March, 22 2023 ( Updated August, 22 2024)
Italy’s Puglia region is the famous “heel of the boot” located in the south of the country and oozes grandness of life in every aspect. Its cuisine, sunny beaches, captivating architecture, white villages and winding alleys would instantly transport anyone taking a road trip through this part of Italy into a dreamy escape. So, we asked the locals for recommendations and rounded up the best itinerary for the ultimate Puglia road trip in any season!
The iconic trullis of the UNESCO-heritage Alberobello
Puglia is the perfect destination for a road trip in any season due to its mild temperatures throughout the year, especially in late spring and early autumn. However, during the summer, Puglia can be quite hot and crowded.
If you are considering what to see in Puglia, then Terra di Bari, Salento, Gargano Peninsula and Itria Valley with the Arco Ionico Tarantino, have something very different to offer. You just have to choose the areas based on your interest and style of traveling.
Easily accessible through two international airports in Bari and Brindisi, you can start your road trip from the north (Bari) or the south (Brindisi). However, it is recommended to rent a car for a comfortable experience as public transport may not always be reliable. For those coming by train, the train leaving from Milan Central stops at Foggia (Gargano), Barletta, Bari, Brindisi and Lecce.
Puglia offers extreme flexibility when it comes to the number of days you would like to spend as well as generally cheaper prices than the north of Italy. So, depending on your budget and time, you can plan a Puglia road trip itinerary from anywhere between 4-5 days to 10-11 days. And based on your schedule, you can decide what to do in Puglia and which area you want to cover.
Now that you have an idea of what a Puglia itinerary could look like, let us take you through our ultimate Puglia road trip guide as recommended by the locals!
The capital of Puglia can rightly be called the capital of Apulian food as well. Apart from Romanesque architecture that sits beautifully on the edges of this coastal town, Bari’s food and nightlife would perfectly let you slide into the holiday mood. Focaccia Barese , Braciole, Fave e cicorie, Spaghetti all’assassina and the oven baked Patate, riso e cozze or Tiella are some of the most popular Apulian dishes to try in Bari! Don’t forget to try the amazing seafood, especially the octopus!
Relax and stay the night in the centre of Bari before heading ahead!
Have a walk on Bari waterfront and enjoy the amazing views
Thirty minutes' drive from Bari, Polignano a Mare is an unmissable stop. It is perched on steep cliffs and surrounded by irresistible turquoise waters, which you will find at the Lama Monachile, a top beach area with crystal-clear waters. As recommended by locals, you can head to the cave restaurant Ristorante Grotta Palazzese, which is quite an experience in itself.
Tip: Reserving a table with some notice is necessary at Grotta Palazzese.
Keep Polignano as your base to travel to the next, closely located destination!
Aerial view of Polignano a Mare’s coast
The next stop is Monopoli, just 15 minutes from Polignano and ideal to beat the heat in amazing swimming waters. You can top off your dip on Monopoli’s beaches with a hearty lunch after and a walk through its old town that has no less than 16 medieval churches! Book a holiday home here to explore them all!
Monopoli's old port with traditional boats in the foreground
The most famous attraction of the Terra di Bari, Castellana Caves are a beautious representation of nature located in the town of Castellana Grotte. The caves offer a sight into canyons, stalagmites, stalagtites and are more than 60 metres deep. The caves are just a 20-minute drive from Monopoli, perfect to round up your travels in the area with a comfy stay in the town!
The remarkable cave system of Castellana Caves
For a little something away from the usual list of things that you will find in Puglia, Andria is perfect. Here, you can admire eye-catching architecture (Chiesa di Sant ’Agostino, Andria Cathedral and the ornate ceiling of Basilica di Santa Maria dei Miracoli) and enjoy nature on your visit to the stunning UNESCO-heritage Castel Monte. This Swabian Castel is located inside the Alta Murgia National Park (30 minutes from Andria) and is a unique example of architectural harmony. If you feel a bit adventurous then you can also hike, bike and trek in the park trails!
Tip: Andria is a convenient stop if you plan to go further up north to the Gargano Peninsula.
The impressive Castel del Monte, located on a small hill near Andria
Pro Tip: If you have some extra time, then you must visit the spooky caves of Gravina in Puglia and the rock-cut Church of Saint Michael with skulls and bones of the martyrs of the Saracen attack in 999 D.C.!
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Iconic because of the 87-feet-tall rock of Pizzomunno, Vieste sits on the edges of the white limestone cliffs and has one of the most beautiful settings in Puglia, with a long sandy beach and clear waters. The town is also a good starting point to visit natural reserves like Gargano National Park and Umbra Forest, perfect for those who want to take a break from the beaches and the eating sprees.
Sunset falls over the lovely coastal town of Vieste
Half an hour from Vieste is Peschici, where you can once again swim in stunning waters at the famous Spiaggia di Zaiana. Have no regrets and do try the fresh fish dishes in one of the numerous Trabucchis as recommended by the locals!
The idyllic coastal village of Peschici
Part of the Gargano National Park, the archipelago is a marine reserve which is ideal for making stunning excursions to beautiful beaches and enjoying water sports like diving and snorkeling in clear waters with no crowds at all. Out of the four islands of the archipelago, only two are inhabited: San Domino (the biggest and most popular island) and San Nicola. Ferries to the islands are available from both Vieste and Peschici.
The crystal-clear waters of Tremiti islands
If you are in the mood for something idyllic or romantic, then Locorotondo is ideal. This Apulian destination is one of the most beautiful villages in Italy and can also be visited during Christmas time when its white-washed beauty is illumined by beautiful Christmas decorations. When in Locorotondo, you cannot miss out on Gnumerieddi and Bombette Pugliesi, rich meat pork rolls stuffed with cheese.
Lose yourself among the lovely white streets of Locorotondo
Home to the ancient structures of Trulli, Alberobello is a UNESCO-heritage, must-stop on your road trip. It is a quick 15-minute drive from Locorotondo. For the best experience, choose to stay a night in one of the trulli houses, to immerse yourself truly in its warm atmosphere that is less crowded once the day tourists are gone.
Our vacation rental, the chic and traditional Trullo Cielo Cielo in Alberobello, property ID 4731
From Alberobello, a 20-minute car ride, and you will reach Martina Franca - an extremely post-card-beauty kind of town with lots of picture-worthy spots and stunning buildings like Palazzo Ducale and Basilica di San Martino. You can also enjoy lunch while gazing at the imposing Basilica from Ristorante Garibaldi located right in the centre of the old town of Martina Franca.
If you want to stop here, you can book one of our holiday homes.
For a full dose of beautiful Baroque and Rococò architecture, Taranto is your stop! Located a 40-minute drive from Martina Franca, Taranto’s history goes back to the ancient Greeks! Some architectural gems to visit in the city include the Castello, Cattedrale San Cataldo, City Hall of Taranto and the atmospheric seaside promenade, perfect to enjoy the city and the sea breeze.
The medieval Aragonese Castle on Taranto’s seaside
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If you are coming from the Brindisi airport, then this port city, just like Bari, also offers you the convenience of travelling to Greece! For sightseeing in the beautiful city, there are beautiful churches; Castello Alfonsino on the island of St. Andrea; a famous harbour lined with restaurants serving fresh seafood; and the picturesque strip of land, Diga di Punta Riso, merging into the sea!
A street to the port in the historic centre of Brindisi
The next stop on your trip is perhaps the most picturesque one and is just 30 minutes from Brindisi! Known as the “white city”, Ostuni is an enchanting maze of beautiful bougainvillea adorned houses and a certain Apulian charm that you can appreciate only by getting lost in its narrow streets. Discover the gothic architecture like Ostuni Cathedral in the Piazza Beato Giovanni Paolo II, by booking a walking tour around its historic center.
Tip: In Ostuni, the Osteria del Tempo Perso and Riccardo Caffè are extremely charming places for having a meal or a drink.
The white town of Ostuni with the blue sea in the background
Ostuni is a good base as it is close to both Salento and Valle d’Itria. Consider booking your holiday home here!
One of the most important towns in the region, Lecce is also known as the “Florence of the South” due to the number of beautiful Baroque-style architecture scattered throughout the city; one of the unmissable ones is the Basilica di Santa Croce. You can also choose to go on an eco-rickshaw tour and visit its various jewels like the Roman Amphitheatre, Piazza Duomo and the historic centre.
Lecce’s Roman Amphitheatre, one of its main attractions
In Apulia, the best way to soak up any area is to literally take a dip in its waters. Close to Lecce is the gorgeous Grotta della Poesia, a truly mythical place and thought to be the home of nymphs and sea goddesses! You can also head to Torre dell’Orso to refresh yourself in the clear blue waters. Both locations are half an hour's drive from Lecce.
Grotta della Poesia, a spectacular cave near Lecce
Pro tip: In Lecce, do not miss out on the local food. Try the street food, the rustic yet super delicious Rustico Leccese -a puff pastry with tomato, béchamel sauce and mozzarella cheese stuffed inside, the local red wines and the typical breakfast of pasticciotto and caffè leccese!
Immersing in an authentic Italian atmosphere is all you ever wanted on your trip to Italy? If the answer to this question is yes, then Gallipoli is the perfect next stop, with lovely beaches (one of the most famous is the Spiaggia della Purita), lots of restaurants, bars and cafes. Since it is quite a popular destination, this charming stop can be quite crowded during summer!
Tip: Two typical things of this town are the papier mâché figurines and the Gallipoli fish soup called Zuppa di Pesce alla Gallipolina!
Spiaggia della Purita’s turquoise waters
Castle of Otranto, the inspiration behind the first ever gothic novel by Horace Walpole, is in the historical city of Otranto (located 1 hour’s drive from Gallipoli). Here, visit the famous Castle and then make your way to Punta Palascìa Lighthouse and soak up the Easternmost part of Italy with only the magnificent Adriatic Sea in front of you and nothing else!
You can also make a quick stop if you want to experience a natural phenomenon in the Apulian region: the Bauxite Caves. A must-try foodie’s dish is cozze gratinate (Mussels with breadcrumbs and pecorino), a typical seafood dish in Italy. Use Otranto as a base to explore the extreme south of Puglia and book your holiday home here!
Arieal view of the Otranto’s coast and its famous castle
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Puglia’s iconic orecchiette and cime di rapa pasta
Puglia is renowned for its fruity red wines, whites and rosés along with the fresh and local food. Plus, when here you must indulge in delicacies such as Andria’s Burrata Cheese, the famous Orecchiette pasta usually seasoned with cime di rapa or ragù and Bari’s Tiella, an Italian take on Spanish Paella. And don’t forget to buy olive oil, Apulian wine and homemade taralli as souvenirs!
So, are you ready to travel to the land of typical Italian charm of “La Dolce Vita”? Start by booking your perfect holiday homes in the area you want to start your Puglia road trip!
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