The Italian region of Puglia is a very popular holiday destination for people from all over the world. The stunning landscape, the beautiful towns rich in history, and the interesting sights throughout the region make it a major attraction, and it is easy to see why so many people decide to stay in hotels in Puglia every year. However, two of the biggest attractions of the region are its food and its festivals. Here’s what you can expect to find when you enjoy a holiday here.

Enjoy the Delicious Food

The vast majority of pasta in Europe comes from here, as well as most of the fish consumed in Italy. The region also produces more olive oil than the rest of the country combined, and it is famous for its olives. As for the cuisine, you will be spoiled for choice. Goat and lamb are the two most common meats used in dishes, and they are especially common on the spit-roast, so you’ll be sure to come across these in local restaurants when you stay in one of the hotels in Puglia.

In terms of other specialties of the area, orecchiette is a popular local pasta and ‘panzerotti alla barese’ is dough that has been deep-fried and stuffed with ricotta and tomato. Along the coast fish is popular, and you certainly should try a delicious fish soup – the ingredients of which vary depending on where you are. Other popular foods here include ‘cotognata’, which is a jam that’s made from quince, and ‘latte di mandorla’, which is a popular almond milk drink.

Celebrate at the Local Festivals

Eating the delicious food is all well and good, but you can do that any time of year. If you want to make your trip really memorable, try to book hotels in Puglia during one of the big annual festivals.

The festivals in in the region take place throughout the year and there are many that you may be able to watch or even take part in. One of the largest is Carnevale di Putignano, which is also one of the oldest. The relics of Saint Stefano were transported to Putignano in 1394, and the festival celebrates that moment with parades, music and more in January and February each year.

Festa dei Beati Martiri Idruntini is a festival held in Otranto in August over three days. It celebrates the 800 martyrs who were killed in 1480 for refusing to convert to Islam, and there is a fantastic firework display at the end.

Festa di Santa Domenica in Scorrano celebrates Santa Domenica, the patron saint. Huge temporary structures appear all over the town and it is a very colourful event.

Enjoy Fun, Food and Festivals

Whether you decide to stay in hotels in Puglia for the food, festivals or both, you can’t help but love this delightful region of Italy. If you travel at the right time of year you will be able to witness some exciting festivals, but no matter what time of year you visit, the food will always be excellent.