Beaches
It is just half an hour to the coast, with many beaches and coves to choose from in between the pretty town of Polignano a Mare, the bustling fishing town of Monopoli, and the smaller Savelletri. From Polignano harbour you can take a boat trip out to the caves in the cliffs. The Adriatic waters are typically lovely and clear, great for swimming and snorkelling. Choose between undeveloped free access beaches and private beach clubs where you pay for facilities, sunloungers and parasols.
Festivals
Various cultural events pop up in Noci through the summer, focussing on the arts, music, food and drink. Several annual events revolve around religious tradition coupled with festivities. For example, a festival at the very end of May honours St Mary of the Cross, with the saint’s effigy processed back to the church of Madonna della Croce, followed by fireworks. On 23rd June, on the eve of the Feast of San Giovanni (St John) folk musicians play in the streets. There is more music and fireworks, on the 1st September for the Festival of San Rocco, who is said to have saved the village from the plague. Three days of celebrations and ceremonies are held to honour the saint.
Nearby Alberobello
The stunning town of Alberobello is conveniently close and will surely be on your ‘to do’ list whilst staying in Puglia. It is probably the most famous and most visited place in the Valle d’Itria, due to its proliferation of ‘trulli’, small dwellings with distinctive conical roofs. With a picture postcard view at every turn, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its cultural significance, it is worth joining the throng to see it in person.
Caves
The nearby town of Castellana Grotte is home to a vast underground network of caves, the ‘Grotte di Castellana’. A popular visitor attraction, the guided tour is along a 3km path through caverns and canyons covered in stalactites and stalagmites, and stones in all colours, shapes and sizes. A fascinating experience!
When mentioning caves, it would be remiss not to mention Matera and the ‘Sassi’ (cave dwellings), one of the most famous troglodyte cities in the world. This UNESCO World Heritage Site Matera is 1hr 30mins away from the Valle d’Itria, so not on the doorstep but do-able as a day trip and an incredible place to visit.
