Apulia in October: swimming, harvest and mild light – your holiday home guide for the off-season

Apulia, the “heel of Italy's boot”, has long been more than just an insider tip. The region on the Adriatic and Ionian Seas delights visitors with miles of coastline, characteristic Trulli houses, olive groves stretching to the horizon, and a cuisine that is among the best in Italy. While the summer months are often associated with heat, high prices and crowded beaches, Apulia unfolds its very special magic in October: mild temperatures, golden light, a relaxed atmosphere – and culinary highlights.

A holiday home holiday in Apulia in October means la dolce vita without the crowds – ideal for couples, connoisseurs, photography enthusiasts and families with flexible travel times. In this guide, you will find out why the off-season is perfect, where you can still swim, what festivals await you, and how to find the right holiday home.

Why October? Peace and quiet, prices, atmosphere

When thinking of a holiday in Italy, many people first think of summer. But October offers decisive advantages: fewer people, significantly lower prices, and an atmosphere that can almost be described as intimate.

Weather & Light: Golden hours for photography enthusiasts

With average temperatures of 22–26 °C during the day and 15–18 °C at night, the climate in October is pleasantly mild. The sea remains surprisingly warm at 21–23 °C – ideal for a late beach holiday. The light is particularly impressive: olive groves glow silvery, vineyards glow in the evening sun, and white towns such as Ostuni and Locorotondo shine even brighter. For photography enthusiasts, this time of year is a dream.

Price advantages and availability in the off-season

High season prices drop noticeably in October. Holiday homes cost up to 30% less, flights to Bari or Brindisi are cheaper, and rental cars are often available without waiting times. There is also a wider selection: popular accommodations that are fully booked in July are now available. Low season means more freedom – both financially and organisationally.

Swimming in autumn: where it's still nice

Puglia remains a swimming paradise in autumn. Thanks to the warm sea, summer can simply be extended.

Salento: note the bays and wind protection

The southernmost part of Apulia – Salento – is particularly suitable for swimming in October. Especially on the Ionian coast (around Gallipoli, Porto Cesareo, and Torre Lapillo), there are wind-protected bays that guarantee swimming weather even on autumn days. An additional advantage: the beaches are pleasantly empty – often, you have entire sections to yourself.

Gargano and Isole Tremiti: crystal clear water, less hustle and bustle

In the north of Apulia lies the Gargano – a rocky peninsula with beautiful beaches. In autumn, it seems almost untouched. A trip to the Isole Tremiti is particularly worthwhile: small islands with crystal clear water. Ideal for snorkelling, hiking, and relaxing in peace and quiet.

Harvest time = enjoyment time

October is the time of abundance. The markets offer seasonal fruit and vegetables, the grape harvest brings village festivals, and the olive harvest shapes the landscape.

Grape harvest & village festivals (Sagre)

Hardly any other time of year is as rich in culinary delights as autumn. The new wine is celebrated at the Sagre – traditional village festivals. Visitors sit at long tables, sample homemade pasta, and dance to live music. Each community celebrates differently, but the atmosphere is warm everywhere. If you are staying in a holiday home, you can check the local event calendars or look for posters in the village squares.

Olives & new oils: taste, buy, take away

Puglia is the heart of Italian olive oil production. The olive harvest begins in October. Many oil mills open their doors for guided tours: you can experience first-hand how olives are pressed, and taste the fresh, cloudy ‘olio nuovo’ – a special experience and an ideal souvenir. The oil mills around Ostuni, Carovigno, and Lecce is particularly recommended.

Micro-itineraries from your holiday home

A holiday home offers you the freedom to take short trips in all directions – without having to pack and unpack your suitcase every day.

Valle d'Itria & the Trulli villages

The Valle d'Itria is one of the most beautiful regions in Apulia. This is where you will find the famous Trulli, with their conical roofs. While Alberobello is very busy in summer, October is a relaxed time to explore the town. The surrounding towns, such as Cisternino and Martina Franca, also invite you to shop and linger in their traditional markets.

Baroque towns in Salento

Salento is rich in Baroque architecture. Lecce – the “Florence of the South” – impresses with its churches and palaces. Galatina, on the other hand, is home to frescoes of national importance. In October, the atmosphere is quieter – perfect for enjoying a Caffè Leccese in the piazza.

Choosing the right holiday home in October

The choice of accommodation influences the entire itinerary.

Coast or hinterland

• Holiday home on the coast: Ideal for a beach holiday, with direct access to the sea.
• Holiday home in the hinterland: Offers peace, space, and proximity to wineries, olive groves, and towns – often cheaper and more comfortable for longer stays

Facilities for autumn

In contrast to summer, facilities play a greater role in autumn. Pay attention to:

• Heating or fireplace for cool evenings
• Warm blankets:
• Well-equipped kitchen for cosy dinners!
• Optional: Heated pool

This is particularly worth taking a closer look at for couples or families who appreciate atmosphere.

Practical: travel, mobility, packing list

Travel and mobility

The airports in Bari and Brindisi are easily accessible from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. Flight prices drop significantly in October. A hire car is recommended, as many of the most beautiful beaches and places are located away from the railway lines.

Markets and everyday life

Even in autumn, the weekly markets are lively and offer fresh, regional products. They usually end at noon – it's worth getting up early. Cash is more practical than card payments in many places, especially at small stalls and festivals.

Packing list

In addition to light clothing, you should pack:

• A jacket for cooler evenings
• Sturdy shoes for excursions
• Swimwear for warm days
• Possibly a rain jacket – it can rain occasionally in Apulia, too

Conclusion and booking tips

A holiday in Apulia in October is an invitation to slow down: swimming in the warm sea, walks through olive groves, wine and oil from the new season, photography in magical light. Those who travel now will experience Italy far away from mass tourism – authentic, intense, and often significantly cheaper.