Best Place to Stay in Puglia, What to Skip & How to Get Around: The Ultimate Puglia Cheat Sheet
Planning a trip to Puglia but overwhelmed by all the options? I get it. This sun-drenched region in southern Italy is full of whitewashed towns, turquoise beaches, and mouthwatering food, but it’s also way bigger (and more spread out) than most people expect.
After exploring it myself, I’ve pulled together everything I wish I knew before I went, including how to find the best place to stay in Puglia, how long to stay, what to skip, and how to make the most of your trip.
1. Where to Stay in Puglia
Base Yourself Smart, It Makes or Breaks Your Trip
Puglia is big. Trying to see it all from one town means you will waste hours of your trip driving to and from locations.
My Recommendation? Choose Two Bases:
- Inland: Cisternino, Locorotondo, or Martina Franca
Less crowded, close to Alberobello, Polignano a Mare, and other gems
Stay here 3-4 nights - Coastal: Gallipoli or Otranto
Gorgeous beaches, relaxed vibe, great for day trips to Porto Selvaggio and Marina di Leuca
Stay here 2–3 nights
Bonus Tip: We stayed at Petra Blue Resort & Spa near Galliopoli and loved how close it was to the coast and local beaches.
2. When to Book a Trulli Stay
Want to Stay in a Trullo in Alberobello? Don’t Wait.
Those cute cone-roofed homes you’ve seen on Instagram? They’re called Trulli, and yes, they’re as magical as they look.
- Trulli book out fast in peak season (June–September).
- Book at least 3 months in advance, especially for top-rated ones with a pool or unique design.
- Try this popular one: Trulli Holiday Albergo Diffuso
- Best time to visit: May or late September (fewer crowds, better rates)
Want a guided experience? Try this Alberobello Trulli Walking Tour with a local guide via GetYourGuide.
3. Getting Around
Why You’ll Regret Not Renting a Car
Puglia isn’t built for public transport lovers, a rental car is essential for freedom and flexibility.
- Buses are slow and often stop far from historic centers.
- Many beaches and charming villages are unreachable by train.
- Car rental starts around USD $40–60/day.
I recommend checking prices on Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com, they compare multiple companies for the best deal.
Pro tip: Filter hotels with free parking on Booking.com, parking fees can add €10–20/day in bigger towns.
4. What to Skip (or Just Day Trip)
Don’t Sleep Here (Literally)
Some towns are better as a day trip than a base:
- Alberobello – Magical, but touristy. Go early morning or late afternoon.
- Polignano a Mare – Gorgeous cliffs and views, but overrun by crowds. Perfect for lunch and a wander.
- Lecce – Stunning architecture, but stay elsewhere unless you’re into city breaks.
Book a Lecce Baroque Architecture Walking Tour for an enriching day trip instead of an overnight.
5. What to Do Instead
Authentic Towns Worth Your Time
Here’s where the real Puglia magic happens:
- Ceglie Messapica – A foodie gem with charming streets and fewer tourists.
- Locorotondo – Picture-perfect, quiet, and full of hidden gems.
- Otranto – A relaxed coastal town with a historic castle and turquoise water.
- Porto Selvaggio – Hike and swim in a pine-covered nature reserve.
Explore the beauty of Porto Selvaggio On a Self-Guided Bike Tour if you’re up for some adventure.
6. Bonus: Aperitivo Must-Dos
When in Puglia, Cheese and Wine are Non-Negotiable
No trip is complete without visiting a Masseria, a traditional farmhouse where you can taste local wines, fresh burrata, and homemade olive oil.
We loved Masseria Brusca in the Salento countryside. It’s an authentic, off-the-beaten-path food experience.
For something more curated, check out this EVO Oil Tasting in Masseria in Ostuni on Viator.
Final Thoughts On Puglia Cheat Notes
Save this cheat sheet for later, and don’t forget to check out our Ultimate Puglia Travel Guide.
Got questions about where to stay, what to skip, or how to plan your route?
Drop them in the comments or DM me on Instagram @global.and.beyond.travel.
See you there!