While sunning yourself by the pool, dining out at gourmet restaurants and relaxing with a good book all have their merits, of ten holidaymakers crave something a little more unique. Puglia is the perfect place to satisfy adventurous souls, with a myriad of unusual activities, experiences and attractions on offer. Here are some of our top recommendations.
1. Hire a personal yoga instructor
Find your inner Om with personal yoga classes held in the comfort of your very own luxury villa. Whether you’re a beginner or an experience yogi there are classes for all.
With its breath-taking ocean views the terrace of Villa Tosca is a mesmerising place to work on your downward dog while enjoying a fresh sea breeze and the sounds of crashing waves. Pure bliss.
2. Tour the region by bicycle
Puglia is blessed with a fascinating landscape peppered with sprawling vineyards, picturesque olive groves, historical landmarks, beautiful beaches and more.
Discovering the region’s gems on two wheels is a wonderful activity to enjoy solo, as a couple, a family or a group of friends. The pace is set by the slowest rider which makes for a leisurely experience for all.
Some of our favourite sights include the Romanesque Church of St. Mary of Aurio, the Museum of Popular Traditions, the famous Feudi di Guagnano winery and of course, the many fortified farmhouses that dot the region from top to bottom. Learn more about bike tours in Puglia.
3. Learn the fundamentals of Italian cooking
Want to learn to whip up local delicious food like the locals do? Why not learn how to conquer the kitchen first hand in a Puglian cooking class?
You’ll hit up a local market to buy ingredients, then head back to kitchen HQ where you’ll learn to prepare, cook and serve hearty ‘Cucina Povera’ cuisine under the watchful eye o fa regional chef.
If you’d prefer to sit back and let a professional do all the hard work for you hiring a private chef to rustle up delicacies in your very own kitchen is a fantastic option. Book your cooking class!
4. Charter a private yacht
Italy’s southern coastline is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and there is no better way to soak it all in than from the decks of a private luxury yacht.
Whether you set sail on a day trip or a three-day voyage you’ll enjoy the opportunity to visit secluded coves, hidden beaches and pristine nature reserves such as Punto del Pizzo. Not to mention the opportunity to sail past Puglia’s southernmost point, Santa Maria di Leuca.
All accompanied by a private skipper, delicious meals and mandatory sunset glass of local vino! Discover .more about our luxury cruise in Gallipoli.
5. Sample local delicacies
The Puglia region is renowned as the ‘breadbasket of Italy,’ with each town boasting its own unique delicacies.
In the city of Lecce you’ll find chic trattorias serving up beautifully presented seafood from the Salento peninsula. The distinctive ear shaped Orecchiette pasta can be sampled throughout the region while the pretzel shaped Taralli crackers pair wonderfully with wine.
Feeling adventurous? Why not request to be taught the art of preparing Pasticciotto, a flaky pastry dessert filled with creamy custard and sweet black cherries!
Are you hungry yet? Why not exploring more food traditions in Puglia here?
6. Dine in a castle
Why settle for run of the mill restaurants and cafes when you could spend the evening dining in a magnificent Puglian castle perched in the heart of an exclusive Salento wine estate?
After settling in to the elegant dining room guests are treated to a divine four course meal accompanied by expertly paired wines handpicked by the estate’s sommelier and served by an attentive private butler. Talk about the royal treatment!
7. Sample regional wine
Puglia is celebrated as an agricultural paradise which makes it fantastic for growing a variety of different grapes.
The black skinned, high tannin Primitivo is used to produce the region’s most iconic drops while the aromatic Nero di Troia is another regional favourite.
Fiano Minutolo is a unique local strain of white boasting a floral, slightly honeyed flavour and for connoisseurs wanting to taste the heart and soul of Puglia, sampling the structured flavour, rich plum notes and slightly bitter aftertaste of Salice Salentino is an absolute must.
Do you love wine? Discover more about Puglia’s delicious wines here.
When you choose to holiday with Aria Journeys all these experiences and more are available as options. The region is your oyster!
