Apulia Car Hire

Guide of Apulia

Geography

Apulia is a region in southern Italy, located in the heel of Italy’s boot and squeezed between the Ionian and Adriatic Seas.

Climate in Apulia

Apulia has a typically Mediterranean climate, with hot dry summers and mild winters. Temperatures begin to heat up in May with a daily average of 22°C and peak in July with temperatures averaging 30°C. If you’re looking for guaranteed sunshine, May to August is the best time to visit. Temperatures start to cool in September and reach their coldest in January, when temperatures hover around 10°C. Autumn is a fantastic time to explore Puglia if you are more interested in winetasting and sightseeing than flopping on the beach.

It’s rare to see snow in Apulia, though the mountainous areas in the north of the region see a sprinkling of white powder during the winter. It’s the best time to go snowboarding or skiing. The wettest month is November, with an average of 99.3mm of rain.

Culture

This strategic province has been invaded and colonized by just about everyone, from the ancient Greeks to the Normans to the Spanish. Each conqueror has left its mark on the cultural, architectural and gastronomic fabric of the region. Today, many of Puglia’s cities boast a fascinating blend of Romanesque, Byzantine and Arabic architecture.

Things To Do in Apulia

Admire Lecce’s baroque architecture

Lecce is billed as the ‘Florence of the South’ for good reason. Some of Itay’s best 17th-century architects designed the city’s palazzi, piazzas and chapels in local gold limestone, including the jaw-dropping Basilica di Santa Croce. When you’ve tired of pretty palaces, head to the Roman amphitheatre, which dates back to 190 AD.

Wander around Trulli houses in Alberobello

Puglia is famous for its Trulli houses: tiny conical stone farmhouses that look like they’ve been plucked out of a fairytale. Alberobello is the best place to see them in all their glory. The Unesco World Heritage Site is home to more than 1,500 houses, many of which date back to the 14th century.

Beach hop across Salento

They know how to beach in Apulia. The whole region is crammed full of brilliant beaches, but for the most idyllic spots, it’s worth driving south. The drive between Otranto and Santa Maria de Leuca is mesmerizing, with plenty of opportunities to stop off at some of the region’s best beaches. On the Ionian Sea, Punta Prosciutto, Torre Lapillo and Pescoluse (known as the Maldives of Salento) are real showstoppers. The Parco Regionale Porto Selvaggio, 20 km north of Gallipoli, is the best spot for those looking to escape the summer crowds.

Take a street food tour in Bari

Bari is one of Apulia’s busiest and biggest cities, and it boasts a thriving street food scene. To really get under the skin of the city and find the best spots for focaccia, salamis and panzerotti, you’ll need local intel. Thankfully, there are now dozens of reputable companies offering local food tours on foot, bike and rickshaw.

Eating Out in Apulia

Apulia is known as the ‘bread basket’ of Italy and produces as much as 80% of Europe’s pasta. It also produces more olive oil than all of the other regions of Italy combined. It’s an agricultural-based region, which means home-made cooking using local products such as durum wheat, olive oil, tomatoes, fava beans, fennel, beef, lamb and lots of fish. Thanks to an abundance of flavour-packed ingredients, it’s easy to find high-quality and affordable restaurants across the region.

The Grotto Palazzesse in Polignano a Mare is arguably one of the most romantic restaurants in the region, set in a natural cave that has been used for parties and banquets since 1700. For award-winning wines, there’s Cantine Menhir, which is housed in a 17th-century palazzo in Minervino de Lecce. Ostuni is crammed full of picturesque osteria, like Osteria Del Tempo Perso, which is set in the heart of the old town centre. Ristorante Porta Nova is a popular spot too. For the best pizza, head to 400 Gradi in Lecce, Pomodoro e Basilico in Martina Franco or Canneto Beach 2 in Andrea Godi: each of these pizzas ranked in the official Top 50 pizza awards.

Transport

Airport

Puglia is served by two international airports: Bari International Airport-Karol Wojtyla (BRI) and Salento Airport (BDS). You can take a bus, cab or hire a vehicle from either airport.

Bari airport is located 30 minutes from Bari city centre and is serviced by multiple international airlines, including British Airways, Ryanair and EasyJet. It’s the best airport for those looking to explore the north of the region. Brindisi airport is the most convenient airport for those looking to explore Salento, with easy connections to the provinces of Brindisi, Taranto and Lecce.

The Airport of Foggia “Gino Lisa” is mainly used for flights connecting the Tremetti Islands and internal flights from major cities such as Milan, Turin and Palermo.

Getting Around Apulia

Getting around Apuglia by public transport is fairly straightforward by bus and train, though services to smaller villages can be infrequent or non-existent. The FS trains connect most cities along the east coast and major cities further inland, and there are a few private lines that serve more remote rural areas, like the Gargano. If you’re visiting during the summer months, seasonal bus services connect most coastal towns. However, the easiest way to get around the region is to rent a car.

Top Tips when hiring a car in Apulia

● A big number of users encountered rental cars in Apulia for less than £35 per day.

● Booking your rental car in Apulia in advance even if it's by at least 1 day before your trip ensures you'll get cheap car hire deals.

● Car rental companies in the the airport offer the cheapest car rental deals.

● The car rental desk of any rental company in the airport are also very easily accessible and located within the arrivals terminal.

● Other popular car hire locations include the city centre where you'll find any rental agency you can imagine but with higher car hire rates. If you'd prefer cheap car rentals, stick with the ones in the Airport.

● Intermediate hire car models in Apulia are cheaper and more popular than other vehicle types.

● When planning a road trip through Apulia, Italy, make sure to book a van rental in the appropriate car category to comfortably fit your group's size and luggage. Van hire in general is very popular in Apulia.

● Located in Southern Italy, Apulia is a region known for its stunning coastline and beautiful beaches. With over 500 miles of coastline, visitors can discover a variety of sandy beaches, some with crystal clear waters and others with rocky coves. Whether you're looking to relax in the sun or enjoy water sports, Apulia's beaches offer something for everyone.

● When renting a car in Apulia, Italy, it's important to choose a provider that offers flexibility and convenience. Apulia car hire services often provide free cancellation options in case your travel plans change, as well as the drop off location throughout the region to accommodate your itinerary. By choosing the right car hire service, you can explore Apulia's beautiful towns and countryside with ease and peace of mind.