Published on
September 4, 2025
If you’re craving a beautiful beach holiday without the crowds and want to soak up sunshine in autumn, make a beeline for Puglia in the heel of Italy’s boot. The southeast coast is a treasure trove of soft, golden-sand beaches, sparkling blue waters, and adorable local towns. Even in September, daily highs stick around a lovely 25°C, so you can enjoy summer warmth without dodging mobs of travellers. Magnificent coastlines, mouthwatering food, and the gentle pace of life here make Puglia the ultimate off-the-beaten-path alternative for anyone who wants to savour the best of Italy in September’s quieter charm.
With miles of unspoiled beaches on both the Adriatic and the Ionian, Puglia is the perfect place to unwind by the sea. Picture perfect, the region’s whitewashed villages—think sun-drenched Ostuni and the round-roofed Locorotondo—glimmer against a backdrop of rolling vineyards. Savour a plate of freshly grilled seafood, sip local wines, and wander ancient olive groves before dipping your toes in gentle waves. From seaside boardwalks to centuries-old ruins, every moment in Puglia is a postcard come to life.
Puglia’s Beaches That Rival the Maldives
When you think of gorgeous beaches, the Maldives might be the first place that pops into your mind, but Puglia’s stunning coastline is here to give it a run for its money. Spanning more than 800 kilometres, this Italian region cradles some of Europe’s most untouched and surprisingly quiet beaches. The Italian Med sparkles, the sand is as soft as sugar, and the scenery is jaw-droppingly beautiful. Places like Pescoluse, Porto Selvaggio, and Baia dei Turchi serve up the same eye-popping turquoise waters without the long-haul flight and hefty price tag. While hotspots like the Amalfi Coast and Sardinia can be packed, Puglia still rolls out the welcome mat without the crowds.
Beyond the postcard-perfect looks, Puglia’s beaches are all about laid-back fun. The waters are gorgeous for a lazy afternoon swim, and the region’s unique coastline features tiny, hidden coves, long stretches of golden dunes, and pebble-covered beaches—plenty of options for every kind of beachgoer. Prefer lounging with a good book? Settle in under a sun umbrella. Craving some adventure? Grab a snorkel and discover lively underwater reefs, or rent a kayak to paddle along hidden sea caves. No matter your vibe, Puglia’s coastline delivers that must-have beach day you’ll be raving about long after you leave.
The Allure of Whitewashed Villages in Puglia
Beyond the shimmering beaches, Puglia’s countryside is covered in small, whitewashed villages that give the region its true flavour. With their winding streets, shining cottages, and unique building styles, these villages tell the story of Puglia’s past. Ostuni, dubbed the “White City,” stands at the top of a hill, casting a gentle glow across the rolling fields and the distant Adriatic. Here, you can meander through alleyways so narrow that even the sun sometimes struggles to enter, pop into tiny shops, and soak in the quiet that feels like a whisper.
Travel a little farther, and you’ll reach Alberobello, where whimsical trulli roofs look like hats for houses, and Locorotondo, whose round old town is a spiral of sparkling white. Strolling through these villages feels like stepping into a storybook, a calming contrast to the busier beach resorts. With every corner you turn, you’ll see why Puglia is still a well-kept secret that captures the heart of anyone who visits.
Exquisite Food and Wine
When people talk about Italian food, Puglia sets a pretty high bar. Imagine a whole region full of sun-drenched olives, ruby tomatoes, and vibrant artichokes. That’s exactly what you’ll find. Signature dishes like orecchiette pasta shaped like tiny ears, golden focaccia that’s crusty on the outside, and fresh seafood straight from the Adriatic highlight the menu everywhere you turn. Many restaurants place a wooden table outside—just the right spot to soak up the warm breezes while you sample a bowl of steaming risotto or share a plate of grilled vegetables drizzled with local olive oil. Dining here isn’t just eating; it’s a sensory ritual.
And while Puglia’s kitchens are mighty, so are its cellars. Look for the big, bold glasses of Primitivo and the rich, velvety Negroamaro, both varietals that have grabbed the attention of critics and collectors around the globe. Join a vineyard tour and you’ll stroll through sun-dappled rows of grapevines, sip a velvety red, and watch the countryside unfold—rolling hills dotted with whitewashed trulli—like a living postcard. Swirling a glass of Puglia-shaped like tiny ears, golden focaccia that’s crusty on the outside, and fresh from the Arctic highlight and the countryside unfold—rolling hills from sun-dappled rows of grapevines, and watching the countryside unfold—rolling hills of grapevines, sip a velvety red, and watch the countryside unwind like a living postcard. Swirling a glass of Negroamaro while the sun sets is a memory that’ll stick long after the glasses are empty.
A Region Rich in History and Culture
Most travellers come for the gorgeous coastline and rolling hills, but Puglia is also packed with stories and sights that take you back in time. The town of Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage gem, is legendary for its ancient cave homes, the Sassi, that were chiselled right from the limestone rock. Just a couple of hours away, Lecce shines with stunning Romanesque buildings made from golden local stone. That’s why it’s often called the “Florence of the South”—the city is a treasure chest of ornate churches and elegant palaces just waiting to be explored.
Fun fact: Puglia is like a cultural melting pot of Greeks, Romans, and Normans. Walk the narrow streets and you’ll bump into ancient ruins, soaring castles, and quaint churches that all tell the story of these different influences. It’s a history enthusiast’s dream, with surprises around every corner.
Exploring Puglia: When to Visit
Most people hit the beaches from June to August, but if you prefer fewer crowds, aim for September. The temperature still hovers around a pleasant 25°C (77°F) during the day—perfect for swimming in the Adriatic or wandering through whitewashed villages. Roads and beaches feel like your own personal space, letting you soak up Puglia’s dreamy vibes without the usual hustle. Month-long grape harvesting festivals also sprinkle some added local flavour into your exploration.
If you’re eager to explore more of Puglia, you’ll find it surprisingly easy to reach from bigger cities such as Rome, Bari, and Brindisi. Direct flights and frequent trains help you zoom in on this gem, and once you’re here, its lovely towns, stunning coastlines, and unique trulli houses are just a short ride away. Whether you hop on a plane or board a comfy train, Puglia is ready to welcome you!
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