Top Things to do in Puglia in 7 Days

Things to do in Puglia in 7 Days

Day 1: Bari

This is the capital of Puglia, you’ll most likely fly in or out of Bari’s Karol Wojtyla Airport. With a historic center filled with gorgeous Romanesque churches and a long seaside promenade, Bari is a great place to spend the first or last day of your Puglia road trip.

Tip: You can also opt to use Bari as a base from which to explore the rest of Puglia.

Add to this the wide avenues of the Murat district dotted with theatres and designer stores and you can easily spend a whole day just roaming around Bari.

What to see and do in Bari

• Old Town (Bari Vecchia): Wander through the narrow streets of Bari Vecchia and take in the picturesque alleyways, squares, and traditional architecture. The charming Piazza Mercantile and Piazza del Ferrarese are not to be missed.
• Basilica di San Nicola: This Romanesque church is dedicated to Saint Nicholas (Santa Claus) and it’s an important pilgrimage destination for Catholics.
• Swabian Castle (Castello Svevo): Offers panoramic views of the city and the sea. This medieval fortress dates back to the 12th century and sits on the edge of the old town.
• Bari Cathedral (Basilica di San Sabino): This stunning cathedral blends Gothic and Romanesque architectural styles and it is the most important church in Bari.
• Teatro Petruzzelli: Italy’s largest theater – Hosting many important cultural events annually.
• Walk along the Lungomare: Enjoy views of the Adriatic Sea, while relaxing in one of the seaside cafes.
• Go for a swim at the famous Pane e Pomodoro Beach, yes that’s the actual name.

Where to Eat & Drink in Bari

• Martinucci Laboratory: Treat yourself to a traditional pasticciotto – A traditional Puglian pastry filled with custard.
• Trattoria da Gino: Frequented by locals, this trattoria serves authentic Apulian cuisine. Sample their selection of antipasti, including burrata cheese and local cured meats.
• Mastro Ciccio: Try their delicious panzerotti. This local specialty is similar to calzone, but instead of baked it is fried.
• Mercantile Nove: Cocktail bar with nice outdoor seating.
• Voglia Pane e Vino: Sandwich and wine store.
• Mr. Burrata: A takeaway burrata specialized sandwich shop.

Note: Indulge in delicious Puglian cuisine, you should try local specialties like orecchiette pasta, a puccia with grilled octopus or even burrata.

Day 2: Polignano a Mare & Monopoli

Polignano a Mare

A short train ride or drive away from Bari, you will find the picturesque coastal town of Polignano a Mare. With its towering limestone cliffs rising twenty meters above the Adriatic Sea. This Medieval village is best known for its unique, dramatic coastline dotted with caves.

The famous Lama Monachile beach can get quite busy at times, but unlike other beaches in Italy there are no sun beds or umbrellas, so bring your towel and enjoy the sun and the views. There are also some spots for cliff jumping if you’re feeling brave.

The historic center is a maze of photogenic, labyrinthine alleyways, whitewashed houses, restaurants, and pretty churches. You can probably see most of it with 2 hours of aimless wandering.

What to see and do in Polignano a Mare

• Old Town: Stroll the narrow cobblestone streets and admire panoramic views of the coastline.
• Take a boat tour or go by kayak to explore the sea caves and grottoes.
• Lama Monachile: Soak up the sun and swim at this small pebble beach nestled between the cliffs. It can get very busy, especially in high season, so make sure to arrive early to find a spot for the day.
• For a more laid-back, less frequented sunbathing spot, head to Cala Paura, a sheltered cove near the old town.
• Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II: The main square in Polignano’s old town is an ideal spot to take some photos or grab a drink.
• Bastione di Santo Stefano: Take a scenic walk, following the edge of the cliffs.
• Piazza Aldo Moro: Visit the statue of the famous singer-songwriter, Domenico Modugno, remembered for the iconic song “Volare”.

Tip: Other than the Lama Monachile, some good spots for pictures would be Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II with its clock tower, or along via Muraglia.

Where to Eat & Drink in Polignano a Mare

• Grotta Palazzese: Probably the most famous of Polignano a Mare’s restaurants, found in a natural cave overlooking the Adriatic Sea. The views make up in style everything the restaurant may lack in culinary substance.
• Bontà sotto l’Arco dal Gabelliere: We recommend getting an octopus Puccia for a quick and casual, yet delicious, meal. 
• Antiche Mura: Serves traditional Apulian cuisine with a modern twist.
• La Taverna del Duca: In a quaint setting, this small trattoria in the old town serves authentic Apulian cuisine. Enjoy a bottle of Puglia wine while sampling their homemade pasta dishes.
• Il Super Mago del Gelo: A popular bakery in the old town offering delicious pastries and desserts.

Monopoli

Monopoli is quite a small town, which means that it can be explored in just a few hours. To our surprise, Monopoli has a more lived-in feel than its neighboring towns, therefore, offering an authentic Pugliese experience. Make sure to visit the harbor, where you will find colorful boats and locals purchasing fresh fish from the fishing boats.

What to see and do in Monopoli

• Old Town: Monopoli’s historic center is a maze of narrow streets lined with whitewashed buildings and picturesque squares.
• The Harbor: This picturesque harbor is dotted with brightly colored fishing boats and locals purchasing fresh seafood.
• Cathedral of Maria Santissima della Madia: Monopoli’s main cathedral, dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
• Castle of Carlo V: A fortress dating back to the 16th century.
• Head to Cala Porta Vecchia, Cala Cozze, or Lido Colonia for a beach day!
• Take a boat trip to Grotte di Castellana and Grotta della Poesia.

Note: The town holds annual celebrations such as the Feast of Madonna della Madia in December, the Fish Festival in August, and the Fiera di San Martino in November, which could all be interesting times to visit.

Where to Eat & Drink in Monopoli

• Ristorante Il Guazzetto: Try their signature dish, “Il Guazzetto”, a flavorful seafood stew cooked with tomatoes, garlic, and herbs.
• Trattoria La Locanda dei Mercanti: Try their tagliatelle with clams, accompanied by a glass of local wine.
• La Locanda sul Porto: A great restaurant to try the raw seafood mixed platter.
• Trattoria Il Brigante: This restaurant offers fresh seafood dishes, such as fish, grilled octopus, and pasta with clams.
• Pizzeria Pulnicella: Great pizzeria in town. If you’re craving something else other than pizza, make sure to try their grilled octopus.
• Salumeria Gustavo: Serves great focaccia and sandwiches with fresh ingredients.

Day 3: Ostuni

Known as “The White City”. This is one of the most beautiful, and well-known, towns in Puglia. With its city walls and whitewashed buildings perched atop a hill, surrounded by olive groves, Ostuni is a sight to behold.

Tip: We recommend using Ostuni as a base for part of your time in Puglia since nearby towns are a short drive away.

What to see and do in Ostuni

• Old Town: Explore Ostuni’s historic center and wander through the narrow cobblestone streets with whitewashed buildings.
• Check out the Porta Nova, which is also one of the entrances to the historic center.
• Visit the 15th-century Gothic Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta.
• Go people-watching and enjoy a coffee or gelato at Piazza della Libertà.
• Walk along the City Walls for breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
• Enjoy the view from Corso Vittorio Emanuele II.
• Explore the Olive Oil Museum: Learn about the history of olive oil production in the region at the Museo della Civiltà dell’Olio.
• Spend a day relaxing on the nearby beaches, such as Torre Canne or Rosa Marina.

Where to Eat & Drink in Ostuni

• Borgo Antico Bistrot: Sip on an aperitif and enjoy the lively ambiance of this popular local spot on the white steps of Ostuni’s historic center, where the tables are placed along a zig-zag ramp overlooking the olive groves and the Adriatic Sea.
• Garbato: Wine bar near Ostuni’s city walls.
• La Taverna della Gelosia: This restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere, with its stone-walled interior. Its menu features Apulian cuisine with a modern twist.

Day 4 & 5: Lecce

On the very end of the Italian boot, you’ll find Lecce. Known as the “Florence of the South”, for its exquisite Baroque architecture. This captivating gem of a city will make you feel like you have been transported to an era of grandeur and elegance.

Note: We used Lecce as a base for the rest of our time in Puglia, since there is so much to see in this city, and from here we also explored Salento, the southern region of Puglia.

What to see and do in Lecce

• Admire the magnificent Baroque architecture in Lecce’s historic center.
• Spend time in the iconic Piazza del Duomo, home to the beautiful Lecce Cathedral and the Campanile.
• Visit the Basilica of Santa Croce and admire the intricate façade of one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture.
• Step back in time and visit the well-preserved ruins of Lecce’s Roman amphitheater.
• Go to Lecce’s main square, Piazza Sant’Oronzo, named after the town’s patron saint. Here you will find the remains of a Roman theater.
• Explore the 16th-century Castle of Charles V.
• Visit the Church of San Matteo with its intricate interior and stunning frescoes.

Where to Eat & Drink in Lecce

• Alle Due Corti: Family-run and popular restaurant serving authentic gastronomy from Southern Italy.
• Osteria 203: Try their tortellini with pistachio and spaghetti with fermented garlic.
• La Cucina di Mamma Elvira: For authentic, home-cooked Puglian food.
• La Torre di Merlino: Located in a historic tower, you can enjoy a meal with panoramic views of Lecce’s skyline.
• Caffe Alvino: Historic cafe from the 1930s.
• Pasticceria Natale: Pastry shop known for its delicious pastries, cakes, gelato, and pasticciotti.

Day 6: Otranto

Otranto

Being the center of Salentine culture and having an impressive Aragonese castle, this charming coastal town is a must-visit!

What to see and do in Otranto

• Explore the medieval 15th-century fortress, Aragonese Castle, and enjoy panoramic views of the coastline.
• Visit Otranto’s cathedral, Basilica Cattedrale di Santa Maria Annunziata, with its striking mosaic floor, depicting various biblical scenes.
• Discover charming squares and artisan workshops in Otranto’s Old Town.
• Take a stroll along the harbor, and admire the stunning coastal scenery with Albania at a distance.
• Visit the Church of San Pietro, which dates back to the 9th century and it is renowned for its Byzantine frescoes.
• Explore the fascinating network of tunnels, cisterns, and caves in the underground world of Otranto and learn about the role these subterranean spaces played in the defense of this city.
• Head to Punta Palascia, the easternmost point of Italy, to see the iconic Otranto Lighthouse.
• Sunbathe and swim in the crystal-clear waters of Spiaggia degli Alimini or Baia dei Turchi.

Tip: Only 20 minutes by car you will find: Grotte della Poesia, a natural sea sinkhole popular for swimming and sunbathing.

Where to Eat & Drink in Otranto

• Ristorante Fronte Mare: Same chain as restaurant Retro Gusto. A bit on the pricey side, but the food is incredible. Try their seaweed spaghetti with shrimp tartare. 
• La Bella Idrusa: This restaurant’s menu features traditional Salento cuisine.
• Caffè degli Spiriti: Located in a historic building, enjoy an aperitif on the terrace overlooking Otranto’s harbor.

Day 7: Locorotondo & Alberobello

Locorotondo

Regarded as one of Italy’s most charming villages, the town gets its name from its circular, urban layout shape. Get lost in the maze of narrow and winding streets surrounded by well-preserved whitewashed homes, olive groves, vineyards, and rolling hills! 

Tip: Locorotondo and Alberobello are only 10 kilometers away from each other! If you have time, Cisternino is also definitely worth visiting!

What to see and do in Locorotondo

• Explore the historic center characterized by its maze-like streets, whitewashed houses, and plant-filled alleyways.
• Visit the church of San Giorgio Martire, located in the heart of Locorotondo’s old town, with its Baroque interiors, and stunning frescoes.
• Soak in the town’s ambiance at Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II.
• Drive to the Belvedere Santa Maria Greca, a scenic viewpoint outside the town center, for panoramic views of Locorotondo and the surrounding Valle d’Itria with its rolling hills, olive groves, and vineyards.
• Wander through the picturesque countryside surrounding Locorotondo, dotted with vineyards, trulli (traditional stone huts), and ancient olive trees, and sample local wines.

Where to Eat & Drink in Locorotondo

• Ai Tre Santi: Don’t miss their homemade pasta and fresh, locally sourced ingredients all served with warm hospitality. We had eggplant with mozzarella for an appetizer and pasta with olives and artichokes.
• Pizzeria Casa Pinto: Located in a charming alley, offers wood-fired pizzas topped with fresh ingredients.
• Trattoria Terra Madre: A family-run trattoria serving classic Apulian dishes like orecchiette and homemade desserts.
• Osteria Arco Antico Ristorante Pizzeria: Make sure to reserve ahead.
• Locanda di Nonna Mena – San Vito dei Normann: A family-run trattoria specializing in dishes, such as slow-cooked lamb and stuffed eggplant.

Alberobello

This UNESCO World Heritage site is known as the “Trulli capital of Puglia” due to its historic stone huts with conical roofs, known as “Trulli”, which are found only in Puglia. However, Alberobello is particularly special due to whole neighborhoods being composed of these uniquely shaped houses.

Note: The town can get crowded, so we recommend staying a night in an authentic trullo, waking up early, and exploring Alberobello before the day trippers and tour buses arrive.

What to see and do in Alberobello

• Explore the narrow streets and alleyways with whitewashed trulli houses of this unique Italian town.
• Visit the only two-story trullo house in Alberobello, the Trullo Sovrano.
• If you have time, also visit the Museo del Territorio, “Casa Pezzolla,” to learn about the history, culture, and traditions of Alberobello and of the Valle d’Itria region.
• Check out the Trullo Church of Sant’Antonio, housed within a trullo structure.
• Take in the panoramic view from Rione Aia Piccola.

Where to Eat & Drink in Alberobello

• Il Guercio di Puglia: Offers a menu featuring seasonal ingredients and traditional recipes.
• Ristorante Trullo D’Oro: Set within a traditional trullo house.
• Trattoria Terra Madre: Enjoy dishes made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Try their homemade pastas, seafood specialties, and grilled meats.
• Ristorante Gli Ulivi: Located in the scenic countryside, this restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere and a menu featuring regional specialties.

Did you know

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Where to stay in Puglia

• Bari: We loved the aesthetic of this apartment! Dimora Zonno Apartments is located a short 20-minute walk from Bari’s old town. Alternatively, you can opt to stay close to Bari’s central station at this family-run, cute bed and breakfast: Travel B&B.
• Polignano a Mare: Wake up with a sea view at POSEA – Polignano Sea Suites. Alternatively, we also recommend staying at Aquamarea, to enjoy views over the town’s main beach.
• Monopoli: With a rooftop terrace offering views of the old town, B&B A C-Caste, is also just a few metres from the beach. For an accommodation with a more rustic feel, and serving a delicious breakfast, B&B La Porta Vecchia, is located in the narrow streets of the historic center.
• Ostuni: We highly recommend Cà Giò, for a wonderful stay. Alternatively, Hotel La Terra, is a fully restored hotel that dates back to the 13th century.
• Lecce: Stay in the heart of Lecce at Lupiae Casa Vacanze or next to the old town at Vittoria Luxury House.
• Locorotondo: Spend the night in one of these beautiful B&Bs: Da Concavo e Convesso or La Dimora nel Borgo.
• Alberobello: Spend a night in a Trullo! We recommend Mirum Apuliae 16 or Astra.

Tip: You can also stay in, or just eat at, a “Masseria,” These are rural estates made up of traditional stone buildings that used to act as fortified farms. Expect delicious local cuisine and often luxury accommodations.

How to get around in Puglia

Compared to the rest of Italy, public transportation in Puglia is not as developed. The main station is Bari and from there you can travel to nearby cities and towns that make up the “Terra di Bari” area.

Public buses go between towns and cities and are limited to places like Salento, the Gargano, and the Itria Valley, they don’t go to the countryside or certain beaches. Besides, the service is often unreliable and slow.

With this in mind, you will want to have a car when visiting Puglia. Plus, a car is the best option if you have limited time and want to see a lot. This way you have the flexibility to stop wherever you want and travel at your own pace. Yes, distances can sometimes be far, but the landscape is quite stunning, and cute towns along the route are worth the road trip!

We rented a car via Rentalcars.com, which has one of the most convenient services for finding cheap cars to rent in any country. It compares all available suppliers at a location and lets you know the most affordable options.

Best time to Visit

Shoulder season, which occurs in late spring or early autumn, is the ideal time to explore Puglia.

Our recommendation is to avoid the peak summer months, when there are a lot of people and you will experience extreme heat, and high prices. Puglia is the second-hottest region in Italy, after Sicily!

Instead, visit in mid-to-late May, when everything is open, there aren’t many people around, and prices are lower.

Alternatively, you can visit during the fall, from mid-September to the end of October, you will still be able to enjoy great weather without the big summer crowds.

What we missed

With just one week that we spent in Puglia, we didn’t have enough time to see everything. You could easily spend two full weeks touring Puglia. Below are some of the places you could include in your itinerary that we didn’t get around to seeing ourselves.

• Gallipoli: Surrounded by water on all sides and only reachable by sea via a bridge built in the sixteenth century, this city in the South of Puglia is a must see.
• Torre dell’Orso: Is a town not far from Lecce famous for the Due Sorelle rocce – the two sister rocks, which make for a beautiful view when you’re at Due Sorelle beach.
• Grotta della Poesia: The “Cave of Poetry” is a natural salt water pool surrounded by limestone cliffs. It is close to Torre dell’ Orso.
• Torre Sant’Andrea: Stunning landscapes made of rocks and a great spot to swim also close to Torre dell’ Orso!
• Martina Franca: One of the most beautiful villages in the Valle d’Itria, which we are heartbroken we missed!
• Cisternino: Whitewashed, charming, and well-maintained old town.
• Gargano National Park is made of beautiful landscapes and unspoiled beaches.

Tip: Although it is in Basilicata and not in Puglia, Matera, cannot be missed if you’re in this part of Italy. 

Check out our complete travel guide on how to best spend 7 days in Sicily