Dreaming of golden beaches, ancient olive groves, and pasta piled high with burrata? 🌿🍝 You’re in the right place. Welcome to Puglia, Italy’s glorious heel, where every cobbled alley and coastal cliff feels like it belongs in a movie.
This Puglia Travel Guide pulls everything together – the highlights, hidden gems, and hard-won tips – so you can plan your perfect trip to Southern Italy.
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I’m Hazel – solo traveller, pasta lover, and your friendly guide to all things Puglia. I’ve wandered this region top to toe (more than once), and I’ve got a lot of blog posts to help you plan your trip!
This Puglia travel guide pulls everything together – the highlights, hidden gems, and hard-won tips – to help you plan the trip of your dreams.
🧭 Here’s what you’ll find:
- Best time to visit (spoiler: not peak summer!)
- How to get around (yes, a car helps)
- Must-see towns and unforgettable sights
- Food, wine, beaches, and trulli galore
- Hotel picks, top-rated tours, and travel hacks
And of course – maps, itineraries, and all the insider knowledge to make your trip as smooth and sunshine-filled as possible.
Let’s dive in 👇
So, Where Exactly is Puglia? 🌍
Puglia (or Apulia, if you’re feeling fancy) stretches along the sun-soaked southeast of Italy – yep, that’s the heel of the boot.
Flanked by the Adriatic on one side and the Ionian on the other, this region is all about coastal magic, olive groves, whitewashed towns, and that unmistakable southern Italian soul.
Puglia’s a land of contrasts:
- Inland villages frozen in time
- Glittering seaside towns perched on cliffs
- Ancient ruins and fairytale trulli homes
- If you’re picturing slow travel, seafood by the sea, and golden-hour strolls through sun-bleached streets, you’re on the right track.
Fun fact: Puglia boasts more coastline than any other region in mainland Italy – over 800km of it! So whether you’re chasing beaches, culture, or carbs (hello, orecchiette), Puglia delivers in spades.
Puglia Facts: Know Before You Go 📋
Here are the bite-sized basics you’ll want to know before booking your escape:
🌐 Country: Italy
🏢 Region: Apulia (Puglia in Italian)
🌎 Language: Italian – English is spoken in tourist areas, but a few Italian phrases go a long way!
💶 Currency: Euro (€)
🕒 Time zone: Central European Time (CET), GMT+1
🌊 Coastline: Over 800km of dreamy shores
✈️ Main Airports: Bari (BRI) in the north, Brindisi (BDS) in the south
🛅 Entry: Part of the Schengen Zone (EU passport holders, you’re good to go)
Plug type? Type F (two round pins)
Flight time from London? Around 2.5 hours (super doable for a long weekend!)
📅 Need help getting to Puglia or choosing between Bari and Brindisi? I’ve written a full guide on flying into Puglia and how to get to Alberobello from either airport.
Puglia’s Geography & Landscape 🌋
Puglia is a region of contrasts – and that’s exactly what makes it so special. Picture this:
The Itria Valley: Rolling hills dotted with olive groves and trulli houses that look straight out of a fairytale.
The Gargano Peninsula: A rugged spur jutting into the Adriatic with dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and lush forests. Don’t miss the Tremiti Islands just offshore.
The Salento Peninsula: Down south, where the Adriatic and Ionian seas meet, you’ll find long sandy beaches, rocky coves, and the kind of turquoise water you’d expect in the Caribbean.
Inland Towns: Whitewashed villages like Locorotondo, Cisternino, and Martina Franca that ooze slow-life charm.
And let’s not forget the olive trees – millions of them. Some are so ancient they look like twisted sculptures, and many are older than the towns they surround.
Map of Puglia 🗺️
This map highlights 15 of the main towns in Puglia (plus Matera in neighbouring Basilicata). Click the icons to explore, or star the map to save it to your own Google Maps.
Getting to Puglia & Getting Around ✈️
Puglia is well-connected and easy to reach – but exploring it is where the fun really begins.
Flying in:
- Bari Airport (north): Perfect if you’re starting in Bari, Polignano a Mare, or the Gargano.
- Brindisi Airport (south): Handy for Lecce, Ostuni, and the Salento Peninsula.
Once you’re here:
- 🚗 Rent a car: The best way to explore! Trains and buses exist, but driving gives you the freedom to hit smaller towns and hidden beaches. I use Discover Cars to compare deals.
- 🚆 Trains: Great for bigger towns (Bari, Lecce, Polignano a Mare), but don’t expect high-speed.
- 🚌 Buses: Cover smaller villages but can be infrequent.
- ⛵ Boats: Scenic coast tours leave from Polignano, Monopoli, and Gallipoli.
Top tip: Italian drivers are passionate. Keep calm, go with the flow, and you’ll be fine!
👉 Read more: Guide to Driving in Puglia and Guide to Renting a Car in Puglia.
When to Visit Puglia 🌸
Puglia has a Mediterranean climate, which means hot summers, mild winters, and plenty of sunshine. But some months are better than others:
🌼 Spring (Apr–Jun): Warm, blooming, fewer crowds. Perfect for sightseeing and hiking.
☀️ Summer (Jul–Aug): Busy, buzzy, and blazing hot. Best for beach lovers and festivals.
🍇 Autumn (Sep–Oct): Warm seas, grape harvests, and golden light. A dreamy time to visit.
❄️ Winter (Nov–Mar): Quieter towns, lower prices, and mild days (though some spots feel sleepy).
📌 My pick? May, June, September, or October. You’ll get sunshine without the sweaty crowds.
Read more: The Best Time To Visit Alberobello.
Top Towns to Visit in Puglia 🏘️
There are so many beautiful towns that I wrote a separate guide to them. But here are the highlights every Puglia travel guide should include:
- 🏡 Alberobello – A UNESCO-listed fairytale with its famous trulli houses.
- 🏛️ Lecce – The “Florence of the South” – full of Baroque beauty.
- 🌊 Polignano a Mare – Cliff-diving, sea caves, and jaw-dropping views.
- 🤍 Ostuni – The White City, glowing on its hilltop perch.
- ⚓ Bari – Buzzing capital with an incredible street food scene.
- 🪨 Matera (nearby in Basilicata) – Ancient cave dwellings, cinematic scenery.
You could easily base yourself in Bari or Lecce and take day trips – or hit the road for the ultimate Puglia road trip.
👉 See also: 14 Amazing Towns in Puglia | Alberobello Travel Guide | Things to do in Bari.
Top Sights & Must-Dos in Puglia 🌄
Puglia’s attractions are as varied as its landscapes. Add these to your Puglia bucket list:
⛪ Baroque architecture: Martina Franca, Lecce, and beyond.
🏰 Castel del Monte: Mysterious octagonal castle.
✨ Trulli in Alberobello: No explanation needed!
⛺ Grotte di Castellana: Underground caves full of wonders.
🏖️ Pizzomunno Rock (Vieste): Iconic limestone monolith.
🏞️ Gargano Peninsula beaches: Wild and unspoiled.
🏛️ Roman ruins: Amphitheatre in Lecce, ancient Egnazia.
Read more: Puglia Bucket List | Best Day trips from Bari.
What to Eat & Drink in Puglia 🍽️
Puglian food is rustic, soulful, and unforgettable. Here’s a taste:
🍝 Orecchiette pasta – usually with broccoli rabe or tomato sauce.
🧀 Burrata – creamy cheese heaven.
🍞 Pane di Altamura – rustic bread with a crunchy crust.
🍕 Focaccia Barese – salty, soft, topped with tomatoes and olives.
🍷 Primitivo & Negroamaro wines – bold reds that pair perfectly with pasta.
🍮 Pasticciotto – custard-filled pastry joy.
Hungry? Bari’s street food scene is legendary, and you’ll find family-run trattorias everywhere.
👉 Full guides: Food in Puglia | Wine in Puglia | Street Food in Bari | Best Alberobello Restaurants.
Quick Tips for Visiting Puglia 🗺️
⭐ Carry cash – especially in rural areas.
⭐ Learn a few Italian phrases (buongiorno, grazie, per favore).
⭐ Dress modestly when visiting churches.
⭐ Book trullo stays and popular restaurants ahead of summer.
⭐ Don’t just stick to the coast – inland towns are magical too.
⭐ If you need beach reading, check out my 10 Novels Set in Puglia list!
Itineraries for Puglia 🛣️
Not sure how to plan it all? Here are three tried-and-tested road trip options:
🌿 7-Day Highlights:
Bari → Matera → Alberobello → Ostuni → Lecce.
A perfect intro that blends caves, trulli, hill towns, and Baroque beauty.
🌞 10-Day Road Trip:
Bari → Trani → Matera → Alberobello → Polignano a Mare → Ostuni → Lecce.
Adds seaside glamour and a slower pace for foodie stops and coastal walks.
🏖️ 14-Day Deep Dive:
Bari → Trani → Matera → Alberobello → Polignano a Mare → Ostuni → Lecce → Santa Maria di Leuca.
Go all the way down to Italy’s southern tip where the Adriatic meets the Ionian, with plenty of time for beaches and small-town gems in between.
Hotels in Puglia 🏨
Where you stay makes a big difference! Some ideas:
- Stay in Bari: Great base for day trips, buzzing food scene.
- Stay in Lecce: Romantic stays in Baroque palaces.
- Stay in Polignano a Mare: Sea-view hotels perched on cliffs.
- Stay in Ostuni: Whitewashed hilltop charm.
- Stay in Alberobello: Spend a night in a trullo (but maybe not your whole trip).
👉 Read more: 12 Best Places to Stay in Puglia | My Stay in a Trullo.
Top Tours in Puglia 🏝️
Love a guided experience? Try these:
🍽️ Bari Street Food Tour – my absolute fave. Read my review.
⛵ Polignano a Mare cave boat tour.
🍰 Lecce walking tour + pasticciotto tasting.
👥 Private Bari walking tour with a local guide.
🌍 Day trip to Bari, Alberobello & Matera.
🌄 From Lecce: Ostuni, Alberobello & Polignano.
Sustainable Travel Tips for Puglia 🌱
- Support local guides and artisans.
- Bring a reusable water bottle – refill at fountains.
- Travel off-season or shoulder season.
- Stay in family-run guesthouses or agriturismos.
- Eat regional, seasonal food (easy here!)
Puglia Travel Guide FAQs 💡
The best time to visit Puglia is in late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October). During these months, the weather is pleasantly warm, the beaches are inviting, and you can enjoy sightseeing without the intense heat or the summer crowds.
While it is possible to travel by train and bus between the larger towns, renting a car is highly recommended. Having your own wheels gives you the freedom to explore the smaller inland villages, hidden beaches, and countryside at your own pace.
Yes, Puglia is considered a very safe region for visitors, including solo travellers. Like anywhere, you should stay aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on valuables in crowded areas, but overall the vibe is relaxed and welcoming.
Ideally, you should spend at least a week in Puglia to experience the highlights. With 10–14 days, you can explore further afield, including the Gargano Peninsula, the Salento beaches, and even make a side trip to Matera.
In larger cities and tourist areas, you will find English spoken to some extent. However, in smaller towns, English is less common. Learning a few Italian phrases will go a long way and is always appreciated by locals.
Pack light, breathable clothing for summer, along with swimwear, sunglasses, and sun protection. Bring comfortable walking shoes for cobbled streets and day trips, and a light scarf or wrap to cover shoulders when visiting churches. In spring and autumn, a light jacket is useful for cooler evenings.
Puglia is celebrated for its rustic cuisine based on fresh, local ingredients. You must try orecchiette pasta with broccoli rabe, creamy burrata cheese, focaccia barese, pane di Altamura, and fresh seafood along the coast. Pair these with local wines such as Primitivo and Negroamaro.
Absolutely! Puglia is famous for its clear turquoise waters and long stretches of sandy coastline. Swimming is popular from May through October, with some of the most beautiful beaches found in Salento and along the Gargano Peninsula.
Here are some quick Puglia links.
- Reserve your Puglia Hotel early, before they sell out.
- Remember to pack decent sunscreen and a packable sun hat.
- There are many Puglia tours you can book (no payment required up front).
- This is the best quick-dry sand-repellent beach towel.
- Packing cubes are a traveller’s best friend. I recommend these ones.
- Going hiking? These are the best hiking socks.
- If you need a rental car, book one at Discover Cars and pick it up at the airport.
- Need something to read on the beach? 10 Books and novels set in Puglia.
Pinterest Pins 📌
Want to save this for later? Pin it to your travel inspo board and start planning your dreamy Italian escape!
Related reading for Puglia 📚
🗓️ 7 Day Puglia Itinerary.
🚆 10 Amazing Day Trips from Bari.
🏘️ 14 Wonderful Towns in Puglia, South Italy.
🏡 9 Best Things to Do in Alberobello, Italy.
🧭 Puglia Travel Guide: How to Plan Your Trip To Southern Italy.
🌟 Puglia Bucket List – 15 Places You Must See.
✨ Grazie for reading my Puglia travel guide! I hope it’s given you everything you need to plan your trip. Puglia is pure magic – from trulli rooftops to turquoise seas – and I just know you’ll fall in love with it too.
👉 Looking for practical travel tools? Check out my Travel Resources page.
Tags: Apulia, Europe, Italy, Puglia, Travel Guide
