The region of Apulia is filled with lots of charming little coastal settlements and, among them, the cute seaside town of Avetrana is a lesser-known gem. You can't find any tourist pages about it in English and it is not particularly primed for tourism, in general but this is a bonus rather than something that detracts from its charms. It is an authentic place, well off the beaten tourist path, and remains largely untouched by the outside world. You won't find endless things to see and do but you will discover an incredibly pretty town to have a wander around, some great beaches, and some surprises along the way. If you have found a vacation rental in Apulia and are looking for somewhere to spend a day, it is a great place to escape from real life for a little while and fall in love with the coastal Italian way of life...
Avetrana is a town and comune in the province of Taranto that has a population of under 7,000 people. The area has been inhabited since the Neolithic period and the town itself, as it exists today, is a much more modern invention but it reflects many different eras in its various landmarks; including the striking and impressive Norman castle, the beautiful 18th century Chiesa Madre with its ancient origins, the incredible 17th century complex of the Imperial Palace, multiple sites archeological interest from different periods, and the truly ancient natural grottoes that were created long, long ago by the earth.
However, a visit to Avetrana is not about seeking out specific landmarks or going to traditional tourist attractions. It is, instead, about simply wandering about and taking in the town, its various periods represented in the architecture, admiring the characteristic Apulian streets, stumbling upon family-run eateries, and soaking up the authentic atmosphere of a town not specifically geared towards impressing tourists but a place in Italy that remains real and authentic.
However, a visit to Avetrana is not about seeking out specific landmarks or going to traditional tourist attractions. It is, instead, about simply wandering about and taking in the town, its various periods represented in the architecture, admiring the characteristic Apulian streets, stumbling upon family-run eateries, and soaking up the authentic atmosphere of a town not specifically geared towards impressing tourists but a place in Italy that remains real and authentic.
Photo credit: Antonio Avetrana / CC BY-SA 4.0
