A Gorgeous And Very Overlooked Italian Destination Now Has A Direct US Flight

If you love Italy but hate overtourism, it may be time to head to Puglia, a lesser-known region in the country. NEOS Airlines has just announced the first-ever non-stop flight between the U.S. and Puglia, making it more convenient than ever before for Americans to discover this region's multitude of hidden gems. These include miles of stunning coastline, dazzling seaside cities, and charming hamlets like Casamassima, a town painted in perfect pastel blue. In addition to shortening travel times, the new route will also strengthen cultural ties between the U.S. and Southern Italy. "New York-Bari is much more than an air link," said Puglia Region President, Michele Emiliano, in a press release from NEOS Airlines. "It is an embrace between Puglia and the world, a bridge that unites traditions, affection, heritage, and opportunity, especially as many Americans are proud of their families' roots in Puglia."

NEOS' first US—Puglia flight will depart from New York City's John F. Kennedy Airport on the evening of June 3, 2025, and arrive at Bari's Karol Wojtyla Airport the next morning, with a promotional one-way fare of $485. From then on through October 15, NEOS will offer weekly flights between the two cities, departing from New York City on Tuesday at 4 p.m., and arriving in Bari the following day at 8 a.m. The U.S.-bound flight will depart at 11:30 a.m. from Bari and arrive at JFK at 1:50 p.m. the same day. Two classes of seats (premium and economy) will be available on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners used for the flights, which can accommodate up to 355 passengers. 

Puglia is not the place to check off items on your European bucket list, such as the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Sistine Chapel, or the ancient city of Pompeii. Rather, it's a place to savor simple joys that you might miss on a "more productive" trip to Italy's more touristy areas. That said, there are some special Pugliese experiences we recommend for first-time visitors. First, spend some time on one of its heavenly beaches. Some of the prettiest ones are on the Salento peninsula in the southernmost part of Puglia. The list of incredible beaches there is long, but one to definitely check out is Pescoluse, a 4-mile stretch of sand near the tip of the peninsula. This lovely beach, often referred to as the Maldives of Europe, is known for its crystal-clear water and rolling sand dunes dotted with acacias and white lilies. 

Puglia's enchanting cities and towns are also waiting to be experienced. This includes the region's capital city, Bari, an underrated gem with a striking waterfront and exceptional architecture, art, and cuisine. Meanwhile, picture-perfect small towns like Polignano a Mare, Monopoli, and Ostuni are ideal spots for slowing down and discovering what Italian life is really all about. Here, you can relax at an oceanside cafe and gaze out at the rocky coastline while enjoying fresher-than-fresh seafood, local produce that screams with flavor, and lovingly handmade pastas like orecchiette and cavatelli. Your days will end with the evening ritual known as la passagiata, which is a leisurely stroll through town with no particular destination in mind, while the stars wink at you from overhead.