Puglia makes a compelling case for doing a little less rushing. A swim before breakfast. A walk through a sunlit piazza. Lunch that becomes the afternoon. Down in the heel of Italy, the pleasures are simple—and worth making time for.
But this is no longer an under-the-radar destination. Interest in Puglia has grown sharply, and the numbers back it up. For us, the appeal goes beyond a travel trend: it is a place where great padel can sit naturally alongside great food, a day by the sea and time with new friends.
A growing favourite, not a passing rumour
Puglia’s regional tourism authority reported more than 6.7 million tourist arrivals and 22.7 million overnight stays in 2025. Compared with 2024, arrivals rose by approximately 13% and overnight stays by approximately 10%. That is a substantial increase in people choosing to spend their holidays here. Read the regional report.
It would be too neat to put that growth down to one thing. Puglia offers several reasons to come: a coastline on two seas, distinctive towns, a food culture rooted in local ingredients and countryside that invites a slower pace. The attraction is the combination.
Two seas. Plenty of ways to switch off.
Puglia stretches between the Adriatic and the Ionian. Sandy bays, rocky swimming spots and seafront towns give it a character that changes as you travel around the coast. You do not have to spend every day sightseeing to feel you have been somewhere special.
Our retreats are based in Salento, the southern part of Puglia, around Nardò and Santa Maria al Bagno on the Ionian coast. This is our corner of the region: somewhere to enjoy the water, take a seaside stroll and return to the hotel after a good session on court. Swimming, of course, depends on the weather and sea conditions—not a promise on the itinerary.
The food is part of the holiday
Salento’s cooking rewards an appetite for simple things done well. Olive oil, vegetables, pulses, pasta and food from the sea are part of its culinary identity. Italy’s official tourism guide highlights the area’s traditional dishes and Terra d’Otranto olive oil—a reminder that the local landscape is reflected on the plate.
For Amici, eating together is not a gap between activities. It is part of what brings the group together. Courtside pasta, a local restaurant and a long conversation over dinner can be as memorable as the winning point. You come for padel; the table gives you another reason to stay.
There is more here than the beach
Lecce’s ornate historic centre, Nardò’s squares and the old farm estates known as masserie offer a different side of the region. A short walk can become an afternoon of looking up at stonework, stopping for coffee and deciding there is no need to hurry back just yet.
The wider region has plenty to explore, but a short break is better without a checklist of distant sights. We prefer getting to know our part of Salento rather than trying to fit all of Puglia into one weekend. Local places and local people make the experience feel personal.
Come outside the summer rush
Spring and autumn are particularly appealing for an active break. They offer an alternative to peak summer’s heat and holiday crowds, although popular places can still be busy and the weather is never guaranteed. Bring layers as well as your racket.
Our dates let you choose your own version of Puglia: fresh spring energy, the start of summer or an autumn escape. Fly into Brindisi or Bari and we can help you plan the journey. Flight routes and schedules vary by season; flights are not included in the retreat price.
And then there is the padel
A lovely destination makes a good holiday. People to share it with make a retreat. Amici combines coaching, social play and competitions with the pleasure of spending time in Puglia. The Amici Tournament pairs you with a local player, giving you a connection to the place that goes beyond the view from your hotel.
We sort the hotel, meals and local transfers so you can focus on playing, eating and enjoying the company. That is our answer to “Why Puglia?” Not simply because more people are discovering it, but because it gives us so many ways to make a few days away feel properly worthwhile.
Make Puglia your next padel break.
Explore our dates, find your group and let us take care of the details.
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