Puglia

2 weeks

Planning a trip to Puglia? In 7–14 days you can see trullo houses, hidden beaches, Matera, and some of the most beautiful towns in Italy. We made a full Puglia ebook guide with everything you need to plan your trip (itineraries, restaurants, maps & tips) only $19.99 link at the bottom of this page.

14-Day Puglia Itinerary

Day 1: Bari Arrival

Fly or train into Bari.
Pick up a rental car at the airport (essential for reaching smaller towns & beaches).
Stroll the old town (Bari Vecchia) in the evening, grab focaccia barese, and rest up for the road trip.

Day 2–3: Vieste

Drive to Vieste (about 3.5 hrs).
Spend a day exploring the beautiful white buildings that make up the old town, perched on the cliffs.
Day 3: Take a boat tour of the sea caves — the coastline here is stunning. Don’t miss Pizzomunno beach with its iconic rock formation.

Day 4: Baia delle Zagare

Stay at one of the few hotels with access to this magical beach (Hotel Baia delle Zagare is the classic).
Spend the day swimming, sunbathing, and soaking in the view of the sea stacks.

Day 5–6: Matera

Drive inland to Matera (approx. 3 hrs).
Explore the Sassi cave dwellings, visit Casa Noha for history, and see the city lit up at night. You can feel that this town is one of the oldest in the world.
Stay in a cave hotel for the full experience (e.g., Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita).

Day 7: Lecce

Head south to Lecce (about 4 hrs).
Known as the “Florence of the South” for its baroque architecture.
Wander Piazza del Duomo, see the Roman amphitheater, and enjoy an aperitivo at sunset.

Day 8: Ostuni

Drive 1 hr north to Ostuni, “The White City.”
Get lost in its maze of alleys and admire the whitewashed houses glowing at golden hour.
Dinner on a rooftop terrace overlooking the olive groves and Adriatic.

Day 9: Alberobello

Short drive to Alberobello (about 40 min).
Stay in a traditional trullo house (a UNESCO World Heritage site).
Spend the day exploring the trulli neighborhoods — Rione Monti and Aia Piccola.

Day 10–11: Monopoli

Head to Monopoli (about 45 min).
Chill by the sea and stroll the old town with its castle walls and harbor.
Day 11: Take a day trip to nearby beaches like Porto Ghiacciolo beach or just relax in town.

Day 12–13: Polignano a Mare

Drive just 15 min north to Polignano.
Famous for Lama Monachile beach and dramatic cliffside views.
Stroll the old town’s balconies overlooking the sea.
Try Polignano’s signature coffee with lemon zest and amaro.
If you’re up for it: go cliff diving or book a boat tour for the sea caves.

Day 14: Back to Bari

Drive back (40 min).
Explore anything you missed in Bari before flying out.