The best of Puglia, chosen by you

The best of Puglia in a challenging year

As the coronavirus spread across Europe and then around the world, lockdowns and travel restrictions meant that fewer people were able to travel in 2020.

Once lockdown restrictions were lifted in June, Puglia was open for business.

It was a shorter season than usual, with fewer visitors. We regularly travelled around Puglia, from Peschici in Gargano to Santa Maria di Leuca at the very tip of Italy’s heel. Anecdotal information gathered from businesses and individuals across the tourism industry spectrum suggested that business was down on average around 40%-60% compared with the last few years.

Survey methodology

Our survey was intended as a little fun, to celebrate Puglia in challenging times. We had two sections - the first aimed at Puglia’s LGBTQ+ population, the second at LGBTQ+ visitors to our region.

Some questions in our survey were left open - for example “Where was your favourite restaurant”, “What was your favourite beach”. Others offered a shortlist of nominees (with the option of “other”). Our shortlist was drawn up by a panel - just like the Oscars - based on nominations and other relevant factors, such as social media, visibility, community activism etc., including of course our own experiences.