Why October is Perfect for Puglia

Imagine the clearest blue-green waters you ever saw—gently lapping a smooth sand beach lined with palm trees. You pull off your shoes and walk into the water—it’s cool but pleasant after a hot bike ride, and the glistening sunlight makes the water glow turquoise. Gazing farther out to sea, the aquamarine waves dance towards a deeper azure—stretching as far as you can see to fade gently into a sky-blue horizon. Turning back, you see a well-groomed beach, sparsely populated with people lounging on beach towels or splashing in the shallows. You’re in the “Jewel of Salento,” a part of Puglia known for its stunning coastline. It’s October, the roads are quiet, the kids are back in school, and the weather is just perfect.

While September has traditionally been one of the most heavily traveled months in southern Italy, the changing climate is quickly making October the perfect time to visit this sub-tropical region. With daytime temps often reaching the high 70s, an October departure on VBT’s Italy: Puglia’s Undiscovered Coast Guided Tour, or Italy: Puglia, Alberobello & Lecce Self-Guided Tour, brings you temperatures perfect for cycling without the overwhelming heat of the summer months.  Gentle breezes make for inviting afternoons cycling the spectacular cerulean coast—stopping for an all-important gelato at local seaside cafés and gelaterias. Evenings are comfortable for walking around town wearing a sweater or light jacket. Best of all, the crowds of tourists are all but gone—the traffic is light, bluefin tuna is in season, and at every turn the local people are delighted to take a little extra time to enjoy a pleasant conversation with a friendly visitor.

Uncovering the Mysteries of Otranto

No matter how you’re planning to travel through Puglia at this time of year, you simply can’t miss Otranto. This charming gem is bustling with activity well into October—with plentiful shops where you can buy colorful ceramics decorated with local flowers, lemons and pomegranates, vibrant orecchiette-shaped jewelry, and of course, the actual orecchiette pasta that is iconic in the region. The harbor of this historic city boasts several excellent beaches, a small lighthouse, a historic castle, and a cathedral with a notable reliquary—dedicated to early Christian martyrs who defended the cathedral against the invasion of the Ottoman Empire in the late 15th century. While Puglia’s Byzantine period lasted less than two years, the impact of the occupation can still be found in the cathedral’s complex mosaics, Moorish-style wooden ceiling, and of course, the ossuary. Is it any wonder that both our guided and self-guided itineraries visit this stunning coastal city?

In keeping with the traditionally spooky theme of October, the Castello Aragonese boasts more than a few interesting tales of its own. Originally the setting of Horace Walpole’s famous tale of horror (often considered to be the first Gothic novel) the real-life Castle of Otranto is an imposing stone edifice surrounded by a dry moat. Built in the 15th century, the castello was partially constructed during the Ottoman occupation, and features numerous Byzantine innovations. In modern times, it plays host to art exhibits which are on display throughout the castle’s charming second story—a delightful way to spend a free afternoon.

A Little Love in Lecce

Whether you join VBT’s guided, or self-guided, Puglia adventure, all roads lead to the spectacular city sometimes called the “Florence of the South.” In Lecce, you’ll find medieval neighborhoods built of the iconic pink stone called pietra dorata—and may even encounter stone sculptors carving whimsical creations, sometimes seated not far from the detailed carvings of angels and saints that grace the remarkable edifice of the Chiesa Santa Croce. As you wander these warm, sunlit streets, you’ll find many interesting churches and palazzos to visit, and a wealth of wonderful cafés where you can relax with a delicious plate of pasta, an exquisite glass of Negroamaro, and watch the afternoon sunlight filter onto the piazza’s peach-colored stones.