How to Spend a Perfect Week in Puglia During Winter
- Giampiero Marinò
- Feb 6
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 28
From Summer to Winter – Rediscovering Puglia
Puglia has always been my favorite place in summer. Maybe it’s because when I moved to Milan to study and work, I would eagerly wait for my summer holidays to return home, spending weeks under the sun and in the sea. Beach parties, dinners with friends every evening—summer was the best time of the year for me, and Puglia was the perfect place.
Over time, however, I learned to appreciate Puglia in winter. Maybe it’s because I’m now 40, but the intense summer heat no longer appeals to me as it once did. Instead, winter and spring have become my favorite seasons.
If you're wondering where to go in Puglia Italy for an authentic experience beyond the typical summer hotspots, a winter holiday in Puglia might just surprise you.
The Magic of Puglia’s Winter Climate
Winter in London is cold, gray, rainy, and often windy. At home, the heating is on full blast, while my parents and in-laws call from San Vito dei Normanni or Ostuni, telling me it’s 18°C in January or 22°C in December, with beautiful sunshine.
A blue sky, warm sun, lush countryside, and a cozy fireplace (even when it’s hardly needed)—this is winter at its finest, in one of the most beautiful places on earth.
Puglia transforms into one of the most stunning places to visit in Italy—and even in Europe—during winter, glowing with off-season serenity.You can enjoy all its beauty without the crowds, and the gentle climate allows you to fully live outdoors, even in January.
What to Do in Puglia in Winter?
Winter in Puglia, Italy isn’t about skiing—and that’s exactly the point.
Don’t get me wrong: the Dolomites during winter are a true natural wonder. But if you’re looking for a different kind of holiday—with more sun than snow—Puglia is your perfect place to go, both in Italy and in Europe.Instead of icy slopes, you’ll find long coastal walks, sunny countryside adventures, and plenty of cultural experiences to enjoy at a slower, richer pace.
There’s no shortage of things to do in Puglia in winter—whatever your taste, you’ll find your own version of paradise here.
Take long seaside walks, meet local fishermen with the freshest fish, and enjoy aperitivos in beachside bars.A glass of wine, taralli, olives, and polpette (meatballs) to awaken your appetite—all for just €10 per person, sometimes less.
After the aperitivo, head to a traditional trattoria, perhaps inside a historic masseria, or to a seafood restaurant to enjoy spaghetti allo scoglio (seafood pasta) or salt-baked sea bass. Raw shrimp is a must.It’s a haven for Puglia food lovers, offering rustic charm with every bite.
Evenings by the fireplace with red wine and roasted chestnuts, enjoying freshly baked bread with tomatoes, fresh olive oil, and burrata—this is how winter evenings are savored here.
👉 Curious where to find the best local trattorias and markets? Explore our curated guide to authentic food experiences in Puglia.
A Friendly Warning: Puglia in Winter Can Be Dangerous… for Your Waistline!
There’s a hidden risk to a winter holiday in Puglia: you might gain 2–3 kilograms in a week — and honestly, it’ll be worth every bite.
Luckily, walking is the perfect antidote.
Stroll through the lush countryside, admiring ancient olive groves and fields vibrant with winter greens. Gather wild edible herbs along the trails — no worries, my father Enzo can help you recognize wild chicory (cicorielle), asparagus, and tarassaco (dandelion greens), staples of the Mediterranean diet in winter.Nature here truly feeds you well—it’s a blessing.
How to Explore Puglia’s Winter Landscapes: Walks, Foraging & Horseback Adventures
If you're feeling adventurous, you can also explore the countryside on horseback.We know a beautiful riding school (maneggio) near Borgomadre that organizes amazing horseback excursions and lessons for both young and young-at-heart travelers.
Once you’ve had your fill of fresh air, continue your exploration through the historic centers of Ostuni and Carovigno, getting lost among artisan boutiques, antique shops, and winding whitewashed alleys.
Because yes—Puglia is about food (always), but it’s also about the land, the traditions, and the way nature nurtures everything we love.
In Puglia, even a simple walk becomes an experience—one that fills both your heart and your appetite.
And when the sun dips low over the olive groves, and your cheeks are warm from both the walking and the wine, you’ll understand: this is what winter in Puglia feels like.
It’s not just a holiday. It’s a homecoming.
👉 Ready to experience it for yourself? Discover Borgomadre’s luxury villas perfect for winter escapes.
Puglia in Winter Warms Your Heart
Puglia in winter is sunlight on your skin, mild temperatures when the rest of Europe freezes, seaside walks where the only sounds are the waves and your footsteps. It’s wandering through centuries-old olive groves, enjoying slow lunches with local wine, and sitting by a crackling fireplace when the evening cools.
Here, winter doesn’t feel like a season you endure — it feels like a season you embrace.
And at Borgomadre, we've made sure your winter retreat feels even more special.
Our villas are designed for this quiet season:
✔️ Heated swimming pools for year-round relaxation
✔️ Freestanding bathtubs placed by cozy fireplaces for the ultimate comfort
✔️ Sustainable energy powering it all — because true luxury respects the land it comes from
The gentle climate, the open landscapes, the quiet charm of small villages — everything invites you to slow down, breathe deeper, and reconnect with yourself and the people you love.
Puglia in winter warms your heart the way Puglia in summer warms your body.It’s the season for true travelers — those who know that luxury is not only about sunshine and beaches, but about feeling at home under a softer light, in a land that keeps its beauty all year round.
And when you’re ready to experience this magic, Borgomadre will be here to welcome you—into a villa surrounded by olive trees, gardens in bloom even in winter, and the authentic beauty of Puglia at its purest.
Comments