Activities
From a relaxing day at the beach to sports, excursions and historical site visits, pasta making courses Puglia offers something for everyone, including making the terracotta whistles of Rutigliano.
Beach
Things to do
Besides visiting the historical towns and natural parks of Puglia, there are many other activities to do.
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Beaches
Puglia, with its 940 km (584 miles) of coastline offers endless beach options. From public spaces where anyone can enjoy the beach to privately operated, fully serviced extravaganzas, there is a beach for everyone, just remember that August is the national holiday month and reservations are highly recommended. A few alternatives near Rutigliano are:
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Cala Monachile: Tucked between the cliffs of Polignano a Mare, it is the most photographed beach of Puglia. The crystal-clear blue waters, beige / white limestone cliffs create a very photogenic composition. To secure a place, one must arrive early. Loungers or umbrellas are not provided. A boat tour will give the option of swimming in the caves.
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Agavi Beach, with a full-service restaurant is 20 minutes from Rutigliano. It offers sunbeds, umbrellas, shaded area with wind screen as well as disabled facilities and the ever-important parking area. www.agavibeach.it/en/
Coco Beach Club, just 15 minutes from the Palazzo, is located between Polignano a Mare and Mola di Bari. There is a wide range of activities to choose from, with dedicated staff. In addition to water sports, there are options such as beach volleyball, volleyball etc. ilcoco.it/beachclub/en/
The Wonder Beach Club is a rocky beach with sandy coves and has a swimming pool. Just over 10 minutes from Rutigliano, it is made up of several areas, offering loungers and umbrellas. The bar, lounge bar and restaurant are under the gazebo. www.wonderbeachclub.it/
Trekking
Puglia, with its ever-changing nature, offers a new discovery within its olive groves, vineyards, beaches, farms, archaeological sites, caves to be enjoyed along the walks.​ Trekking enthusiasts can select the Selva Forest of Alberobello to walk among oak forest woods, with the mistral wind cooling the temperature. They can walk through the landscape between Locorotondo and Alberobello to discover the trullis. A sunset excursion, in the ​​Torre Pozzelle area to enjoy the natural and pure landscape is another option. The coastal itinerary between Monopoli and Polignano a Mare is mesmerizing.
Golf
Puglia is home to five golf courses and 3 of these can be reached under an hour from Rutigliano.
Barialto Golf Club
www.1golf.eu/en/club/barialto-golf-club/
15 minutes from the Palazzo, in the neighboring town of Cassamassima, the golf course was designed in cooperation with William W. Amick and Giorgio Ferraris. It offers an 18hole course, on a varied terrain, with curves through palm trees, olive groves and 5 lakes.
Coccaro Golf Club
Half an hour from Rutigliano, Coccaro is set in the grounds of Masseria Torre Maizza, the course is well maintained and snakes through the olive groves. With undulating Bermuda grass greens and water, it is considered a technical course.
San Domenico Golf
www.sandomenicogolf.com/en/san-domenico-golf-puglia/​
Just 40 minutes south of Rutigliano, the San Domenico Golf Course rated amongst the best in Italy. It is an 18hole championship club, on the shores of the Adriatic Sea.
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Home to the PGA European Challenge Tour Grand Final, it is spread over 6300 meters of lush grounds with Bermuda grass with sea views. The course was designed by European Golf Design.
Ski
Puglia with its strategic location near the mountainous areas of southern Italy, offers options for winter sports enthusiasts as well with its soft, white snow.
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Mount Volturino, 2 hours from Rutigliano, it is located in the Lucanian Apennines, with 1865 mt height, alpine, cross-country skiing or simply walking on snow-covered land is possible, as well as toboggan and bobsleigh rides. To enjoy a spectacular view over the Agri Valley, the chairlift offers a bird’s eye view of the scenery. Monte Volturino is included in the Val d'Agri and Lagonegrese National Park.
