Activities in Puglia
For such a peaceful region, there’s a suprisingly large amount of things to keep you entertained. Whether you fancy an action packed day at the water park, or a more sedate morning browsing the market with the locals, Puglia has it for you. This list isn’t exhaustive by any means, so if you discover anything you think we should know about, please let us know.
Puglian Markets
All towns is this area have their own market days.
Noci - Tuesday, Alberobello - Thursday, Martina Franca - Friday.
Puglian Beaches
There are some superb beaches locally both rocky and sandy, such as Polignano a Mare - 40 mins drive (a pebbly beach in a beautiful cove - the town is also well worth a visit), Castellanetta - 40 mins drive (long sandy beach with both private and public - free areas). There are plenty of beaches around the Savelletri area which are sandy and again the town is worth a visit - 45 minutes drive and Pilone which can get some fabulous waves, which is a sandy beach is about 45 minutes away. There is also a national park area at Torre Guaceto. You can not take your car directly to the beach but a land train runs from the car park and is included in the price of the parking. There is a great little organic beach bar there.
Or for a beach with a difference, take the boat from Taranto to San Paolo or San Pietro (ex military islands), where you will find a sun bathers paradise. You do need to book the boat in advance in summer though.
Puglian Caves
The world famous caves at Castellana Grotte are a breath-taking sight. Over three kilometers in length, the full trip will take you over two hours, though there is a shorter 50 minute version for those who don’t fancy a two hour underground hike. You’ll need warm clothes, even if you go in the height of summer. 40 minutes drive from Don Giulio.
Zoo Safari - Fasano
The Zoo Safari at Fasano is part safari and part themepark. Although you are not supposed to feed the animals on the way around the safari, nobody appears to take much notice, until you get to the lions that is. The rides in the park are extra to the cost of admission, but not badly priced and are cheaper if you buy a book of tickets. 45 mins drive from Don Giulio.
Puglian Swimming Pools and water parks
There are numerous pools available in the locality, including a pool within the hotel grounds at Corallo (10 mins), a pool within the campsite of camping dei Trulli at Alberobello (20mins), a pool within the Nadir wellness centre at Putignano (20 mins) and also at 3 Otre at Noci.
There are also a couple of waterparks in the area, Acquasplash is only about 20 mins away just outside Alberobello. The prices are fairly reasonable and are reduced if you just go in the afternoon. If you fancy driving a little further ( approximately 1 hour 15 mins), there is also a larger and busier waterpark at Metaponto.
Puglian Local Towns and Villages
There are also a whole host of beautiful towns and villages to explore within the local area and I would always head for the "centro storico" when visiting, these include, Locorotondo, Cisternino, Martina Franca, Alberobello, Ostuni and Matera to name but a few. If you want to look around when it is quiet, then between 1pm and 5pm is the time to go, as this is during siesta. However the downside being that the shops will be closed during this time. Most Italian towns are bustling at night, with the locals out in full force around the piazza and the shops tend to close around 8.30 - 9.00 pm with the restaurants and bars usually not closing until well after midnight.
There is lots of further information, guide books etc within Don Giulio, to supply you with ideas with where to venture.
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