Puglia is one of Italy's most surprising destinations. Many travellers arrive expecting the familiar rhythms of "Italian tourism", only to discover that Puglia follows its own patterns: slower, more local, more traditional, and far more community-shaped than you might expect.

For many travellers from the USA, Puglia feels both new and authentic — a place that hasn't been shaped around international tourism. But with this enthusiasm comes a learning curve. Puglia is not Tuscany. It is not Rome. It is not the Amalfi Coast. It has its own rhythms, its own cultural logic, and its own deeply-rooted way of life.

Understanding those rhythms is the key to a richer, smoother, more meaningful trip.

Welcome to Puglia 101: Essential Tips for First-Time Visitors. Everything you wish you'd known before your trip to the heel of Italy's boot.

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