13 Amazing things to do in Puglia in winter

Puglia is known for many things, including its delicious food, incredible beaches, warm weather and spectacular architecture. Well, we all know that! This destination is not only perfect during summer, but spending winter in Puglia allows you to discover the real essence of this region. If you ever visit Puglia in winter, you will see how different this region can be. Instead of having people running on the beach, you will see families, couples and kids enjoying the Christmas atmosphere through Puglia’s streets.

Spending one week in Puglia in winter allows you to explore Puglia’s most famous cities without any crowds. Enjoy the warm weather during October and November and experience the incredible festivals that take place in Puglia in winter. If you think Puglia is only a summer destination, this article will change your mind. We put together the best things to do in Puglia in winter without missing a bit of fun, of course! 

All you should know about Puglia in winter

Basic information about Puglia

• Where to stay in Puglia
• Best Day trips from Bari
• Photos that will inspire you visit Puglia
• Where is Puglia
• Weather in Puglia in winter
• What to do in Puglia in winter
• Special events in Puglia in winter

Also check...

• 11 Reasons why visit Puglia
• How to spend one week in puglia
• Puglia food guide

Things to do in Puglia in winter

1. Enjoy Puglia’s famous places without the crowds
2. Taste the best Puglian food
3. Admire the beautiful Christmas decorations
4. Take part to Alba Dei Popoli in Otranto
5. Experience Fòcara Festival Fire
6. Attend Madonna Della Media festival in Monopoli
7. Experience Alberobello in Christmas and stay in a Trullo
8. Carnival in Putignano
9. Enjoy the beautiful and warmer weather
10. Explore Puglia’s hidden gems
11. Harvesting olives in Puglia
12. Walks in the forests and National Parks
13. Explore the Salentino Architecture in Lecce

Where is Puglia in Italy

The Italian Region of Puglia, often referred to in English as Apulia, is a Southern Region mainly attracting tourists in summer, thanks to some of the best beaches in Europe. But where exactly is Puglia?

Puglia boasts about 800 Km of coastline and is on the east side of Italy at the heel of the boot. The nearby regions are Campania, well known for the Amalfi Coast, Basilicata for the beautiful Matera and Molise, ideal for winter lovers.

Puglia has the best climate conditions in Italy all year round, thanks to its geographic position. In the North of the Region, you can discover the Gargano, in the middle of the beautiful Itria Valley and the South of the Salento Coastline. Two main airports will connect you to the region, the Salento Airport in Brindisi and Bari International airport, the Capital city of the Region.

Weather in Puglia in winter

Puglia boasts one of the mildest weather in the whole of Europe, offering a shield to adventurers looking for sunny holidays in winter.

However, you can have a mix of climate conditions in Puglia, passing by cities along the coast to more rural areas in the centre. It is true that the temperatures in winter in Puglia on the coast side of Salento, the part that faces Albania and the Adriatic Sea, can even reach about 18/20 °C (65/68 °F), but it is also true that going inland, visiting Valle d’Itria the temperatures can fall a bit, going around 10 °C.

It is unusual to have snow in Puglia, but with the climate changes, you will never know. In recent years the weather in winter has always been relatively mild, and the temperatures never fall below 0 °C (32 °F)

Let’s now see what the weather in Puglia looks like in a single winter month.

Puglia in December

Considering visiting Puglia in the low season, it is advised to go in December. This is the right month as the temperatures are never too low and the daytime falls around 10 °C. December in Puglia is also the most unpredictable month, with some wintery sunshine that can surprise you, giving high temperatures reaching about 15 °C/18 °C.

Puglia in January

Overall, the weather in Puglia in January remains generally mild. The temperatures are on average lower than in December, but they stay still above freezing, maintaining higher compared to other parts of Europe.

However, January is one of the rainy months in Italy, and in Puglia too. The Region has the lowest rainfall in the whole country, and you might be lucky to don’t get wet at all.

The temperatures are around 7/10 °C which is great for a low season trip. In the rural areas of Puglia and the main valleys, it is foggy, and the hours of light are reduced drastically, with the sun going down at 4 or 5 PM.

Puglia in February

The temperatures start to be warmer compared to January, with an average of around 9 °C, and same as before, with good chances of having sunny days overall.

February remains the coldest month in Puglia and generally in Italy in winter, so you should pack correctly, including a raincoat. The average rainfall during the period is about 57 mm.

From the beautiful and less crowded Alberobello to the incredible Carnival in Putignano, Puglia in winter will offer you incredible experiences that will make you want to return. Experience the incredible festivals, follow the Italian Christmas traditions, indulge in food and drinks, enjoy the beautiful landscape and explore Puglia’s hidden gems in winter! 

Enjoy Puglia’s famous places without the crowds

With its incredible beaches in Puglia and amazing UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it’s almost impossible to don’t find crowds in this region. One of the main reasons why we love Puglia in winter is that during the “cold” months, not many tourists are around. 

It’s common thinking that Puglia is only a summer destination, but actually, there are so many things to do in Puglia in winter too. During the winter months, you will be able to wander around the cute and narrow streets stress-free and with only locals around. 

Imagine yourself walking around Alberobello’s cobbled alleys, having the opportunity to take pictures without people around, and enjoying the unique experience of these ancient brick houses. Amazing isn’t it?! 

Well, the Trulli of Alberobello are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and even in winter, you will find tourists gathering around the cone-shaped houses. This is the whole all-year-round destination in Puglia that is usually packed. However, like many other Italian landmarks, the low season is the best if you don’t like crowds.

Winter is for sure a quiet season to visit Puglia so make sure you make the most of it.

Admire the beautiful Christmas decorations

After spring, the Christmas season is one of our favourite periods to travel in Europe. Talking about Christmas decorations and atmosphere, you might think about London, Paris, and Naples but not Puglia. As a very religious and Catholic place, Puglia is one of the best places to visit during the Christmas period. Recently, the cute city of Locorotondo and Ostuni became really popular on Instagram thanks to its gorgeous decorations. 

With its huge Christmas trees, festive events, Christmas markets and bright lights, Christmas in Puglia is just magical. Stroll around Monopoli and Polignano a Mare and admire the precious decorations along the streets.

Take part to Alba Dei Popoli in Otranto

There are so many festivals taking place in Puglia in winter, and Alba Dei Popoli in Otranto is one of those that you can’t miss. Alba Dei Popoli, known as Dawn of the People, is an annual festival taking place in Otranto, a city close to Lecce.

This celebration takes place the entire month of December, where you will witness a typical Apulian style festival with live music, shows, and art exhibitions. It is called Alba Dei Popoli for a reason.

Otranto is the eastern town in Italy and therefore, the first to see the dawn of the new year. Amazing, isn’t it? If you don’t have plans for the New Year yet, consider spending winter in Puglia and witnessing one of the most magical moments ever.

Experience Fòcara of Navoli Festival Fire

Held in the town of Novoli, Focora Festival is an annual celebration that takes place in honour of the Patron Saint Anthony the Abbot, the Saint of Fire. The word Fòcara in the Apulian dialect means fire. This huge bonfire starts on the 16th of January, the eve of the day of Saint Anthony the Abbot. 

The organization of this important event begins on the 18th of December, and the actual celebration goes from the 7th till the 18th of January.

As it’s a popular event to attend in Puglia in winter, many pilgrims yearly witness this festival. The bonfire, the procession, and the blessing of the animals are taking place in Puglia for the Focora Festival and for sure it’s a moment that you can’t miss experiencing.

Attend Madonna Della Media festival in Monopoli

We mentioned before that winter in Puglia is exciting and with plenty of things to do. Another festival that you need to attend while in Puglia is the Feast of Madonna Della Media which takes place in the beautiful and charming Monopoli.

Considered one of the most important religious events, Madonna Della Media Festival is a unique celebration worth attending. The legend says that when they started the construction of Monopoli’s Cathedral, the works were stopped due to a lack of roof beams. Not long after, a raft appeared with 33 beams that were used to construct the roof of the Cathedral.

This raft had the image of the Madonna, and that’s the reason today Monopoli’s Cathedral is called Madonna Della Media. Every year, in December, between the night of the 15th and 16th of December, the ritual of the beam takes place. Families, night vigils and all locals head down to the water at dawn to witness the re-enactment of the image of the Madonna coming to the port and being blessed by the bishop. 

Carnival in Putignano

Puglia is known for many things and as we’re talking about spending winter in Italy, consider attending the famous Carnival event in Putignano. Located in the province of Bari, Putignano is the perfect place if you’re looking for a day trip from Bari.

This cute and small village is located in Valle d’Itria and every year hosts the longest-running carnivals in the entire world. 

Putignano Carnival dates back to 1394 and is the oldest carnival in Europe. Starting on December 26 with the Propaggini event and ending in February, Putignano Carnival is something that you need to experience while in Puglia in winter. After the Propaggini event, there are 7 carnivals Thursdays starting from January 17 where every Thursday is dedicated to all categories of the Putignano population that are called to celebrate the carnival.

There is Thursday Monsignori, priests, nuns, Pazzi, coruniti, married women and widows and windows.

The most important is the Coruniti, as it’s a reminder that the carnival is about to end. The Carnival of Putignano ends on Shrove Tuesday with the last parade and the carnival funeral. Every region has their traditions, make sure you make the most of it and always remember to have fun and respect other cultures.

Enjoy the beautiful and warmer weather

One of the best things to enjoy in Puglia in winter is the beautiful and moderate Mediterranean weather. The winter weather in Puglia is just lovely, with temperatures going from 17 °C in November and between 10 °C and 16 °C in December. 

Spending winter in Puglia will still give you a beautiful sunshine evening during the coldest months. Winter weather in Puglia can be different depending on which months you visit the region, but overall you will always have mild temperatures and fewer rainy days. 

Explore Puglia’s hidden gems

Nothing is better than exploring Puglia’s hidden gems when no one is around. Strolling around Cisternino, Martina Franca or San Vito Dei Normanni is ideal if you’re planning a winter in Puglia. Popular locations like Alberobello, Ostuni or even Bari are usually busy even in winter. Still, you should take the opportunity to visit Puglia in winter and admire the most incredible hidden villages around the region. 

Martina Franca, for example, is a cute small village that not many people consider visiting. We can assure you that it is the perfect off the beaten path destination you must visit while on a trip to Puglia.

Well, if you’re spending one week in Puglia we highly recommend you use Martina Franca as your base to travel around Valle d’Itria and explore the white villages, incredible small towns like Cisternino, Locorotondo and many others.

Harvesting olives in Puglia

If you’re a countryside lover, winter in Puglia is the right period to explore the region alongside Autumn. When winter is approaching, it means that it is harvest time for wide variety of local products. The most important and known in Puglia is the olive harvest which takes place every year from November to January. 

This means that spending winter in Italy, especially in Puglia, you will be able to experience the harvest in full swing. For a real and local experience, stay in a Masseria where locals will be more than happy to show you how the olive oil is prepared and processed.

Walks in the forests and National Parks

Despite being an authentic summer escape for locals and recently for international travellers, Puglia is part of the off beaten path experience ideal for hiking lovers.

If this is your way to enjoy a winter escape, you should consider visiting the Gargano National Park. This part of Puglia is located around Foggia, one of the biggest cities in the Region, it is a wide isolated mountain massif mainly consisting of forests.

The whole National park starts inland on the eastern point of Puglia toward the coast side, including some summer destinations and some of the best beaches in Puglia.

The Gargano National Park also includes the Tremiti Island archipelago and the widest lake of the Region, the Salso Lake. Note down the Foresta Umbra, walking along a forest of Aleppo pines, oaks, and beech trees. An easy walk with many trails, taking you also around a tiny lake and a museum.

You can go around the Foresta Umbra also by bike, which is another great experience to do in Puglia.

Explore the Salentino Architecture in Lecce

It was impossible to miss Lecce on our guide of things to do in Puglia in winter. The beautiful southern city of Puglia is one of the most beautiful cities in Italy. The incredible artistic heritage is the main attraction for tourists and is like a magnet in winter too.

The city becomes more romantic in winter when fewer tourists are around, and you can enjoy the churches, the high-profile buildings, the squares, and the neighbourhoods.

Lecce is often nicknamed “The Florence of the south”. The Greek influence with the Baroque architectural style gives the city and the whole of Salento a unique touch unseen anywhere else.

Enjoy the religious buildings and monuments with a walk in the city by yourself, admiring the operas made with the renowned “Lecce stone”.