Welcome to my Puglia itinerary! Puglia, known as the heel of Italy’s boot, is a region that offers something for everyone. From rolling olive groves and vineyards to stunning coastlines, there’s no shortage of natural beauty. Iconic trulli, the charming stone houses with cone-shaped roofs, are a symbol of this region, and staying in one is a unique experience. We had the pleasure of staying at Dimora Iconica, a beautifully restored trullo, which you can read more about later in this blog.
In This Blog
10-Day Puglia Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Bari and Departure to Locorotondo
Arrive in Bari and pick up your rental car at the airport. From there, drive to Locorotondo, your base for the first part of this trip.
Day 2: Locorotondo
Locorotondo
This picturesque town is known for its circular street plan, “Locus Rotundus” in Latin. Locorotondo is an excellent central location to stay due to its diverse dining options, accommodations, and easy access to the region. Highlights include the old town, Trullo Marziolla (the oldest documented trullo in Italy), and the stunning panoramic views.
Restaurant tips:
- Bufano Wine: enjoy a wine tasting in the middle of the vineyards (second photo)
- U Curdunn: order the “Antipasto U Curdunn” and discover a range of traditional Puglian dishes (first photo)
- Pizzeria Casa Pinto: locals from the surrounding area come here for delicious pizzas
- QuantoBasta Pizza & Dessert: located in a charming alleyway and offers delicious pizza
Day 3: Alberobello, Polignano a Mare, and Monopoli
Alberobello
Explore the fairytale-like streets full of trulli (over 1,000 in total), listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The trulli are divided into two districts: Monti and Aia Piccola. One of my favourite trulli is located on Via Duca degli Abruzzi, 81 (second photo). Alberobello is a classic pitstop in Puglia. It’s one of Puglia’s most visited destinations, so come early to beat the crowds!
Polignano a Mare
Enjoy delicious dishes while overlooking the azure-blue sea and the dramatic cliff coast. White buildings cling to the cliffs, giving the town a postcard-perfect look. This town is famous for one of Italy’s most photographed beaches, the pebble bay beneath the Ponte Borbonico di Lama Monachile bridge.
Tip: for the best view of the beach, head to Belvedere su Lama Monachile (first photo)
Monopoli
Take a relaxed stroll through the old town, explore medieval streets, and enjoy the Porto Vecchio harbour with its traditional blue fishing boats. Amongst my favourite activities was wandering through the narrow streets and along the charming squares. So do not miss Monopoli; it definitely deserves more attention!
Day 4: Ostuni, Cisternino, and Martina Franca
Ostuni
Let yourself be enchanted by the whitewashed houses and the charming old town, known as the “White City”, and discover the rich history and culture. The white houses are whitewashed every year to keep them cool. Bonus: this makes the colorful flowers and painted doors stand out even more! Located on a high hill for protection against invaders, you’ll find the beautiful Duomo (cathedral) at the highest point.
Tip: visit the beautiful blue door “Porta Azzurra” (second photo)
Cisternino
Enjoy local specialties in cosy trattorias and taste the authentic flavours of Puglia amid the charming streets of this town. This small village is definitely worth a visit when seeking an authentic Italian experience.
Martina Franca
Explore the baroque architecture and admire the charming squares, such as Piazza Roma, and discover the artistic treasures of this city. The old town is separated from the new part by baroque gates that once served as entry points when Martina Franca was a fully walled fortress. With its grandiose duomos and palaces, including the Basilica di San Martino, Martina Franca is a must-visit.
Day 5: Lecce
Lecce
Discover the lush baroque architecture and admire the refined style of the city as you wander through the historic streets and squares. This lively university town, located near the southern tip of Puglia, attracts students from near and far, creating a relaxed atmosphere. Highlights in Lecce include architectural beauties such as the Duomo and the Basilica di Santa Croce, and dining in the historic old town.
Day 6: Conversano & Sunset Wine Tasting
Conversano
The charming atmosphere of this town certainly surprised me! Conversano is a sleepy town worth visiting, if only to taste life in Puglia outside the main tourist attractions. Stroll through the streets or visit the castle. One of my favourites!
Sunset Wine Tasting in Locorotondo
Head back to Locorotondo for a sunset wine tasting among the vines, the perfect way to unwind. We did ours at Azienda Agricola di Bufano Domenico.
Day 7: Grotta Del Trullo
Visit the Grotta del Trullo in Putignano, a lesser-known but beautiful cave filled with stalactites and stalagmites. It’s less crowded than the famous Castellana Caves and still incredibly impressive!
Day 8: Locorotondo to Matera
Matera
Matera, though technically in Basilicata, is an unmissable stop. Famous for its Sassi (ancient cave dwellings), this city offers a truly unique atmosphere. Wander its maze-like streets and discover why it’s one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world.
Good to know:
- Stairs: Prepare for an abundance of stairs in Matera, and consider the heat while climbing them. If you visit in the summer, I recommend planning your visit in the early morning or late afternoon to stay cooler
- Shoes: Sturdy shoes are an absolute necessity. Flip-flops and Birkenstocks are not suitable for these smooth cobblestones!
For the best views of the city, head to:
- Via Madonna dell’Idris: In front of Chiesa Rupestre di Santa Maria di Idris (first photo)
- Belvedere di Piazza Giovanni Pascoli
Restaurant tips:
- Cremes Bureau – Vero Gelato Artigianale: for delicious gelato!
- Annina 1937: enjoy traditional pastas in an old alley of the Sassi
- Tierra: a bit outside the oldest part of the city but with a delightful atmosphere
Day 9: Matera
Spend the day getting to know Matera better. Visit museums, peek into cave churches, and simply wander the magical alleyways.
Day 10: From Matera to Bari
Bari
Return to Bari and explore the old town. In Bari, local nonnas make regional orecchiette pasta on the thresholds of family-run restaurants. The small, ear-shaped shells are dried on wooden trays and left in the sun, perfectly shaped to hold sauces. It’s a lively, authentic end to your journey.
Puglia Map
Make sure to save this map to explore Puglia more easily!
How to Visit Puglia
The main airport serving Puglia is Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport (BRI), which offers both domestic and international flights, making it a convenient entry point into the region. However, for those traveling from other parts of Italy or Europe, Brindisi Salento Airport (BDS) is another option, especially if you’re planning to stay closer to the southern towns of Puglia. Both airports are well-connected by public transport and car hire services.
Find flights to Puglia
Getting Around Puglia
To fully enjoy Puglia’s beautiful spots, it is recommended to rent a car at Bari Airport, where plenty car rental options are available. Although public transport is possible, a road trip is highly recommended. Note that many Pugliese towns have car-free ‘centro storico’ areas, where driving through with a car may result in fines.
By Train
Puglia’s train system offers a convenient way to travel between major towns and cities. Trenitalia operates regional trains connecting places like Bari, Lecce, and Brindisi, making it easy to explore the region without the hassle of driving. While train travel can be scenic and comfortable, it’s best suited for longer distances. However, do keep in mind that smaller towns may not be as easily accessible by train, so a mix of train and other forms of transportation may be necessary.
Purchase your train tickets in advance
By Tour
For those looking for a more relaxed and guided way to explore Puglia, taking a tour can be a great option. There are a variety of tours available, from day trips to guided tours of towns like Matera, Alberobello, and Ostuni. Many of these tours offer transport and an expert guide to help you dive deeper into the region’s culture, history, and hidden gems.
Whether you’re interested in food tours, wine tastings, or historical excursions, tours can provide a hassle-free way to see the highlights of Puglia while learning from local experts.
When to Visit Puglia
The best time to visit Puglia is from May to mid-June and mid-September to October. These shoulder seasons offer the perfect balance: warm weather, fewer tourists, and more affordable accommodation. It’s the ideal time for road trips, long lunches outside, and exploring charming towns without the crowds.
Where to Stay in Puglia
For maximum relaxation, consider two different locations during your journey. We spent six nights in charming Locorotondo, strategically located, and two nights in Matera, allowing exploration at a leisurely pace.
Staying in Locorotondo
Our stay in Dimora Iconica was a dream. We stayed in one of the two trulli, surrounded by a serene environment with a tempting pool and the luxury of al fresco dining thanks to the outdoor kitchen, set amidst the beautiful countryside.
What makes a trullo so special? The thick stone walls not only keep the interior cool in summer and warm in winter, but they also add to the fairytale-like charm of the place. Staying in such a historic home made the experience feel even more authentic and magical.
Staying in Matera
I highly recommend staying at least one night in Matera (ideally two) to truly soak in the magic of this ancient city. While some visit as a day trip, there’s something truly special about experiencing Matera in the early morning or just after sunset, when the golden light dances across the stone and the alleyways are quiet.
Staying overnight gives you time to explore the Sassi at your own pace, enjoy a slow dinner in one of the atmospheric cave restaurants, and take in the dramatic views without the daytime crowds. It’s the kind of place that deserves to be felt, not rushed.
I edited all images with the Puglia Preset – or check it out on it on Etsy.
