Puglia during the holidays is a beautiful time to visit! With the lights, the food, christmas markets and holiday celebrations it is truly magical. The best part is that the weather is bearable, with temperatures around ten to sixteen degrees. It may not be a snowy wonderland but it is definitely paradise. Cosy up in your amazing Puglia villa by the fireplace with a hot mulled wine. Sleep in late in your large, luxurious bed surrounded by fine Italian decoration. In the evenings your private chef can cook a hearty winter time meal for you and the whole family. It’s a private escape from reality.
Intriguing History
Known widely as the Florence of the South because of its Roman ruins and immaculate baroque architecture. The iconic white and gold colour of the famous Lecce stone, The Alberobello, is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its interesting construction that stretches fifteen kilometres along the Alberobello-Martina Franca road.
Amazing Food
Puglia has invented many unique Italian foods over the centuries, such as orecchiette pasta, burrata cheese and tiella, the Italian version of Spanish paella. Stuzzichini is the Italian word for small snacks that are served with an aperitivo. In Puglia that is usually large juicy olives, bread and cheese. The best one of all are the small crispy rings of baked dough called Tarallini. Covered in olive oil and sprinkled with fennel seeds, these little delights are always on hand in a Puglian household.
Puglia makes more wine than any other region in Italy. Glasses at a restaurant are reasonable, but the best option would be to stop by the grocery and buy a few bottles to share with your friends on your private outdoor terrace at the villa.
The region of Puglia has over 50 million olive trees and makes sixty percent of the olive oil in Italy.
Stretching Beaches
Puglia has the longest beach on the Italian mainland. Depending on what month you visit, it could be too cold for a dip, but a day at the beach is always pleasant here with beach temperatures hovering around sixteen to eighteen degrees during months like November, December and January. You are guaranteed to find a stunning tranquil beach with crystal clear waters on Puglia’s Adriatic or Ionian shores.
Beautiful capital city of Bari
Bari is the capital of the Apulia region. It’s more a transportation hub than a destination city. However, like everywhere else in Italy, the historical significance and sheer overall beauty of a region that has been active and densely populated for thousands of years makes Bari something to see.
One place to note is Basilica di San Nicola, an 11th century church where the bones of Saint Nicholas, the inspiration for Father Christmas, used to lay before being stolen by Bari sailors. There are many hidden legends and stories this city can tell.
Perfect weather all year
Stuck between the Adriatic Sea and the Ionian Sea this puts Puglia in the ideal spot for a Mediterranean climate. That means the summers are hot and dry and spring and autumn are fresh with warm breezes and cool comfortable nights. Winter can get a bit chilly sometimes down to zero degrees, but mostly not lower than ten during the real winter month of February.
