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Travel tips for your holidays: least windy canary island, playa d'en bossa or san antonio, where to stay in Italy for vacation...

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11/06/2022

BEST LAKESIDE CITY IN NORTHERN ITALY

Lakeside city in northern Italy, Which is the nicest lake in Italy?

Which is the nicest lake in Italy?

Lombardy, with its renowned water mirrors reflecting beauty at every corner, is the region of lakes par excellence.

Lakeside city in northern Italy


Here in Northern Italy lies Lake Garda, a lake that boasts the best microclimate in Europe and is the perfect destination for a slow paced-holiday, under the banner of wellness, fine food and a magnificent and unspoilt nature. 

garda lake

sirmione

BEST LAKESIDE CITY IN NORTHERN ITALY

sirmione italy

Salò 

The stretch of Riviera nestled between Salo' and Limone sul Garda is indeed spectacular. Take a tour and it will almost seem like being on the Amalfi Coast everywhere you can see olive and lemon groves on terraces overhanging the lake. 

Tremosine sul Garda

And look who beautiful are the hamlets you go through, from Gargnano, still inhabited by the last fishermen who supply the area's restaurants, to Tremosine sul Garda, which has been acknowledged as one of the most beautiful hamlets in Italy and where dwellings are nestled between knolls, hillocks and plateaus covered with olive trees, lawns and fir trees.

Sirmione

Not to be missed: a visit to the Grotte di Catullo, a famous Roman Villa of Sirmione and the Italian Viittoriale of Gardone Riviera, the famous citadel donated to Italians by the poet D'Annunzio.

Lake Maggiore


And what about Lake Maggiore, whose breathtaking landscaped have always struck a chord with artists, literati and poets? Ernest Hemingway, or instance, was so impressed with Luino that he mentioned it in his celebrated work "Farewell to Arms". Visit it too, and you will be pleasantly surprised by this pictoresque hamlet stretched on the shores of the lake.

Or go to Laveno Mombello, where you can breathe a fairy tale atmosphere, enclosed between blue sky and green hills. You will be charmed!
Not to be missed: a visit to the Rocca Borromea of Angera and to the Santa Caterina del Sasso Hermitage.

Lake Iseo


One cannot certainly miss an excursion or a few day's stay on Lake Iseo, a gem of rare beauty with a myriad picturesque villages overlooking its banks, such as Iseo with its restaurants overlooking the lake, ideal for a romantic dinner and Lovere, whose magnificent palazzos, built with harmonious architectural sense, have for centuries framed the harbour piazza, one of the most beautiful among Lombard lakes.

Montisola


In Iseo do not fail to take the boat that in about twenty minutes takes you to Monteisola, the largest lake island in Europe. Once on the island, you can walk or cycle round it along a picturesque circular route, to explore its most enchanting corners.
Not to be missed: a visit to the ancient hamlet of Pisogne and a dinner in Clusane di Iseo, the queen of local fine dining, in whose trattorias you will be able to taste specialities such as baked tench.

Lake Como


Lake Como has been one of the most famous lakes of Lombardy since ancient times and is a concentrate of pure beauty, where you can have glimpses of water and sky, mountains and cliffs and precious villas, whose beautiful parks overflow with wisteria and rhododendrons.

And if in the past the likes of Ugo Foscolo and Lord Byron would lean on the balconies of Villa Pliniana in Como and Alessandro Manzoni and Giuseppe Mazzini would usually stay at Villa Balbianello in Lenno, today top entertainment celebrities may be spotted in the lakeside villas, so much so that VIP-watching has become one of the favourite activities of both residents and visitors to the area. With a bit  of lucky you may even happen to spot George Clooney, either jogging or darting through on one of his Harley's. 

Bellagio


And if the lake has struck a chord with him, who is always surronded by so much beauty, rest assured it will struck a chord with you too!
Not to be missed: a visit to Bellagio, the Saint Tropez of Lario and to Varenna, picturesque hamlet where you can spend a pleasant evening in one of the lake-view establishments.
On Lombardy lakes you can relax, do sports or spend the evening to dine in a fairy tale setting. A real paradise, definitely worth exploring.

21/05/2021

UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES ITALY - Lombardy

UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES ITALY 

UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES ITALY
Unesco world heritage sites Italy


What famous sites are located in Italy?

Venetian fortifications between XVI and XVII

This is the last UNESCO World Heritage sites in Lombardy, recognised in the 2017.Bergamo would't be the same without its impressive Venetian Walls. This spectacular circuit is over six km long: it's the perfect place to take a romantic walk and enjoy wonderful sunsets, and it has been enclosing the beauties of the Upper Town for more than four centuries.

They were built starting from 1561 by the Republic of Venice in order to face enemies attacks, but History was kind with them: maybe due to their stunning beauty, they never underwent any siege. That is why they remained almost intact to the present day.The Walls consist of 14 bastions, 2 platforms, 100 embrasures for cannons, 2 armouries, four gates, not to mention the underground structures featuring sallies, passages and tunnels: don't miss the chance to walk inside the Walls and to visit the casamates of San Michele and San Giovanni. 

The construction of the Walls required the destruction of more than 250 buildings, including 8 religious properties such as the Sant'Alessandro Cathedral and the Dominican convent of Santo Stefano: that's the reason for the 8 excommunications occurred during the works. 

Lots of workers were employed to raise them, directed by Venice and Bergamo architects, due to the dimension of the project. The Unesco World Heritage nomination enlists the Walls within the serial and transnational site named "Venetian fortifications between XVI and XVII Century". The purpose is enhancing all the defensive system built by the Republic of Venice between the XVI and the XVII, in order to connect them by an ideal thread.

Santa Maria delle Grazie and Vinci's Last Supper

Leonardo da Vinci's Last Supper is a wall oil painting on plaster which was made between 1492 and 1498.  Leonardo made the painting using a revolutionary mixture of Florentine spatial perspective and that obtained through chiaroscuro.One may observe how three windows open behind the apostles, through which a landscape may be glimpsed, shining a light on the back and sides of the protagonists, thus lending a unique character to the painting. 

Leonardo painted the Last Supper by mixing oil and gouache and overlaying it all onto two layers of plaster to obtain a smooth and level surface. An innovative but risky technique: over them to high degree of humidity in the room altered the colours and caused the paint film to detach. The restoration lasted about 20 years with the most state-of-the-art techniques in the field and has allowed the work to be significantly restored.
Booking.com
 

Rock Art of Val Camonica

Crossed by more than twelve thousand years of history, the so-called Valley of the Marks holds a collection of over 300 thousand engravings, at times enigmatic, other times simply moving, that are the most exemplary representation of the strong bond and pleasant interaction between man and nature over the centuries. 

On the rocks smoothed by glaciers, prehistoric men engraved the essence of their culture, their customs, but above all their day-to-day live from the post-ice age, through the Neolithic, until the Copper Age and the Bronze Age. You will find engravings of hunters, warriors and peasants, carts and ploughs, horses, deer and birds, huts and medieval towers. 

There are many engraved symbols, among which the Camunian Rose from which the brand of Lombardy Region is derived, but they are outnumbered by the theories concerning them, enveloping them in a halo of mystery and legend.

Monte San Giorgio

The site, where thousands of fossils have been found, thus allowing the evolution of some animal and plant species to be studied, represents the best evidence to a period dating back to 245 million years ago. 

At the Besano Fossil Museum, set up inside a typical house of the end of the 19th century, which has preserved the original fireplaces and floors, you can see a collection of these fossils, the highlight of which is a large female specimen of Besanosaurus, a perfectly preserved, 6 metre-long ichthyologist. A really fascinating museum for adults and children alike.

Worker's Village of Crespi d'Adda

Crespi d'Adda is the ideal workers's town and it was built between the 19th and 20th centuries by the Crespis, Lombard cotton entrepreneurs to house the workers and their families. Only those who worked in the factory resided in the Village, and the life of the entire community revolved around the factory, its rhythms and its needs. 

The owner catered for all the needs of the workers and their families, and they were provided with a house and many state-of-the-art facilities such as a school, a hospital, a theatre, a gym and food and clothing shops.

Longobard power and worship centres in Italy

Two of the seven sites making up the serial site "Longobard power and worship centres in Italy" are in Lombardy. The first site is the San Salvatore - Santa Giulia Monastery Complex in Brescia, a beautiful architectural complex that represents one of the most important testimonies of religious architecture of the High Middle Ages, and which in the Longobard age was an important landmark also at political and social level. 

The site continued being important in later ages too, and was involved in extensions thanks to the rich donations. After wonderful restoration and enhancement work, the site is currently the seat of the City Museum, which houses the highest artistic evidence of the long history of Brescia and its area. 

The second Longobard site is Lombardy is the Castrum of Castelseprio-Torba, consisting in the remains of the ancient castrum and the Holy Mary Church Foris Portas, and authentic jewel on whose walls is preserved one of the most interesting pictorial texts of the whole High Middle Ages.

Mantova and Sabbioneta

The two towns that have most contributed to spreading Renaissance ideals within and beyond Europe have been part of a single Unesco site since 2008. In Mantua you can go on routes devoted to Renaissance architecture and town planning such as the "Prince's Route" that includes the visit to Casa del Mantegna, Palazzo San Sebastiano and Palazzo Te. In Sabbioneta you should not miss the Palazzo Ducale, Teatro all'Antica and "Corrider Grande".
Booking.com
 

Sacred Mountains of Piedmont and Lombardy

The Sacro Monte of Varese and Sacro Monte of Ossuccio are the two Holy Mountains in the Lombardy region. Jewel of sacred art immersed in nature, the former located near Varese, the latter in the Como province. They can be reached on foot through the beautiful votive chapels located on the route leading to the respective Sanctuaries.An experience worth having to fully appreciate spirituality and harmony.

The Bernina Rhaetian Railway

Also called the Little Red Train, it is known as the most beautiful train in the world ar also the "train that climbs the mountains". Tackling gradients of 70 per mile, it almost touches the sky, at 2,253 metres of altitude, the highest point reaches its destination: Saint Moritz.Each stopover is a unique opportunity to wonder and be amazed, because the landscape is always spectacular and never the same.

The Bernina Express railway meanders along an itinerary of great tourist and environmental worth through the Alps and was therefore registered in the UNESCO world Heritage List in 2008.

Stilt Houses of the Alpine Arc

This is a transnational site that spans six countries: Switzerland, Austria, France, Germany, Slovenia and Italy.Lombardy holds two important records: it boasts the most ancient stilt house that has ever been acknowledged, located on Lake Varese, dating back to 5000 b.C., and the highest concentration of stilt houses, more than 30 dwellings, in the Lake Garda region.

16/05/2021

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN FORMENTERA? Is formentera worth visiting?

Here the best places to stay in Formentera:

  • Es Pujols
  • Platja Migjorn
  • La Mola
  • La Savina
  • San Ferrán de ses Roques
  • Es Caló de Sant Agustí
  • Cala Saona

best places to stay in formentera
best places to stay in formentera

BEST PLACE TO STAY IN FORMENTERA

Es Pujols is the best place to stay in Formentera, in my opinion. Es Pujols is the liveliest village, with beautiful beaches, bars and restaurants by the sea. And it is the area favored by the Vips (sockplayers, soubrette ...).

Best area to stay in Formentera

See the last minute. Prices for accommodation not per person.

Booking.com

Is formentera worth visiting?

Formentera is a wild island completely different from the neighboring Ibiza. If you want to stay "out of the world" for a few days laying down in one of the beautiful beaches that surround the island, Formentera is the place for you.
BUT if you want to stay in a touristic place in Formentera full of shops, restaurants, bars, nightclubs... look for an accommodation in Es Pujols.
 
In this village the evenings are lively, it is the most frequented place on the island, there are many tourists.
I recommend Es Pujols to those who do NOT want to be too secluded.
 
Favorite area for VIPs in Formentera (footballers and celebrities): you can find them in June, hardly in August, when there is the peak of the flow of tourists.

The Balearic Islands are not an economic destination in the summer months especially in Es Pujols you risk not to find anything, if you don't book early.
Es Pujols is close to the 2 most popular beaches of the island that extend into this isthmus (they are really suggestive):

TO GET TO FORMENTERA: 

☑️ Formentera does NOT have an airport. Book a flight to Ibiza by Ryanair.
☑️ From the port of Ibiza you can reach Formentera by hydrofoil or ferry.
☑️ Book a hotel or apartment by Booking.com 

FORMENTERA BEST BEACHES

Platja de Llevant and Playa de Illetas are the best beaches of Formentera.

best places to stay in formentera
Best beaches in Formentera

If you want to stay near this area/beach, I suggest:

👉 Hotel Rosamar Playa de Llevant

06/05/2021

Better San Antonio or Playa d'en Bossa?

Playa d'en Bossa or San Antonio?

Playa d'en Bossa.
Chose Playa d'en Bossa If you love to stay surrounded by many people, clubs, music, restaurants with outdoor tables, if you love the nightlife, if you want to stay in the center of social life  you must necessarily stay between Playa d'en Bossa and Ibiza city. July and August are monthsvery crowded of tourists.

San Antonio or Playa d'en Bossa? 

San Antonio de Portmany, if you want to stay in a tourist area cheaper than Palya d'en Bossa. Here are many clubs, it is not unusual to see many young Brits drunk, after a certain time. One of the best known places to watch the sunset which attracts many tourists.

Where in Ibiza is best for clubbing?
Better San Antonio or Playa d'en Bossa

Read the full article:

Where to stay? San Antonio or Playa D'en Bossa

Listed below you can see the offers for accommodation in San Antonio. Prices for 7 nights, per accommodation, NOT per person. Booking.com Booking.com
Updated Maggio 2021
Moira Tips

03/04/2020

Top Things to Visit in Syracuse | Sicily

Things to Visit in Syracuse. One day in Syracuse. Drive to Syracuse to spend the day seeing the city and the attractions. Place to see in Sicily. 

I'm Giusy proudly Sicilian. I have an apartment in Syracuse that I rent to tourists from all over the world. Photos and links at the end of the article. Now let's start talking about the main attractions you can see in Syracuse.

Things to see in Syracuse
Things to Visit in Syracuse  


Things to visit in Syracuse | best attractions

Be ready though. I’ll guide you through the top-attractions in Siracusa

Of course it can’t be an all inclusive tour, because there would be so much to see. But still, I’ll let you catch the historical value and the enchanting atmosphere of this no-time place. If you do not have a car of your own, you can benefit from the electric buses “Siracusa D’Amare” , they have three lines stopping at the main attractions and the daily ticket costs about 3 euros. 

I would suggest to start your day trip with the Archeological Park and the Greek Theatre because they are out of Ortigia and dedicate the second part of the day to enjoy the magic of the island. If you start your visit early in the morning, let’s say around 9.00, whatever your pace is, you can definetely make it for lunch in Ortigia. 

Things to see in Syracuse

visit the Greek Theatre 

It’s a magnificient symbol of the Greek culture in Siracusa. This is the place were Eschilo’s or Plato’s pieces were represented. Nowadays the activity of the theatre is vivid like in the old days. Every year the summer season of the Greek Theatre attracts tourists from all over the world. 
 
Siracusa best attractions
The Greek Theatre

Take the bus again and reach Ortigia. If you are using your own car, you can try to park at the “Marina”, but it’s usually full in summer, so I would suggest parking “Talete”. In both cases, a few steps and you will be in the heart of Ortigia. Have a stop at the Temple of Apollo and have a stroll along the alleys among boutiques, souvernirs and good food. 
 
Things to see in Syracuse
Questa foto di Tempio di Apollo è offerta da TripAdvisor. 


Piazza Duomo and cathedral 


Follow the directions to Piazza Duomo, a masterpiece of architecture mixed in centuries and religion. From the sides of the Cathedral it is still possible to see the columns of the ancient Temple built in V century BC. 
 
Siracusa day trip
Piazza Duomo

visit Maniace castle

 
Reach the “Fonte Aretusa”, where old myths and legends are still alive and enjoy the view of the sea while tasting some genuine Sicilian food. After the Fonte Aretusa, walk straight to the left enjoy a walk along the seaside and reach the “Castello Maniace” built between 1232 and 1240 by Federico II and that derives its name from a byzantine general. This is just a short example of how you can travel along history in a few steps. 
 
Places to visit in Sicily
Castello Maniace

visit Syracuse museums

Should you still have time before dinner and should you be willing to take advantage of all your time in Siracusa choose one of the museums you can find in the heart of the isle:
  • Museo Leonardo Da Vinci and Archimede di Siracusa, an interactive exhibition interesting for both adults and children
  • Museo del Papiro, that will show you how in this area papyrus is worked like in Egypt 
  • Museo del Mare, celebrating the precious relationship between Siracusa and its sea
  • Museo Regionale di Palazzo Bellomo, exhibition of famous painters like Antonello da Messina and Caravaggio 
  • Museo dell’Opera dei Pupi, celebrating this worldwide famous Sicilian art and Unesco 
  • Cultural Heritage. 
  • Museo del Cinema, being Siracusa one of the most frequent set for movies and advertisements.

Museo Archeologico Paolo Orsi

The most famous museum in Siracusa is the Museo Archeologico Paolo Orsi, one of the most important in Europe. You will find there the most precious prehystoric, Roman and Greek artefacts belonging to Sicily. It is not located in the island of Ortigia, but in the city, viale Teocrito, so you will probably need more time for it (which is absolutely deserved!) and one single day for all is not enough.
So many things to see and enjoy! The proposal above is just an input, but for sure you have more and more reasons to come back!

If you want more tips about things to do in Syracuse, stay in my apartment in Ortigia! I'm Giusy proudly Sicilian.


We will meet us at check-in and you can ask me anything you want, I will help you discover Sicily as a real local!
 
syracuse holiday
My Apartment in Ortigia

Lovely and just refurnished apartment located in the very heart of Ortygia inside the court of an elegant baroque building.
Proudly Sicilian, my apartment is perfect for max 4 guests having 1 double bedroom and 1 sofa bed. Come to Ortigia and enjoy the show!

For further and booking: 
Booking.com Booking.com
Written by local expert Giusy Sciacca
Updated 2020

01/04/2020

Top 5 SEASIDE TOWNS in Tuscany | Italy

Best seaside places in tuscany to stay for a beach holiday | Top 5 seaside towns in Tuscany:

  • Viareggio
  • Forte dei Marmi
  • Marina di Pietrasanta
  • Lido di Camaiore
  • Elba island

best seaside towns in Tuscany
Best seaside resort in Tuscany

Tuscany destinations, where to stay: beach towns, best coastal towns. What are the best beach resorts in Tuscany? Are there any beaches in Tuscany? What is the best area to stay in Tuscany? Is Tuscany near the coast? Is there a beach near Pisa Italy? 

Top 5 seaside towns in Tuscany


☑️ You can reach Tuscany by car, train or plain. The closest airport to Viareggio, and other coastal towns in Tuscany, is Pisa Airport (PSA), about 34 km away by car or about an hour by train.
☑️ Elba island can be reached by ferry from Piombino and there is also the option to bring its own car or rent a scooter on arrival.
Nice memories! How many beautiful summers I spent in Tuscany with my parents when I was a child.

Tuscany is the ideal region for a beach holiday in any season because it offers destinations suitable for different kind of tourists: families, couples, groups of friends looking for night life.
Unspoiled nature, long and wide beaches, totally equipped, high quality food and wine are just some of the strengths that make a holiday in Tuscany a perfect choice.

Best seaside places in Tuscany

seaside towns in Tuscany

Here a list of the most beautiful and popular seaside resorts in Tuscany to choose for a weekend as well as a long stay in summer months:

Forte dei Marmi

If you are looking for a seaside resort in Tuscany that have a lively nightlife but also a beautiful and long beach perfect to sunbathe, Forte dei Marmi is perfect place for you.

Since the post-war period, this seaside town has been a meeting place for celebrities and aristocrats who came here for the spacious beaches, the exclusive services, activities, events.
Here the disco concept was born with the famous Capannina in Forte dei Marmi which still attracts fans of all ages.

Nowadays Forte dei Marmi is the destination of a elite tourism, especially of Russian tycoons who have chosen this district as their meeting point.
However there are numerous accommodation options that allow you to find a cheaper hotel or private apartment close to the beach.

Shopping is certainly the strenghts of this location. The city center of Forte dei Marmi is a succession of luxury boutiques and trendy restaurants. It is an ideal destination for group of friends because there is always something to do, both during the day and the evening and it also ideal for couples who like to spend time in a lively place.
See accommodation In Forte dei Marmi


Lido di Camaiore


Lido di Camaiore is a quiet but at the same time lively resort, full of clubs, restaurants and close to Forte dei Marmi and Viareggio and finally with very beautiful equipped beaches.

Near the promenade there is also the cycle path suitable for people who love walking, cycling and also skating.
On the waterfront there are many restaurants, clubs and every type of water activity for adults and children.

There is a beautiful pier on the sea, called Bellavista Vittoria, where you can walk or sunbathe and in the summer season many cultural events and shows are scheduled.
Closer to the most important Tuscany touristic places, Lido di Camaiore is also a perfect starting point to visit the region.
See accommodation in Lido di Camaiore


Viareggio


Viareggio is known for its famous Carnival with the final parade of allegorical floats, but it is also a place that offers several kind of activities, shops, restaurants in a very lively place.

The town immediately impresses you with its Art Deco-style.  In Viareggio there are a lot of hotels, perfect for staying in the heart of the nightlife and close to the long beach.

Viareggio has a very long sandy beach, very well equipped, perfect for families with children but also for teenagers. Many sports activities can be practiced here. 

Photo credit by Google 

The pine forest is perfect for walking and cycling lovers. The center and the promenade are full of clubs, restaurants and bars where you can enjoy local cuisine. Do not miss an evening in the port area to enjoy a fish dinner or a moonlight walk.
Booking.com

Marina di Pietrasanta


Ideal beach holiday destination for people looking for equipped and modern bathing establishments.
Marina di Pietrasanta is one of the most beautiful naturalistic locations in the whole region.
It has more then five kilometers of beaches and a beautiful crystal sea, fragrant pine forests around the beach where you can take a refreshment in the hottest hours. Tuscany is also an ideal destination for those who love trekking. In fact, besides beautiful beaches there are also the mountains from which numerous paths start.

In the city center there are several kinds of restaurants and taverns as well as a wide range of accommodations from luxury hotels to informal b&b.

One of the symbols of this place is the Pontile di Tonfano, a structure on the sea where you can sunbathe or dive directly into the water.
See accommodation in Marina di Pietrasanta

Elba island


The last resort that I recommend for a beach holiday in Tuscany can only be the Island of Elba.
A vacation on an island is always something special but Elba offers a luxuriant vegetation, with gentle hills and luxuriant vineyards overlooking the sea.
Small hidden beaches with many coves and bays can only be reached by sea, for total privacy.

Elba is also rich in history. Here Napoleon Bonaparte was exiled and signs of his presence are still visible throughout the island.
In addition, the island is part of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park which protects almost 50% of the entire territory of Elba and, for this reason, diving into its waters is a natural spectacle.
The snoorkeling lovers can admire varieties of fish, corals in a really unique marine fauna.

The Island of Elba is perfect for your holidays with children or your pet, in fact all the accommodations and beaches are pet friendly.
Isola d'Elba hotel near the beach

That's all for today, these places in Tuscany are close to each other and absolutely suitable for a summer holiday. Whatever destination you choose, I'm sure you will enjoy your time (tip: every morning take a long healthy walks on the shoreline, you will stock up on healthy air, rich in iodine).


if you have found valid ideas in this article, I would be pleased if you shared an article on your social pages. Thanks! :)

Updated 2020

27/03/2020

BEST PLACES TO STAY IN PUGLIA | APULIA ITALY

If you are looking for the best places to stay in Puglia, for a summer holiday, you can choose among these villages:
  • Polignano a mare
  • Monopoli
  • Marina di Ostuni
  • Otranto
  • Marina di Marittima
  • Gallipoli
  • Porto Cesareo
  • Marina di Pulsano
If you are interested in a seaside resort in southern part of Italy, where sunbathing and relaxing, Puglia, with its 865 km of coasts, is a perfect destination for people looking for beautiful beaches and crystal sea.
This article is written by my friend Lucia, who lives in Puglia.
best places to stay in Puglia
Best places to stay in Puglia

Holiday guide to Puglia, southern Italy: the best towns. What is the best town to stay in Puglia?  Where should I base in Puglia? Is Puglia worth visiting? Is Puglia a good place to holiday? Where to stay in Puglia as a base? Puglia destinations: is better Salento or Gargano?

BEST AREA TO STAY IN PUGLIA

The seaside resorts where I recommend staying in Puglia are mainly in Salento.

☑️ I recommend staying in Gallipoli if in addition to the beautiful seaside you are looking for a lively area. If you are traveling with small children, consider the Baia Verde area.
☑️ I recommend to stay in Porto Cesareo, if you want to sunbathe in beautiful white sand beaches, such as Torre Lapillo and Punta Prosciutto beach, and take a dip in the area known as the Maldives of Italy.

I'd recommend staying in each places at least 3 nights. Here the last minute deals. Prices for accommodation NOT per person:

Booking.com

Italians' habits
Good to know: In August many hotels offer weekly stays only, especially in seaside resorts where a lot of Italians spend a week on the beach.
Usually, Italians book their summer holidays by Easter (except this year under Covid-19 pandemic) so if you want to be sure of finding the best, or cheapest, accommodation, it is better to reserve in advance.
You can book accommodation on Booking.com, in case of need, you can cancel without penalties.
Below, in the beautiful seaside town of Porto Cesareo (Punta Prosciutto beach), 7 night stay, prices per couple:
Booking.com

Best time to visit Puglia


Best time to visit Puglia: in May, June, September and October while in July and August the beaches and resorts are very crowded and accommodations more expensive. An ideal solution when deciding where to stay in Puglia is to choose a base and visit the nearby villages.

The Apulian coast is very varied. They range from the high cliffs of the Gargano and Mattinata to the small beaches nestled in the rocks of Monopoli, Ostuni, Otranto and Marina di Marittima until to Salento coast with the long and Caribbean Ionian beaches of Gallipoli, Porto Cesareo and Pulsano.

best area to stay in Puglia

Most beautiful seaside resorts in Puglia

  • Mattinata

The city of Mattinata has some of the most beautiful beaches in Puglia, protected from the north-west winds thanks to the high cliffs of Gargano.
best town to stay in Puglia
This photo of Mattinatella Bay is offered by Tripadvisor
Booking.com Baia delle Zagare is the most famous beach in the Gargano coast and can be reached only by a pass from the Municipality of Mattinata or by staying in one of the hotels located in this village.

Hotel Baia Delle Zagare | This hotel is immersed in the Gargano National Park, set on a cliff overlooking Zagare Bay.

Mattinatela Bay is another fabulous area to relax and its long pebble beach, surrounded by the white cliff, is ideal for lovers of underwater activities.

Where to stay in Mattinata, best view?
Hotel Residence Il Porto | is perched on a hill overlooking the Mattinata Bay.

  • Polignano a Mare

Polignano is a famous city on the Adriatic sea, its views of the historical center overlooking the sea are among the most photographed and beautiful landscapes in Puglia. Here the singer Domenico Modugno was born.

where to stay polignano a mare
Polignano a Mare by Tripadvisor


If you are looking for something of familiar and characteristic, I suggest you to stay in one of the houses with a terrace overlooking the sea in the center of old Polignano.

Where to stay in Polignano best view?
 Dimora Talenti Guesthouse with an amazing view of the ocean. 

base in Puglia
Lungomare Di San Vito by Tripadvisor

During the summer the nightlife in the center of Polignano is very active, so it is recommended for people looking for a lively place: there are many pubs, restaurants and discos frequented by VIPs and influencers.

Lama Monachile is the closest beach to the city, small and very popular both for tourists and locals.

Another area that I recommend where to find more privacy is San Vito beach, just 2 km from Polignano, where you can swim in front of a beautiful abbey founded in the 10th century.

Where to stay for the summer holidays in San Vito area?
Casale Porto Contessa is situated in a strategic area, in the hamlet of San Vito, distant almost 2.5 km from the town of Polignano a Mare

Monopoli

Bari beaches

Less known than Polignano, but equally romantic and characteristic is Monopoli.
Its historical center is one of the jewels of Puglia with a view of the port and the liveliness of the city. It is very frequented by local people, ideal for enjoying your holiday like a true Apulian.

To enjoy the city, I recommend staying in one of the B&B or guesthouses located in the historical center.

Which hotels in Monopoli have nice views?

Palazzo Indelli, got great room view-related reviews from travelers in Monopoli.

If you choose Monopoli as a destination for your summer holidays, do not miss the Capitolo beach: a resort with many beach clubs ideal for families with children. In the evening is good for the night life lovers.

To stay near the beach of Capitolo: Torre Cintola Natural Sea Emotions.

Some tourist residences offer also luxury and exclusive experiences in a beautiful Caribbean sea with maximum comfort and relax.

Ostuni

Ostuni, the famous white city of Puglia is 7 km away from the coast, so if you want to stay near the sea it is better to book an accommodation in Marina di Ostuni, Villanova and Costa Merlata.

Puglia Southern Italy
Ostuni

Where to stay in Ostuni?
La Piana Degli Ulivi located 2 km from Ostuni, with an amazing view.

This part of the coast is formed by many rocks and there are sandy coves called "the beaches of Costa Merlata".
You can choose from several coves, often uncrowded.

Puglia best beach
Costa Merlata beach is credited by Tripadvisor

For people who love unspoiled nature, they will enjoy to stay in the natural reserves of Torre Guaceto or the park of the coastal dunes: crystal clear sea and white beaches chosen by the Caretta Caretta turtles as nesting places.

You will spend magnificent days in absolute symbiosis with nature, lulled by the sound of the waves.

Where should I base in Puglia?

Otranto

Arriving in Salento, you will leave your heart among its beautiful medieval alleys and its towers of this fascinating city.

holiday guide to Puglia
Otranto, Salento | Puglia

Otranto overlooks the sea and it is possible to participate in one of the many cultural and naturalistic activities organized to discover its suggestive landscapes and surrounings.
Don't miss the Bauxite quarry, trust me! ;)

Where to stay in Otranto best accommodation?
The Hotel Miramare is set in an unbeatable location right in the heart of Otranto just a few metres from the golden sandy beach

Baia dei Turchi, 7 km from Otranto, is one of the most beautiful beaches in Puglia. A corner of paradise with white sand and crystal sea.
A wide range of resorts are located near the beach and in the Alimini Lakes area: a brackish lakes ideal for spending a relax day with the family.

My tip to stay Baia dei Turchi:Aparthotel Agriturismo Vigna Corallo. The sandy beach could be reached after a short walk through a wood. 

Marina di Marittima / Castro Marina

We conclude the overview of the places on the Adriatic coast with Marina di Marittima and Castro Marina.
You can choose Marina di Marittima, if you want to stay far away from the tourist circuits where you can breathe the atmosphere of the most authentic Puglia, without artifice and frills.

There are not many accommodations here.

Relax and peace are assured and the location of the town is excellent for visiting the whole Salento peninsula. Suitable for travelling holidays.

Where to stay in Castro Marina?
 Hotel Degli Ulivi overlooking the Gulf. Ideal as a base to make a tour to the southern area of Puglia.
Things to see: Cala dell'Acquaviva (photo below), a wonderful inlet inserted in the wild nature with cold springs ideal for cooling off during the hot summer days.


Palombara cave:  small suggestive cave located in a rocky coast. If you like a Caribbean sea with its amazing colours, I recommend this boat trip.

Gallipoli

We arrived on the Ionian Sea, on the other side of the "heel of Italy", where Gallipoli is its most popular area.

Puglia where to stay
Lido Punta della Suina credit by Tripadvisor


The city is famous not only for its ancient historical center (of Greek origin), but also for the nightlife on the beach especially in the high season such as Samsara beach.

Best accommodation Gallipoli
Costa Brada hotel with private beach 4 km from Gallipoli.

Gallipoli has two souls: in the daytime is ideal for families and relax in the beaches and the nighttime is perfect for who want to enjoy the music and dance on the beach under the starry sky of Salento.

Gallipoli offers a wide range of accommodation and I would advise you to choose a structure in Baia Verde (Hotel Risberg), an area along ​​the "Gallipoli promenade" with has many services and ideal for families with children.

Do not miss the Punta della Suina beach, fine sand, crystal and calm water, pine forest ... what else?

Porto Cesareo Bay



Porto Cesareo is a small town in Salento area, not far from Gallipoli, in the center of a splendid protected marine and bordered by wonderful beaches like Punta Prosciutto, Spiaggia delle Dune and Torre Inserraglio.

Where to stay in Porto Cesareo beach front?
Hotel Blu next to private beach.

As well as Gallipoli, also this stretch of coast is very popular for the nightlife during the summer months, while the peace and relax is guaranteed in the low season. There is no shortage of beautiful beaches, for expample Torre Chianca beach (image below).



The beaches of Punta Prosciutto and Torre Lapillo are the most beautiful in the area, with services suitable for families with children.
The beach and the seabed have a beautiful white sand ideal for relax and play, but also for more lively activities such as snorkeling or diving to discover the hidden treasures on the bottom of the Mediterranean (I warn you that there are wrecks!).

Marina di Pulsano

is puglia worth a visit
Spiaggia di Lido Silvana credit by Tripadvisor

The last place where I recommend you to stay is Pulsano: a small village in the Gulf of Taranto with its 8 km of low and sandy coast, suitable for young and enderly people.
The sea is about 5 km from the city center and it is an ideal place for family holiday.

Lido Silvana is certainly the best beach suitable for families who need a wide range of beach services, clear water, fine sand and a total immersion in the nature of Salento.

Where to stay in Marina di Pulsano near Lido Silvana beach?
 Recidence The Garden

For the wild nature lovers and unspoiled places Luogovivo and Le Canne are two other places to consider. Crystal clear sea and absolute privacy, you can anjoy an holiday experience like a real local.


Tips to travel in Apulia

- useful info to avoid surprises -

☑️ Public transport is not very organized, so if you plan to take a holiday in Puglia it is better to arrive by car or rent a car in the airport.
☑️ The tourist centers have maps and useful information about events, activities...
☑️ July and August are very popular and intensive months, so lots of beaches are crowded and the temperatures are usually very high.
☑️ If you choose Puglia for your holiday you must consider the wind. Puglia is a windy region, especially subject to the cold winds of Tramontana, coming from Balkans, and the hot Scirocco from Africa. The wind affect expecially the Adriatic coast and less the Ionian sea.
Now you are able to choose the right location to fully enjoy your holiday as a real Apulian.
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What to do in Puglia?


- Total relaxation lying on the beach to sunbathe
- Exploring and tasting the local cuisine,
- Diving, snorkeling and outdoor activities.
- Visit the region to discover coves, ancient villages and the countless marine and natural protected areas.
- Trip to the Alimini lakes in Otranto.

Apulia what to see
Laghi Alimini credit by Tripadvisor

- Boat ride between Polignano a mare and Monopoli to swim in the blue waters of natural caves.
- Visit the Bauxite quarry in Otranto.
Puglia best countries
Cava di Bauxite by Tripadvisor


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Updated March 2020
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