Puglia property - property for sale in Puglia

Puglia is in the very south of Italy, the heel of the boot, surrounded by the Adriatic and Ionian seas. It is Italy’s major olive and wheat-growing area, with a rich history still evident in its Baroque and Romanesque architecture, a number of impressive castles that date back to Frederick II and the atmospheric old quarters of various towns.

Puglia’s different landscapes range from the desert-like Salentine peninsula – the tip of the heel – to the mountainous central area of Le Murge, and the forests and beaches of the Gargano peninsula – the spur. Pilgrims have been visiting Monte Sant Angelo for centuries to celebrate the alleged appearance of the archangel Michael; today sun worshippers flock there to enjoy the beaches and lagoons of the north side and the rocky coves of the south.

Vieste is the main town of the region, a lively resort that is a great base for the Tremiti Islands or the beaches, caves and grottoes of the coast. Inland, the Foresta Umbra draws people with its wildlife and numerous marked trails for walkers. Gastronomic specialities of the region include pancotto (bread soup), coniglio ai capperi (rabbit cooked with capers), ostriche (fresh oysters baked with breadcrumbs), and orrechiette alla barese (pasta with broccoli, garlic, anchovy and hot peppers), all of which might be happily accompanied by a glass of the local Sansevero, Santo Stefano or Aleatico di Puglia.