the must-see places in the Salento Adriatic is undoubtedly Ostuni, known as the White City for its small houses painted with white lime that fill the historic center.

Another highlight on the Adriatic side is. Otranto, a tiny village that is home to a centuries-old Cathedral with hundreds of relics and an Aragonese fortress. In its territory you will encounter one of Puglia's most iconic beaches, Baia dei Turchi.

If for your romantic weekend you prefer to stay on the Ionian coast of Salento, you can choose Marina di Pescoluse, renowned for hosting the so-called Maldives of Salento, a beach with fine white sand and transparent water with green hues. Other important Salento destinations on the Ionian Sea include. Porto San Cesareo, Gallipoli and Santa Maria di Leuca. The latter is the southernmost city in Apulia and is characterized by the jagged profile of its coastline.

Masserias

Puglia is truly welcoming, and in recent years it has become one of the must-visits for those who want a wide and diverse offer. If your idea is to reside in the Apulian hinterland, the perfect solution is the farms, renovated and later converted into accommodations.

Ancient buildings made of light-colored stone were once the homes of the farmers who cultivated these lands and often included stables and mills. Today the farms have been partly modernized and decorated with elegant finishes.

You can find ones for all tastes and budgets. There are simple B&Bs and cottages or luxury facilities that can accommodate international guests, weddings and events. Some include trulli, especially in the Alberobello area and the Itria Valley.

Most Apulian masserias are located a few kilometers from the sea, making them ideal for getting away from the hustle and bustle of the more crowded coastal tourist destinations. Here relaxation is assured and you can enjoy moments of relaxation in the quiet of the countryside.