Visit Apulia - Tourism and travel tips for your vacation or weekend.

Located in the southeast of Italy, Gargano in Puglia is one of the most historic destinations in all of Italy.

Boasting brilliant mountainous landscapes, along with some of the oldest untouched forests in Central Europe, Gargano is an essential destination for nature lovers.

The Gargano National Park enjoys an assortment of pleasant micro-climates, along with breath-taking views of the Adriatic from Italy's east coast.

The perfect place for those looking to escape the heaving crowds of more populous cities in the region, Gargano offers visitors the chance to explore some of the oldest corners of Italy.

Venture through forests that are thousands of years old, or enjoy miles' long stretches of unspoilt beaches.

Take a stroll through medieval towns and villages dating back centuries, or sample local delicacies and traditional cuisines you won't find anywhere else on the Italian peninsula.

In Apulia  you will find some extremely cute, little towns filled with lots of history as well as some great restaurants, where you will get the chance to try out some the most typical dishes of the area. But, if there is something that will make your summer holidays there the best you have ever had, that will be, without a doubt, the beaches of Apulia.

Many beaches in Italy aren't free, which means you have to pay to access them, but that isn't the case in Apulia. Most of the beaches are gorgeous and the best thing is they are free.

The most loved beach there is Punta Prosciutto, thanks to its fine, white sand and the most transparent water you have ever seen. Also, many people practice scuba diving in the area because the bottom of the sea is gorgeous there.

If you are traveling with children, you can not miss the Porto Selvaggio beach. It is very close to a natural park and, although you will have to walk for about fifteen minutes from your car to the beach to reach it, once there you won't want to leave it. This beach is ideal for children because the water isn't too deep, which means your children will be able to play carelessly and you won't have to fear them going to deep.

But if you are hoping to find a gorgeous beach where you will also have the chance to have a couple of drinks, so you can not miss Baia di Torre Lapillo. This beach is one of the longest beaches in Apulia and in the bottom of the sea you will find some of the most gorgeous coral reefs of the area, so make sure to bring your scuba diving gear or simply hire it once you are there.

And if you have never been to the Caribbean, you will definitely feel like you are there once you visit Punta della Suina. Don't forget to bring your camera because you are certainly going to want to take a picture of the beach as soon as you get there. The rocks look impressive and gorgeous while the water is extremely clear and turquoise. You will have some of the most relaxing days on the beach if you decide to visit it. 

But if you are hoping to go to a beach that will give you the chance to explore a little, go to Porto Badisco. Not only is it gorgeous, you will be able to hire a little boat nearby to have the chance to go around and discover all the little caves that fill this breathtaking beach.

Apulia, on the far south of Italy, is more well known for its unspoilt coastline and deep blue seas than for its lakes, and this is perhaps not surprising - as the heel on Italy's boot, the sea is always close to hand. That's not to say that stretches of inland water don''t exist for the visitor who wants a break from the rocky grottos of the coast.

Lake Locone, in the north of Apulia, is an artificial reservoir created in the 1980s by the damming of two streams that fed into the Ofanto river, although it has kept the lovely appearance of an absolutely natural lake. It is extremely well stocked with many freshwater fish, ideal for the keen angler, and the area has established itself as a renowned centre for cycling and water sports. Other lakes in the area such as Lago di Serra del Corvo (or Lake Basentello) are also known for their large numbers of fish, and lovers of fishing will appreciate both the excellent sport available and the tranquillity of the almost deserted surroundings.

Just over the border in Basilicata lies the San Giuliano nature reserve, with rivers and ravines leading into another reservoir which over the decades has become home to a stunning variety of flora and fauna, with many opportunities for walking in the unspoiled countryside.

The Apulia region in the south of Italy is known for its unspoiled scenery and relaxed way of life. It is a land of bright sunshine, bright colours, and simple food with bright flavours - the raw ingredients are so good, it's a shame to waste them in complicated fussy cooking.

Although the area has taken culinary influences from nearby Greece - notably in the use of lamb - and from it's closeness to Africa and the spice route, most of the food eaten is pasta with excellent vegetables and fish cooked simply. What meat there is is often bought at rosticceria butchers, where it is cooked over coals as you wait - preferably while sipping a glass of wine!

Pasta is a Puglian staple, and the most common kind is orechiette, or 'little ears', which is traditionally handmade in vast quantities and served with a simple sauce of olive oil, chilli, and whatever vegetables are to hand. No eggs are used in the pasta of the region, as is common across the southern parts of Italy.

The olive oil of Apulia is vital to the region's economy, with an estimated 40% of Italy's total production coming from here, and it is used liberally in even the most simple of dishes. Another staple is bread, made from a mix of durum and wheat flours, with the town of Altamura's bread having a protected status as a regional delicacy.

Apulia is well known for its robust wines, of which the most well known is probably Primitivo, and red wines from here tend to be full and well flavoured. There are many vineyards and cantinas around the region, especially in the Salento area, and organised wine tours are a favourite of the area's relatively few tourists who know a bargain when they see one.