Gay Puglia – The Nomadic Boys

Gay Puglia - The Nomadic Boys

Our gaydar went absolutely crazy on the beaches in Puglia. Everywhere we looked, these metrosexual studs were posing and just looking absolutely ripped…Italian men sure know how to take care of themselves!

Puglia is located in the southeastern region of Italy – the heel of the country’s boot. It’s a popular holiday retreat and a prime hotspot for gay travellers, particularly Gallipoli. It’s also stunning, full of UNESCO sites like Alberobello, pretty cities like Lecce, lush landscapes like the Grotta della Poesia, and some of the best food of the entire country…orecchiete anyone?

To get a flavour of gay Puglia, we recommend watching the 2010 Italian movie, Loose Cannons (“Mine Vaganti”) about a bourgeoise family in Lecce coming to terms with their two gay sons… You’ll laugh your socks off, but will also get some fantastic inspiration about the region. We also help to inspire you with our detailed gay guide to Puglia setting out our first-hand experience of the gay scene out here, the best gay hotels to stay, beaches, events and more.

Is Gay Puglia safe for LGBTQ+ travellers?

Yes it is! Whilst Italy is a conservative country with regards to LGBTQ rights, over the years, Puglia has become a bohemian playground for gay travellers. There are a handful of gay beaches across the region, as well as many gay hangouts in the main cities, particularly Gallipoli.

By Stefan Arestis – Full Story at the Nomadic Boys

Puglia Gay Travel Resources

Ten Awesome Things to Do in Gay Puglia – The Nomadic Boys

Ten Awesome Things to Do in Gay Puglia - The Nomadic Boys

Puglia is the heel of long-legged Italy and one of the country’s underrated gems. It has plenty of gorgeous beaches, delicious food and unique architecture to explore, with far fewer crowds than in Venice or Rome.

Puglia is famous for producing around 40% of Italy’s olive oil, as well as bread and pasta, which is why it is nicknamed the “bread basked of Italy”. Puglia also has the longest coastline of Italy – over 800km / 500 miles, so you know you’re guaranteed to find excellent beaches here. Lecce is an example of one of the many architectural gems in Puglia – a city comprised of Baroque architecture, earning it the epithet, “the Florence of the South”.

There’s plenty to do in gay Puglia to plan your holiday just in this region. We did a road trip here and put together our 10 favourite things to do in Puglia for gay travellers:

Gallipoli: the best gay scene in Puglia

We love Gallipoli old town in the evening. It’s always buzzing with life, buskers performing in the streets, cool little boutique shops and excellent restaurants. Gallipoli is also is the heart of Puglia’s gay scene with a handful of bars worth checking out.

By Stefan Arestis – Full Story at the Nomadic Boys

Gay Puglia Travel Resources

 

Gay Puglia – The Nomadic Boys

Gay Puglia - The Nomadic Boys

Our gaydar went absolutely crazy on the beaches in Puglia. Everywhere we looked, these metrosexual studs were posing and just looking absolutely gorgeous…Italian men sure know how to take care of themselves!

Puglia is located in the southeastern region of Italy – the heel of the country’s boot. It’s a popular holiday retreat and a prime hotspot for gay travellers, particularly Gallipoli. We came here to attend our first gay wedding, so took this as an opportunity to make it a road trip around the region to discover what gay Puglia has to offer.

Although Italy is a conservative country with regards to LGBTQ rights, over the years, Puglia has become a bohemian playground for gay travellers. There are a handful of gay beaches across the region, as well as many gay hangouts in the main cities, particularly Gallipoli.

Obviously don’t come here expecting to find Mykonos/Ibiza style Circuit beach parties. Instead there’s a mix of remote beautiful beaches, delicious food, plenty of culture and of course, bronzed Adonises everywhere.

We focused on the sub region of Puglia called Salento, which is the Southern part. Salento stretches from Tarranto on the western side and Brindisi on the east, all the way to the coastal tip. For us we found the best gay beaches and gay hangouts in Salento, particularly around Gallipoli and Tarranto.

One tip for gay travellers to Puglia is to rent a car to get the most out of it. Public transport is very limited, and taxis are expensive. We flew into Bari airport and picked up our car here from Goldcar, who we recommend for the most cost effective prices.

By Stefan Arestis – Full Story at the Nomadic Boys

Puglia Gay Travel Resources

Top Places to Stay in Gay Puglia – Nomadic Boys

Top Places to Stay in Gay Puglia - Nomadic Boys

Puglia, the “heel of the boot” of Italy has long been a popular destination for LGBTQ travellers, particularly the gorgeous seaside town of Gallipoli. There are also many cultural gems in the area like the Baroque rich city of Lecce, the many trulli stone huts in Alberobello and a handful of excellent gay friendly beaches.

Quite a lot of the touristic highlights of Puglia are spread out, so the best way to get the most out of your trip is to rent a car and make it a road trip. We also recommend staying in a place which is located in a quiet village or small town for a more authentic Italian countryside experience. These are our 5 favourite gay friendly places to stay in Puglia we found during our road trip, which we loved and recommend you check out.

Trullo Incanto D’Itria near Alberobello
A trullo (plural: trulli) is a traditional Apulian dry limestone hut with a conical roof, unique to the Itria Valley of Puglia. The highest concentration of trulli can be found in the small town of Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The trulli of Alberobello are some of the oldest, dating back to the 1300s. Today most trulli in Alberobello are souvenir shops, cafes or restaurants. Some are also places you can book to stay.

We loved this idea – staying in a stone conical hut that resembles the sort of houses you’d expect Frodo and his fellow hobbits to live in in the Shire; you can’t help being charmed by these Hobbit-like houses.

One of our favourite trulli to stay is the luxurious Trullo Incanto d’Itria, located in the countryside, around 5 minutes drive from Alberobello. This trullo has its own private pool and garden area, but still retains a traditional feel in its construction. LGBTQ travellers are welcomed, with no issue about booking a double bed.

By Stefan Arestis – Full Story at The Nomadic Boys

Puglia Gay Travel Resources

The Bear-Naked Chef and the Scruffy Italian Launch a Gay Tour!

Bear-Naked Chef and Scruffy Italian Traveler

Ready to be part of the sexiest gay tour in Italy of the year? The Scruffy Italian, that is me, will be joined by one of the hottest chefs alive for the sensational Culinary holiday of the year, in Italy of course. Because, as Madonna says, Italians do it better!

The heel of the boot of Italy, Puglia, is without a doubt one of the sunniest and most lively parts of the country, famous for its food, beaches, breathtaking landscapes… and hot men! Join Italy Gay Travels, that is the travel company I run, this October for an exclusive Luxury Food and Wine Gay Tour.

Puglia is home to some of the best cheeses (does burrata ring a bell?) and wines in Italy. Primitivo and Negroamaro are the talk on everyone’s lips. On our Gay Tour for the Foodies you will become a connoisseur as well as getting a little tipsy too! Puglia is also one of the biggest producers of Olive Oil in the World: you will learn about the secrets of olive oil production (at the time of olive harvest) by the masters of the trade.

By Sergio – Full Story at The Scruffy Gay Traveler

LOCATION Gay Travel Resources

Join Scruffy Gios for a Gay Yoga Retreat in Puglia

Scruffy Gios - Yoga Retreat

In need of a holiday with meditation, relaxation and fun? Book your place now in the Italian sunshine at the beginning of October (8-15 October 2017). We will spend a full week in a typical Apulian Masseria (farmstead) set within acres of olive groves and close to stunning beaches which are within cycling distance. This setting makes it the perfect spot to relax and tune out from the noise of our fast paced lives!

We will stay near Otranto, a gem within this area, known for its mix of East meets West architecture. Our exclusive Gay Yoga Retreat also allows you to experience more than just Yoga. You can hop on a bicycle and visit the amazing beaches nearby, explore the quaint towns and villages, trek through the natural landscape and dine in beautiful Salento cities.

Of course you are here for yoga! No matter what your level, you will be in safe hands. Our Vinyasa and Yen based yoga sessions will keep you feeling invigorated and transformed. Over the 7 days we will work on the chakra system (in ascending order) and incorporate a different chakra for each day of the retreat. Since there are only men in the class, we focus on a yoga that not only strengthens the body but also the mind. Plus, our top notch teacher, Caleb, a student of yoga masters Krishna Puthabi Joyce and Mr. Iyengar will guide you through the week ensuring you leave the retreat a different person! For more information about the style of yoga we will focus on and the yoga teacher please check the official page of the tour.

By Sergio Scardia – Full Story at The Scruffy Italian Traveler

Apulia Gay Travel Resources

Other Gay Travel Events

Hang Out With Scruffy Gios for Pride in Southern Italy – Scruffy Italian Traveler

Italy Gay Pride - Scruffy Gios Italy Gay Pride is on its way! So, what are you doing the last weekend of September? Join me for an amazing 4-day beach party in one of the most beautiful places in the world! We are hosting the biggest party of the year on the wonderful coast of Gallipoli, in Puglia, Southern Italy! Yes, Italy Gay Pride is coming! And it is going to be a big bold celebration in Gallipoli, the Ibiza of Italy! This year, for the first time, from 21st – 25th September 2017, Italy Gay Travels and I will be hosting the highly anticipated Italy Gay Pride Summer Party. A 4 day sensational Summer Party in one of the most beautiful undiscovered gems of Italy: the bay of Gallipoli (not in Turkey)! Are you ready to celebrate with me? Book now and join the fun! Italy Gay Pride Summer Party gives you the chance to discover one of the trendiest holiday destinations in Italy. A destination that, as you know, is very familiar to me! Puglia, an amazing region in Southern Italy, is the talk on everyone’s lips! It is no surprise the gay community in Italy and around the world are flocking here. Gallipoli, and Puglia as a region, is developing a reputation for openness and tolerance. For this reason, Italy Gay Travels is confident that everybody can feel safe and be themselves in this beautiful stretch of Paradise.

By Sergio Scardia – Full Story at the Scruffy Italian Traveler

Apulia Gay Travel Resources

Other Gay Travel Events

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Hang Out With Scruffy Gios for an Italian Bike Tour – Scruffy Italian Traveler

Sergio Scardia - Puglia I am so excited to announce that Kendall (the blond hair chap in the picture with me) and I have started up a business of gay travels to Italy, aptly named Italy Gay Travels. This Gay Bike Tour around the heel of the boot, Puglia, is our first love child :) Many more will come, I promise! If you don’t have any plans yet for the first week of June (4-11 June 2017) or September (3-10 September 2017) take a look at our holiday program. Don’t think twice: spaces are limited. Fill in this form and book your place for the Gay Bike Tour now! As you know I am originally from a beautiful part of the world: the heel of the boot of Italy, Puglia! We have designed this All Gay Bike Tour to let you discover the southernmost tip of Puglia, known as Salento. Fast becoming the gay destination of South Italy, this area is rich in culture, food, awe inspiring landscapes, white sandy beaches and gay nightlife for good measure! Our all gay bike tour is set at an easy level that suits any level of biking skills. Furthermore you will have the opportunity to discover the beautiful countryside of Puglia, from one coast to the other.

Gay Bike Tour with Gios and Italy Gay Travels

You will spend  5 nights with us in Lecce, the great Baroque capital of Southern Italy, also known as the Florence of the South. Lecce is strategically located right in the heart of Salento, the southern area of Puglia, just a few kilometers away (or an easy gay bike ride) to many beautiful small towns and hidden gems. Every morning we will get on the bike and have unforgettable adventures. Think sunsets over beautiful towns (including Otranto), wine tasting in the countryside and swimming in beautiful sandy beaches.

By Sergio Scardia – Full Story at the Scruffy Italian Traveler

Puglia Gay Travel Resources

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Polignano Puglia – The Scruffy Italian Traveler

Polignano Polignano a Mare is the town where Domenico Modugno, was born. He interpreted the most popular Italian song in the world, Volare Nel Blu Dipinto Di Blu. In fact, in Polignano you can find Blue flags everywhere. Those flags do not only recall the famous song and its singer, but also indicate that environmental organizations reward its blue sea among the cleanest in Italy. Polignano is small town south of Bari, in my beautiful Puglia. As many other locations along the Adriatic Sea, it has a coastline of cliffs and caves. Despite the man lived in the area since Neolithic times, the landscapes that are intertwined in the urban environment remain extremely suggestive. A Walk in Polignano The best way to start a visit in the beautiful Pulignano? But With a nice cocktail of course! La Casa del Mojito features professional cocktail makers, therefore able to create the perfect taste for your holiday. Just ask what you need and they will satisfy any whim. Glass in hand, walking here and there, you can discover the historic center. The buzzing nightlife of Polignano happens right here.

By Sergio Scardia – Full Story at the Scruffy Italian Traveler

Apulia Gay Travel Resources

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Alberobello Trulli, Puglia – The Scruffy Italian Traveler

Alberobello Trulli - Sergio Scardia As you know, or as at least the name of my blog should suggest, I am Italian 🙂 I actually come from a beautiful region of Italy: Puglia! Apulia (as it is often known abroad, from its original latin name), the so called heel of the boot is a gem full of wonders! Please let me show you one of these: the Alberobello trulli. First of all: what is a trullo? A trullo is a traditional construction, typical of the Valle d’Itria: a small round house made of dry stone with a conical roof. The Valle d’Itria is a specific area of Puglia, spreading over three different provinces: Bari, Brindisi and Taranto. Trulli started to be built in this area in the 16th century as farmers’ shelters. As some historics say, being built only of stones, trulli could be seen as a temporary storehouses to avoid taxation, as they were easy to dismantle when the King’s tax inspectors were in the area. Whatever the real origin of these constructions, the heavy stone walls have a practical reason: to ease with some cool the baking summers of Puglia, and to preserve the warmth from the fireplaces during the otherwise cold winters.

By Sergio Scardia – Full Story at The Scruffy Italian Traveler

Apulia Gay Travel Resources

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