Puglia in southeast Italy is known for its long coastline, charming villages, and exceptional food and wine – and it’s the perfect place to escape to this autumn
If you’re seeking a warm and sunny getaway without going to the typical holiday destination that’s packed with tourists, there’s one Italian region that’s an absolute ‘must visit’ this autumn – and the temperatures are still hot.
Puglia in southeast Italy offers the perfect refuge from Britain’s chilly and gloomy weather. The area is renowned for its extensive coastline, picturesque villages, and outstanding cuisine and wine.
Autumn temperatures remain delightful, hovering around the mid-20s, and as the summer hordes disappear, the region transforms into the ideal spot for a peaceful, genuine Italian adventure.
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The area also boasts uncrowded beaches where the Adriatic meets the Ionian Sea. The shoreline is peppered with unspoilt beaches like Torre dell’Orso, Punta Prosciutto, and the ‘Maldives of Puglia’ in Pescoluse, all featuring fine sand and azure waters. Some have called it “heaven on earth” after documenting their trips online.
Megan Frederick gained more than 2.7million views on a video where she captured the soft white sands and clear blue waters. She wrote: “POV: You decide to go where the Italians go on vacation in Italy.”
She also showed the view from a boat trip she took along the coast before naming her location as Puglia. In the caption, the 28 year old, from Charleston, added: “Actually heaven on earth. So calm and beautiful and authentic.”
Many TikTok users agreed as they took to the comments, wanting to go for themselves. One user said: “Just did a Puglia trip it was so beautiful,” while another commented: “Euro holidays are the best.” Someone else wrote: “This is what I was looking for, somewhere authentic and not popular.”
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Additional gems in Puglia feature the Roman settlement of Lecce, dubbed the ‘Florence of the South’, and Polignano a Mare, a clifftop destination boasting magnificent beaches and sweeping vistas. The area is renowned for its wine production and tourists can sample local varieties during harvest season in September and October, reports the Express.
Autumn proves perfect for coastal boat excursions, discovering historic settlements like Monopoli and Otranto. These seaside communities, when admired from the water, provide an extraordinary glimpse into Puglia’s fascinating heritage, medieval structures, and spectacular landscapes.
So, if you’re looking for a new European destination that will give you both the warmth of the summer and an incredible time without the annoying crowds flooding the streets, Puglia in Italy is your place.