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A stunning coastline, idyllic rural landscapes and a hot and sunny climate combine to make Apulia one of Italy's best treasured secrets and even today Puglia, to give its Italian name, is more popular as a summer retreat for Italian holiday-makers than for their foreign counterparts.
Puglia is a long thin region running down the Adriatic coast along the south and east of Italy's heel, so nothing is very far away from the beach. It's geographical location, linking Europe with Africa and the Middle East, has for millennia given it huge symbolism and no little importance as a meeting point for the diverse cultures which have helped shape our modern civilisation.
In northern Puglia, around Italy's spur, is the home of the Gargano National Park, a varied park of forest, arid step and sheer limestone cliffs which mantles the striking promontory.
Of the 270 or so species of nesting birds in Italy the park boasts an incredible 170 of them, testimony to its biodiversity, varied topology and the care with which it is all looked after by its proud people.
With such a conducive climate wine and olive oil are two of the region's most traditional and important products and this is reflected in the landscape, with the rich red soil hosting mile upon mile of ancient olive groves and vineyards.
But the Puglia landscape is much more than just vines and olive trees. It is a fascinating and unique tapestry of sand and stone, gentle rolling hills topped with the dazzling white architecture of the local towns, pasture and wheat fields, fruit orchards and stunning silent coves with crystal clear seas ideal for diving.
Medieval island castles and fortresses, sometimes with the Adriatic lapping at their very gates typify the coastline, along with rocky cliffs and sandy beaches, making Puglia a paradise for those with a love of the sea.
Naturally seafood is one of the principal staples on any menu but Puglia is also noted for its durum wheat and tomatoes, which form the basis for many mouth-watering pasta dishes.
And culturally Puglia is blessed with a host of museums and architectural and archaeological gems which recount the history of the region. From the trulli, the small beehive like dry-stone cathedrals that were traditionally the home of many in the area, to the masserie or farms, which take much of their inspired design from Roman villas and which still form the backbone of today's agricultural architecture.
In the larger towns and cities such as Bari and Lecce the variety of architecture is even greater and the latter, with its magnificent and ornate cathedral and other fine baroque architecture, rightly stakes claim to the title "Florence of the South."
Climate
In general, Puglia has a typical Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot dry summers. Summer temperatures average between 25-30 degrees but can reach the mid 40s.
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