How to spend a rainy day in Apulia

The southern-Italian region of Apulia is blessed with mild winters and sunny weather all-year-round. The area has an average of 300 sunny days per year. Nonetheless, also south Italy is not entirely spared from rain –good for the local agriculture, not so good for tourists. Luckily there are many activities to do during rainfall in Apulia so that you can still make the most out of your stay. 

Explore Grotte di Castellana

Adventures don’t always necessarily need to be outdoors. The Castellana Caves are one of the many breathtaking natural wonders in Apulia. A 90-million-year-old cave, 60 meters under the earth! The cave includes fossils, canyons, stalagmites, stalactites, and concretions. It was discovered in 1938 and shortly afterward made accessible to the public. Since then, the Grotte di Castellana had more than 50 million visitors from all over the world and became a natural heritage of major importance. You can decide between the short tour, which is one hour and the long 3-hour exploration tour. During the entire year, a recreation of Dante’s Inferno “Hell in the cave” is taking place, usually once per week. It is a mixture of sound- light show, acrobatics, and acting. The word “hell” is taken quite literally – it is definitely not recommended to the faint-hearted.

Grotte di Castellana

Piazzale Anelli, 70013 Castellana Grotte

Learn how to cook Apulian style

The simple and authentic cuisine is a big part of the cultural identity of Apulians. The origins of the local dishes are in the “Cucina povera” (the poor kitchen)- it means to cook with whatever land and sea offers. This approach manifests in freshly made mozzarella, handmade pasta, and uncomplicated dishes with just a few local ingredients. In almost every town of Apulia, there is a possibility to join a cooking class and learn how to prepare national meals, such as handmade pasta or mozzarella. If you prefer something more passive, but still want to gain a deep insight into the culinary world of Apulia, you can join an olive oil or wine tasting. 

The Awaiting Table Cookery School

Via Idomeneo, 41, 73100 Lecce LE, Italien

Relax in a unique environment 

Spending an afternoon at a spa might not seem like something particularly extraordinary - but it is in Apulia! The southern-Italian region has a rich history, many well-preserved historical centers and historical farmhouses in olive groves. Many of these historical locations have been transformed into luxury B&B’s and guesthouses with modern and unique spa areas. You can sit in a whirlpool in a limestone cave or get a message with sea view. Usually, most of them offer also an hourly or daily entrance.

Hotel Ostuni Palace

Corso Vittorio Emanuele 218, 72017 Ostuni

Even if it rains there many ways to enjoy the Italian lifestyle and your vacation to the fullest, however, considering the average of sunny days, you have a great chance to catch some sun on the next day.