Puglia, Italy: Your Simple Guide to Italy’s Sun-Kissed Heel
If you’re dreaming of the perfect Italian summer escape, Puglia should be high on your list. Located in Southern Italy – this region is blessed with sunshine, beautiful coastlines, incredibly charming towns, unique fairytale-like trulli houses, and picturesque fishing villages.
No matter how long you spend here, Puglia has a way of making you wish you’d stayed longer. There’s just so much to explore! The good news is that it’s often considered one of Italy’s more budget-friendly regions, so enjoying a week or two here doesn’t have to break the bank.
This guide aims to give you a complete overview of Puglia. Which includes my recommended towns and sights, top beaches, great photo spots, recommendations for hotels and traditional masserie (farmhouses), cafes, travel advice, and more.
When is the Best Time to Visit Puglia?
- Spring & Fall (April, May, September, October): For the ideal combination of pleasant warmth, fewer tourists, and more reasonable prices, aim for May or September. April and October can also be great, but the weather might be a bit more changeable, especially for swimming.
- Summer (June – August): This is peak season with the highest likelihood of constant sunshine. However, you’ll also encounter the hottest temperatures (sometimes very intense in July/August), the highest prices for accommodation, and the largest crowds.
- Winter (November – March): It’s generally advised to avoid visiting during these colder, wetter months, as much of Puglia’s charm is linked to its coastline and outdoor lifestyle.
How Long Should You Stay in Puglia?
Around Ten Days Recommended. While it might sound like a long time for one region, Puglia offers a rich variety of sights, beaches, cultural experiences, and delicious food. You could get a taste in a few days, but to explore both the northern and southern parts at a comfortable pace, ten days is a good target.
Attractions are quite spread out – the popular towns are mostly clustered in the north, while many stunning beaches and coves are further south (about a two-hour drive). Splitting your stay between a northern base and a southern base often works well.
Helpful Tips for Your Puglia Trip
- Money: Italy’s currency is the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, but having cash is useful for small purchases, parking meters, or local markets.
- Getting Your Bearings: Puglia is quite a large region, covering almost 19,500 square kilometers (7,500 sq miles), so expect some driving between areas.
- Safety: While Italy sometimes gets a reputation for pickpockets, Puglia generally feels quite safe. Still, it’s always sensible to be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure, especially in busy towns or beaches.
- Note on Matera: The incredible cave city of Matera isn’t technically in Puglia, but it’s very close to the border and easily visited as a day trip or overnight excursion from northern Puglia.
- Choosing a Base: Where to stay depends on your interests. Many visitors find it convenient to stay in towns like Monopoli or Ostuni when exploring the north (Valle d’Itria area) and then move to a base like Lecce or Otranto for exploring the southern Salento peninsula.
Beautiful Beaches to Discover in Puglia
(Note: Beaches in Puglia are often pebble or rocky coves rather than long sandy stretches. I build a map to help)
Bagno Marino Archi (near Santa Cesarea Terme): A super stylish beach club with a retro vibe. Think colourful umbrellas on rocky platforms, ladders into turquoise water, and great atmosphere. It sits between Cala Fontanelle and Cala Porticciolo. Booking sunbeds (€50+ for two) is recommended in summer.
Cala dell’Acquaviva (near Marittima): A stunning narrow inlet where cool freshwater springs mix with the sea, creating vibrant turquoise water. Surrounded by rocks and greenery, it feels almost like a Greek island cove. Popular for sunbathing on the rocks.
Cala Porta Vecchia (Monopoli): Monopoli’s main town beach, right alongside the historic city walls. The setting is fantastic, though the beach itself is narrow and can get very crowded in summer. You can find quieter spots on the rocks just around the corner.
Grotta della Poesia (Cave of Poetry) (near Roca Vecchia): A spectacular natural sinkhole forming a circular pool of clear turquoise water near the sea. It’s a famous spot for swimming and jumping from the surrounding rocks (though access rules can change, check locally).
Il Ciolo (near Gagliano del Capo): A dramatic deep gorge spanned by a high bridge. You can hike down steps from the bridge level to a small cove with incredibly clear water and sea caves at the bottom. The view from the bridge is amazing.
Lama Monachile (Polignano a Mare): Perhaps Puglia’s most photographed beach, nestled between high cliffs below the town. It’s undeniably beautiful, especially viewed from above, but be warned: it gets extremely crowded in summer, sometimes uncomfortably so.
Marina Serra (near Tricase): A naturally protected swimming pool carved into the rock, mostly shallow and calm, perfect for families or those who prefer gentle waters. Surrounded by stone platforms and small caves.
Spiaggia Porto Miggiano (near Santa Cesarea Terme): A personal favorite for many. This beautiful sandy cove is tucked away at the bottom of a cliff and isn’t visible from the road (use GPS!). There are about 100 steps down. The view from the top is breathtaking.
Torre Sant’Andrea (near Melendugno): Not a traditional beach, but a stunning coastal area with dramatic sea stacks (rock formations) rising out of turquoise water. People swim, sunbathe on the flat rocks, and jump from lower cliffs. Best enjoyed on a calm, sunny day.
Tricase Porto Beach: A picturesque swimming spot right in the small harbour of Tricase Porto, next to the beautiful pink Villa Maria building. A unique and lovely setting for a dip.
Charming Puglia Towns Worth Visiting
- Alberobello: The famous UNESCO town filled with hundreds of unique trulli houses with conical roofs. It feels like stepping into a fairytale. Many trulli now house shops, cafes, and B&Bs. The viewpoint near the Church of Saint Lucia offers a great overview.
- Cisternino: A delightful hilltop town with winding whitewashed alleys, charming courtyards, small boutiques, and a pleasant central piazza. Easily explored in a couple of hours.
- Lecce: Known as the “Florence of the South” for its stunning, ornate Baroque architecture from the 17th century. Explore the Roman Amphitheatre, Lecce Cathedral, Basilica di Santa Croce, and wander the elegant streets. Great food scene too.
- Locorotondo: Often considered one of Puglia’s prettiest towns. It’s a maze of immaculate whitewashed lanes adorned with flowers and colourful details. Offers beautiful panoramic views over the surrounding Valle d’Itria.
- Monopoli: A lively fishing port town with a beautiful historic center (Centro Storico) featuring whitewashed streets, historic churches, a scenic harbour, and sea walls you can walk along. Offers both a town beach and rocky spots for sunbathing.
- Ostuni: Famous as “La Città Bianca” (The White City). Its old town cascades down a hilltop in a dazzling maze of white staircases, narrow alleys, arches, and cobbled streets. Lovely to explore by day, and very atmospheric at night.
- Otranto: A historic coastal town on the Adriatic side, enclosed by ancient walls. Features the impressive Aragonese Castle, a beautiful cathedral with medieval mosaics, and a charming old town. A great base for exploring the southern coast.
- Polignano a Mare: Dramatically perched on cliffs above the sea. Known for its stunning views, the iconic Lama Monachile beach, and a compact old town with charming alleys and squares.
Where to Stay: Puglia Hotels & Masserie
Puglia offers a wonderful range of accommodation, from town hotels to beautifully restored countryside masserie (fortified farmhouses). Here are some recommendations across different towns and styles:
(Town locations in brackets- Get Your Map)
- Antico Mondo (Polignano a Mare): Lovely B&B in the historic center, known for clean, authentic rooms (some with stone walls/sea views) and good service.
- Borgo Canonica (Cisternino): Upscale boutique hotel where rooms are set within beautifully restored individual trulli. Offers a unique and charming stay with lots of character.
- Borgo Egnazia (Savelletri): A luxurious five-star resort designed like a traditional Puglian village. Offers rooms, cottages, and villas, multiple pools, restaurants, spa. A high-end, sprawling property.
- Casamare (Polignano a Mare): Small guesthouse with simple, clean rooms full of character, well-located.
- Dimora Sighe (Alessano): Beautiful, sought-after two-bedroom villa (Airbnb Plus) in the southern countryside. Bright, airy design. Book well in advance if interested.
- Hermanas Relais (Alberobello): Luxury option offering spacious accommodation within three connected trulli right in the heart of Alberobello. Great for families or groups wanting a central trullo experience.
- La Sommita (Ostuni): Five-star Relais & Chateaux hotel in Ostuni’s old town. Features 15 elegant rooms designed with natural tones and local stone. Prime location.
- Locanda Don Ferrante (Monopoli): Top luxury choice within Monopoli’s historic center, overlooking the sea. Beautifully restored building with stylish rooms (some with vaulted stone ceilings). Everything walkable.
- Masseria Grieco (Ostuni): Converted farmhouse near Ostuni with classic Puglian architecture (whitewashed walls, stone arches, conical roofs). Offers a serene countryside stay with character, rooms are simple but charming.
- Masseria Muntibianchi Agri Resort (Otranto): Upscale resort near Otranto surrounded by olive groves. Features minimalist luxury rooms, pools, and a relaxation cave for massages. An oasis of calm.
- Masseria Parco della Grava (Fasano): Historic (18th C.) farmhouse near Cisternino, updated while keeping its charm. Rooms set amongst olive trees on a large property.
- Masseria Salinola (Ostuni): Beautifully restored 18th C. farmhouse near Ostuni offering rustic-chic rooms and suites with a five-star feel.
- Ottolire Resort (Locorotondo): Boutique resort in the countryside near Locorotondo. Offers simple but charming rooms (some with traditional features) in a peaceful setting among olive trees.
- Palazzo Sant’Anna (Lecce): Excellent choice in Lecce. A former monastery transformed into a beautiful hotel built around a stunning stone courtyard. Offers characterful rooms blending history and modern comfort.
- POSEA – Polignano Sea Suites (Polignano a Mare): Solid, clean boutique hotel in a great central location overlooking the sea. Updated rooms.
- Romantic Trulli (Alberobello): Highly popular trullo accommodation known for its authentic charm and picturesque setting. Well-located for exploring Alberobello on foot. Books up quickly.
- San Michele Suite (Polignano a Mare): More luxurious boutique hotel in the old town with fantastic sea views, including Lama Monachile. Bright, stylish rooms.
- Trullo Suite Martodda (Locorotondo): Charming Airbnb Plus trullo conversion just outside Locorotondo. Renovated 18th C. property with modern comforts and airy design.
Recommended Gelato Spots in Puglia
- Baldo Gelato (Lecce)
- Bella Blu Gelateria (Monopoli)
- Ciccio in Piazza (Ostuni)
- Cremeria Alla Scala (Ostuni)
- Gelateria La Romana (Lecce)
- Gelatario Gelateria Naturale (Lecce)
- La Bottega del Gelato (Alberobello)
- Michelangelo Gelateria (Monopoli)
- Sensi Gelateria Artigianale (Lecce)
Recommended Restaurants & Bars in Puglia
(A mix of options across different towns – check specific locations)
- Alex – Seafood (Lecce)
- A’Roma l’Osteria – Roman Pasta (Lecce)
- Borgo Antico Bistrot – Drinks, Appertivo (Ostuni)
- Burro Cafe – Coffee, Pastries (Ostuni)
- Cru Fish Bar – Seafood (Polignano a Mare)
- Il Posto Affianco – Italian (Ostuni)
- L’Arco Dei Tipici – Apertivo (Locorotondo)
- La Casa Del Mojito – Drinks (Polignano a Mare)
- La Lira Focacceria – Pizza/Focaccia (Alberobello)
- MINT Cucina Fresca – Mediterranean/Healthy (Polignano a Mare)
- Osteria Pizzeria Sant’Oronzo – Italian (Ostuni)
- Osteria Ricanatti – Italian, Mediterranean (Ostuni)
- Pizza & Co. – Pizza (Lecce)
- Ristorante Il Bistrot – Italian, Mediterranean (Ostuni)
- Ristorante Mezzofanti – Italian (Cisternino)
- Sottocoperta – Drinks (Monopoli)
- Terra Nostra Salumeria e Asporto – Sandwiches/Platters (Ostuni)
- Trattoria Sapere E Sapori – Italian (Ostuni)
- Trattoria “Casa Amatulli” di Gianvito Amatulli – Italian (Alberobello)
Getting Around Puglia
By Car is Best To truly experience Puglia and have the freedom to explore its spread-out towns and coastline, renting a car is highly recommended. Driving in Puglia is generally less stressful than in major Italian cities; roads between towns often cut through pleasant countryside and are relatively straightforward. Major rental companies are available at Bari and Brindisi airports.
How to Get To Puglia
- By Plane: The two main airports serving the region are Bari International Airport (BRI) and Brindisi Airport (BDS). Both offer flights from other Italian cities and various destinations across Europe.
- By Train: If traveling within Italy by train, Bari Centrale Train Station is the main hub for Puglia. It has connections to major cities like Rome, allowing onward travel to other parts of Italy.
Puglia Map Pins: For help planning your itinerary, I’ve compiled over 150 of my favorite spots across Puglia onto a shareable Google Map. It includes pins for key towns, sights, viewpoints, recommended hotels and masserie, restaurants, cafes, beaches, and more. You can save it to your own Google Maps account for easy use while traveling.
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