Puglia: Italy's Enchanting Budget Alternative to Pricey Sardinia
While the island of Sardinia boasts sugar-white beaches, dramatic coastlines, and delicious cuisine, its popularity comes with a hefty price tag that can strain holiday budgets. For travellers seeking an authentic Italian escape without breaking the bank, the solution lies in looking eastwards to Puglia, a sun-drenched region on Italy's southern mainland that offers comparable beauty at a fraction of the cost.
A Brilliant Destination Dupe That Won't Break the Bank
Puglia has been hailed by travel experts at 1st Move International as one of the world's best alternative travel spots, offering what industry insiders call a "destination dupe" experience. Stretching along 800 kilometres of coastline, this beautiful agricultural region forms the heel of Italy's iconic boot shape, featuring picturesque cities like Bari, Lecce, and Brindisi that appear lifted straight from postcards.
The financial contrast with Sardinia is particularly striking. Where a mid-range hotel in Sardinia can command around €300 (£256) per night during high season, Puglia offers quality accommodation options starting from just €36 (£31) per night. This represents approximately an eight-fold saving on accommodation costs alone, making Italian holidays accessible to a much wider range of budgets.
Enhanced Accessibility with New Flight Routes
Accessibility to this southern Italian gem is improving significantly. EasyJet is launching new summer routes to Bari from both Manchester and Bristol as part of its expanded schedule. The Bristol route will operate twice weekly on Tuesdays and Saturdays starting from April 18, while Manchester flights will run on Fridays and Mondays beginning July 3.
These join existing services from British Airways and Ryanair, which offer regular direct flights to both Bari and Brindisi from several UK airports, with journey times under three hours. During summer months, additional routes from Edinburgh and Manchester become available, providing even more options for British travellers.
Uncrowded Beauty Without Tourist Trap Prices
One of Puglia's greatest advantages is its status as a less commercialised destination. Unlike Sardinia and the Italian Riviera, visitors are unlikely to encounter overpriced food and drink designed to fleece tourists. The region maintains reasonable pricing while offering authentic culinary experiences and cultural attractions without battling overwhelming crowds.
According to flight comparison data from Skyscanner, February represents the cheapest month to visit, with return fares starting at just £56, while August and the December-February period see prices rising to around £140 return.
Coastal Wonders and Cultural Treasures
Puglia's coastline offers spectacular diversity, from the Caribbean-like sandy shores of Porto Cesareo to the vibrant beach bars of Caraibi del Salento and the sunset-watching perfection of Punta della Suina. The Cave of Poetry (Grotta della Poesia) near Lecce presents a must-visit natural pool surrounded by dramatic cliffs and caves.
Cultural enthusiasts will find rich rewards in Lecce's Baroque limestone architecture, including the magnificent Basilica di Santa Croce and Cathedral dedicated to Maria Santissima Assunta. The city also boasts a 2nd-century Roman amphitheatre that occasionally opens to the public, alongside the fascinating Museo Faggiano.
History buffs can explore the medieval Castello Angioino fortress in Gallipoli through guided tours, or simply wander the quaint, quintessentially Italian streets of the Old Town.
Unique Accommodation and Culinary Delights
Accommodation options in Puglia range from authentic rural B&Bs (masserias) nestled among olive groves and farms to family-run seaside guesthouses offering excellent value. For those seeking luxury, establishments like the Hotel Don Ferrante in Monopoli and Borgo Egnazia in Fasano provide celebrity-approved stays (Madonna is reportedly a fan).
The region offers particularly unique lodging opportunities in its famous Trulli buildings – distinctive conical-roofed huts originally built by farm workers as storehouses, now available as quirky holiday rentals, particularly around the UNESCO World Heritage site of Alberobello.
Puglia's culinary scene showcases regional specialities including:
- Focaccia barese – pillowy, olive oil-rich bread
- Orecchiette pasta – traditional ear-shaped pasta often served with vegetables
- Polpette di ricotta – cheese and herb snacks
- Tiella – layered dishes combining rice, potatoes, and mussels
Wildlife Encounters and Seasonal Considerations
Nature enthusiasts can visit Europe's largest colony of pink flamingos at the Saline Margherita di Savoia nature reserve near Foggia or the Salina dei Monaci south of Taranto, offering unique wildlife viewing opportunities within easy reach of cultural attractions.
Weather patterns make Puglia appealing across multiple seasons:
- July-August: Inland temperatures regularly exceed 30°C
- May, June, September: Pleasant mid-20°Cs temperatures
- April and October: Balmy with occasional cooler, rainy days
- December-February: Coolest period with increased shower likelihood
The region sees peak visitor numbers during summer months, creating a trade-off between optimal weather and crowd levels. Those interested in local festivals might time their visit for the Carnevale di Putignano, which runs from Boxing Day to Shrove Tuesday featuring street entertainment and colourful floats.
Practical Travel Considerations
For optimal exploration, renting a car is recommended to access Puglia's more remote and often most beautiful locations. However, those preferring not to drive can utilise train services connecting Polignano a Mare, Bari, Monopoli, and Ostuni, with most one-way journeys costing under €10 when booked in advance through services like Trainline.
This combination of stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, exceptional cuisine, and remarkable affordability positions Puglia as an increasingly attractive alternative to Italy's more expensive coastal destinations, offering British travellers authentic Italian experiences without the premium price tag.
