10 Marvellous Books Set in Puglia, Italy 📚

Puglia has inspired centuries of artists, dreamers, and now, authors too. Whether it’s the sun-drenched coastline, crumbling trulli, or winding alleyways of Bari, this region is a natural muse. If you’re dreaming of southern Italy, here are 10 brilliant books set in Puglia to transport you there – no passport required.

From atmospheric thrillers and heartfelt memoirs to gothic tales and laugh-out-loud expat stories, there’s something for every type of reader on this Puglia-inspired list.

Each entry in this list contains a link where you can purchase the book from Amazon – either by clicking the link or the picture of the book itself. When you click through to Amazon, you can change the format of the book (paperback, audiobook etc) to your choosing.

Set in the mysterious (but real!) town of Ruffano, this lesser-known gem from du Maurier follows Armino, a young man drawn back to his hometown and its murky past.

With hints of myth and history, it’s an eerie and atmospheric tale set against a Pugliese backdrop.

👉 Buy it on Amazon.

A family summer in Puglia sets the stage for this richly layered story of identity, legacy, and secrets.

Marta, a New York photographer, returns to her family’s ancestral home – and finds more than she bargained for.

👉 Buy it on Amazon.

A gripping courtroom drama set in Bari.

Lawyer Guido Guerrieri defends a young Senegalese man accused of murder. The case exposes prejudice, power, and corruption – with Puglia’s capital city ever-present in the background.

👉 Buy it on Amazon.

Memoir meets culture shock comedy as Bergstein uproots his life to start over in Puglia with his family.

Expect language fails, bureaucracy headaches, and plenty of pasta-fuelled laughs.

👉 Buy it on Amazon.

Originally published in 1901, this travelogue is one of the earliest English-language accounts of southern Italy.

It’s a reflective, poetic ramble through the Puglian countryside and beyond.

👉 Buy it on Amazon.

When a British journalist falls for a Puglian woman – and then her homeland – chaos and charm ensue.

This witty memoir is perfect if you’ve ever dreamed of moving to Italy and renovating a trullo.

👉 Buy it on Amazon.

Another atmospheric thriller featuring Guido Guerrieri. This time, he’s uncovering the secrets behind a drug trafficking case in the gritty alleys of Bari.

Perfect for fans of legal drama with Italian flavour.

👉 Buy it on Amazon.

Gothic with a capital G. First published in 1764, this wildly melodramatic novel is set in the real-life town of Otranto – and pretty much launched an entire genre.

👉 Buy it on Amazon.

Tired of London, this British couple move to Puglia to live the simple life.

Their memoir is packed with hilarious misadventures, warm locals, and plenty of culinary envy.

👉 Buy it on Amazon.

Set in 1920s Puglia, this historical fiction follows an Englishwoman who uncovers dark family secrets during a stay with an Italian farming family. Richly atmospheric and full of tension.

👉 Buy it on Amazon.

How to Read These Books While Travelling

I love listening to audiobooks on long train rides or reading on my Kindle under the olive trees.

👉 If you’re travelling in Italy, Kindle Unlimited or Audible can save luggage space – try the free trial here.

Pugliese Reading

From gothic classics to modern memoirs, these books set in Puglia are perfect for anyone curious about Italy’s sun-kissed heel.

Whether you’re curled up with a novel or planning your next adventure, these stories will help you see Puglia through a new lens.

Related Reading 📚

🌍 The Best Travel and Adventure Books of All Time.
👩 10 Inspiring Books by Solo Female Travellers.
🎧 10 Best Travel Audiobooks: Solo Traveller Picks.
😂 Funny Travel Books to Make You Laugh.
📖Puglia Travel Guide: Plan Your Trip to Italy’s Heel

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