Locations of Puglia

Puglia stretches on the Apennine Peninsula, in the south of Italy. The capital of the region is Bari but there are other popular metropolises here too, such as Lecce or Brindisi. Puglia forms the heel of the ‘Italian Boot’, extended by the ‘spur’, the Gargano Peninsula. It’s bordered by the Adriatic Sea on the East and the Ionian Sea on the South. With its being a plateau, there aren’t many elevations, however, Puglia is still a perfect destination for holiday-makers, for those seeking for swimming and for sailors alike.

History of Puglia

There are several limestone caves in the Puglia area that are covered in ancient cave paintings which indicate the possibility that the area was already populated as long as 250, 000 years ago. The first visitors were the Illyrian and the Lapygian in the 2nd century B.C when the area still bore the name Apulia. The name, Apulia came into use in the times of the Roman Empire, and its shortened form, Puglia, is still in use nowadays.

The Greeks have also settled here for some time but they saw a strong ally for the Southern Italian tribes in the already expanding Romans. As part of the Roman Empire, Puglia’s economics and intellectual development experienced a remarkable boost. Later, after the fall of the West Roman Empire, the Goths, the Saracens and the Byzantines were fighting for the territory, the battle of which ended with Byzantine victory in 1009.

Many religious and public institutes in Puglia that you can still admire nowadays, were built by Frederick II. The Spanish have also settled in this marvellous land and the House of Anjou was replaced by the House of Bourbon. After the Italian Unification, Puglia has finally become Italy’s province, although the Poor has shown quite some resistance and had second thoughts about the new system.
Of course with the passing of time things have settled down, but the effect of ‘detachment’ of the South Italian regions is still remarkable in their underdevelopment compared to the northern provinces.

Weather in Puglia

Puglia is a perfect destination at any time of the year. Owing to its Mediterranean climate, even in the winter, temperatures don’t drop below 10˘C. With the area being flat, the winds blow freely, without any obstacles above Puglia. In the summer, the southerly winds from Africa and the north-easterly winds from the sea are the dominant ones. In the summer temperatures often rise above 35°C, so these breezes serve as a relief for holiday-makers. If you got in the mood for sailing in the Puglia area, have a look around as there are several places in Puglia to rent a boat or yacht. If you have your own, there’re plentiful ports available for mooring whilst you relax on land.

Main attractions of Puglia

Regardless of whether you arrive with family, friends, as a couple or on your own, you’ll definitely have a lot to see.
We recommend the following spots as main attractions. If you visit Puglia, make sure you explore some of the following places:

Gargano National Park

The National Park which was founded in 1991, is situated in Foggia province. One of the main goals of the park is to protect the remains of the ancient Umbra Forest that used to cover almost all of South Italy.

Grotte di Castellana- near Monopoli

The Grotte di Castellana limestone caves are one of the most prominent tourist attractions of the region. It’s almost 3, 400 m long with stalactites and stalagmites aplenty.

Isla de San Domino

San Domino is one of the Tremiti Islands, also often called ‘Green Island’. It stuns visitors with its rich flora and fauna and limpid, blue waters.

Porto Salvaggio National Park

The Park is in the Province of Lecce. It was founded in 2007 and has been attracting thousands of nature lovers annually ever since. Going inwards from the rocky beach, there’re pine forests and other typical Italian Mediterranean plants.

Santa Croce Basilica- Lecce

One of the most significant churches of Lecce, founded in the 14th century. Its unique dome and façade merge various architectural designs. Its columns and interiors are embellished with unique plant motifs and with grotesque figures here and there.

Beaches in Puglia

Torre dell’ Orso (Melendugno)

In the bay of Melendugno, the beach of Torre dell’ Orso is guarded by a 16th-century watchtower, giving the beach a unique atmosphere. The coast stretches for 1 km, lined with sand dunes and fringed with an evergreen pine forest. Have you ever come across such a diverse beach? Its unique feature of it is the two sea stacks emerging from the water a few metres away from the coast, bearing the name: ‘Two Sisters’. It’s here that the coasts of Albania are closest to Italy, only 71 km away, therefore the water is very shallow and crystal-clear. It’s a perfect spot for those, arriving with small children too.

Polignano a Mare (Bari)

Polignano a Mare is undoubtedly one of the most prestigious and busiest beaches in Puglia. In 2014 it has been awarded the Blue Flag for the 7th time for its excellent water quality and the amenities that are available on the beach. Crystalline waters combined with golden sand. There’re cliffs towering over the sea on both sides of the beach. You’ll often see teenagers jumping from the cliffs to the water to add to the fun. If you aren’t bothered by the crowds and want to relax on a beach with clean waters, Polignano a Mare is a perfect choice.

Lido del Sole (Rodi Garganico)

West from Rodi Garganico town, this gem awaits visitors with golden sand dunes. Lido del Sole is very popular. Owing to the fine sand and the plentiful amenities it’s a perfect spot for families. The northerly winds provide perfect conditions for surfing too. It’s a real experience to take a dip in such crystalline waters!

Boat rental Puglia

If you are arriving in Puglia by boat, there are innumerable places that you ought to visit. There’re several beaches in the area that are only accessible by boat, thus offering a peaceful, somewhat isolated spot for sailors who would like to rest or take a dip. If you don’t have your own boat, don’t worry! In the following towns, you’ll certainly find one of your liking from our company’s offer.

San Foca

There’re different opportunities to rent a boat in San Foca. The village’s marina has 150 berths. Drinking water, electricity, showers and bathrooms are all accessible in the vicinity of the marina and Wi-Fi connection is also available for the comfort of sailors. boat rental in San Foca

Leuca

Porto Turistico Marina di Leuca is a port where you can be sure that your boat is 100% safe, every day of the year. You can choose from hundreds of yachts and boats to rent in order to visit your preferred beaches. rent a boat in Leuca

Porto Cesareo

There’re 300 berths in this marina. The bottom of it is sandy and owing to its location it’s a great shelter against the northerly and north-easterly winds. Porto Cesareo is one of South Italy’s popular ports, therefore boat rental opportunities are plenty to choose from. rent a boat in Porto Cesareo

Let’s see the beaches that are only accessible by boat:

Baia delle Zagare (Mattinata)

The beach is 15 km from Mattinata and is also often referred to as Baia dei Mergoli as well. The 1 km beach that consists of with gravel and pebbles is enclosed by a stunning sheltered bay. Reaching it is easiest by boat as it’s only accessible by sea or by land, walking through a hotel. If you plan to visit this bay by boat, you’ll have an even more unique experience as you can revive in the sight of the imposing limestone cliffs already from a distance. Yacht and boat renting is very simple in the area. Explore the nearby towns too!

Cala San Felice (Vieste)

Cala San Felice is a bay that is home to two well-sheltered pebble beaches. The two beaches are separated by cliffs from one another. The whole area is surrounded by lush vegetation. This naturally formed stretch is only 50 m approximately but it’s perfect for swimming. The crown jewel of the beaches is the famous, nearby Architiello, a sea shaped rock arch. It’s located in Vieste and is only accessible by boat. There’re yacht rental opportunities in Vieste, so definitely have a look around, if you’d like to visit Cala San Felice.

Tremiti Islands

The Tremiti Islands are only a few kilometres away from Termoli by boat. If you have your own, explore the splendid beaches of the islands that await sailors and tourists with unspoilt surroundings and azure-tinted waters. Perfect for resting and new adventures alike. Don’t worry, there’re boats and yachts available for rent in Termoli if you don’t want to miss out on the magic of the Termiti Islands. Find yacht routes in Puglia or choose another rent a boat in Italy.

Italian sailing destinations Mediterranean sailing destinations Puglia Sailing destinations & Sailing routes

Puglia sailing trips

Are you navigating towards the southern edge of Italy? Then you surely won’t be disappointed. [...]

12
Jun

Boat rental Puglia: rent a boat in Puglia!

Day 1. Porto Cesareo – Sant’Isidoro 5, 71 km (3, 55 mi), Day 2. Sant’Isidoro – Santa Maria al Bagno 13, 17 km (8, 18 mi) Day 3. Santa Maria al Bagno – Gallipoli 9, 53 km (5, 92 mi) Day 4. Gallipoli – Torre San Giovanni 26, 42 km (16, 42 mi), Day 5. Torre San Giovanni – Torre Pali 10, 06 km (6, 25 mi), Day 6. Torre Pali – Santa Maria Leuca 15, 08 km (9, 37 mi), Day 7. Santa Maria Leuca – Torre Vado – Porto Cesareo 74, 87 km (46, 52 mi)

Day 1. San Foca – The Cesine Nature Reserve – San Cataldo 13, 38 km (8, 31 mi), Day 2. San Cataldo – Torre Chianca 12, 19 km (7, 57 mi) Day 3. Torre Chianca – Brindisi 31, 85 km (19, 79 mi) Day 4. Brindisi – Torre Santa Sabina 27, 23 km (16, 92 mi), Day 5. Torre Santa Sabina – Torre Canne 21, 35 km (13, 27 mi), Day 6. Torre Canne – Savelletri 7, 15 km (4, 44 mi), Day 7. Savelletri – San Foca 109, 15 km (67, 83 mi)

Day 1. Gallipoli – Santa Maria al Bagno 9, 53 km (5, 92 mi), Day 2. Santa Maria al Bagno – Sant’Isidoro 13, 17 km (8, 18 mi) Day 3. Sant’Isidoro – Porto Cesareo 5, 71 km (3, 55 mi) Day 4. Porto Cesareo – Torre Colimena 13, 34 km (8, 29 mi), Day 5. Torre Colimena – Lido di Silvana 34, 15 km (21, 22 mi), Day 6. Lido di Silvana – Lido Bruno 15, 29 km (9, 50 mi), Day 7. Lido Bruno – Parco naturale regionale Porto Selvaggio e Palude del Capitano – Gallipoli 83, 77 km (52, 05 mi)

More abut sailing in Puglia,or Italy sailing tours.