Hiking Puglia, Italy: Cultural and Natural Highlights March 9th, 2023 • by Matt Snell Puglia: it’s often described as “the heel of Italy’s boot,” which might help you find it on the map but hardly does it justice when it comes to beauty. Puglia’s location means it has the longest coastline of any region in mainland Italy, giving it a warm climate and luxurious stretches of sandy beaches. Culturally speaking, it’s home to inimitable, UNESCO-worthy architecture and unforgettable gastronomic experiences. Yet somehow, tourists have yet to discover Puglia in the same numbers that flock to Rome, Venice, Florence, and other well-known Italian destinations. That makes now an excellent time to embark on our Italy hiking tour in Puglia while authentic experiences still abound and the sunny open spaces remain uncrowded. Here are a few of the highlights on this eight-day guided tour. Trulli and the Architecture of Puglia From a distance, you might mistake the dazzling whitewashed architecture of Alberobello for a traditional Grecian village. Look more closely, and you’ll discover a UNESCO World Heritage Site unique to Puglia. A trullo (plural trulli) is a dry-stone hut with a conical roof, with the oldest standing example dating to the 14th century. Dry-stone construction means they are built without mortar and can be quickly brought down. Legend has it they were invented to get around taxes on permanent structures—though these days they’re cherished as a cultural treasure. We spend Day Six of our Puglia walking tour exploring the historical areas of Alberobello, where we have a chance to learn more about these remarkable structures. Food and Drink While Puglia isn’t Italy’s top wine destination (Tuscany and Piedmont vie for that crown), that often plays in Puglia’s favor. Its unique geography means Mediterranean breezes from east and west create a warm, fertile climate excellent for vineyards. You can get superb wine without paying a premium for a famous name. One of the region’s most famous exports is Primitivo (also known as Zinfandel when grown in California), a variety often described as “big” for its rich and full-bodied flavor. Don’t be fooled into thinking Primitivo means “primitive”—in Italian, it refers to early ripening, which gives the wine its fruity character. On the Discovering Puglia tour, we visit a family-owned winery to learn about the local viticulture and wine production of this region. Of course, we have the opportunity to taste a selection of their wines! Wine is only part of the story when it comes to Puglia’s agriculture, however. The region accounts for 40% of Italy’s total olive production, often derived from ancient olive groves passed down through generations. On Day Two of our guided tour, we have the opportunity to take a cooking class, where we gain insight into how simple, high-quality ingredients can produce dishes of astounding quality. Our immersion in Pugliese gastronomy continues at a traditional farmhouse, where we meet the owners and enjoy a home-cooked dinner. We also visit an underground olive oil mill and learn about cheese production at a local farmhouse. The Coastline Along Puglia’s coastline you’ll find beaches with fine sand and crystal-clear turquoise water. Better yet, the weather is warmer than in Northern Italy, which allows you to enjoy the coast deeper into the shoulder season. Day Three of our adventure tour takes us to Otranto, the easternmost point of Puglia. We begin by exploring the medieval old-world streets and taking in the breathtaking 12th century Tree of Life mosaic at Otranto Cathedral. Fantastical creatures roost in the tree’s branches, scattered between mysterious scenes from the Old Testament. Afterward, we take in some fresh air as we stroll along the coves of Salento and refresh ourselves with a dip in the Adriatic. If you’ve enjoyed reading and are inspired to join us or have questions about the adventures featured in this post. or our European adventure tours, please give us a call at 1-800-941-8010 or contact us.