Why Visit Puglia in Summer?

Take a Boat Trip Along the Puglian Coast: from Savelletri to Monopoli

One of Puglia’s most unique summer activities is a boat trip along its Adriatic coast. The route from the charming fishing village of Savelletri to historic Monopoli is a journey that will stay with you long after you leave. Glide past dramatic cliffs and explore hidden coves and secret sea caves, soaking in the region’s signature approach to slow living and taking in its beauty from a fresh perspective.

Puglia’s Outdoor Experiences: from Forests to Caves

Adventure through the dramatic landscapes of Gargano National Park or the subterranean wonders of Castellana Caves, whose cool depths provide a refreshing escape from the heat. Take a leisurely cycle or walk along the scenic Itria Valley, visiting the whitewashed towns of Locorotondo and Ostuni, and UNESCO World Heritage Site Alberobello with its traditional limestone trulli.

Relax on Puglia’s Idyllic Beaches

Discover the best beaches in Puglia, from the vibrant Cala Porta Vecchia to the secluded Cala Susca. Costa Merlata is home to sandy beaches and rocky coves, while Torre Guaceto is ideal for snorkelling and wildlife exploration, where you might spot colourful sea bream, wrasse, and small groupers gliding through the clear waters. Specchiolla and Torre Canne each offer a characterful beach club experience, while Baia di Camerini and Cala Paura are renowned for their lively atmosphere and water sports.

The best beaches to explore in Puglia:

• Cala Porta Vecchia – 18 minutes by car
• Torre Guaceto – 45 minutes by car
• Torre Canne – 10 minutes by car
• Cala Paura – 20 minutes by car
• Baia di Camerini – 15 minutes by car
• Cala Monaci – 20 minutes by car
• Porto Verde Beach – 17 minutes by car
• Porto Ghiacciolo Beach – 16 minutes by car
• Cala Susca – 21 minutes by car
• Lido Bosco Verde – 15 minutes by car

Experience Puglia’s Morning Fish Markets

Connect with authentic Puglian culture at the morning fish markets of Savelletri, Fasano, and Monopoli, which come alive exclusively during summer. Join locals in selecting freshly-caught sea bass, red mullet, and octopus, often cooked on the spot. Whether it’s a simple grilled fish, a traditional frittura mista, or a rich zuppa di pesce, enjoy flavours enhanced by the stories behind each bite.

The best snacks to enjoy at a fish market in Puglia:

• Raw Fish, often served with just a squeeze of lemon
  'Panino col Polpo', grilled octopus in a crusty bun with greens or burrata
• 'Frittura di Paranza', a paper cone of lightly fried tiny fish, anchovies, and calamari
• Crispy, salty, and perfect to eat on the go
• Marinated anchovies or sardines in olive oil

Frisella: The Taste of a Puglian Summer

Discover traditional Apulian dishes such as frisella, a twice-baked bread topped with fresh tomatoes and olive oil, epitomising summer in Puglia. Find this seasonal staple prepared with oregano, capers, or anchovy toppings at beachside cafés, local trattorias, and sagre. Simple, refreshing, and full of southern flavour, it’s a must-try on hot summer days.

Dine Al Fresco Like a Local

Family barbecues and seaside picnics, or under olive groves, are beloved summer traditions in Puglia, especially on Sundays, when locals gather for leisurely meals by the sea. Experience this authentic ritual of sharing grilled fish and frittura mista in the open air to the sound of waves by booking a beachside barbecue or enjoying a picnic along the coast at one of these scenic spots:

• Torre Guaceto, a protected natural reserve with wide, unspoiled beaches
• Costa Merlata, renowned for its rocky coves and crystal-clear waters
• San Vito (Polignano a Mare), a charming stretch of coastline with pine trees and views of the old abbey

Experience the Buzz of a Piazza

As the day’s heat subsides, embrace the enchanting Puglian evenings with a stroll through its historic towns. Visit Ostuni’s whitewashed charm or Alberobello’s characterful trulli village, then watch the world go by in a lively piazza with gelato or a classic aperitivo.

Discover the Ancient Farming Tradition of Olive Harvesting

As summer progresses, preparations for the olive harvest begin. Join a guided tour to participate in hands-on olive picking and pressing, gaining a firsthand understanding of this important practice rooted in tradition. Learn how oil is pressed and taste freshly made extra virgin olive oil, paired with local specialities such as burrata, bread and wine.

Relax at Lido Bambù

As a guest of Masseria Torre Maizza, enjoy complimentary access to Lido Bambù, an exclusive beach club along the Adriatic coastline. Arrive directly at the beach via a private shuttle and take a dip in the crystal clear waters or unwind on a sun lounger with a cocktail. Explore the restaurant menu showcasing Puglia’s freshest seafood, seasonal produce, and local flavours.

Al Fresco Evenings in the Orchard

Enrol in an Open Air Cooking Class

Discover Puglia’s culinary heritage with a walk through Masseria Torre Maizza’s organic vegetable garden, whose zero-kilometre produce inspires the menu at Carosello. Join the chef in hand-picking fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs to use in an open-air cooking class where you’ll learn the secret to simple Italian cooking. A bespoke, seasonal experience designed to capture the flavours and spirit of a Puglian summer.

Glide Above Puglia on a Hot-Air Balloon Adventure

Admire this extraordinary region’s undulating landscapes from the unique perspective of a hot-air balloon ride. A perfect blend of romance, adventure, and seasonal beauty, soar through clear summer skies over Masseria Torre Maizza’s verdant gardens and ancient olive groves, before gently landing moments from your suite. Reserve a private flight, join an intimate group for a shared ascent, or customise your experience with a tethered balloon, anchored at the masseria for an aperitivo 20 metres above ground.