Welcome to StrawPoll, where your opinion shapes the world around you! Today, we invite you to embark on a virtual journey to the sun-kissed region of Puglia, Italy, as we seek to discover the most beautiful town in this enchanting paradise. With rich history, stunning architecture, and picturesque landscapes, Puglia is a treasure trove of hidden gems waiting to be explored. So, we've listed some of the most captivating towns in the region, and now it's your turn to cast your vote and help us crown the ultimate jewel of Puglia. Don't see your favorite town on our list? No problem! You can suggest a missing option and make your voice heard. Let's embark on this adventure together and uncover the true essence of Puglia, one vote at a time. Will you join us in this exciting quest for beauty and charm? Cast your vote now and let the world know your choice for the most beautiful town in Puglia.
What Is the Most Beautiful Town in Puglia? (September 2023)
With its stunning clifftop views and picturesque old town, Polignano a Mare is often considered the most beautiful town in Puglia.
Description
Polignano a Mare is a breathtaking coastal town located in the Puglia region of southern Italy. Perched on limestone cliffs overlooking the Adriatic Sea, this town is known for its stunning natural beauty, charming historic center, and crystal-clear turquoise waters. With its narrow alleys, whitewashed houses, and picturesque colorful balconies, Polignano a Mare exudes a timeless charm that captivates visitors from all over the world.
Location: Situated on the Adriatic coast in the Puglia region of southern Italy.
Scenic Beauty: Offers breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea and its rugged limestone cliffs.
Historic Center: Features a charming, well-preserved historic center with narrow alleys and whitewashed houses.
Beaches: Boasts beautiful sandy and pebble beaches, including the popular Lama Monachile beach.
Grotta Palazzese: Home to the enchanting Grotta Palazzese, a cliffside restaurant inside a limestone cave.
Known for its unique trulli houses, Alberobello is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit destination for architecture enthusiasts.
Description
Alberobello is a small town located in the region of Apulia, in southern Italy. Its picturesque charm and unique architectural style make it one of the most beautiful small towns in the country. Alberobello is renowned for its distinctive trulli, traditional limestone dwellings with conical roofs, which create a fairy-tale-like atmosphere throughout the town. The Trulli of Alberobello have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, further emphasizing their cultural and historical significance.
Also known as the "White City" due to its whitewashed buildings, Ostuni is a charming town with a historic center that dates back to the Middle Ages.
Description
Ostuni is a stunning town located in the region of Puglia, Italy. Often referred to as the "White City", it is known for its whitewashed buildings that dramatically contrast against the blue sky and surrounding olive groves. This picturesque setting makes Ostuni one of the most beautiful towns in the region, attracting visitors from all over the world.
Historical Significance: Ostuni dates back to ancient times, with evidence of human settlements from the Stone Age.
Architecture: The town showcases a blend of architectural styles, including Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque.
Whitewashed Buildings: Ostuni's iconic white buildings are characteristic of Mediterranean architecture and create a striking visual appeal.
Labyrinth-Like Streets: The narrow streets of Ostuni wind throughout the town, creating a charming labyrinth for visitors to explore.
Stunning Views: Perched on a hill, Ostuni offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Apulia countryside and Adriatic Sea.
With its Baroque architecture, narrow streets, and lively piazzas, Martina Franca is another beautiful town in Puglia that is worth a visit.
Description
Martina Franca is a charming town located in the region of Puglia in southern Italy. Known for its Baroque architecture and rich cultural heritage, it is considered one of the most beautiful towns in the area. The historic center is characterized by narrow winding streets, stunning palaces, and elegant churches, creating a picturesque atmosphere that transports visitors to a bygone era.
Livestock Market: A unique feature of Martina Franca is its weekly livestock market, where visitors can experience the hustle and bustle of the local livestock trade.
Festivals and Events: Throughout the year, Martina Franca hosts various festivals and events, including the Carnivale di Martina Franca and the Festa di San Martino, showcasing the town's vibrant cultural scene.
Baroque Architecture: Martina Franca is renowned for its exquisite Baroque architecture, with elaborate facades adorned with decorative elements and ornate motifs.
Historic Center: The historic center of Martina Franca is a well-preserved gem, boasting charming streets, piazzas, and historic buildings that exude an old-world charm.
Palazzo Ducale: The Palazzo Ducale is a major attraction in Martina Franca, representing the town's noble history and offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes.
A seaside town with a charming old town and beautiful beaches, Monopoli is a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
Description
Monopoli is a charming coastal town located in the Puglia region of southern Italy. Its name, derived from the Greek word 'Monos Polis', meaning 'unique city', reflects its special character and qualities.
Historical Heritage: Monopoli boasts a rich historical heritage, with traces of its ancient origins evident in its architecture and landmarks.
Beautiful Old Town: The town's historic center, enclosed within its ancient walls, is a labyrinth of narrow winding streets, whitewashed houses, and picturesque squares.
Charming Harbor: Monopoli is renowned for its picturesque harbor, characterized by colorful fishing boats (known as 'gozzi') bobbing in the crystal-clear waters.
Majestic Cathedral: The Cathedral of Santa Maria della Madia, built in the 12th century, is a stunning example of Apulian Romanesque architecture and is a must-visit landmark.
Gorgeous Beaches: Monopoli is surrounded by beautiful beaches, both sandy and rocky, offering visitors a chance to soak up the sun and enjoy the pristine waters of the Adriatic Sea.
A small town with a beautiful historic center, Cisternino is known for its traditional architecture and delicious food.
Description
Cisternino is a stunning small town located in the Puglia region of Italy. Known for its narrow, winding streets and traditional white-washed buildings, Cisternino exudes charm and beauty. The town is set on a hilltop, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
With its circular layout and picturesque streets, Locorotondo is another charming town that is worth exploring.
Description
Locorotondo is a picturesque town located in the province of Bari, in the southern Italian region of Puglia. It is renowned for its charming whitewashed houses with cone-shaped roofs, known as trulli, which dot the hilly landscape. Locorotondo is recognized as one of the most beautiful towns in Puglia, attracting visitors with its well-preserved historic center and delightful architectural features.
Historical Significance: Locorotondo has a rich history dating back to ancient times, with evidence of settlements from the Bronze Age.
Trulli Architecture: The town's unique charm lies in its characteristic trulli houses, which are traditional dry stone dwellings featuring conical roofs.
Well-Preserved Historic Center: Locorotondo's historic center is a maze of narrow streets and alleys, lined with well-maintained buildings displaying the local architectural style.
Panoramic Views: Located on a hilltop, the town offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, with vineyards, olive groves, and picturesque landscapes.
Wine Production: Locorotondo is known for its production of high-quality white wines, particularly the DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) Locorotondo wine.
A coastal town with a beautiful historic center and stunning beaches, Gallipoli is a popular destination for sun-seekers and history buffs alike.
Description
Gallipoli is a stunning coastal town located in the province of Lecce, in the region of Puglia, Italy. Situated in the southern part of the Salento Peninsula, it is widely renowned for its picturesque charm and crystal-clear turquoise waters. The town is divided into two parts, the modern part and the historic center, which is set on a tiny island connected to the mainland by a 17th-century bridge. Gallipoli is known for its quaint narrow streets, traditional white-washed buildings, and ancient fortress walls that surround the old town.
Location: Province of Lecce, Puglia, Italy
Geography: Coastal town on an island
Bridge: 17th-century bridge connecting the island to the mainland
Architecture: Traditional white-washed buildings, ancient fortress walls
While not technically a town, Lecce is a city that is often considered one of the most beautiful in Puglia due to its stunning Baroque architecture and rich cultural heritage.
Description
Lecce is a captivating town located in the Puglia region of southern Italy. It is renowned for its exquisite Baroque architecture, taking visitors on a journey through time with its ornate facades, splendid churches, and grand palaces. Lecce's beauty lies in its intricate details and unique craftsmanship, making it a true gem of a town in Puglia.
Architecture: Lecce showcases exceptional Baroque architecture with its intricate ornamentation and elegant style.
Limestone buildings: The town is known as the 'Florence of the South' due to the abundant use of local limestone, giving Lecce its distinctive golden hue.
Piazza del Duomo: The main square, Piazza del Duomo, is a stunning example of Lecce's beauty, featuring the magnificent Lecce Cathedral and its elaborate bell tower.
Basilica of Santa Croce: The Basilica of Santa Croce is a true masterpiece of Baroque architecture, adorned with intricate sculptures and reliefs.
Roman Amphitheater: Lecce is home to a well-preserved Roman amphitheater, offering a glimpse into the town's ancient history.
Known for its traditional ceramics, Grottaglie is a small town that is worth a visit for anyone interested in art and handicrafts.
Description
Grottaglie is a charming town located in the region of Puglia in southern Italy. It is known for its picturesque landscapes, historical sites, and its rich tradition in ceramic craftsmanship. The town is nestled on a hilltop, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the Adriatic Sea in the distance. Grottaglie is a hidden gem, attracting visitors with its unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.
Historical Sites: Grottaglie is home to a multitude of historical sites, including the Norman-Swabian Castle, the Mother Church of St. Nicholas, and numerous ancient churches adorned with beautiful frescoes.
Ceramic Craftsmanship: The town is famous for its centuries-old tradition of ceramic production. Skilled artisans create stunning ceramics using traditional techniques, which can be admired in the local workshops and galleries.
The Cave Neighborhood: Grottaglie features an intriguing neighborhood called 'La Grotta,' where houses are built into the rock, creating a unique and enchanting atmosphere.
The Historical Center: The historical center of Grottaglie is a maze of narrow streets, whitewashed houses, and atmospheric squares filled with charming cafes and restaurants serving delicious local cuisine.
Palazzo Ducale: Palazzo Ducale is an impressive palace with a grand façade that stands as a symbol of Grottaglie's past wealth and importance. Today, it hosts cultural events and exhibitions.
Missing your favorite town?
Graphs
Discussion
Ranking factors for beautiful town
Architectural beauty
Look for towns with a rich heritage of architectural styles, such as Baroque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Romanesque buildings, churches, and palaces. Well-preserved historic centers and charming streets add to the beauty of a town.
Natural surroundings
Beautiful natural landscapes, such as coastal towns with pristine beaches and clear waters, or towns nestled among rolling hills, vineyards, or olive groves can greatly enhance the overall attractiveness of a town.
Cultural significance
A town with a rich history, unique traditions, and a vibrant local culture will be more interesting and beautiful to visit. This can include the presence of local festivals, events, and customs that set the town apart from others.
Food and wine
Puglia is known for its delicious cuisine and local wines, so a town with a strong culinary scene, local markets, and authentic food and wine experiences can be a key factor in ranking its beauty.
Atmosphere and charm
A town with a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere and a sense of authentic charm, where locals maintain traditional ways of life, can make a place feel more beautiful and enjoyable to visit.
Cleanliness and maintenance
Well-maintained, clean streets, buildings, and public spaces contribute to the overall beauty of a town. This can also include the presence of green spaces, parks, and gardens.
Infrastructure and accessibility
A town that is easy to access, with good public transportation, and infrastructure that supports tourism can make the experience of visiting more enjoyable.
Tourist attractions and activities
A town with a diverse range of attractions and activities, such as historic sites, museums, galleries, and outdoor recreation, can make visitors feel more immersed in its beauty.
Accommodation and amenities
A town with a good selection of accommodations, ranging from boutique hotels to cozy bed and breakfasts, as well as amenities such as restaurants, cafes, and shops, can make a stay more enjoyable and comfortable.
Safety and security
A town that is safe and secure, with low crime rates and a friendly atmosphere, will make visitors feel more at ease and free to explore its beauty.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most beautiful town in Puglia. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or your favorite town is missing from the list, feel free to help us improve the ranking.
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each town once every 24 hours. The rank of each town is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
Puglia, also known as Apulia, is a region located in southern Italy. Known for its stunning coastline, unique architecture, and rich history, Puglia is a popular destination for tourists seeking a taste of traditional Italian life. The region is home to numerous charming towns, each with its own distinct character and beauty. In this article, we explore the most beautiful towns in Puglia as voted by our users on StrawPoll. Whether you're looking for picturesque beaches, historic landmarks, or delicious cuisine, Puglia has something to offer every type of traveler.
Explore other rankings
Check out some of the other recommended rankings on StrawPoll and make your voice heard.