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If you asked someone who’d never been to Italy to describe it, Puglia is the picture they would paint. The heel of the boot that is Italy is a miniature version of the whole country. Blissful beaches and secluded coves go hand in hand with ancient ruins, cosmopolitan cities and a countryside awash with olive groves.
With the longest coastline of any Italian region and a history spanning over 250,000 years, there’s a reason Puglia is fast becoming one of Italy’s top destinations. The discovery of the Altamura Man in 1993 made Puglia a palaeontologists’ dream.
From the crystal clear waters of the Adriatic coast through rolling hills to the history-rich Mediterranean shore, there’s a reason for everyone to visit Puglia. Whether you just want to enjoy the scenery, soak up laid-back Italian vibes or indulge in Apulian delicacies, our itinerary for Puglia will take you beyond the sights most fleeting tourists flock to.
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When to visit Puglia and for how long
With a prime position on the Adriatic Sea, directly opposite Albania and Montenegro, Puglia is a summer holiday hotspot. Naturally, summer is the most popular time to visit. The weather’s great, of course, but ever summer in Puglia is busy, almost too busy. To best experience this itinerary for Puglia, we suggest you visit in the shoulder seasons. April and early May or late September and October are the perfect time to avoid the crowds whilst still enjoying the sun.
Our itinerary for Puglia is designed for a four-day trip. That’s not to say you couldn’t stay longer. In fact, we can guarantee you’ll want to. Puglia is somewhere it’s impossible not to fall in love with, so if you have the time, consider adding a day or two to spend a little longer in your new favorite spots.
Getting to and around Puglia
The reason our itinerary for Puglia starts in Bari and finishes in Brindisi is that these are the region’s main gateways. Bari Karol Wojtyla Airport (BRI) is Puglia’s busiest. Brindisi Airport (BDS) follows close behind. Both are served by low-cost carriers and holiday airlines from destinations across Europe as well as frequent domestic flights to Rome and Milan. If you’re visiting Puglia from outside Europe, you’ll need to make a transfer; London Heathrow and Rome Fiumicino are often the best options.
If you’re already in Italy, Puglia is even easier to reach. Aside from domestic flights, high-speed Frecciarossa trains link the region with the rest of the country. A new line, expected to open in 2027, between Bari and Naples will improve connections even further.
Once you’ve made it to Puglia, the best way to get around is to rent a car and drive yourself. This will grant you the freedom to go off-piste and uncover the region’s best hidden gems. Plus, the road network is extensive and well maintained.
Don’t worry if you don’t fancy driving. You can easily get between all of Puglia’s major towns and cities by train. For the few stops on this itinerary for Puglia without a station, buses or tours are available so you won’t miss out.
The Ultimate Itinerary for Puglia
Day 1: Bari to Monopoli
Morning: Bari
Be it from the airport or further afield, the chances are your visit glimpse of Puglia’s capital will be walking out of Bari Central station. This is one of those occasions when not judging a book by its cover is very much a good idea. At first glance, Bari appears a stereotypical gritty, workaday port city.
Spend the first morning of this itinerary for Puglia proving that suggestion wrong. Start off by taking a guided walking tour to tick off the main sights. Bari’s 13th century cathedral, built on the ruins of a Byzantine church is, in theory, the city’s most important church. Basilica di San Nicola, however, does a good job of rivalling it.
If you march on your stomach, this street food walking tour is a great alternative. You won’t miss any of the sights, but you will get to sample Apulian favorites including focaccia, panzerotti and octopus. Round off your time in Bari at Castello Svevo, a 12th century Norman castle.
Afternoon: Polignano a Mare
Leaving Bari behind, head south along the coast to one of the most serene spots on this itinerary for Puglia. If Puglia is epitomic of Italy, Polignano a Mare is epitomic of Puglia. If you want to see waves gently lapping beneath the whitewashed houses we’ve all seen photos of, Polignano is the place to do it.
Travel Tip: If you’re driving, make a stop at the Abbey of San Vito Matrine enroute. Built in the 10th century, legend has it that Saint Vito saved the Princess of Salerno from drowning in Campania.
If ever you tire of admiring your surroundings, dive into Antiche Mura for a late lunch. The charming rustic décor provides the perfect setting to sample traditional Apulian seafood. Their four course tasting menu includes homemade pasta followed by a fish entrée and a decadently sweet sporcamuss to finish.
Evening: Monopoli
Continuing along the coast road, passing the beautiful beaches of Torre Incina, you’ll soon reach your home for the first night on this itinerary for Puglia. Monopoli is everything you expect of Puglia and more. It is popular, and as soon as you arrive you’ll see why, so hotel prices are on the heftier side, but you’ll never regret spending a night here.
Monopoli institution Palazzo Giuditta is our top pick. A sea view room is well worth the extra, though the rooftop terrace is the real selling point. Palazzo Indelli is another great choice, whilst Casa Nave is the number one budget-friendly option.
While away your evening in Monopoli feasting on delicious Italian food in equally spectacular surroundings at Tamborr. Woodfired pizza is their speciality, and special it certainly is. The slightly unusual menu is split between classic pizzas, dubbed “boomer” dishes and newer, more creative pies from the “Gen-Z” menu.
Day 2: Monopoli to Taranto
Morning: Monopoli
The second day of our itinerary for Puglia begins in the charming streets of Monopoli’s old town. Dating back to the 16th century, though Monopoli was first settled in 545, don’t miss Castello Carlo V, Piazza Garibaldi and the Basilica of the Madonna della Madia.
Afternoon: Alberobello
Probably the region’s most photographed village, no itinerary for Puglia would be complete without a visit to Alberobello. A few miles inland, Alberobello’s fame is thanks to some rather quirky houses.
Travel Tip: If you’re using public transport for this itinerary for Puglia, taking a tour from Monopoli is a hassle-free way to visit the Trulli.
The trulli houses (individually called trullo) came to be when the Counts of Conversano, who owned the land in the 15th century, dictated that all homes must be built dry. Only allowed to use stone, local people designed a round house which could support itself without the need for mortar.
Take a guided tour of the UNESCO World Heritage listed village to explore the Trulli and get a glimpse of the Basilica of Saints Cosmas and Damian. Named after two Arab physicians, martyrs who were persecuted for their heeling powers in Syria, the church was built in 1885.
Round off your time in Alberobello with a visit to Cantina winery museum before sampling a glass for yourself at Trulli e Puglia. A Trullo turned wine bar and restaurant, their antipasti plates are the perfect accompaniment to the never ending wine list.
Evening: Taranto
Coastal Taranto has been an important port since the 8th century when Spartans first colonized the Puglia region. To make the most of your night here, book a hotel in Centro Storico, Taranto’s island old town. Casa Matilde, a simple yet comfortable B&B overlooking the water is our favorite spot. For a spot of luxury, Albergo del Sole, complete with a serene rooftop terrace, won’t disappoint.
Round off the second day of this itinerary for Puglia with a feast of freshly caught seafood. La Paranza makes the most of Puglia’s abundance of frutti di mare. The highlights have to be their sea urchins, mussels and oysters. Don’t worry about researching the menu in advance, it doesn’t just change with the season, it changes daily depending on the morning’s catch.
Day 3: Taranto to Lecce
Morning: Taranto
Taranto is a history lover’s dream. Start your day at the Aragonese Castle, completed in 1492 to defend Puglia against Ottoman raids. Then, join a walking tour around Centro Storico to take in Via Duomo and the Cathedral of San Cataldo, the oldest in Puglia.
Cross over to Taranto’s new town to visit MArTa archaeological museum before lunch at Passione in Pasta. No trip to Italy would be complete without sampling some fresh homemade pasta, and Passione in Pasta’s passion is clear. Their seafood tagliatelle is the piece de resistance, though the Bolognese comes in a close second.
Afternoon: Mesagne
Winding your way north to Lecce, the “Florence of the South”, make a short detour to visit Mesagne. Under Messapian rule, Mesagne was one of Puglia’s most important towns. Now refined and laid back, a glimpse of its 11th century castle is a highlight of an itinerary for Puglia.
Built during the Norman era, in 1195 the castle was gifted to Knights of the Teutonic Order. In more recent times, it fell into private ownership before being handed over to the town in 1973.
Evening: Lecce
Despite being Puglia’s third largest city, Lecce often flies under the radars of visitors following an itinerary for Puglia. As much as a shame as this is, it’s great news for those who do make it this far south. Lecce, resplendent with its stunning Baroque architecture, has the feel of Puglia before the low-cost cost airlines arrived in Bari.
With just one night in Lecce, staying in the old town is the best way to see as much as possible. La Dimora di Veste is one of the city’s best kept secrets, just to the side of Garibaldi Gardens. If you’re craving a spot of luxury, Patria Palace is so good you won’t want to leave your room, whilst B&B LecceSalento is Lecce’s top budget option.
Spend the penultimate evening of your itinerary for Puglia gorging on handmade burgers at Crianza. Italy may have the best cuisine in the world, but just as we love Italian food, Italians embrace international cuisine, albeit they add their own touches to make everything taste that little bit better.
Day 4: Lecce to Brindisi
Morning & Afternoon: Lecce
Your day in Lecce has to start with some of the city’s finest Baroque buildings. This two-hour walking tour takes you through Piazza Sant’Oronzo passing the Roman ampitheatre on your way to the underground Jewish Museum.
Skip a traditional lunch to join a local family for a pasta making masterclass. You’ll learn the tricks of the trade before putting your skills to the test. Of course, you’ll be able to taste your own creations, but if you discover you’re not the next Gino D’Acampo, don’t worry: a full dinner with wines and aperitifs is included.
Evening: Brindisi
Aim to leave Lecce mid-afternoon for the final journey on this itinerary for Puglia. The region’s main port, handling freight and passenger ferries to Albania and Greece, Brindisi is possibly Puglia’s most underrated city. Sure, the container terminal isn’t the most easy on the eye, but the old town which hides in its shadow is quite the opposite.
Round off your final day in Puglia with a twilight cruise in Brindisi Bay before grabbing a table at La Locanda del Porto. Tucked away on a narrow cobbled street, homemade gnocchi and octopus stew are the stars of the show.
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