Puglia Travel Guide
There are many beautiful places to visit in the region of Puglia. If you are planning to spend some additional time in the area, we would recommend adding the below towns to your trip to make the most out of your stay. These are our favourite spots, which we have segmented into an itinerary of up to 5/6 days. We have grouped certain towns together for ease according to proximity (which we have tried and tested!), so you can pick and choose wherever piques your interest. Happy Puglia planning!
day 1: Monopolis, Polignano a Mare & Ostuni
MONOPOLI
recommended time: Half a day - if you have to prioritise, pick Polignano a Mare & Ostuni for the day
Located in the heel of Italy’s boot, Monopoli is an old small town built of white stone and a beautiful harbour with fishing boats. Monopoli features some beautiful beaches (beach club recommendation below).
We recommend walking through the centre, along the promenade and stopping at II Bastione Santa Maria (an old defensive tower with two preserved cannons designed to protect the city) and the Charles V Castle (a 16th century castle that is beautifully restored with rooftop views over the old town).
The Cathedral of Santa Maria della Madia: This cathedral was dedicated to Madonna Madia who (as legend will have it…) arrived by sea in Dec, 1117 on a raft of 31 wooden beams that happened to allow the city to complete the church that sat unfinished for several years. The incredible ornate interior is very impressive, whether you believe the myth or not! Beneath the Cathedral you’ll find Monopoli.
Archaeological Museum, which has excavated the remains of previous structures including various tombs and crypts.
recommended restaurants
RESTAURANT
Beach Club: lIdo Santo Stefano Monopoli
A secret gem with authentic, delicious dishes, impeccable service and a welcoming atmosphere. You won’t go wrong!
RESTAURANT
Osteria San Giovanni
5* food with an intimate & genuine atmosphere in the heart of the historic centre. This typical tavern offers not only a menu rich in authentic flavours, but also a service that stands out.
RESTAURANT
Gelateria Caruso
This gelato features high quality ingredients and special flavours including Amarena Cherries and lemon with basil (typically Apulian).
POLIGNANO A MARE
recommended time:Half a day
Polignano is 15 minutes away from Monopoli by car or train so you could easily spend a short morning in Monopoli and then the rest of the day in Polignano & Ostuni.
Polignano is famous for being a town developed on a cliff edge plunging into crystal clear waters (if you are familiar with Italian music, it is also known as the birthplace of Domenico Modugno, the author of ‘Volare’!). The town is renowned for its white-washed houses where you can take a stroll in the small streets of the old town, enjoy the sea-side promenade, the observation points & panoramic terraces.
We recommend exploring Porta Veccia/Arco Marchesale first, the old gate and impressive arch to the old town with cobblestone streets. The most famous viewpoint is the Belvedere su Lama Monachile, from which you can see the town’s iconic pebble beach and cliffs, with breath-taking views of the Adriatic Sea. Another couple of viewpoints we would recommend are: La Balconata sur Mare and Peitra Piatta.
Fun fact: Polignano a Mare’s beach plays host to the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series, where every year adrenaline junkies will dive 27 metres into the blue water!
recommended restaurants
RESTAURANT
Grotta Palazzese
Situated inside a cave: A meal you won’t forget - you may have likely seen this restaurant all over Instagram and Pinterest! If you do want to go, we recommend making a reservation well in advance and select a time to eat before sunset. It’s pricey with the 6-course tasting menu at c. £200pp but they also offer a 4-course meal and a la carte too.
RESTAURANT
Diplomatico
Famous for its cocktail bar, offering traditional drinks alongside more unique creations! This bar is situated in the main square: Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II. Also next door to Sensory, a beautiful wine bar if that is more up your street!
RESTAURANT
Il quadrifoglio
This restaurant is famous for its excellent pizzas (popular with both tourists and locals), however they also serve fresh seafood and pasta.
RESTAURANT
Bar luna
Set in a charming little square with dark green shutters and an abundance of plants, this is a popular spot for the locals for breakfast and coffee.
RESTAURANT
MINT Cucina Fresca
Healthy and delicious food offering a creative menu of modern Italian cuisine. The menu is entirely plant-based and we recommend booking ahead given the restaurant is intimate.
OSTUNI
recommended time:Half a day
40 minutes by car from Monopoli.
Ostuni is regarded as the famous “White City” of Puglia.
The historic centre: In the historic centre of Ostuni, you can wander through narrow streets, passages, and stairways, leading to the main monuments. You’ll find souvenir & craft shops, small restaurants and cafes where you can stop for a drink. There are also many viewpoints that will allow you to admire Ostuni surroundings, the countryside, and the Adriatic Sea (just 8 km away).
Piazza della Liberta: The main square of Ostuni marks the entrance to the historic centre. We recommend viewing: The municipal palace (built in the 18th century), Sant’Oronzo’s column (the patron saint of the city) and The Church of Saint Francis of Assisi, which dates back to the Middle Ages. In the evening, Piazza della Liberta becomes the perfect spot in Ostuni for a drink at one of its many café terraces, to enjoy an ice cream, or dine at one of the region’s typical Puglian restaurants.
Ostuni Cathedral: Located at the top of the highest hill, it requires a bit of a climb through the alleys to reach. Construction began in the 15th century, however it took nearly a century to complete. The exterior facade is original, with a Romanesque-Gothic style, mixing concave and convex curves.
The Episcopal Palace: Built in the 16th century, its distinctive feature is the loggia used to connect the palace to the cathedral cloister. The interior of the palace houses the Diocesan Museum, a very modern museum that has only been open since the summer of 2017. Divided into 6 sections, you can admire archaeological relics from the Messapian era, a collection of church-used objects, paintings, and a collection of books and documents depicting historical local events.
The museum of pre-classical civilizations (Murgia): Located in the centre of the old town, within the walls of the former Carmelite monastery, the museum is truly unique.
If you’re keen to head to the beach, we recommend Porto Miggiano Beach (located on the east coast of Salento and ranked one of the best beaches in Puglia). Faro Di Torre Sant’ Andrea is also worth a visit after the beach. You will find plenty of gorgeous rock formations and caves along the coast. Grotta della Poesia is known as the Cave of Poetry, this natural pool has crystal clear turquoise waters that you can snorkel and cliff dive into.
recommended restaurants
RESTAURANT
al Solito Posto
Highly rated by locals, who will tell you that they not only have the best pizza, but also the best desserts.
RESTAURANT
osteria ostuni bistrot
A family run restaurant serving traditional local dishes, offering good food and great value.
RESTAURANT
Casa San Giacomo
Located in the heart of the Centro Storico (off the main road to the Duomo, about half-way up). Traditional home cooking in a typical Ostuni cellar setting with vaulted ceilings.
RESTAURANT
gabo
The food is excellent, the service is friendly and also a beautiful setting. Choose a seat in the cool, garden shade, on one of the panoramic terraces or inside.
RESTAURANT
Torre Canne lido e ristorante | lido Bosco Verde
Think fresh Italian seafood with outside seating in a relaxed atmosphere and beautiful scenery.
DaY 2: alberobello, locorotondo and Cisternino
ALBEROBELLO
recommended time:Half a day
Located in the Itria Valley, famous for its vast expanses of olive groves and its villages ranked among the most beautiful in Italy, Alberobello is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and is world famous for its “Trulli” (small circular houses covered in white lime with conical roofs). They’re believed to protect the family and bring abundance and prosperity for many generations. These traditional homes of the Itria Valley, date back to prehistoric times, appeared in Puglia in the early 15th century.
Alberobello boasts over 1,600 trulli spread across 2 neighbourhoods: (1) The Monti district (the main tourist district of Alberobello). In the district, most of the trulli’s have been converted into souvenir shops or local craft stores, restaurants, and hotels to live the unique experience of sleeping in a trulli and (2) The Aia Piccola district: A much more authentic part of Alberobello where some of the trulli are still inhabited. Much less commercial, yet spared from mass tourism, it offers a more realistic vision of the past.
Trullo Sovrano (or “Sovereign trullo”) is the largest trulli in Alberobello. Standing at 14 meters tall, it’s the only one with a second floor and a staircase. Inside, you can admire furniture and various period objects, perfect for discovering the former local life.
San Antonio Church also known as the “Church of trulli”. Built in 1926.
Castellana Grotte (located less than 20 minutes by car from Alberobello). Every day, guided tours are organised to discover the caves, which are among the largest and most interesting to visit in Italy. You can admire stalactites and stalagmites, as well as various caverns and chambers during tours ranging from 50 minutes to 2 hours for the complete route.
recommended restaurants
RESTAURANT
restaurant l’aratro
This restaurant offers an authentic Italian trattoria menu featuring a variety of homemade dishes made with local produce.
RESTAURANT
Trattoria Terra Madre
At Terra Madre there is a focus on the land, hand-cultivating local vegetables, cooked to perfection and then serving them to you in the garden where the products were grown.
RESTAURANT
ristorante Trullo D’Oro
The ultimate dining experience, offering seasonal ingredients. The presentation is tasteful and refined, with the ingredients thoughtfully put together by a passionate chef (you can read more about the chef on the Trullo D’Oro website). There is also an excellent wine list too, with pairings suggested if you ask the staff.
RESTAURANT
ristorante Osteria del Poeta
A reliable option with its wide array of dishes. In addition to fresh and wholesome offerings, you can also enjoy classic meat-based Italian fare like lasagne and Florentine steak. Set in a traditional trullo environment, this is just good honest Italian food in a homely atmosphere.
RESTAURANT
la cantina
The food here is fantastic and everything is made fresh from local produce and delicacies. We recommend making a reservation as the restaurant is small.
LOCOROTONDO / CISTERNINO
recommended time:Half a day
We recommend visiting these two villages, which are and situated 30 minutes from Alberobello (and about halfway between Bari Airport (BRI) and Brindisi Airport (BDS)).
Locorotondo. Ranked among the most beautiful villages in Italy, it has a charming historic centre with stunning views of the Itria Valley.
Come here to wander the lanes, walk along Via Nardelli (which has beautiful views of the countryside below the town), visit Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, Palazzo Morelli (Baroque palace from the early 1800s, and one of Locorotondo’s most recognisable buildings with its intricate stone doorway and iron balconies), and find beautiful photo opportunities.
Cisternino is another village ranked among the most beautiful towns in Puglia and offers a perfect escape to a place where time slows down, and beauty and tradition reign. Located just past Locorotondo, you visit its perfectly preserved old town, with its white facade houses, panoramic views of the rolling Apulian countryside and numerous enchanting narrow alleyways.
Cisternino is home to a selection of buildings that are of considerable architectural interest, including the 13th century Norman-Swabian tower, topped with a little statue of San Nicola; the 14th century Church of San Nicola with its 18th century facade and 6th century foundations; the curvaceous baroque Church of San Cataldo, and tower-flanked Palazzo Amati.
recommended restaurants
RESTAURANT
la Braceria - I piaceri della carne
This is a gem for meat lovers. The quality of the meat is exceptional, each cut is carefully selected and prepared to perfection, with a wide range of options available.
RESTAURANT
Osteria Il rosone (via Dogali, 6):
A cozy, bright restaurant. We recommend trying the local strascinati pasta (similar to orecchiette).
RESTAURANT
Gelateria del Corso
The best gelato in the town, located just across the street from the Piazza Aldo Moro.
RESTAURANT
ai Tre Santi (via Dotto, 51):
Lovely setting, perfect for a date or with a small group. Typical Apulian cuisine where we recommend pairing your dishes with the local wines
DaY 3: lecce
LECCE
recommended time:1-2 Days
Nicknamed the “Florence of the South”, Lecce owes its popularity to its immense wealth of historical monuments. You will find Baroque palaces and churches at every corner, all built with the same material, “Lecce stone”, a very soft limestone that allows for elaborate carvings.
We recommend beginning your day in Piazza Sant’Oronzo, the largest square in the city. Located in the heart of Lecce’s historic centre. The square is huge and surrounded by numerous monuments in different architectural styles. From here you’ll be able to admire: The Roman Amphitheatre (which once seated 14,000 spectators), The column of Sant’Oronzo (along with a 20 metre tall bronze clock), The Sedile or Palazzo del Seggio and The Church of Santa Maria delle Grazie.
All around Piazza Sant’Oronzo, you’ll find plenty of bars, restaurants, gelato shops, and shops, perfect for dining and shopping in Lecce (it gets very lively in the evening!).
Piazza del Duomo: One of the largest squares in Italy and retains a unique charm as it is completely empty in the middle and enclosed by surrounding buildings where you can only enter from one point. This square encompasses the main religious buildings of the city including: The Cathedral or Duomo (considered one of the best examples of “Lecce Baroque architectural style”, The Basilica of Santa Croce, The Seminary Palace, (which houses the Diocesan Museum with its collection of paintings, sculptures, and silverware), The Episcopal Palace & The Campanile, standing at 70 meters high. Split into 5 floors, it dominates the city and its surroundings, and it’s one of the tallest in Europe.
A MUST do is the city’s historical museum, a 3,000 square meters complex located in the former Monastery of Santa Chiara. It hosts a permanent exhibition of sculptures and regularly organises temporary exhibitions.
Other palaces we recommend visiting include: Palazzo Vernazza, one of the oldest and most imposing in the city & Palazzo Paisiello, built in just 45 days.
Beaches of Salento: Both the East and West coasts around Lecce, are known for having some of the most beautiful beaches in Puglia. Top spots include: Torre dell Orso on the East (large sandy beach and the photogenic Due Sorelle faraglioni), Baia dei Turchi (quite narrow but located in a superb setting), Alimini Beach (large sandy beach with crystal clear water), Porto Badisco (and its small cove) & Punta della Suina.
recommended restaurants
RESTAURANT
Il Pizzicotto:
Not a restaurant, strictly speaking, but you can still sit down to eat. They offer a wide selection of pizza slices, so you can try a bit of everything.
RESTAURANT
Tabisca Il Vico dei Tagliati
Located on a street next to Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II. The specialty of the restaurant is meat cooked on a hot stone. Black Angus, Kobe, bison – all quality meats that melt in your mouth. Add a good glass of wine and a homemade tiramisu, and you will have one of the best meals in Lecce.
RESTAURANT
a’roma l’Osteria
Located on Via Cesare Battisti, next to the park of Villa Comunale. A typically Italian restaurant with a good selection of pasta. Homemade dishes and desserts, all delicious, the hardest part is choosing! The owner is very friendly, as are the staff. Excellent value for money.
DaY 4: matera
MATERA
recommended time:a full day
Matera is based in the Basiliticata region. It is listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for it’s very particular houses: the Sassi (translates to “Stones of Matera” troglodyte dwellings). Initially simple caves carved out by the stream that flows at the bottom of the ravine, these sites have been occupied since the Paleolithic era, making Matera one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and one of the oldest archaeological sites.
Matera has been a filming location for many famous movies: Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ in 2004, as well as Ben Hur in 2016 and Wonder Woman in 2017.
Over the centuries, the caves were transformed into proper houses. Since the rock is very soft, it was only natural for the inhabitants of Matera to dig their homes into it and live there. Today there are nearly 3000 habitable caves as well as several churches carved in the rocks. They served as refuges for Byzantine monks in the 7th and 8th centuries.
The historic centre is divided into 2 districts to visit: (1) Sasso Caveoso and (2) Sasso Barisano, which hosts the Civita district, the oldest part of Matera. Note, Matera can only be visited by foot as some areas are completely restricted to cars, and other parts are exclusively reserved for residents.
The Duomo or Cathedral of Matera: Built in 1230, the cathedral was fully renovated recently when the city was named European Capital of Culture in 2019. Its exterior façade is quite simple, typical of the Romanesque style from Puglia.
The Church of San Pietro Caveoso, built right on the edge of the ravine of Matera, offering a great panorama.
The rock-hewn church of the Madonna de Idris, carved into the rock, it overlooks the ravine of Matera.
The MOOM, Matera Olive Oil Museum, a tiny museum where they explain olive oil production.
The Palazzo Lanfranchi which houses the Museum of Modern Art. Also, be sure to check out the viewpoint from the Piazzetta Pascoli for a panorama over the Sassi and the ravine.
Tramontano Castle, started in 1501 by the Count who ruled over Matera, was never finished. The residents, unhappy with the amount of taxes they had to pay, killed the Count in the street, just outside the cathedral!
recommended restaurants
RESTAURANT
altraPizza: located on Via Giambattista Pentasuglia.
This is the ideal spot for enjoying a good wood-fired pizza in Matera. There’s a wide variety to choose from, the portions are generous & prices are affordable.
RESTAURANT
ristorante Francesca:
Make sure you make a reservation for this restaurant, which offers traditional and locally inspired dishes along with a wide selection of wine to choose from. A beautiful way to end the day with a lovely experience dining in a cave!
RESTAURANT
Dedalo – Sensi sommersi
If you’re looking for a more upscale restaurant, head to Dedalo. Located in a Sasso, it offers original and high-quality cuisine in a beautiful setting.
RESTAURANT
kapunto
Located on Via Lucana. We highly recommend this restaurant if, like us, you’re a big fan of pasta! The pasta is freshly made on-site and displayed in the window. You then choose your type of pasta and your preferred sauce, and you’re all set! Delicious and not too expensive.
DaY 5: bari
BARI
recommended time:Half a day-full day
Stroll through the city’s old town, Bari Vecchia. This is the historic centre, featuring narrow medieval alleys, palaces, churches, and whitewashed houses. The old town of Bari is located between the two ports, the old and the new one. During your walk, be sure not to miss one of the specialties of Bari, the Orecchiette Street. Orecchiette is the typical pasta of Puglia. On Via Arco Basso, dubbed “Orecchiette Street“, you can watch women hard at work making Orecchiette, sometimes right in the street or even inside their homes.
Explore the Basilica of San Nicola. An iconic landmark of Bari and built in a Romanesque style, the basilica was constructed between the 11th and 12th centuries on the ruins of a Byzantine palace. Today, it’s one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in all of Italy and Europe, for both Catholics and Orthodox believers.
Visit the Norman Castle (also known as The Swabian Castle). The castle represents one of the largest fortifications in Puglia region and Italy, built in 1131 by the Norman King Roger II of Sicily.
See San Sabino Cathedral. Free entry. Built between the 12th and 13th century, on the ruins of the former Byzantine church destroyed in 1156 by William I of Sicily, the cathedral is a beautiful example of the Romanesque style of Puglia, the Apulian style.
Simi Palace (located just behind San Sabino Cathedral). Free entry. You’ll be able to admire remnants of the city, including the ruins of the small Byzantine church upon which the current palace was built.
Corrado Giaquinto Provincial Art Gallery (paintings and sculptures).
Diocesan Museum (small with rich and well-presented collections).
Walk along the Lungomare (Bari’s trendy waterfront promenade is the longest in Italy). It offers stunning panoramic views of both the city and sea and is perfect for a leisurely stroll.
recommended restaurants
RESTAURANT
Mastro Ciccio
Located on Corso Emanuele. Ideal for a quick bite, Mastro Ciccio offers a wide variety of panini and sandwiches with original flavours and beautiful presentation. Fresh products, quick service, and affordable prices.
RESTAURANT
Il Grottino:
Located via Francesco Rismondi. A small, typical pizzeria very popular with locals, which is always a good sign! Delicious wood-fired pizzas.
RESTAURANT
Braceria Signorile
Located on via Giulio Petroni. A family restaurant specialising in meat where you choose your cut directly in the adjacent butchery run by the family. Exceptional quality and great value for money. Plus, the desserts are delicious too!
Fasano (where you will be staying for the wedding)
recommended restaurants
RESTAURANT
Pasticceria Velletri
An amazing bakery with homemade ice-cream (with flavours including ricotta, mint, hazelnuts). Great coffee & delicious pastries. Inexpensive too!
RESTAURANT
enoteca il cucco
At Cucco, the typical stone vaults guard the secret recipe of good food. The dishes are prepared with simple ingredients combined with a touch of modernity. There is only one great classic that is never missing from the menu: capocollo cut with julienned radicchio and Grana Padano DOP.
RESTAURANT
Il Cortiletto
This restaurant specialises in carefully chosen ingredients and authentic Puglian cuisine. The restaurant is split into 3 areas with a beautiful internal courtyard and an orange grove, perfect to dine under the stars!