Whitewashed hilltop towns, enchanting olive groves, and stunning coastlines define the Puglia region of Italy. Located at the Southern tip of Italy’s heel, this popular European summer destination epitomizes the essence of slow travel.
Time seems to stand still here, and life moves at a more relaxed pace compared to the bustling northern cities. Long days at the beach, leisurely strolls through quiet towns, and enjoying aperitivo with views of the Adriatic Sea is the Apulian way.
Our 2-week roadtrip through Puglia took us from Bari down to the most southern point in the region. We stayed in a typical Trullo house in the spectacular Valle d’Itria and also in the Baroque city of Lecce, taking day trips to discover somewhere new each day.
Planning a trip to the region can be a bit daunting because there is much to see and do. To help you navigate this beautiful region, we have compiled a list of the 15 most beautiful towns in Puglia that you should visit on your trip.
15 Best Towns in Puglia
1. Alberobello
Alberobello is one of the most uniquely recognizable towns in Puglia. Characterized by it’s distinct white, conical-roofed buildings called Trulli (singular: Trullo), these fairytale-like structures make Alberobello a top destination in the region.
Trulli are cylindrical-shaped dwellings built using an ancient dry-wall technique, which means no mortar is used to bind the stones together. Their steep, pyramid-like roofs are topped with thin limestone slabs. These unique architectural features have contributed to Alberobello being designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
While Trulli can be found scattered throughout the Valle d’Itria, Alberobello is particularly famous for its dense concentration of these buildings, with around 1,500 Trulli located in the Rione Monti and Aja Piccola neighborhoods.
For the best views, stop at this viewpoint. Some of the Trulli are open to visitors, giving you a peek inside for a small fee, or sometimes for free.
2. Ostuni
Known as the “White City” for its whitewashed walls and buildings, Ostuni is one of the gems of Puglia, and one of my personal favorite towns.
Ostuni is a fantastic spot to base yourself in Puglia for the week. It is close to the coast and within an hour’s reach by car of other must-see towns, such as Alberobello, Locorotondo, and Polignano a Mare.
We stayed in the Valle d’Itria, not far from Ostuni, and spent many evenings wandering through the town’s quaint streets, enjoying the endless views and always in search of authentic Puglian cuisine.
Fortunately, Ostuni offers a variety of dining options, including several Michelin guide restaurants. I particularly enjoyed eating at Osteria Del Tempo Perso.
For aperitivo, Borgo Antico Bistrot is a neat spot, situated on a steep zig-zagged path with stunning views of the Adriatic Sea.
3. Polignano a Mare
Set atop jagged limestone cliffs, this sun-drenched coastal town is one of the most sought-after destinations in Puglia. Popular for both its iconic beaches and spectacular coastline, Polignano a Mare is the definition of Italian summer holiday. Hidden beaches, turquoise waters, al fresco dining – what more can you ask for?
Spend a day at the famous Lama Monachile Beach, but get there early if you want a decent spot. For wonderful views overlooking the town and sea, head to Pietra Piatta or Belvedere su Lama Monachile.
The town itself is enjoyable to walk through, with its narrow streets and plenty of small shops to explore. Grab a bite to eat a local favorite like L’Osteria di Chichibio, known for its delicious seafood.
4. Locorotondo
Locorotondo is one of the quieter towns in Puglia, offering an escape from the bustling tourist spots. Surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, this circular hilltop town, with its stunning panoramic views of the Itria Valley, is worth an afternoon stop during your travels.
Stroll through the winding streets, take in the historic buildings and quaint atmosphere. Have lunch at a local Puglian restaurant, or opt for a wine tasting at one of the wine shops in town. Vinifera Vini & Affini has a nice sampling of wines produced in the region.
You don’t need much time here – just a couple of hours is plenty – but you’re to to fall in love with Locrotondo, as we did.
5. Monopoli
Monopoli is a laid-back seaside town with a picturesque harbor and old town. It is conveniently located within walking distance or just a short drive from some of the most pristine beaches in the region, which we highly recommend visiting int he afternoon.
Be sure to visit the town’s cathedral, the historic castle, and Palmieri Palace. For a taste of the local culture, try some freshly caught seafood and watch the fishermen bring in their daily catch at the old port.
Monopoli is a perfect, leisurely day trip. You can combine it with a visit to Polignano a Mare, which is only 15-minutes away by car. Or opt to spend the morning exploring the old town and the afternoon at one of the nearby beaches, such as Cala Porto Rosso.
6. Lecce
Lecce, often called the “Florence of the South,” dazzles with its stunning Baroque architecture and lively cultural scene. We spent a week in Lecce, using it as our home base to explore the Salento peninsula in the southern part of Puglia.
The city’s historic center is a maze of beautiful churches, palaces, and piazzas, all crafted from the local golden limestone. Highlights include the intricate Basilica di Santa Croce, the impressive Roman amphitheater, and the grand Piazza del Duomo.
The streets are lined with traditional trattorias and artisan shops, making Lecce the perfect place to taste authentic Puglian cuisine and shop for unique local goods. Be sure to try local specialties like pasticciotto, a delicious pastry filled with custard.
7. Bari
Bari is Puglia’s capital city, and while it may not captivate you at first sight, it authenticity and rawness will grow on you – at least it did for us.
Weave your way through the labyrinth of narrow streets in the historic old town. Be sure to find “Strada delle Orecchiette,” where you can watch nonnas making fresh orecchiette pasta, a local specialty, right outside their homes.
Along the seafront, the Lungomare offers scenic views of the Adriatic where you’ll see many ships coming and out of the harbor. Bari is one of the busiest ports in Italy, with numerous ferries taking passengers to Greece and Croatia.
Bari is known for its delicious street food, particularly panzerotti and focaccia. For the best focaccia, head to Panificio Fiore. You’ll also find many people selling Sgagliozze, which are fried polenta squares. While they are a tad flavorless, they are a traditional Bari snack and worth a try.
We recommend visiting Bari on a day trip from Polignano a mare, Monopoli, or Ostuni.
8. Matera
Matera is the oldest city in Italy and is thought to be the third oldest city in the world, dating back to over 10,000 years. Once considered the “shame of Italy”, Materia is now one of the country’s jewels.
This incredible city is known for its ancient cave dwellings called the Sassi. These historic districts, Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano, are characterized by houses carved directly into the limestone cliffs.
In the 1950s, due to poor living conditions, the Italian government evacuated the Sassi and began revitalizing the area. Today, Matera has transformed into a major tourist destination. You can explore the Sassi and the historic center either on your own or with a guided tour.
We suggest spending at least one night in Matera, as the city is especially magical when lit up in the evening.
9. Martina Franca
Martina Franca is one of the most beautiful towns in Puglia. As the largest in the Itria Valley, it remains a hidden gem that few tourists visit, offering a more traditional and authentic experience.
Meander through Martina Franca’s squares, such as the lively Piazza Maria Immacolata, where you can enjoy an afternoon drink under the half-moon-shaped loggia.
One of the highlights is the elegant Palazzo Ducale, a 17th-century palace adorned with vibrant paintings and Baroque touches that Martina Franca is known for.
10. Otranto
Otranto is one of the easternmost towns in Italy and has a storied past, having transitioned from a Greek town to Italian and then to being conquered by the Ottoman Empire. Today, this sparkling coastal town is mainly known for its exceptional beaches.
This summer hot spot boasts some of the best beaches in Salento, including the Porto Badisco and Torre dell’Orso, where you can enjoy the stunning Adriatic waters.
For culture-seekers, take a morning or afternoon to explore Otranto. Admire the intricate mosaic floors at the cathedral and marvel at the frescoes inside of the Chiesa di San Pietro.
You can also visit the Aragonese Castle, the focal point of the town, which offers a glimpse into Otranto’s rich history.
11. Gallipoli
Gallipoli’s old town is located on a limestone island on the western coast of Italy’s heel. The old town is small and requires only 1-2 hours to see it all. We recommend visiting on a short day trip from Lecce or one of the nearby towns.
Start with a visit at the medieval Castello di Gallipoli and then proceed to make your way through the town’s winding streets and finally along the seafront walls for wonderful views.
On the other side of the island is La Spiaggia della Purita, a picturesque beach where you can swim and sunbathe.
The coastline boasts some of Puglia’s most beautiful beaches, with crystal-clear water and golden sands. Popular spots include Baia Verde and Punta della Suina, both are a short 15-20 minute drive from Gallipoli.
12. Trani
Located north of Bari, Trani is a postcard-worthy town, known for its stunning medieval architecture and historic harbor. The town’s iconic landmark, the Cathedral of San Nicola Pellegrino, stands majestically by the sea – an ideal photo stop.
Many travelers don’t make it this far north within the region, but if you’re hoping to experience a less-touristy town, then a day trip from Bari to Trani is very doable. It’s only 40 minutes by car.
13. Vieste
Vieste is the place to go for a truly authentic Puglian experience. It’s located 2.5 hours north of Bari, near the border of Molise and Puglia.
Perched on the rugged Gargano Peninsula, Vieste is renowned for its dramatic cliffs and stunning sandy beaches. The town’s scenic beauty is best appreciated from Punta San Francesco, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the coastline.
Just outside of town, the Spiaggia del Castello beach is perfect for sunbathing and swimming. Here, you can also admire the iconic Pizzomunno, a towering limestone monolith that stands majestically on the beach.
If you’re looking to experience both natural beauty and historical sites, I highly recommend adding Vieste to your Puglia itinerary.
14. Galatina
Galatina is a small town located in Salento, and our visit there was a happy accident. While looking at a map, I randomly pointed to it and said, “Let’s check it out!”
At first glance, Galatina feels very local and off the beaten path—we were among only a handful of tourists, which was a refreshing change from the more crowded destinations like Lecce and Ostuni.
The true gem of Galatina, and the main reason it’s worth visiting, is the Basilica di Santa Caterina d’Alessandria. From the outside, it may look like any other church, but once you step inside, you’ll understand why the detour was worth it.
This 13th-century church is covered in breathtaking frescoes depicting different biblical scenes. Having visited hundreds of churches throughout my travels, I can confidently say that this is one of the most memorable ones.
Galatina offers a unique and authentic glimpse into local Puglian life, away from the typical tourist trail. Its hidden charm and the awe-inspiring Basilica di Santa Caterina d’Alessandria make it a must-visit in our books.
15. Castro
From afar, Castro may seem like any other hilltop town in Italy. However, its main appeal isn’t its historic whitewashed center, as seen in the towns of the Valle d’Itria. Instead, the real draw of Castro is its stunning marina.
The marina is surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters, with numerous bathing decks and rugged rocks lining the coast. During the off-season, Castro is peaceful and serene, but in the summer months, it transforms into a bustling resort town.
You can enjoy swimming and sunbathing in the pristine waters or exploring the rocky coastline. The marina area also offers a variety of cafes and restaurants where you can savor fresh seafood and local cuisine while enjoying the scenic views.
Where is the best town to base yourself in Puglia?
During our two weeks in Puglia, we based ourselves in Lecce to explore the southern tip of the region and in the Valle d’Itria near Ostuni to explore northern Puglia. From both of these towns, you can easily take day trips to most places nearby within 30 minutes to an hour.
I suggest booking accommodation in Ostuni or the Valle d’Itria if you want to visit Bari, Locorotondo, Alberobello, Polignano a Mare, and Monopoli. For a seaside experience, consider staying near Monopoli or Polignano a Mare as well.
Lecce is a great central location for exploring southern Puglia. From here, you can easily visit Gallipoli, Castro, and many of the beautiful beach towns in the area.
When is the best time to visit Puglia?
Trying to decide when to visit Puglia? It really depends on your style of travel and what you hope to experience.
June to September is ideal if you’re looking for beach weather, sunny days, and warm water. However, be prepared for crowds as it’s the busiest and most expensive time of year.
We visited in October and felt like we had the entire region to ourselves. It was quiet and calm, but the weather was chilly and not warm enough for swimming. Many shops and restaurants in the coastal towns were also closed for the season.
Winter in Puglia is very quiet. I’d only recommend visiting during this time if you want to explore the towns and are not interested in the beach. The weather can be a bit dreary, which is not ideal for sightseeing.
April to May offers a lovely time of year to visit with fewer crowds. The weather is pleasant, making it a great time to explore both the coastal and inland areas without the summer rush.
Ultimately, the best time to visit Puglia depends on whether you prefer beach days or a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere for exploring the region.
How many days do I need in Puglia?
Two weeks is the ideal amount of time to fully experience Puglia, though one week is the minimum to get a good taste of the region.
If you only have one week, I recommend basing yourself in Ostuni to explore the northern area.
With two weeks, you can split your time between the north and south. Spend one week in the northern region, and then, head to the southern region for the second week. In Salento, you can base yourself in Lecce and explore the nice beaches and towns in the area.
How to get to Puglia?
There are several options for getting to Puglia, depending on your starting point and travel preferences.
If you are visiting from afar, the best way to reach the region is by plane. Puglia has two major airports: Bari and Brindisi. Bari typically offers more connecting flights, but either airport is a good choice depending on your travel itinerary and final destination within Puglia.
For those already visiting Italy, traveling by train is an excellent option. You can reach Bari from Rome in about four hours, enjoying the scenic journey through the Italian countryside.
Finally, if you’re coming from the Balkans, such as Croatia, Albania, or even from Greece, you can catch a ferry to Bari.
How to get around Puglia?
The best way to get around Puglia is by car. Unlike more populated areas in Italy, Puglia is not well connected by train, making public transportation less convenient for exploring the region.
While you can take the bus or train to some major destinations like Lecce and Ostuni, having a car gives you the freedom to visit smaller towns and off-the-beaten-path locations at your own pace.
Initially, we were worried about driving in Southern Italy due to stories about aggressive drivers. However, while we did encounter some spirited driving, overall, it wasn’t too bad, and we found the experience manageable.
We rented our car through Discover Cars, our go-to company for rental cars in Europe. They provide a wide selection of vehicles and companies at competitive rates.
More information for your trip to Italy
ITALY TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE
Italy Travel Insurance – We always get travel insurance before all of our trips for peace of mind. Check out Travel Insurance Master to find the best plan for you.
Italy Rental Cars – We’ve rented a car in Italy many times, and it’s definitely the most convenient way to get around the countryside. We rented our car through Discover Cars (our go-to rental agency), which helps you find the best rates no matter where you are traveling.
Italy Phone Plans – If your phone plan does not offer free coverage in Italy, then we suggest getting an eSIM. We used Airalo during our trip to Italy, and we had fantastic coverage the entire time. It’s easy to download and you can even top up via the app if needed.
Italy Hotels – Wondering where to book your accommodations for Italy? We’ve been reserving all of our hotels through Booking for years. Their messaging tool makes it easy to communicate with the hotels, and there are endless options to choose from.
JENOA MATTHES
We are a group of 8 from Minnesota currently planning a trip to Puglia. We only have about a week there, and so far have booked us into Polignano a Mare from May 25 thru 28, 2025. At the moment, May 29, 30 and 31 remain open (with a departure on June 1); and we could use some recommendations as to our next base of operations. While we generally prefer to stay in the smaller towns in Italy, I’m wondering if we should consider Bari as our next stop. Any recommendations??
Hi Lorraine, How exciting! Polignano is beautiful, I think you’ll love it there 🙂
I suggest staying somewhere in the Valle d’Itria or near Ostuni for your next stop. Bari can easily be seen on a day trip from Polignano a Mare and the countryside/smaller towns are much more beautiful. I have some hotel and farmhouse recommendations for Ostuni and the Itria Valley in this article.
Let me know if you have any other questions!
Best,
Jenoa