PHOTO ESSAY | From Beach to Baroque: On the Road in the ‘Heel’ of Italy’s Boot

Puglia.
Puglia.
The Route.
The Route.
Conchiglie Alto Lido.
Conchiglie Alto Lido.
Gallipoli. Sunset.
Gallipoli. Sunset.
Gallipoli. Transport.
Gallipoli. Transport.
Gallipoli. Beach.
Gallipoli. Beach.
Sant’Agata Church, Gallipoli.
Sant’Agata Church, Gallipoli.
Gallipoli Piazza Goings-on.
Gallipoli Piazza Goings-on.
Gallipoli. Eat and Drink.
Gallipoli. Eat and Drink.
Olives Trees Along the Roadside. Puglia.
Olives Trees Along the Roadside. Puglia.
Santa Maria di Leuca. Where two seas meet at the most southern tip of Italy.
Santa Maria di Leuca. Where two seas meet at the most southern tip of Italy.
Leuca. Beach Sliced Out Among the Rocks.
Leuca. Beach Sliced Out Among the Rocks.
Santa Cesarea Terme.
Santa Cesarea Terme.
Otranto. Twilight.
Otranto. Twilight.
Otranto. Evening activity.
Otranto. Evening activity.
Otranto. Dinner.
Otranto. Dinner.
Approaching Ostuni. The White City.
Approaching Ostuni. The White City.
View. Adriatic Sea from Ostuni.
View. Adriatic Sea from Ostuni.
Ostuni. Street Scene.
Ostuni. Street Scene.
Cisternino. Piazza Vittorio Emanuel.
Cisternino. Piazza Vittorio Emanuel.
Cisternino. Back alley charm.
Cisternino. Back alley charm.
Alberobello. Trulli homes.
Alberobello. Trulli homes.
Biking.
Biking.
Polignano a Mare. The Grotto.
Polignano a Mare. The Grotto.
Bari.
Bari.

Puglia (or Apulia, in Italian) is a beautiful region – often overlooked by non-Italian tourists – which stretches over the “heel of the Italian boot” in southeastern Italy. Here you will find wild, rocky, untouched nature, a rugged coastline carved with gorges and caves, along with some of the friendliest, most welcoming, people in all of Italy. Language is no barrier to the smiles and warmth felt all throughout this region.

Puglia has a wealth of architectural gems, along with great food, wine and unique culinary traditions. Formerly destitute, but agriculturally rich, Puglia is known for its fruit-forward, ripe, red wines, spicy olive oils, fresh seafood, pickles, and orecchiette (ear shaped pasta) traditionally served “alle cime di rapa” (with turnip greens) . . . to name a few. The region boasts a series of Romanesque churches as well as beautiful Baroque facades.