So, you’re looking at a map of Italy and trying to figure out exactly where Puglia is. Honestly, it’s probably the easiest region to find. You know how everyone says Italy is shaped like a boot? Well, Puglia is the heel.
If you trace the back of the "leg" down toward the Mediterranean, that long, slender section pointing right at Greece and Albania is Puglia. It’s tucked away in the extreme southeast. While everyone else is fighting for a spot to stand in Rome or Florence, Puglia is just hanging out down there, surrounded by more coastline than almost any other part of the mainland.
Where is Puglia on the Map of Italy?
Basically, Puglia (or Apulia, if you’re being fancy) is the "stiletto" of the Italian boot. It’s a long, thin strip of land that stretches about 250 miles from top to bottom. If you want to get technical, it’s bordered by the Adriatic Sea to the east and the Ionian Sea to the south.
Locating it is a breeze once you spot the "spur" and the "heel."
- The spur is that little bump on the back of the calf (the Gargano Peninsula).
- The heel is the Salento Peninsula at the very bottom.
It’s not just a small dot on the map, though. Puglia is actually the seventh-largest region in Italy. It’s roughly the size of New Jersey, but way more Mediterranean. It shares land borders with Molise to the north, Campania to the west, and Basilicata to the southwest.
Why the Location Matters
Geography is destiny, right? Because Puglia is so close to the Balkans and Greece—only about 50 miles across the water at its narrowest point—it’s been a melting pot for thousands of years. You’ll find Greek ruins, Norman castles, and Spanish-style Baroque churches all within a short drive.
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The Five Main Zones You’ll See on the Map
When you zoom in on a map of Puglia, you’ll notice it isn't just one big olive grove. It’s actually split into several distinct areas that look and feel totally different.
The Gargano (The Spur)
This is the "spur" of the boot. It’s mountainous, green, and looks nothing like the rest of the region. It’s home to the Foresta Umbra, an ancient forest that’s weirdly lush for Southern Italy.
The Tavoliere delle Puglie
Just south of the spur is a massive, flat plain. This is Italy’s "breadbasket." If you’re eating pasta in Italy, there’s a solid chance the wheat came from right here. It’s flat. Like, really flat.
The Murge and Itria Valley
This is the heart of the region. It’s a limestone plateau where you’ll find those famous Trulli—the little white stone houses with conical roofs in towns like Alberobello. This is also where you find the "White City" of Ostuni, perched on a hill overlooking the sea.
The Salento (The True Heel)
This is the southernmost tip. If you keep driving south from Brindisi or Lecce, you eventually hit Santa Maria di Leuca. This is where the Adriatic and Ionian seas actually meet. People here often say they live on an "island on the mainland" because they’re surrounded by water on three sides.
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The Coastal Cities
Bari is the big boss here—the capital city and a major port. Then you’ve got Brindisi farther south, which was the end of the ancient Appian Way coming all the way from Rome.
Finding Your Way Around
If you're planning a trip, don't think you can see it all in a weekend. Driving from the northern tip (Foggia) to the southern tip (Leuca) takes about four to five hours.
Most people fly into Bari (BRI) or Brindisi (BDS).
- Bari is better if you want to see the Trulli and the central coast.
- Brindisi is the gateway to the sandy beaches of the Salento.
Trains are okay along the coast—the main line runs like a spine from the north down to Lecce—but if you want to see the cool hillside towns or the hidden beaches, you’re going to need a car. Public transport in the deep south of Italy is... well, it’s an adventure. Let’s leave it at that.
A Few Things People Get Wrong
A common mistake is thinking Puglia is mountainous like Tuscany or Calabria. It’s actually the least mountainous region in Italy. It’s mostly rolling hills and flat plains.
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Another one? Thinking it’s always scorching. While summer is definitely a "don't leave the AC" kind of heat, the region is famous for its winds. You’ve got the Tramontana (cold wind from the north) and the Scirocco (hot, humid wind from Africa). Locals literally plan their beach days based on which way the wind is blowing to ensure the water is calm.
Real Talk: Is it Worth the Trek?
Honestly, yes. Because it's "down there" on the map, it feels more authentic. You’ll see 800-year-old olive trees that look like sculptures and eat orecchiette pasta made by grandmas sitting in doorways.
If you’re looking at a map of Italy right now, just find the heel. That’s Puglia. It’s rugged, sunny, and probably the most underrated part of the country.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
- Check the wind: If you’re heading to the Salento, download a wind app like Windy. If the wind is from the North (Tramontana), go to the Ionian side (Gallipoli). If it’s from the South (Scirocco), hit the Adriatic side (Otranto).
- Book a car: Don't rely on the "Sud-Est" trains if you're on a tight schedule. Pick up a rental at Bari airport to stay mobile.
- Locate the "White City": Mark Ostuni on your GPS; it's the perfect middle ground for exploring both the Itria Valley and the northern Salento.