Polignano a Mare is a must visit spot in Puglia

Ultimate Puglia Travel Guide: Best Things to Do In Puglia For First Timers

So, you’re thinking about visiting Italy but want something a little different from the usual Rome-Florence-Venice route?

Let me introduce you to Puglia! The sun-drenched heel of Italy’s boot, honestly, it’s one of the country’s best-kept secrets and I have no idea why more people don’t go here.

Puglia is where slow living meets jaw-dropping coastlines, where olive groves stretch forever, and where you can sip local wine on a quiet piazza while listening to the hum of Italian life all around you.

If you’re after authentic charm and unforgettable experiences, you’ll love discovering the many things to do in Puglia.

Why Visit Puglia?

Just wait until I tell you why! You’ll be as shocked as me that you haven’t been there yet!

Puglia is raw, authentic, and I can personally vouch for the fact, it’s often half the price of Italy’s more touristy hotspots.

Cisternino
Puglia
Cisternino

This region is perfect for:

  • Food lovers, think fresh burrata, orecchiette, seafood straight off the boat!
  • Beachgoers, hello turquoise Adriatic and Ionian waters complete with the most spectacular grotto caves.
  • History buffs & cultural explorers. This is where you can tour stunning baroque churches, whitewashed towns, and ancient ruins.

Key highlights include:

  • The fairytale Trulli houses of Alberobello
  • The sparkling white cities like Ostuni and Locorotondo
  • Cliffside towns like Polignano a Mare
  • Affordable prices, especially outside peak summer

Best Beaches in Puglia Region are:

  • Polignano a Mare: Perfect if you’re chasing turquoise water and dramatic cliffs. It’s that postcard-perfect spot where people cliff dive (don’t worry, watching counts too).
  • Pescoluse: For soft white sand and calm, shallow water, (nicknamed the Maldives of Salento) Pescoluse is absolutely dreamy.
  • Porto Selvaggio: If you want somewhere a bit more local, Porto Selvaggio near Gallipoli is a natural, pine-fringed cove that feels like a hidden gem. Honestly, you could beach hop for weeks here and never get bored.

Whether you’re chasing dreamy views, delicious food, or a slower pace of life, this region delivers in spades and some of its highlights are truly one-of-a-kind.

Let’s get stuck in.

Best Things to Do in Puglia

Wondering what to do in Puglia? There’s so much I don’t even know where to start.

Here are 10 unforgettable experiences worth booking:

Polignano a Mare
Puglia, Italy
Polignano a Mare is a must visit spot in Puglia
Polignano a Mare

  • Cooking Class in Lecce – Roll up your sleeves and learn to make orecchiette from scratch with a local nonna. You’ll dive into traditional Puglian recipes and sit down to enjoy your meal with a glass of wine in hand.
  • Boat Tour in Polignano a Mare – Set sail along the coastline, ducking into limestone sea caves and swimming in turquoise coves. It’s the best way to see Polignano’s famous cliffs from a whole new angle.
  • Bike Tour in the Valle d’Itria – Pedal your way through postcard-perfect countryside, past dry stone walls, vineyards, and olive groves. Along the way, stop in tiny villages for a gelato or a glass of wine.
  • Street Food Tour in Bari – Follow a local through the buzzing old town as you snack on focaccia barese, panzerotti, and sweet treats you’d never find on your own. Come hungry, this one’s a feast.
  • Sunset Aperitivo in Gallipoli – Nab a waterfront table and toast the golden hour with a spritz in hand. With the sea sparkling and locals spilling into piazzas, it’s pure Italian magic.
  • Baroque Architecture Tour in Lecce – Deep dive into the stories behind the golden facades, ornate balconies, and dreamy churches of Lecce. A guide will help you see the city’s history in a whole new light.
  • Day Trip to Matera from Alberobello or Bari – Explore the ancient Sassi cave dwellings and feel like you’ve stepped onto a movie set. It’s an easy day trip to one of Italy’s best towns.
  • Town Hopping Tour in Salento – Hit the road with a guide and discover the hidden gems of southern Puglia, from pastel piazzas to beachy fishing villages. It’s perfect if you want to see more without the stress of planning.

How to Get Around Puglia

  • Hiring a car is the best way to explore the region, especially if you’re visiting smaller towns or countryside stays. You can hire a Fiat for as little as $87 USD a day. Find the best deals here
  • Trains connect major towns like Bari, Lecce, Polignano, and Monopoli fairly well. They’re reliable and budget-friendly. But they often drop you on the outskirts of town. You won’t have to pay for parking or car hire, but this also means you might miss some of Puglia’s hidden gems and spots that are off the beaten track.
  • Don’t have a car? Or don’t want to drive? Skip the hassle, drink all the wine you want and take a few guided day tours instead from Bari, Lecce or Alberobello. These particular day tours listed below cover a lot of ground for a great price.
Cisternino
Ceglie Messapica
Alberobello

Best Day Tours in Puglia

  • Polignano a Mare/Bari: Alberobello and Matera On Your Own: Enjoy the freedom to explore two iconic towns at your own pace. Wander the fairytale trulli of Alberobello, then soak up the ancient cave dwellings of Matera. Transport is included, so all you have to do is show up and enjoy.
  • From Bari: Full Day Tour to Polignano and Alberobello: Join a guided day trip that takes you from Bari to two of Puglia’s prettiest towns. Snap cliffside views in Polignano a Mare, then stroll the winding lanes of Alberobello’s trulli district. Great for first-timers who want to see the highlights with ease.
  • From Lecce: Alberobello Trulli Private Day Tour: Head out from Lecce on a private tour to explore the UNESCO-listed trulli of Alberobello. You’ll have a guide with you to share the stories behind the town’s unique cone-roofed houses.
  • Alberobello, Monopoli, Polignano: Private tour from Bari: Tick off three of Puglia’s most picturesque spots in one easy day trip. You’ll visit the trulli of Alberobello, the seaside streets of Monopoli, and the postcard cliffs of Polignano. Perfect for travelers short on time.

Best Places to Visit in Puglia (With Highlights & Tips)

Not sure where to start in Puglia? Here are the must-visit spots, plus a few local tips to help you soak up the best views, bites, and vibes along the way.

Bari

Bari is the gateway to Puglia. In the old town, Bari Vecchia, you can wander a maze of stone alleyways where nonnas still make orecchiette pasta by hand, right outside their front doors. Make sure to try the freshly baked focaccia and panzerotti (fried pizza pockets), your go-to street snack. Bari also has a major ferry port and airport, making it a practical starting point for your Puglia adventure.

Polignano a Mare

Polignano is the postcard of Puglia, a cliff-hugging town with dramatic views over the turquoise Adriatic. The small beach at Cala Porto, tucked between limestone cliffs, is perfect for a swim, though it gets super busy in summer. Snap a photo at the statue of Domenico Modugno (the voice behind “Volare”) and stroll the Balconata sul Mare for iconic views. When the sun sets, grab a scoop of gelato from Il Super Mago del Gelo, a local institution.

Monopoli

Just down the coast from Polignano, Monopoli offers similar charm with fewer crowds. Its old harbor, lined with colorful fishing boats, is a joy to explore on foot. The historic center is full of narrow streets, whitewashed buildings, and cozy restaurants tucked into stone courtyards. If you’re looking for a laid-back base that still delivers on seaside vibes, Monopoli is an underrated gem with great food, local markets, and better prices than its more famous neighbors.

Alberobello

A trip to Puglia wouldn’t be complete without seeing Alberobello’s whimsical trulli, the town’s iconic whitewashed stone huts with conical roofs. This UNESCO-listed town can get touristy, so aim to visit early morning or in the late afternoon when the crowds thin and golden hour light hits just right. A walking tour is a great way to dive into the town’s history and discover quiet laneways and secret viewpoints away from the main drag.

To make the most of your visit to Alberobello, I’ve put together a custom walking route that takes you through the town’s must-see spots, from the colorful trulli in Rione Monti to the peaceful charm of the residential district.

Whether you’re planning a quick day trip or a leisurely stroll, this interactive map will help you navigate easily and soak in all the magic without missing a thing. Just click, zoom in, and start exploring below!

Ostuni

Nicknamed the “White City,” Ostuni dazzles from afar, perched on a hilltop with sweeping views over olive groves to the sea. The old town is a maze of bright white buildings, artisan boutiques, and lively cafés where locals sip espresso in the sunshine. Summer nights come alive with outdoor music, food stalls, and open-air aperitivo spots. Ostuni strikes a nice balance between culture, nightlife, and postcard-perfect streets.

Locorotondo & Cisternino

Locorotondo is a sleepy beauty with a circular historic center and flower-filled balconies overlooking vineyards and trulli-dotted fields. It’s perfect for a glass of local white wine at sunset. Just 15 minutes away, Cisternino is a rustic gem known for its fornelli pronti, butcher restaurants where you choose your meat, and they grill it right in front of you. These towns are ideal for slow travel.

Lecce

Often called the “Florence of the South,” Lecce is a baroque masterpiece. Its honey-colored buildings glow in the afternoon sun, especially around Piazza del Duomo and the Roman amphitheater. Lecce is also a foodie city: try pasticciotto, a sweet pastry filled with custard, and wash it down with a Lecce-style iced coffee (caffè leccese with almond milk). Culture lovers will find museums, churches, and artisan workshops around every corner.

Gallipoli

Facing the Ionian Sea, Gallipoli is a sun-soaked summer hotspot with a historic island center connected by a bridge to the mainland. The old town is full of winding lanes and seaside restaurants serving just-caught seafood. For a local experience, head to the fish market in the early morning. By day, the beaches are perfect for swimming, and by night, bars along the waterfront buzz with energy. This was by far our favorite place to unwind at night.

Otranto

Otranto blends seaside beauty with a rich history. The harbor is stunning, but it’s the medieval heart of the town that makes it special. Make sure you visit the 11th-century cathedral to see its intricate mosaic floor, then wander through the fortress walls for sweeping sea views. Otranto is a great place to base yourself if you want both beach time and cultural depth, without the overwhelming crowds.

Santa Maria di Leuca

At the very tip of Italy’s heel lies Santa Maria di Leuca, where the Adriatic and Ionian seas meet. It feels like the end of the world, but in the best possible way. A scenic lighthouse watches over the coastline, and boat tours from the marina take you to sea caves and hidden coves. This is Puglia at its most peaceful, especially at sunset when the sky lights up over the cape. There’s nothing quite like it!

Gargano Peninsula

Farther north, the Gargano Peninsula offers a completely different feel. Rugged, green, and wild, this is Puglia’s nature playground, home to dramatic sea cliffs, the dense Umbra Forest, and charming fishing towns like Vieste and Peschici. Hike the trails of Gargano National Park, explore sea caves by boat, or ferry out to the Tremiti Islands. Book your ferry tickets here. And don’t forget Monte Sant’Angelo, perched high above the sea, it’s a pilgrimage site with deep spiritual roots.

Matera – Bonus – in Basilicata, but often combined with Puglia

Just over the border in Basilicata, Matera is a breathtaking city carved into the rock. The Sassi cave dwellings date back thousands of years and have been transformed into boutique hotels, galleries, and wine bars. It’s a must-see for photographers, history buffs, and anyone looking to add a cinematic twist to their itinerary. It’s even been featured in James Bond’s No Time to Die. Matera is an easy day trip from central or northern Puglia and well worth the detour. You can book your tour here.

Gallipoli
Alberobello
Gallipoli

Where to Stay in Puglia: Best Bases by Region

Wondering about the best place to stay in Puglia, Italy? Here’s a quick breakdown by region to help you pick the perfect spot.

Whether you’re chasing sun-soaked beaches, whitewashed hilltop towns, or those laid-back local vibes, we’ve got you covered!

For a well-balanced itinerary, we recommend choosing two bases: Cisternino for inland charm and day trips to places like Alberobello and Polignano, and Gallipoli for beach days, seafood, and coastal adventures.

Valle d’Itria: Trulli Towns & Countryside Charm

Ideal for: Countryside stays, unique trulli experiences, and exploring postcard-perfect towns.

Top Towns: Alberobello, Ostuni, Locorotondo

Hotel Recommendations:

Salento: Beaches, Baroque, and Vibrant Nights

Ideal for: Beach lovers, nightlife enthusiasts, and cultural explorers.

Top Towns: Lecce, Gallipoli, Otranto

Hotel Recommendations:

Alberobello
Alberobello
Alberobello

Accommodation By Budget and Style

From budget B&Bs to luxury masseria stays, Puglia has something for every travel style. 

Whether you’re dreaming of sleeping in a traditional trullo or waking up to Adriatic sea views, these handpicked stays cover all the bases.

Budget-Friendly

Mid-Range Trulli Stays

Luxury Masseria & Seaside Retreats

  • Savelletri:
  • Polignano a Mare:
    • Covo dei Saraceni: Cliffside hotel with breathtaking sea views.
    • Romi’: A modern boutique stay tucked in the heart of Polignano a Mare

FAQ’s About Visiting Puglia

How many days should I spend in Puglia?
Honestly, you can get a good taste in about 5 days, but 7 to 10 days lets you really slow down and soak in the towns, beaches, and countryside without rushing.

What’s the best Puglia itinerary for 5, 7, or 10 days?
For 5 days, focus on the highlights like Bari, Alberobello, and Polignano a Mare. With 7 days, add Lecce and Ostuni, and if you’ve got 10 days, throw in the Gargano Peninsula and some hidden gems off the beaten path.

Is it better to visit Puglia as a road trip or base yourself in one town?
I’d say a bit of both! Renting a car and road-tripping is the easiest way to explore, but it’s also nice to pick a couple of base towns and do day trips so you don’t have to pack up every day.

How do I get from Bari Airport or Brindisi Airport to my accommodation?
There are buses and trains from both airports, but they can be limited. Renting a car gives you way more freedom and saves time, especially if your accommodation is in smaller towns.

Wondering how to get to Puglia? The easiest way is to fly into Rome, then catch a quick 1-hour flight to either Bari or Brindisi. Both are great entry points to explore the region.

Do I need to speak Italian to travel around Puglia?
Not at all! While a few Italian phrases go a long way and locals appreciate it, most people in tourist areas speak enough English to get by just fine.

Is Puglia family-friendly / solo traveler-friendly / good for couples?
Absolutely on all counts. Puglia has laid-back beaches and safe towns perfect for families, charming spots for couples, and welcoming locals that make solo travelers feel right at home.

Is Puglia walkable?
In the small towns and historic centers, definitely yes! You’ll love wandering narrow streets on foot. But for getting between towns, you’ll want a car or public transport.

Final Thoughts on Things To Do in Puglia

If you’re someone who loves a mix of authentic small towns, stunning coastlines, and incredible food without the crush of heavy tourist crowds, Puglia is going to steal your heart.

It’s perfect for travellers who want to slow down, explore at their own pace, and soak up genuine local vibes. And it’s honestly at it’s beat in shoulder season – April to early June and September to October – when the weather’s still gorgeous but the crowds have thinned and prices are friendlier too.

We’d go back in a heartbeat. Not just for the beautiful views and those unforgettable Trulli houses, but because Puglia feels like Italy’s best-kept secret.

Compared to other parts of Italy, it’s refreshingly laid-back, packed with so many great and unique experiences, and it has so much charm without the usual tourist chaos.

Honestly, it’s the kind of place that stays with you long after you leave.