What to Do in Apulia When It Rains
8 Rainy Day Holiday Ideas
It's September, and for many, the holiday season is far from over!
It's no coincidence that more and more people choose to travel in September: prices are more accessible, the scorching heat is a distant memory, and, crucially for those seeking true relaxation, the beaches and cities are far less crowded.
But let's face it: the late-season weather can be a bit unpredictable! What should you do if an unexpected week of rain threatens your well-deserved Puglia vacation?
No problem! Puglia is much more than just sun and sea.
Here are 8 ideas to make the most of your holiday, even when it's raining!
The Marine Biology Museum
Porto Cesareo, Lecce
No seaside when it's raining? At the Parenzan Museum dedicated to Marine Biology, the sea is indoors!
You can explore its various collections of biological specimens and, for those who love the bizarre, even the collection of monstrous specimens.
Other rooms are dedicated to fishing, local seafood cuisine, and the reconstruction of marine habitats.
Trullo Sovrano - Museum House
Alberobello
Are you staying in a trullo? Maybe you'd like to know more about the history of this architectural form so typical of Puglia.
In the "capital" of the Trulli, Alberobello, you can visit the Trullo Sovrano Museum House, dating back to the eighteenth century. Fun fact: it's the only two-story trullo!
Inside, the rooms are furnished with authentic period objects and furniture, offering a true immersion into the historical civilization of the trulli.
https://www.trullosovrano.eu/casa-museo/
Wine Tastings in the Cellar
Various locations
Are you more of a food & wine person than a museum person? You can choose a tasting at one of the prestigious wineries (cantine) in the Valle d'Itria or Salento, where expert sommeliers will guide you in discovering historic Apulian labels, sharing their history and unique characteristics.
This sensory experience will immerse you in the region's rich winemaking culture, made up of unique aromas, flavors, and stories.
Teatro Petruzzelli
Bari
This magnificent historic theater was inaugurated on February 14, 1903, with Giacomo Meyerbeer's Les Huguenots (Gli Ugonotti). In addition to a rich program of music and theatrical works, the Petruzzelli can be visited with guided tours and also offers fascinating temporary exhibitions.
https://www.fondazionepetruzzelli.it/
Guided Olive Oil Tastings
Fasano
Does the idea of immersing yourself in the aromas of olive oil appeal to you? You can visit one of the most renowned masserie (fortified farms) in the Fasano area, La Savoia, and take part in a guided olive oil tasting.
The history of this place is ancient: the masseria has existed since the 1700s, but this area was already inhabited and active in the Middle Ages. In fact, an underground (hypogeum) olive mill and a rock settlement from the medieval period still exist and are visible.
The Children's Museum
Lecce
It defines itself as "a small museum for big thinkers" and is a museum that invites play and exploration, stimulating creativity and thought in children aged 6 to 10. There are various rooms, each dedicated to a different theme.
Our favorites: the Science Room, where complex concepts like gravity and magnetism are understood, and the Sensory Room, where stimuli like textures and luminous fiber optics encourage curiosity, self-regulation, and discovery.
https://www.museodeibambini.it/
Paper Mâché Museum - Charles V Castle
Lecce
Bronze, marble, or wood sculptures? In Lecce, sculpture has a completely different story: that of paper mâché (cartapesta in Italian).
This local art form has historically been important to the Salento area and is capable of producing elaborate and refined works.
The museum is located inside the stunning Charles V Castle (Castello di Carlo V), which can be visited with the same ticket.
https://www.castellocarlov.it/
Archaeological Museum - Contemporary Art Museum
Ceglie Messapica
Do you have a passion for archaeology? We recommend this little gem, where you can find pieces dating between the 6th and 3rd centuries BC on display. It's in this museum that the "trozzella" is exhibited, the most representative ceramic vase of the Messapian civilization.
In the same building, you can also visit the contemporary art collection, which includes works of painting, graphic art, ceramics, sculpture, and photography.
We Love Apulia, Rain or Shine!
Don't let the rain stop you! As you've seen, Apulia offers a universe of experiences that go far beyond its beautiful beaches.
Whether you're exploring the unique history of the Trulli, tasting the deep flavors of its wines and oils, or discovering the art of cartapesta (paper mâché), every drop of rain is just an invitation to see the region from a different perspective.
Plan your next indoor escape now and get ready to fall in love with Apulia... rain or shine!