Things to do in Puglia in May
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Overview
May is a great time to visit Puglia.
Puglia has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your May trip to Puglia. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to May. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.
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Best events and things to do in Puglia in May
Top experiences in May
We couldn't find any experiences in May
Holidays in Puglia in May
May
- Labor Day (May 1)
- Mother's Day (May 10)
Other notable holidays
- Good Friday (April 3)
- Easter Sunday (April 5)
- Easter Monday (April 6)
- Liberation Day (April 25)
- The Feast of St Mark (April 25)
- Republic Day (June 2)
- The Feast of St. John (June 24)
- The Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul (June 29)
- Assumption of Mary (August 15)
- Ferragosto (August 15)
- The Feast of Saint Januarius (September 19)
- Feast of St Francis of Assisi (October 4)
- All Saints' Day (November 1)
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Best attractions for Puglia in May
Besides the array of exciting events and activities Puglia has to offer for travelers in May, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Puglia that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Puglia for May.
1. Trulli e Puglia Tour di Alberobello
4.7
(62)
Tour operator
Sights & Landmarks
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Excellent tour with our guide Mimmo . The cooking lessons and experience with nonni and the tour were absolutely amazing.
The food at end of the class was 5 star +. Very enjoyable and educational tour . Highly recommend this tour.
I honestly can’t stress enough how important it is to book this wonderful tour if you are planning a trip to Alberobello! Especially if the wonderful Mimo is your tour guide. He is funny, informative and educational and makes for a very insightful and informative tour ending in visiting an actual Trulli house doubling as a museum then a perfectly prepared lunch served in a secret garden whilst being serenaded by a beautiful live music! Epic experience!
Great and experienced tour guiding company, they have a house museum of their own.
(Translated by Google) Beautiful city already visited twice, you always discover something new. Anyone who has time and is in Puglia should take a look at the trulli in Alberobello.
(Original)
Wunderschöne Stadt bereits zum 2 mal besichtigt, man entdeckt immer wieder etwas neues. Jeder der Zeit hat und sich in Apulien befindet sollte sich die Trullis in Alberobello ansehen.
(Translated by Google) Pleasant, uncrowded during the week in June
(Original)
Agréable peu fréquenté en semaine de juin
(Translated by Google) Very beautiful and characteristic, one of the most beautiful cities in Puglia
(Original)
Molto bello e caratteristico , una delle più belle come città pugliesi
(Translated by Google) Wonderful experience
(Original)
Meravigliosa esperienza
2. Centro Storico
Sights & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks
3. Grotte di Castellana
4.6
(28532)
Nature & Parks
Natural history museum
Karst cave network with a 3.2KM-long & 230-foot deep tour route, plus a museum with events & shows.
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You are not allowed to take pictures beyond a certain point. For me, the most amazing caves I ever saw. The experience is totally worth it. The entire area around is also very nice.
It's not too slippery, not too cold. The guides are nice, tours are available in many languages. Booking in advance is recommended
It was like Cheddar Gorge in England, on steroids. Definitely worth a visit. You can only take photos in the first cave which was the least amazing, because of a risk of flash damaging natural fungi etc. This was the least amazing cave. I went on an arranged tour.
Nice cave but for us the experience was totally ruined by the 'can't be bothered' miserable attitude of the staff. One in the front and one in the back making sure that nobody took a surreptitious photograph, apparently, we were told because of the copyright of the company. I don't think you can copyright caves. More to do with the guards wanting to get through as quickly as possible.
We were put in a massive group of around 100. All different nationalities, with an 'English Speaking' guide, although I'm English and I was picking up maybe 3 words of each sentence it was that bad. I could hardly see above people's heads we were so tightly packed and moving so quickly. No time to stop and admire the cave .. just rushed through like cattle.
Twice we passed small Italian groups, all ambling along taking flash photos and video, yet we were rushed through so fast on the uneven floors, most of it badly lit. I'm surprised nobody fell and had an accident. We've been in lots of caves. Usually you go through alone, with headsets explaining the system. Some have music and light shows, making it very dramatic. This one is just boring.
Not worth €18 per person. Total rip off.
Great experience! The 50 min tour suitable for small kids (4 & 6 y.o. enjoyed it). A bit to brief for adults/teenagers. During a 1km walk you're going to see a few amazing stone formations, hear a bit of history about the caves, and have a chance to imagine how this place looked like before it was turned into a tourist attraction. No need for any special shoes or outfits - a jacket and a pair of sneakers would do.
Fantastic caves, but the experience is totally spoiled by the way it's run. It started badly when we were charged to park out car in a large car park in the village centre not far from the caves. But since the caves are the only attraction in town, the cost of parking ought to be included in the ticket price for visiting the cave.
After buying our tickets, we were shown to the "planetarium" which is a miniature imax-style surround cinema where they played an animated film about possible alien life on other planets. But nobody could see it. The projector was so feeble that it took a couple of minutes of dark adaptation to seven see the image. And then people kept opening the door, causing bright sunshine to flood in and ruin the dark adaptation. They also give you pretty terrible 3D glasses that make the picture even dimmer. I guess this planetarium show is there to stop kids getting bored between tours of the caves, and it's a nice idea in principle. But the fact that they didn't invest in a decent projector system and didn't fit a light-proof entry system means it actually irritating for a lot of people. I heard lots of murmurings of "well that's 30 minutes of my life I'll never get back" upon leaving.
But my biggest gripe of all is the actual cave tour itself. Not only do they try to stop you from taking photos beyond the first cave, but there's no mention of this at all before you buy your tickets. I LOVE visiting caves and have visited hundreds of them over the years. This is the first time I've been prevented from taking photos. I asked one of the two ladies what the reasoning was, and she said "Because it's our copyright". Which is total nonsense. Nobody has copyright over things that they did not create. And caves are created by the action of water over millions of years, they aren't man-made! I ignored their protestations and continued to take plenty of photos. In the end they stopped trying to stop me. I later looked up what possible genuine reasons they might have, and it's to protect the rocks from the effects of flash. Well why isn't that a problem in any other cave anywhere else? In any case I was taking photos and videos using a phone and a GoPro. There was no flash involved. If they really have a problem with people bringing proper cameras with powerful flash, then they should just tell people that photos are okay as long as there is no flash.
Another problem is with the way the tour is guided. The tour guide at the front made an effort for people to gather around her before speaking, but her very soft voice was impossible to hear, especially since some of the visitors had brought babies who were crying the whole way. Inside the caves all you could hear is the crying of babies. Many cave site tour operators get round this by using radio mics with speakers hidden behind rocks in the caves. That way the guide doesn't have to shout, and everyone can hear easily. But no, there was nothing like that here.
In summary, my biggest gripe is about their ridiculous ban on photography. For some of us, taking photos of the spectacular rock formations is a big reason for visiting in the first place. Admittedly they do say "no photography" in the guide they give you, but you don't see that until after you've bought your ticket. Pretty nasty way to operate. There's no good reason for them to ban photography, especially if you're doing it without a flash. But if you're to afraid to stand up for yourself, enjoy some of mine.
Cool tourist attraction, but be sure to wear comfortable shoes with good grip — the caves are very slippery inside.
The long tour was interesting, though I’d recommend the shorter 50-minute option.
Excellent visit to these extraordinary caves. Well worth a visit if you're in the area. A lot more F walking, but very safe to do so - and there's a lift to take you back to the surface!
Really cool experience! the caves are really big like we've bever seen before.
Only our gide was not the best in English, so I feel like we didn't get the best explanation at times.
4. Cathedral of Saint Sabinus
4.7
(5926)
Catholic cathedral
Sights & Landmarks
13th-century Romanesque church with a subterranean crypt containing ancient relics.
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Such a fascinating place to visit. Make sure you go to the crypt and tour the excavation site, where you can see part of an old Roman road. Also some beautiful mosaic floor that they have excavated.
Not the most ornate cathedral I've seen but the crypt underground is amazing. Unearthed buildings that were there before the cathedral with lavis mosaic floors
This is a jewel not to be missed. One of the most amazing sites in all of Italy.
9€ for a combined ticket to the church and museum - well worth it. The building is beautiful and the crypt with the mummy and relics is super interesting. The archaeological site underground is very cool too.
Beautiful cathedral.
Too shame that, like most religious places in Italy, they find a way to charge people.
The main church is free but you need to pay to visit the underground crypt €3-€7
Lots of other churches in the same area that are free
The crypt is wonderful. Very relaxing and the ruins are quite interesting.
A very beautiful historical church, a must visit if first time in Bari.
Romanesque gem in Bari’s Old Town. Elegant white stone façade with a beautiful rose window and carved lintel of mythical beasts. Inside, three naves divide into 16 slender columns and arcades—simple yet powerful. The crypt holds the relics of Saint Sabinus and the ancient Madonna Odegitria icon. Quiet, spiritual, and steeped in history: a must‑visit beyond the more crowded Basilica. 
5. Zoosafari Fasanolandia
4.5
(29679)
Zoo
Outdoor Activities
Drive-through safari in animal park with sea lion aquarium, plus roller coasters & water rides.
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This was one of the most amazing and funny experiences in my entire life! This place is absolutely amazing and it is a great place for kids! The amusement park after the safari is absolutely amazing! For the safari I can highly recommend you to buy carrots, apples and cabbage in advance so that you have for more animals to feed. It is super funny and awesome that you can pet the zebras, giraffes and camels.
Amazing experience! We took the train from Bari and a bus from the train station + a 30 min walk from Fasano, as there was no shuttle bus during weekdays, but was totally worth it.
We did not have a car, and were planning to take the bus, but we were given a spare car, which made the experience unforgettable.
Amazing experience! One literally feeds giraffes amd zebras out of the car window. Animals are so near that it cannot be compared with any other zoo. Bring 3-5 kg Carrots and buy peanuts for the monkeys! Totally worth it for any age.
The safari tour was great but the rest more la la.. Rest is the second part of walking tour including a funny train and many closed attractions.
Also they forced me to pay extra parking 4 EUR although I paid a family ticket 140 EUR and they know the tour ends with parking and proceeding by foot once through the safari with the car🤣 . Pretty low and embarrassing 👎
But!! The camels are over cool. 🐫
Loved it! Safari from the car was definitely the best part! Bring carrots with you, animals will love it. It can get slow and crowded in the season, so have patience and enjoy the ride. Bring water with you cause it can take 2 hours to just go through the first part in car. You don’t have to buy tickets in advance, you can do it at the gate from your car when you arrive.
Great time spent with the family in the Safari and the park! The park is huge, you can see the animals very close, pet them! The animals are well looked after, there is no bad smell at all! Their territory is large, it looks like the animals are happy in the park! I highly recommend it!
Me and my family had a great time! Every penny was worth it :). The animals seemed happy and freely ran around the park. After our family went through the safari we left without knowing how much is left there,so make sure you don’t make the same mistake! But even if you do,you can come back the same day with the same tickets and you can make sure you don’t miss any more fun! 5 stars❤️
It's well managed and unique (for Europe) place to see lots of exotic animals considerably free in a wide space from the close but safe approach of your car. There are many areas that you are allowed to touch and feed the animals (please don't give them junk or human food, you can buy carrots, peanuts etc. specially for them at the entrance) and areas where you need to stay in your car at all times but it's all worth it. The animals looks like the staff take good care of them which is very important for me considering other similar places or zoo parks in Europe. It's really family/kids friendly place. In the pedestrian area you can find other animals and different zones like reptiles and insects, lake with birds and monkeys where you can have a paid boat ride, there is a rail car (zoo metro) which you can take from one zone to another, a special monkey zone which you can visit with a caged safari style truck and feed peanuts to the animals through a special holes. There is an amusement park in the pedestrian area where you can find food and drinks and have some fun before you take off. Overall a great place for kids and families, we had amazing time there.
6. Centro Storico Polignano a Mare
4.8
(2269)
Sights & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks
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Stunning and super romantic little town. You can easily get off your mobile phone GPS/ Google maps and get lost in its cozy, tiny and utterly romantic streets!! And Christmas time is even more unique and beautiful!
Pretty but...
I can't help feel that Polignano is a victim of its own "beauty". Certainly worth a visit, but I felt I kept on waiting for it to deliver, and it never did.
It does have an impressive setting, built above and into the shallow cliffs, and it had the typical bars and restaurants to enjoy, with a "new" viaduct where an old Roman one used to be, above THE beach - pebble and crowded, so for viewing from a distance rather than enjoying as a beach.
You also run out of things to experience pretty quickly, so give it an hour for a coffee, beer or glass of wine, and move on!
Free parking up by the station.
A special place to visit! The tall narrow houses clinging to the cliffs with the crashing waves below. Let your eyes soak up the beautiful clear Adriatic sea. Walk the narrow passages in centro storico. Experience the poetry of the little village. Dive back to Roma times.
What a charming place to stay for a long weekend. Polignano a Mare looks like it is straight out of a movie set. This part of Italy (the heel) does not suffer over-tourism so I found it peaceful. The small town is very eye catching, as it's perched precariously on steep sea cliffs. The houses have flower laden balconies and are separated by tight alleyways. You really feel like you are stepping back in time by decades. Your standard run of the mill restaurant here, would be a top class Italian restaurant at home, and the prices are great. There is a statue here dedicated to their favourite son - the famous Italian singer, composer, and actor Domenico Modugno. There is not much English spoken here, so you are better off making the effort to learn some Italian words. If you are in the Bari area, I would advise coming here for a day trip at least, it's that special here.
A very nice small city with narrow streets and fresh sea air. If you dare, you can try swimming down at the rocks because this area is always full of visitors and tourists. While walking at the streets don't miss the beautiful sea view!
I had the pleasure of visiting the historic center of Polignano a Mare at night, and it was truly breathtaking. The area was bustling with tourists, yet it maintained a charming, intimate atmosphere. The streets were lined with numerous eateries, offering delicious gelato and pizza, perfect for a late-night snack.
The art on the walls and light installations added a magical touch, making every corner a visual delight. The small churches scattered throughout the area were adorned with stunning religious art, a testament to the town’s rich cultural heritage. Walking through the narrow alleys, I discovered hidden gems like the Vicolo della Poesia, where poetry adorns the walls, and the picturesque Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II.
Polignano a Mare’s historic center is a must-visit, especially at night when it transforms into a vibrant yet serene haven. Whether you’re interested in history, art, or simply enjoying local cuisine, this place has something for everyone. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore its beauty and charm!
If the weather is good, it will be even more beautiful! It's beautiful here
Not a bad city centre but very busy even in the off season.
7. Spiaggia di Pescoluse
4.3
(8523)
Beach
Outdoor Activities
Swimming, sunbathing, & other recreation draws crowds to this picturesque beach with shallow waters.
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This is one of the most beautiful beach I have ever been to. The water is so clear, the depth increases very gradually. I swam in April 2nd and the water was a comfortable temperature, not warm, but not unpleasant. The plastic garbage is unfortunate, but I guess better that it washes up than stays in the ocean. You will enjoy this beach a lot.
Va very nice beach ended. It is very difficult to find sandy beaches in Puglia. This one is one of them and I think it definitely worth it! They call it "Maldives" ... Of course it's a metaphor. Nothing is like Maldives in terms of beaches. But anyways, if you're a beach person and would like to spend some time on the beach, this one it nice!
A wonderful beach, perfect for families with children!
The water is crystal clear and shallow, ideal for safe swimming.
The beach is clean and well maintained, with both sunbeds and enough free space if you prefer using your own towel or sheet.
Peaceful atmosphere, soft sand, and easy access — everything you need for a relaxing day at the sea.
Highly recommend it for a family holiday in Salento!
Best to go in the morning. During the evening the light doesn’t show the beauty of the place but in the morning it was beautiful. There were a lot of people during the weekend.
there are more beautiful beaches in Salento, but since there are no bad ones, this one deserves also a five star! :D
Personally, I didn't enjoy this beach. There were some weeds floating in the water, too many pushy vendors, and a lot of crowding and noise.
Nice beach with clear whater, good for children also. Nice sand , blue whater
The sea itself is great, but the rest is terrible. Extremely crowded on a Friday in July, no changing rooms and 1 public toilet somewhere in the parking lots for the whole beach. There are plenty good beaches around salento, not worth driving that far to the most crowded one.
8. Centro Storico
Sights & Landmarks
Historic Walking Areas
Centro Storico, Otranto's historic core, is dominated by the 11th-century Cattedrale di Santa Maria Annunziata, with its Chapel of the Martyrs and medieval mosaic floor. The 15th-century Aragonese Castle exemplifies the era's military architecture, while the Church of San Pietro's frescoes represent Apulian Byzantine art. Shops, restaurants, and wine bars line cobblestone streets – some with Strait of Otranto views.
9. Castel del Monte
4.5
(21702)
Castle
Sights & Landmarks
Unique octagonal castle built on a hill in the 13th century, with guided tours & a gift shop.
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A gorgeous castle! Castel del Monte is super unique and just stunning to see and visit! The castle has been built with various materials, of which sadly enough only few can be seen.
The views that you can experience are amazing.
Sadly you now have to pay for parking 5€ for a car and if you want to take the bus up to the castle this is another 2€ per person…
The castle itself is very impressive, but everything around it simply ruins the experience.
Parking is paid, as is the shuttle. There's a con man standing by the free restroom trying to take money for admission.
After parking and the shuttle, there's a ticket to the castle itself, which costs 10 euros for a tour inside the castle, which is actually quite small; it takes no more than 15 minutes to explore.
Amazing castle, stunning to look at, but not really much to see inside. Reachable only via rather questionable roads. Still a definite must see when you are in the area.
Amazing Swabian castle dating back to about 1290! It is surrounded by a forest and you only need a few hours to see everything. Bring some good hiking shoes, unless you are able to pay for parking close to the castle. We went during the week and it was not very busy. There are a few great videos inside the castle, which stays amazingly cool in the summer heat!!
We went in early November so it wasn’t too crowded. We parked in the nearby private lot for €5 but I think if you park in the lot ~2km away it’s free. The museum was great. Text panels in Italian and English and braille. Video and tactile exhibits. Audio guide in multiple languages available at an extra cost. Bathrooms on the premises. A restaurant nearby as well. Can be seen in its entirety in under an hour.
Super interesting octagonal castle from the 1240s built by Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor, Hohenstaufen of Swabia and King of Sicily.
Example of Medieval architecture located on a hill some kilometers away from Andria overseeing a large plain.
Castel del Monte is surely one of Apulia’s symbols: a medieval fortress erected in the 13th century on the western Murge plateau on the outskirts of the beautiful town Andria, along the Adriatic coast of southern Italy.
Built on a hill 540 metres above sea level, the fortress of Castel del Monte in Andria is considered a brilliant example of medieval architecture, reflecting the humanistic culture and vast education of its founder, Holy Roman Emperor and King of Sicily.
The octagonal castle is surrounded by an octagonal tower at each corner.
Mysterious and an almost inhumanly exact geometric shape, some theories claim that the octagon represented the union of the circle and the square.
The octagonal layout gives Castel del Monte the configuration of an elegant stone crown, and is present in all the castle's rooms. There are eight rooms on the ground floor, and eight on the first floor. There are eight towers surrounding the building, all with an octagonal layout and each arranged on one of its eight corners.
This obsessive recurrence of the number eight makes the fortress of Castel del Monte an esoteric place that has fascinated the best scholars for centuries. But the fortress has more mysteries for you to slowly discover during your visit. The building is accessed through the entrance portal, a large Arab-style arch with a Greco-Roman tympanum and Gothic double-arched windows.
The light colour of the limestone and white marble façades also characterises the interior, now stripped of the decorations that once adorned it. The light illuminating the ground floor comes from eight single-arched windows located on each of the eight sides of the floor plan. The same number of windows can be found on the upper floor, with one small difference: seven windows are double arched, while only one, that facing Andria, is triple arched.
You really cannot miss to visit it if you are in Apulia.
#castle #fortress #apulia #italy #monument
Compared to other castles in Europe, this is rather lackluster and unimpressive. Unless you have nothing planned near Bari, I would skip a visit.
Take the local guide Maria Zingaro! She will guide you through the importance of this monument. What was ment to be and it's very important history for mankind, not only Italian. The details I leave for local guide
10. Spiaggia di Punta della Suina
4.3
(852)
Beach
Outdoor Activities
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Punta della Suina is an absolutely fantastic beach, but you need to go when the wind is right — that’s the key! On the right day, it truly feels like a slice of paradise, with crystal-clear water that makes you want to stay in all day. It’s especially beautiful at sunset and is the perfect spot when you want to dedicate an entire day to the sea, relaxing and soaking up the beauty of the place. Definitely a must-visit for anyone looking for a dreamy beach experience.
The place is a paradise but is covered in cigarettes stubs and rubbish. We collected a 70L bags of rubbish in 20minutes. Sad and enraging.
The local restaurant explore the visitors.
If you want to stay on the sand you have to pay a lot of money for umbrellas leaving no option.
They took all the sand area over leaving a tiny bit outside for free.
Ridiculous
Exploitation,exploitation and exploitation
Awful business. You'll have to pay 6€ for the parking. Then 30€ for two beds.
And you'll all be parked like pigs in a farm.
Please avoid going there at all cost, they don't deserve your money and the beach should belong to everybody and be public. Period.
Prices too high for everything. Two uncomfortable beds and umbrella 40 €, very close to each other. Overloaded bar, dirty toilets. No comfort.
Fortunately, sea is clean and refreshing.
Favourite beach in Salento! Not too small, not too big :)
A great beach with water so clear that some girls make fake videos from the Maldives for Instagram. 😂
Beautiful beach with crystalline waters,carribian like,a splendor
11. Basilica Cattedrale Maria Santissima Assunta
4.7
(9847)
Catholic cathedral
Sights & Landmarks
Romanesque Catholic cathedral built from local pink-white stone & mostly completed by the 1200s.
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Basilica is free of charge and only entry to the tower costs 5€. There are about 298 stairs to climb to reach the peak (59 m). Unfortunately you cannot go outside and it is hard to take a good photo beacues of the nets that are installed in the windows, but still it is worthy as from up there you can see the whole castle and the see and it was magical for me.
The entrance to the basilica is from the underground. There are nice frescoes in the crypt, but if you want to switch on the light to see them you must pay.
The basilica made a huge impression on me. I have never seen a church located so close to the see. I really recommend to visit Trani and basilica.
We were able to visit at sunset and it was so beautiful. I cannot believe the colour of the stone. What a beautiful church.
Cathedral is one of the best places to see in the region. There is a lot of history, monuments to see. Unfortunately you can not take a guide inside. It’s located in lovely area, near the park and the port. The liturgy are normally about 10 pm. Inside is a little bit cold, but it’s normal like in this kind of buildings. You can go also to the underground.
Basilica at probably the most beautiful place in the world and a gem of a structure
Another great place to visit. Good place for eating fish and city views. Enjoy coffee. Do something else and avoid the cappuccino. Italians do not drink it after 1500. Get an espressino. Take a wild side around the Basilica.
The Catholic Cathedral of Maria de Santos is famous in Trani for being made of local pinkish-white marble and its majestic presence by the sea.
A beautifully restored church — definitely worth stepping inside. Please be respectful, keep noise to a minimum, and avoid taking photos. It’s wheelchair accessible, and entry was free when we visited. We enjoyed stopping by during an evening walk along the waterfront, followed by some gelato — a lovely experience overall.
Beautiful cathedral. Definitely worth a visit 👍
12. Castello Aragonese
4.7
(10129)
Castle
Sights & Landmarks
Built 1487–1492, Aragonese Castle offers guided tours by the Italian Navy, 2 cafes & a bookshop.
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The entrance is free, it is at fixed times, it is a navy museum and the tour is guided by a navy guide. I recommend that you make a reservation so that you don't have emotions, we didn't know and we didn't, but we were still allowed access, I think it's related to the number of visitors at that time. The guide's explanations are interesting and complete, in Italian anyway, but you can still take pictures of the castle, the interior models, the surroundings and enjoy the sunset if you are at the right time.
The castle are still a functional and working marine barracs, so you have to take the free tour. Otherwise no entry. It didn't work with our schedule
Astonishing scenes of old and new. The Ponte Girevole (swing bridge ) opens for ships and connects too seas. Castello has free tours but in Italian only
Entry is only by the free guided tour at set times during the day and evening. It is still an Italian Navy facility therefore the restrictions.
It is still is worth viewing from the outside.
We couldn’t wait 2 hours for the next tour so we had to skip it. Definitely would do it next time.
A very nice visit at the castle. A navy official provides a guided tour for free (in Italian) every hour. The tour gives information over the history of Taranto and the castle. I found it very informative and entertaining. I would recommend doing it if you are visiting Taranto. Also I was amazed that by the sunset, they displayed the Italian flag with lights on one of the sides of the Costello while playing some anthem (I wish I knew what was it), I loved that moment.
A beautiful castle belongs to the Italian navy, but an unpleasant surprise awaited us, you must have booked a tour guide, that's the only way you can enter...!!!
It doesn't even matter so it's worth a visit. Highly recommended.
Very interesting history and friendly staff! Visit with the group is free and scheduled.
We wanted to visit the castle, but the experience at the reception was rather unpleasant. The information provided was very insufficient. We asked for a tour in English, but it was not available, and they also refused to let us join the Italian-language group.
13. Cathedral of Saint Mary of the Assumption and Saint Orontius
4.6
(7741)
Cathedral
Sights & Landmarks
Multiple chapels compose this ancient cathedral with an elaborate façade & a bell tower.
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Visited in July of 2024. Absolutely stunning. I was mind blown by the beauty and the detail of the church, inside and out! The tickets aren’t that expensive. The interior is intricately decorated with paintings. Another church as beautiful as this one is rare to find.
Absolutely breathtaking Baroque cathedral in the heart of Lecce.
The façade is richly detailed, with statues, symbols, and elegant columns.
Inside, the atmosphere is serene and spiritually uplifting. A must-visit landmark in Puglia.
Un capolavoro del barocco leccese, da non perdere!
A beautiful square with connecting little streets. This church and its surroundings are truly stunning. However, tickets are required here, which is a bit disappointing, as one wouldn’t expect it for this type of monument. Moreover, they are sold on the other side of the square.
Going into the crypt is a must. Seeing the skeletal remains is a bit scary.
The best value is the 11€ ticket that gets you into the Basilica (7€ just for this), Cathedral (this one) and 2 other churches as well. Now that is worth it and it is like a treasure hunt by following the map and getting you around the old city.
Baroque cathedral basilica with transept build in 1669 by architect Giuseppe Zimbalo. Inside cathedral entrance to 12th century crypt with 92 columns. Tickets available in Palazzo del Seminario-11€, with tower 21€.
Gorgeous. Such a lovely place to visit, so quaint and relaxing and the architecture and buildings is stunning.
Beautiful. Download the app for the interesting story. Stunning carvings and especially loved the crypt.
Impressive cathedral, interesting marble work and ceiling. The crypt was also quite impressive.
14. Baia dei Turchi
4.5
(6741)
Beach
Outdoor Activities
Tourist beach in a secluded area with a namesake town featuring white buildings & full amenities.
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Beautifully Sandy beach with nice water color. Excellent choice for a beach day in Puglia, because in Puglia you will find very few beaches with sand. This one is nice!
Super sandy beach on the Puglia coast with crystal clear waters. There is a walk into it, but you can avail of the shuttle and parking for €10. There is another carpark for €5 but without the shuttle. We actually walked out as there was a large crowd coming out at the time. Beautiful beach, with small cliffs to provide shade. Our kids loved it.
Just excellent. Clear water, beautiful colours, fine powdery soft sand. Better than most beaches on this side of Puglia.
▶️ Beautiful and clean beach. Parking nearby for only 5€
If you're interested in history there is a lot to read about the Turkish invasion 🙄
Amazing view, very quiet beach with more local people, maybe because the season in September. Easy parking.
Beautiful beach, but parking and getting down to the beach is not that easy.
Crystal clear water with incredible fine white sand. We arrived around lunch time and still managed to find some space on the free beach. Bring sandwiches and water to avoid the constant queue at the only small bar. Plenty of parking with free shuttle near the beach, park in "Da Marco" €5.00 for the whole day 10 minutes walk from the beach. Bring time and peace, to relax, one of the most beautiful beaches in Puglia on the Adriatic coast.
beautiful beach and crystal clear water, the sand under your feet in the water feels heavenly, really!!! we are 8 billion people (almost 9) on this planet, and i think 6 billion of them were at the beach with us today. way too busy, the water wasn’t that busy though. beach clears up at around 18. would still recommend going. the walk is a bit far but it’s a nice one
15. Torre Del Ponte
4.6
(22)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
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(Translated by Google) The Torre del Ponte in Peschici is a wonderful historic structure that marks the entrance to the charming medieval village of Peschici, in Puglia. This tower is an authentic architectural jewel that adds a touch of majesty and charm to the entrance to the village.
The Bridge Tower, with its imposing presence, evokes the atmosphere of bygone eras and transports visitors on a journey through time. Its construction dates back to the medieval period and, over the centuries, it has maintained its original structure, becoming a historical icon of the place.
The tower is strategically positioned right at the entrance to the medieval village of Peschici and offers a spectacular panoramic view of the coast and the Adriatic Sea. Its imposing stone walls, watchtower and drawbridge (from which its name derives) create a breathtaking image that captures the attention of anyone approaching Peschici.
The Torre del Ponte is an essential reference point for visitors wishing to explore the medieval village, as it marks the beginning of a unique experience. Crossing the drawbridge and entering the ancient city gates makes you feel as if you are entering an enchanted world of narrow cobbled streets, white stone houses and picturesque views.
During my stay in Peschici, I spent time admiring this magnificent tower and photographing it from every possible angle. It is a true masterpiece of medieval architecture and adds a touch of magic to the whole experience of visiting Peschici.
In short, the Torre del Ponte in Peschici is much more than a simple access point to the medieval village; it is a symbol of history, beauty and authenticity that warmly welcomes you into the wonderful experience that is Peschici. Its presence is emblematic of the timeless charm of this place and will certainly remain etched in the memories of anyone who has been lucky enough to visit it.
(Original)
La Torre del Ponte a Peschici è una meravigliosa struttura storica che segna l'ingresso al suggestivo borgo medievale di Peschici, in Puglia. Questa torre è un autentico gioiello architettonico che aggiunge un tocco di maestosità e fascino all'entrata del borgo.
La Torre del Ponte, con la sua imponente presenza, evoca l'atmosfera di epoche passate e trasporta i visitatori in un viaggio nel tempo. La sua costruzione risale al periodo medievale e, nel corso dei secoli, ha mantenuto la sua struttura originale, diventando un'icona storica del luogo.
La torre è posizionata strategicamente proprio all'ingresso del borgo medievale di Peschici e offre una vista panoramica spettacolare sulla costa e sul mare Adriatico. Le sue imponenti mura di pietra, la torretta di avvistamento e il ponte levatoio (da cui deriva il suo nome) creano un'immagine mozzafiato che cattura l'attenzione di chiunque si avvicini a Peschici.
La Torre del Ponte è un punto di riferimento essenziale per i visitatori che desiderano esplorare il borgo medievale, in quanto segna l'inizio di un'esperienza unica. Attraversare il ponte levatoio e varcare le antiche porte della città ti fa sentire come se stessi entrando in un mondo incantato fatto di stradine acciottolate, case di pietra bianca e scorci pittoreschi.
Durante il mio soggiorno a Peschici, ho trascorso del tempo ad ammirare questa torre magnifica e a fotografarla da ogni angolazione possibile. È un vero capolavoro dell'architettura medievale e aggiunge un tocco di magia all'intera esperienza di visita a Peschici.
In breve, la Torre del Ponte a Peschici è molto più di un semplice punto di accesso al borgo medievale; è un simbolo di storia, bellezza e autenticità che ti accoglie calorosamente nella meravigliosa esperienza che è Peschici. La sua presenza è emblematica del fascino intramontabile di questo luogo e rimarrà sicuramente impressa nei ricordi di chiunque abbia avuto la fortuna di visitarlo.
(Translated by Google) A delightful little village, with a breathtaking sea view and glimpses of enchanting alleys!
(Original)
Paesino delizioso, con un panorama sul mare pazzesco e scorci per vicoli incantevoli!
(Translated by Google) Characteristic tower of sixteenth-century origin located in the historic center. Originally it had a drawbridge which, together with the surrounding walls and garrisons of soldiers, served to defend the city during invasions. It allows entry into the historic part with its characteristic narrow streets and stairways, full of shops, clubs and activities which are overrun by tourists on holiday on summer evenings. Worth seeing, especially in the evening with the lights and illuminations.
(Original)
Caratteristica torre di origine cinquecentesca situata nel centro storico. In origine aveva un ponte levatoio che con la recinta muraria e le guarnigioni di soldati serviva a difendere la città durante le invasioni. Consente l' ingresso nella parte storica con le sue caratteristiche strette viuzze e scalinate, piene di negozi, locali e attività che nelle sere d' estate vengono prese d' assalto dai turisti in vacanza. Da vedere, soprattutto alla sera con le luci e le luminarie.
(Translated by Google) In the center of the splendid town of Peschici it is possible to admire the Torre del Ponte. Also called Torre Quadra, it has sixteenth-century origins, equipped with a drawbridge and a garrison, it had the function of monitoring and defending the access gate to Peschici. It allows entry into the historic part of the city, the centre, now home to typical cafés and restaurants. Suggestive and imposing, it offers a unique glimpse and not to be missed
(Original)
Al centro dello splendido paese di Peschici è possibile ammirare la Torre del Ponte. Detta anche Torre Quadra è di origini cinquecentesche, dotata di ponte levatoio e di una guarnigione, aveva la funzione di sorvegliare e difendere la porta d'accesso a Peschici. Consente l'ingresso nella parte storica della città, il centro, oggi sede di localini e ristoranti tipici. Suggestiva e imponente, offre uno scorcio unico e da non perdere
(Translated by Google) Imposing trace of the past erected by the prince and feudal lord Francesco Emanuele Pinto. Once through this well-defended entrance, you enter the oldest heart of Peschici.
(Original)
Imponente traccia del passato eretta dal principe e feudatario Francesco Emanuele Pinto. Varcata questa ben difesa entrata, si entra nel cuore più antico di Peschici.
(Translated by Google) Nice place
(Original)
Bel posto
(Translated by Google) It is the most convenient entrance to the village of Peschici, a 5-minute walk from the nearest parking lot.
(Original)
È l'infresso più comodo al borgo di Peschici, a 5 minuti a piedi dal parcheggio più vicino
(Translated by Google) A beautiful sixteenth-century tower that has survived to this day
(Original)
Una bellissima torre cinquecentesca arrivata fini ai giorno d'oggi
16. Duomo di Santa Maria Annunziata
4.7
(2297)
Catholic cathedral
Sights & Landmarks
11th-century cathedral with ornate floor mosaics & a crypt containing the remains of martyrs.
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Like every single cathedral, basilica and church I have visited in Italy, the Cathedral di Santa Maria in Otranto is fantastic. First consecrated in 1088. Highlights inside the Otranto Cathedral include the well preserved 12th Century (1164) mosaic floor/pavement, and the chapel of martyrs where you will find 3 large glass fronted panels showing the limbs and skull bones of 800 or so local Christians killed by invading Ottoman Turks in 1480....look very carefully at the middle panel....are those 6 bullet holes in the top of the skull of one poor individual? Or are they something else? May they all rest in peace.
But please make sure you also visit the Cathedral Museum right next door. For a modest 5 euro entrance fee you can marvel at many of the cathedral's religious and artistic treasures ......including a gold thread decorated-silk 17th Century bishop's cloak, a exquisitely embroided 17th Century artisan's dress, silver altar adorations, 3D stone reliefs, and a full map/composite of the mosaic floor inside the cathedral. What a privilege. Grazie Otranto
......Stewart from New Zealand
Amazingly beautiful church. The mosaic floor is beautiful!! I recommend it to everyone!
I’ve rarely been so intrigued by a cathedral! 🤯⛪ The massive mosaic floor is absolutely fascinating — and at times, even a bit funny. It really gives you a sense of how little people knew about the world back then… and it’s wild to think it was all created by a single monk.
The chapel containing the bones of 813 martyrs is chilling yet strangely mesmerizing 💀🕯️
The large crypt, with its forest of columns, feels both impressive and peaceful 🏛️
A definite must-see in Otranto!
This sacred space is unique. Learn about the floor beforehand, and then you will know about it when you visit. It is a whole mosaic floor following ancient techniques. It is a miracle that it was not covered with a new floor in the s XVII.
This is an amazing fit of architecture and art. It also does not feel heavy, not putting you down.
The artwork on the floor is unique, I have never seen a mosaic so big and so well preserved.
The only ones that I remember are inside of Venice’s San Pietro (but geometrical shapes) and inside of Constantinople’s Hagia Sophia (but not so well preserved).
It is definitely a must if you visit Salento. So much underrated.
I was drawn to visit this Cathedral. Free to enter and brows. Take photos and feel the history. Touch the stone behind the altar. Enjoy the picturesque town and sit by one of the sea side Cafe's and sip your Aperol spritzer.
Here is a place where you can see how ages ago people learned of the Bible. The mosaics told the story of the tree of life and the division of Heaven and Hell.
Having survived the conversion to a Mosque and back most of the frescoes were destroyed... butfor some reason they left the images of Mary... and a few of Christ on the cross.
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