Puglia (aka Apulia) is one of Italy’s best-kept secrets, and this Puglia bucket list will show you exactly why. With ancient cities, dreamy beaches, crumbling castles and the best pasta you’ve ever tasted, it’s impossible not to fall in love.
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I’ve solo-travelled across the region multiple times, and every time I go back, I find something new to obsess over.
So if you’re planning your first trip (or your fifth), here’s your ultimate Puglia bucket list. It’s a handpicked mix of the most magical, must-see places across this sun-drenched corner of southern Italy.
1. Wander the Trulli of Alberobello 🏡
These iconic cone-roofed houses are straight out of a fairytale.
Alberobello is the poster child for Puglia’s unique charm, and a stroll through its UNESCO-listed trulli district feels like stepping back in time.
Stay in one overnight if you can – it’s an experience you won’t forget.
2. Marvel at Castel del Monte 🏰
A perfectly octagonal medieval fortress perched on a hilltop, Castel del Monte is shrouded in mystery.
Nobody knows quite why it was built, but its symmetry and scale are jaw-dropping.
Come for the views, stay for the Game-of-Thrones vibes.
3. Swim at Grotta della Poesia 🌊
This natural rock pool near Roca Vecchia is pure magic.
Think turquoise water, dramatic cliffs, and the most Instagrammable swim of your life.
Come early to avoid the crowds and bring water shoes, it gets slippery!
4. Eat your way down Pasta Alley in Bari 🍝
The Strada delle Orecchiette is where local women roll pasta by hand right on the street.
You can watch, chat, buy fresh orecchiette, and even join a pasta-making class.
It’s authentic, atmospheric, and delicious. Pasta Alley also features on my One Day Bari Itinerary.
5. Cruise the Cliffs of Polignano a Mare 🚤
With its white buildings clinging to cliffs above sapphire sea caves, Polignano is ridiculously photogenic.
The best way to see it? From the water. Book a small boat tour and float under those iconic limestone arches.
6. Explore Lecce, the Florence of the South 🏛️
Baroque lovers, this one’s for you.
Lecce is all golden stone, ornate facades and sun-dappled piazzas.
Don’t miss the Roman amphitheatre, the Basilica di Santa Croce, and an aperitivo in Piazza Sant’Oronzo.
👉 I go deeper in my Towns in Puglia guide if you’re looking for more gems like Lecce.
7. Get Lost in the Itria Valley 🌿
Rolling vineyards, olive groves, whitewashed towns… the Itria Valley is countryside perfection.
Rent a bike or a Fiat 500 and hop between Locorotondo, Martina Franca, and Cisternino. Bonus points if you try the local wine in each.
There are several excellent tours of the Castellana caves, including this one, which leaves from Bari and includes a stop at Alberobello (and lunch).
8. Cool off in the Castellana Caves 🕳️
Fancy going 60 metres underground?
The Grotte di Castellana are some of Europe’s most beautiful caves.
The White Cave (Grotta Bianca) is the showstopper, with shimmering formations that look like frozen lace.
10. Admire the Mosaics in Otranto Cathedral 🎨
This floor tells stories. Literally.
The Otranto Cathedral’s 12th-century mosaic is one of the most detailed and fascinating in Europe – expect trees of life, mythical beasts, and scenes from the Old Testament.
11. Beach-hop in the Salento Peninsula 🏖️
Salento has the best beaches in Puglia.
Think golden sand, clear turquoise sea, and beach bars serving Aperol Spritz till sundown.
Baia Verde and Punta Prosciutto are two of my faves.
12. Discover the Olive Groves of Ostuni 🌳
Ostuni isn’t just a pretty white town – it’s surrounded by ancient olive groves with trees that are thousands of years old.
You can visit a masseria (traditional farmhouse) for olive oil tastings and rustic lunches under the trees.
13. Dive into the Tremiti Islands 🏝️
Hop on a ferry from Vieste and explore this cluster of car-free islands.
Great for snorkelling, swimming, and escaping the mainland buzz.
San Domino is the lushest, but San Nicola has a medieval monastery worth a peek.
14. Walk the Roman Ruins of Egnazia 🏺
History fans, this one’s for you.
Egnazia was a Messapian, then Roman city, and now it’s a sprawling archaeological site near Fasano.
You’ll see roads, temples, tombs, and a killer sea view.
15. Spot Flamingos at Torre Guaceto 🦩
This protected coastal reserve is home to rare birds, quiet beaches, and wild dunes.
Bring binoculars and go early – it’s one of the best places in Puglia to see flamingos in the wild.
Map of the Puglia Bucket List 🗺️
Here’s a handy Google Map with all 15 spots pinned for you. Click the icons to save to your own map, or get directions while you’re on the road.
👉 Bonus tip: Add my Towns in Puglia and Where to Stay in Puglia guides to your reading list – they’ll help you plan the perfect route!
Helpful Tips for Visiting Puglia ✈️
🚗 Rent a car: Public transport is limited outside major towns.
🍂 Spring or autumn are best for fewer crowds and cooler hikes.
👟 Pack comfy shoes for those cobbled streets and cliff walks.
☀️ Sunscreen and a hat are non-negotiable in summer.
📱 Download Google Translate – many locals don’t speak English, but they’re wonderfully friendly and helpful. More helpful traveller apps.
FAQS about the Puglia Bucket List 💡
100%. It’s authentic, sun-drenched, and full of character, without the tourist crush of Amalfi or Tuscany.
I’d say minimum 5-7 days to hit the highlights. But if you can stretch it to 10-14, you’ll get to really soak it all in (and eat more burrata). See my 7 day itinerary, 10 day itinerary and 14 day itinerary for Puglia.
Pretty much, yes. Trains exist, but they’re slow and patchy. A car gives you freedom to roam, especially to bucket list gems like Grotta della Poesia or the Itria Valley. I use Discover Cars.
May-June and September-October are glorious: warm but not scorching, and way less crowded. July and August = hot and busy.
Bari is well-connected and great for day trips. Check out my Day Trips from Bari post for the best routes.
Puglia is safe, friendly, and surprisingly easy to navigate. I’ve solo-travelled here multiple times and never felt out of place. More solo travel resources.
Light layers, comfy walking shoes, swimwear, sunblock, and a decent day bag. Oh, and leave room in your suitcase for olive oil and ceramics.
Final Thoughts on the Puglia Bucket List 🌅
Puglia is raw, romantic and ridiculously underrated. Whether you’re road tripping solo or sipping wine in a sun-drenched piazza with friends, this bucket list has you covered.
Just don’t be surprised if you start planning your next trip before the first one’s even over.
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👉 Looking for practical travel tools? Check out my Travel Resources page.
