The Canary Islands? The Caribbean? Hawaiian beaches or Australia's wild charm? No, none of this. The most beautiful region in the world is Puglia.
To say it is not a group of nationalists eager to denigrate foreign beauties, but the National Geographic which pointed to the heel of the boot Best value travel destination in the world. In short, a respectable recognition that makes Puglia a real symbol of local excellence.
A surprise?
We all know the Apulian beauties, but perhaps no one would have expected such recognition. Merit of National Geographic who has been able to unearth merits that perhaps we Italians took for granted.
The scientific institute has glimpsed in the region, in fact, the qualities suitable to project Puglia at the top of the desires of every traveler. This is thanks to a perfect combination of all the elements involved: natural beauty, history, quality of the structures and rhythms of life. An almost perfect harmony able to make the Apulian land the perfect place to visit and experience at any time. According to National Geographic, Puglia can boast the best of southern Italy and is able to exploit it better than anyone else.
Its millenary history has always seen the influence of numerous ancient peoples such as the Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Norman and Aragonese just to name a few. The evidence of their passage is still clearly visible as shown by the numerous sites and historic centers such as Otranto, Gallipoli and Brindisi passing through the fascinating (and mysterious) trulli of Alberobello. A story that begins long ago, but has never stopped developing, leaving our generation with historical and artistic baggage of absolute value.
Between art and nature
If the historical beauties can leave you speechless, the natural ones are no less. Just take a tour in Salento to be struck by the beauties of Mother Nature: from the beaches of Marina di Pescoluse nicknamed the Maldives of Salento to the cliffs of Torre dell'Orso. And if you are a lover of picnics, the Gargano (the northern area of Puglia) offers one of the richest and most varied natural reserves of the entire Peninsula.
And like all regions of Italy, true and absolute art takes shape in the kitchen! The influence of the various cultures that have followed one another have given life to one of the best kitchens in existence today. Apulian cuisine is characterized above all by the right combination of land and sea products, enhancing the flavors of the basic products without ever altering them with strong condiments. This is how delicacies such as ciceri and tria (fried pasta and chickpeas), octopus alla pignata, the classic orecchiette and turnip tops or quince, a quince jam typical of the Salento area are born. Also very rich is the selection of dairy products such as sheep ricotta, stracciatella, pecorino or caciocavallo, the variety of fruit and vegetables and, of course, the selection of wines led by Primitivo di Manduria and Negroamaro, Salento wine that gave its name to the Apulian musical group of the same name.
A land to discover
Not only National Geographic, but also Lonely Planet enhances the qualities of Puglia. Where is it? In an article published in the New York Post in 2013 entitled Italy's Magical Puglia Region. However, while browsing the Web, it is not difficult to come across articles and stories about Apulian beauty, thus discovering the great foreign admiration (and why not, a pinch of envy) for a land that perhaps we Italians take too much for granted.
