Thank you in anticipation for your assistance.
Been told this region is a must... what are your experiences , recommendations and thoughts for October/November in that region?
wanting to just immerse ourselveses in the area for a month, not run like frantic tourists,
like we've done in the past 😅. 4th trip to Italy, now returning, newly retired.

Moved from Road Trips Forum to the Europe board and tagged for Italy

I spent a month in Puglia this year, May into June when the weather was wonderful! So, I have no idea what the weather will be in Oct/Nov but suspect cooler and rainier. There are some historical weather sites where you can check that.

I spent 5 nights in Lecce and highly recommend it. I had an apartment 2 blocks outside of the Porto Napoli so very close to the historic center.

I didn’t do a trip report but here is a link to my photos with the descriptions on the majority of them. Lecce is the second location which is noted on the pic.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/JX3wLqGCMcKSVakV6

Hope this helps you in some way! Good luck with your planning!

Joan, thank you for your feedback..
your photos reflect a lovely trip!

I spent 2-1/2 weeks in Puglia last year. Wonderful! If you click on the red button, then on Profile, scroll down to trip reports, you can find my report.

I was very glad to spend time in Lecce and Trani. That said, Puglia is the part of Italy I've enjoyed least. Obviously, others have had a different experience!

Hi Mez,
Below is our TR about that area. Although it is somewhat dated, I remain confident that one could find some useful info.
*Apropos of this topic, one of my greatest heroes (the guitarist for our local legends Rush) just stayed in Ostuni for a month.
Hope that you enjoy Puglia!
cheers
I am done. the TR
Bella Puglia (also Basilicata and Rome)

I've ridden a bike around the area and got married there, but 12 years ago now, so a bit out of date.

Weather, what with the subject I'm not allowed to mention, may be as historical weather reports or may not. I would expect to see the locals in puffer jackets but the days pleasant at around 20-25C and nights more like 15C. Rain should be planned for but watch local weather apps for each day.

The area is good for cycling with sensible local drivers giving you space
There is a good train and "pullman" large autobus network which means you don't often need a car.
The beaches will be empty however that does mean that some of the ancient ports will still be interesting.

Lecce is a good stay, I might suggest using a B&B rather than taking an appartment, it gets you to meet the locals a bit more (one of the great things about Pugia is the locals), I'd stay in the old centre.
You'll find many towns have lovely centres with horrible 'burbs.

Do plan to take part in some local activities, food making is a thing, but also yoga, sailing, cycling, pottery, etc etc by joining in you get to see more of the real Italy.

thank you!

appreciate your assistance

Puglia is longer from north to south than you might think. Have a look at distances on Google maps.
Even not wanting to rush about, I'd choose at least a couple of bases - one could be near Lecce if the Salento area inspires you but the other up near Bari or on the coast north or south of Bari will put you within reach of Valle d'Itria with Alberobello etc, Bari, places like Trani, Monopoli and even though it's not in Puglia it's easy to reach and beautiful - Matera.
Just to even out the other opinions - I live in Italy and Puglia is my favourite area on the mainland
https:/slowtravelitalyspain.blogspot.com/2024/03/why-i-love-puglia.html?m=1

wonderful info thank you

In terms of the local wines, do try a good quality Salice Salentino and an Aglianico del Vultura (from Basilicata) but should be available. Both are fascinating and the second is like drinking liquid velvet. Local food in terms of fish and vegetarian is especially good, I'd try to eat my fish from the east coast as Taranto is on the west coast of the heel and has a famously polluting steel works.

liquid velvet sounds incredibly divine... and earning in fish noted! Thank you so kindly.

Have you considered staying in a Masseria? These are fortified farms (against slavers) and have now been converted into a range of B&B, mini-hotels, AirBnB, often very beautiful.

Salento’s cuisine is full of flavor. In Lecce, skip the pizzas and dive into the local specialties.
I recommend these two spots:

• Il Vico del Gusto: refined cuisine and beautifully presented dishes.
• Martinucci pastry shop (on Piazza Sant’Oronzo): try the pasticciotto, a typical Salento treat available in several flavors.

You should also experience the local street food by joining a guided tour, such as the Street Food Lecce.
Enjoy your stay!

Check out our trip report:Southern Italy and Sicily May, 2024

thank you so much.. yummo

Thank you, I will!