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Puglia in Southern Italy has always been a go-to summer destination for Italians. Crystal waters, white-sand beaches, food to die for and some of the most charming white-washed towns right in Italy’s own backyard. It’s perfect… close, affordable, and drop-dead gorgeous. In the last decade or two however, the region has gathered much notoriety from abroad and tourists have flocked by the hundreds of thousands to this region. As is the case with many popular and trendy locations, (just think of Santorini or Venice), the common risk when traveling to these places is finding too many crowds and not enough authenticity. This is where I come in! I’ve devised a Puglia itinerary that will allow you to have just that – an authentic experience with no crowds!
Don’t worry, we still hit all the popular spots of course! And after listening and gathering as many recommendations as possible by the locals we are confident that this road trip through Puglia will help you experience a unique perspective of the region that so many tourists miss. From genuine culinary experiences to one-of-a-kind accommodations this Puglia itinerary will no doubt be a memorable one.
**This post is exceedingly long so if you’re only interested in a particular section, click on the Table of Contents below to be led directly to the topic you’re interested in.
Post Contents
Planning a Puglia Road Trip
Before getting to our actual Puglia itinerary and deciding on which towns and beaches to stop at, it is fundamental to plan accordingly. A big part of having a great time in Puglia relies heavily on what season you will be traveling in, how you plan to get around and how many days you have to allocate.
When is the Best Time to Visit Puglia?
So, first thing’s first… the timing of your Puglia holiday is crucial. Trust me, the month you embark on your Puglia itinerary can make or break your vacation. You want to plan things according to prices, crowds, weather and seasonality.
So of course in having so many beautiful beaches, the ideal time to go to Puglia are those warmer months where you can actually enjoy a dip. HOWEVER, it makes a big difference on which month you pick. The best months are by far June and September. June is the perfect month because it is already warm enough to enjoy the beach. Crowds also haven’t gotten too crazy yet, and the inner landscape is not arid and brown yet but still quite lush and green. September is runner-up because although crowds have died down and it is still warm, the scenery inland has gone through the whole summer at this point and is pretty dried up.
If swimming is not your priority, then spring is also a great time to visit. And guess what?! Depending on the town, some people start going to the beach as early as April!
The absolute worst months to go to Puglia are July and most especially August. If you have the liberty to decide when to go on holiday, I would avoid these months religiously. It is unbearably hot, the streets are swarming with tourist buses, and prices are soaring. If you take one piece of advice from this post, take this one!
How to Get to Puglia
Depending on where you’re coming from, you might be arriving via air, via train, or via car. Regardless, you will definitely want to head into Bari as your main starting point, working your way from the north to the south. If you’re arriving in Bari airport you can pick up your rental car right at the airport. For those of you opting to arrive via train, if you’re coming in from Rome the train time from Rome to Bari Puglia is only about 5 hours depending on what type of speed train you get!
How to Travel Around Puglia
There is only one option for getting around Puglia and that is RENTING A CAR. Trust me on this one, I tried in my early twenties getting around Puglia by public transportation- it didn’t work, period. (I actually got stranded at one point!) There is virtually no trustworthy type of public transportation outside of major towns like Bari, Lecce, Leuca, or Brindisi and the few routes that exist between these cities don’t run that often each day.
How Many Days for a Puglia Itinerary?
For those that know me, you know that I am a large proponent of slow travel. Seeing less things but with more time always seems to give off more of a vacation vibe rather than just a frantic sprint at crossing off some overpacked list of things to see. Nevertheless, I know we are all jam-packed for time and all lead very busy lives, so I tried to make this itinerary as efficient but simultaneously relaxing as possible.
For any Puglia Itinerary, I don’t recommend anything under 5 days. We did this road trip itinerary in 5 days and we could have honestly tacked on some extra days to explore a bit more (and we didn’t even venture to explore Bari this time around). Thus you can easily stretch this itinerary to a week to fit in Bari and its neighboring coastal towns. Or, if you particularly like bumming at the beach you can easily plan to enjoy 10 days in Puglia.
5 Days in Puglia Itinerary Breakdown
Day 2 – Visit Ostuni, drive to, visit and overnight in Alberobello
Day 3 – Drive to Porto Cesareo, visit beaches, overnight in Porto Cesareo
Day 4 – Visit Maldive di Salento, visit and overnight in Leuca
Day 5 – Visit Torre Sant’Andrea, visit and overnight in Otranto
Day 6 – Back to Bari and head home
Puglia Itinerary Map
Ostuni Town – Day 1
For our first day in Puglia we decided to head to Ostuni. We picked up our car from Bari and drove to Ostuni, approximately a 1-hour drive south.
Before exploring the town we checked in at our first hotel.
Hotels in Ostuni – Where to Stay?
Ostuni has countless options to choose from. From luxury to budget this is definitely a town where you are spoiled for choice when it comes to accommodations.
We wanted to stay somewhere with a lot of character, preferably stone-finished and surrounded by nature. After searching a bit I set my heart on Relais del Grottone. As soon as I saw the pictures and saw that breakfasts were completely homemade, my mind was set.
Relais del Grottone – Top Affordable Accommodation in Ostuni
Just arriving at this accommodation was eventful! The road leading up to the estate is narrow, just wide enough to fit your car. You can see olive trees for miles and the only discernible sound is the chirping of cicadas. Upon our arrival, our host Gina greeted us right away and showed us to our room. With our own private patio and swing I was catapulted onto cloud nine- I think I took about eighteen videos before even getting into the room lol!
The rooms besides all being drop dead gorgeous are so refreshing compared to the scorching outdoor temperatures. The stone-built walls make for a cool ambience and we never not once turned on the air conditioning. (Trust me, having comfortable temperatures in Southern Italy is a luxury!) The nightly fee in June was approximately 90 euro and was absolutely worth it – the breakfast alone is enough to make you stay for days!
Homemade Apulian Breakfast
I was surprised to learn that Gina and her husband Alessandro personally ask every single guest what they prefer for breakfast each day. She made us fresh scrambled eggs and bacon and accompanied it all with a platter of fresh cheeses (like 4 different kinds) and hand made jams. The jams were heavenly! Some with ground-up ginger, some with lemon zest, and some with turmeric. And to top it off they had even made several pies!
Oh and of course the setting of this idyllic breakfast is the estate courtyard. That’s right, as you sip at your cappuccino you get to gaze on the lavender bushes and olive tree groves that span the entire property- I mean, it’s so pretty I could have just died!
Ostuni Restaurants: Where to Eat
Since we are already on the topic of food, let’s talk about the best places to dine in Ostuni as well!
Having researched and asked many locals where to eat in Ostuni, we had compiled a list of masserie in the area. ‘Masseria’ is a type of property found in southern Italy, mainly only in Puglia and consists of a group of stone buildings almost always surrounded by acres of land that the owners use for farming and for livestock. Nowadays, many of these masserie have turned some of their buildings into rooms you can stay at and offer farm-to-table cuisine, usually with very authentic yet gourmet inspired meal options. Some are incredibly luxurious- (Madonna rented the entire complex of Borgo Egnazia a couple years back on a summer getaway.)
Masseria del Frantoio in Ostuni – 8-Course Taste Itinerary
We decided to try Masseria del Frantoio. The restaurant offers a 4, 6, or 8-course taste itinerary. Each course is accompanied by a paired wine, but the menu is kept secret until you get there. Of course, you can specify allergies or requests beforehand and they will gladly accommodate them. We opted for the 8-course itinerary, there was only like a 15-euro difference and plus this was our night to splurge!
Food of Puglia – Puglia is widely known for the following foods: wine, tomatoes, and olive oil! Try as many varieties as you can while on your Puglia road trip. Check out this post for the best regional dishes to try while in Italy.
In being a summer month, we got the opportunity to dine in the fantastic central courtyard. Cascading flowers and blooming bougainvilleas were everywhere you looked and the dining area was dotted with twinkle lights, candles and lanterns making the overall atmosphere very romantic. The place was already a win before sitting down!
As for the meal, it was one exquisite dish after the next… and the wines!!! We tasted our most favorite white wine here, the best wine ever. In being a secret menu, I can’t really get into it (plus the menu changes daily based on seasonality and what is available). Our culinary itinerary touched everything from home-made pasta, to freshly caught seafood, to elaborate purées and sauces, to typical and traditional foods like ‘pizzelle alla barese’ (omg to die for!).
The staff explained in depth every dish – how it is made, where the ingredients are cultivated, and the different traditions behind each specific type of food. Eating at Masseria il Frantoio was more like being accompanied on an immersive food itinerary. Hearing all the work and cultivation behind each dish really helped us get a better grasp on the agricultural traditions of the area.
Oh, and I almost forgot… the wine is refilled every time you finish your glass. EVERY TIME. I was like, what????!! Free wine refills??? Um, yessssss! The Masseria also offers accommodation options if you wish to stay here overnight.
Things to Do in Ostuni
In being rather small, Ostuni is best visited by simply wandering around. You can always make it a point to visit particular monuments like the Cattedrale dell’Assunta, but the real magic of the town lies in uncovering the marvelous little corners and glimpses of the sea you might catch as you snake your way through the beautiful arches and alleys. As you roam around, you will find snoozing cats on every doorstep, old little Italian women laying out their laundry to dry, all with the accompaniment of a delicate sea breeze. I guarantee you will never forget this white pearl of a city soaring above the most turquoise of waters and bluest of skies.
A Little Ostuni History
Ostuni is called ‘la città bianca,’ meaning the white city. Even from a far distance you can see it; sitting like a white marble cake-topper towering over the encompassing valley below— it most definitely catches your eyes! At times it honestly feels like you’ve been transported to one of the Greek Isles!
The city historically has passed through many hands; Romans, Ostrogoths, Normans, Bourbons, you name it- each empire or dynasty wanting its dominion over such a strategic territory. Located high on a coastal hill with unobstructed views, it was the perfect place to keep watch on the seas and surrounding country. The city got its current name in the 1st and 2nd centuries AD when a completely new city was forged on top of a previous one. “Astu-neon,” (meaning new city in Greek) gives us our present day ‘Ostuni’.
Why is Ostuni White?
The beautiful milky facades of the city are what to this day characterize and distinguish the town. A town made of winding narrow staircases, alleys and balconies, the city was originally painted white as to reflect more sun. Subsequently, after having discovered the antiseptic properties of limestone, it was ordered to have all buildings covered with limestone chalk as to help prevent with the spread of disease. It is said that it was the limestone alone that slowed down the propagation of the bubonic plague. To this day limestone slabs are placed in the wells to disinfect water.
Alberobello Town – Day 2
Next up on our Puglia itinerary is Alberobello!
Located in the Valle d’Itria (Itria Valley), this area of Puglia (although not on the coast) boasts some of the most beautiful countryside sceneries. The car journey from Ostuni to Alberobello is rather brief at about 45 minutes, and as you venture through the country you will touch landscapes of infinite vineyards, olive orchards and trulli here and there. The calcareous soil in this region is different than the rest of Puglia and paints the ground a marvelous bright red. Wines here diverge from the typical full-bodied red wines of Puglia, as the area is known for its white grapes– Verdeca and Bianco d’Alessano being the main two varieties of the region.
You can definitely reserve a wine-tasting session in a cantina or two- however, pressed for time, we decided to head straight into Alberobello.
Is Alberobello Worth Visiting?
I have to admit that I was a little worried about heading into Alberobello. I don’t like tourists (even though I am one myself), let alone crowded places. I was quite worried from the stories I had been told of the town. I was told that I had to make my way into town super early to avoid the chaos of unloading tourist buses. I was afraid I would have to spend my time elbowing through seas of people instead of absorbing the history and culture.
To my surprise, I was greatly mistaken! Granted I visited at a time when national borders were still heavily restricted due to the pandemic, the fact that I visited in June definitely made a huge difference. Most of the time there were only a handful of people on each alley. Thus, I cannot stress enough going in shoulder months – it truly allows you to actually take in the essence of Puglia!
The Trulli of Alberobello
When thinking of Alberobello, I think it’s safe to say the first thing that pops up to mind are those whimsical trulli.
So, what exactly is a trullo?
A trullo is a cone-shaped building (used either as a private dwelling or as a storehouse) constructed out of dry wall. The walls are quite thick, most reaching at least 1 meter (allowing cool temperatures in the summer and moderate temperatures in the winter).
The dry stones are simply stacked and there is no cement or mortar binding the masonry. This method of construction was strategic so that the huts could easily be dismantled on the fly. Most probably, the reasoning behind this was so that the community could avoid paying property taxes. Whenever there was news that an inspector was near, the houses would be disassembled along with the proof of any type of proprietorship. Such sneaky Italians…
The roofs instead are constructed much like arches, with a keystone capping the top and holding everything together. On top of this cone-like dome is where the limestone slabs are placed. They are meticulously stacked in a circular pattern so as to not allow water to get through.
Alberobello Hotels – Where to Stay?
So, having said this, staying in a trullo while in Alberobello is an absolute MUST!
We unfortunately didn’t stay in an actual trullo because my annoying self thought it would be too touristy- *eyeroll*. When I got to touring the city and after having visited several trulli, I definitely regretted the decision… *sob sob*.
There are numerous trulli you can stay in around the town. You can have your pick on how luxurious or how authentic you would like your stay to feel and how downtown or on the outskirts you would like to be positioned. If you want something more authentic and actually live amongst the locals, you definitely will want to book in the Rione Aia Piccola part of town. If instead you’re happy to be “in the middle of everything” you can happily book in the Rione Monti side of town.
If you’re not interested in actually staying in a trullo but are okay with staying in the country, there are still numerous options. We stayed at a dairy farm (I love animals!) and even though it wasn’t a trullo, it was still a nice country experience in a stone built ‘casale.’
A Little Alberobello History
I won’t proceed to bore you with dates and names, but what comes as surprising is that Alberobello’s trulli are actually quite a recent addition (given Italy’s archaic architectural history). In fact, there are actually no signs of trulli in the area until the 1700s! The area before resembled more of a forest, hence the name [Albero]-[bello]—Beautiful tree.
The way the city looks today dates back to the late 1800s, so the city’s architecture and urban plan are BRAND NEW. So ironic that a town that looks so old is in reality extremely young.
A Story Passed on Through Generations
We were so fortunate to tour the city with a friend of ours who actually lives in Alberobello. It was amazing to see how a person (not in the tourism industry) knew so much about local history. It was fascinating to hear about Count Gian Girolamo II Acquaviva, (to this day this feudal lord basically remains the town’s mascot- not in a very good way though). Nicknamed, the one-eyed Apulian, the Count was known for his cruelty. He habitually exercised his right of “ius primae noctis” and frequently injured by-passers below his villa as he proceeded to practice target shooting for sport (trying to aim at things they were holding)… The things that were the norm in the past!
I found it so captivating to see a town that still remembers its roots so profoundly. I wish I knew more historical anecdotes of the place I grew up in!
Alberobello Restaurants: Where to Eat?
So enough for the history fanatics, where should you eat in Alberobello??? Here are a couple restaurants that our friend recommended. After our 8-course meal in Ostuni the night before, we opted for something a little less ambitious and dined at Il Guercio di Puglia.
Trattoria Terra Madre – farm to table $$$
If you’re looking for the ultimate slow food experience, Terra Madre is your pick. Only serving traditional food, everything here is locally grown. In fact, you can even book a tour of their farm and vegetable gardens!
La Cantina – open kitchen $$
A front row seat at a cooking show, if you love to watch as the chefs cook, this is the restaurant for you. An international twist on traditional ingredients, the food here is no less than exquisite.
Il Guercio di Puglia – local gem $$
Right downtown, this restaurant turns homey into gourmet. This is a particular winner for those of you who are craving pizza.
Beaches in Salento – Days 3 through 5
Having had a first dose of the best towns in Puglia, at this point our itinerary heads down south to explore the beaches! There are literally hundreds of beaches dotting the coastline. We decided to casually beach hop around so as to get a chance to experience all types of coastlines.
Porto Cesareo Beaches – Day 3
For the most pristine waters on the Ionian coast (western side of the boot’s heel), this is where you want to head. Besides crystalline seas, the area also has a vivid nightlife for those interested. During the day, there are hundreds of beach clubs to choose from. From happy hour and live DJ sets to quieter options for families, there is something for all tastes. If you’re interested in beach lounges some of the most well-known in the area are Bahia and Togo Bay Beach.
So which beach should you pick?
Punta Prosciutto Beach is in my opinion the beach with the most exquisite water. You will never find one speck of algae or any turbidity- this beach is literally comparable to Bora Bora. However, its beauty has also made it quite popular. You’ll want to head out in the early morning to be able to reserve a lounge chair and get a chance to take it all in before the hordes move in.
Don’t worry, if you’re traveling as a family there are still options!
For those of you traveling with kids, a little quieter and a great alternative to Punta Prosciutto is Torre Lapillo Beach. Powdery white sands and shallow waters make this place heaven. And there is even an old watch tower from the 1500s (Torre di San Tommaso), which is quite lovely to have a walk around or even tour inside for 2 euros. Although this area is much less busy, remember this is not a place to be during July or August!
Other beaches in the area you might like are Torre Colimena, Porto Selvaggio, and Torre Chianca Beach.
Porto Selvaggio Beach is actually situated in a National Park and as such is more rugged and offers beautiful walks. The area can still get quite busy but there is a nice big pine grove that allows for shade if you don’t have your heart set on sitting right up next to the water. If instead you are desperately wanting to escape the crowds, Torre Colimena Beach is a great alternative. This beach however does not offer any amenities or lounge chair rentals— you have to come self-equipped with an umbrella. This was definitely however the quietest beach we visited while in Porto Cesareo.
The Maldives of Salento, Pescoluse Beach & Leuca – Day 4
For Day 4, our Puglia itinerary continues beach hopping down the Ionian Coast to an area known as the Maldives of Puglia- seven kilometers of the whitest sands and tropical-like waters. (Did you just land in the Pirates of the Caribbean???) The area is vast so you can check the whole area out to decide on where to sprawl out for the day- we opted for Pescoluse Beach.
Towards the evening for our overnight stay we decided to head to Santa Maria di Leuca, a bigger town for more dining and recreational options.
Santa Maria di Leuca
Where the Adriatic Sea meets the Ionian Sea, Santa Maria di Leuca lies right at this crossroads. Deeply rooted in fishing, the surrounding coastal area is scattered with coves and grottos. There are numerous tours that visit the most famous ones; la Grotta del Soffio and la Grotta delle Tre Porte.
Make sure you head up to the lighthouse towards sunset for a breathtaking view of the port below. The Basilica di Santa Maria finibus terrae lies right beside the lighthouse and gets its name because it was the last Roman land before crossing the sea into foreign territories.
Restaurants in Santa Maria di Leuca – Where to Eat?
Again, like in all towns in Puglia you are definitely spoiled for choice when it comes down to restaurants. Depends on whether you are more interested in location, food or both! If you’re interested in seafront views, head down to the port for a romantic dinner. If you are more interested in locally sourced products, then I definitely recommend Boccaccio!
Bocaccio’s location although not seafront is quite charming as well. As you walk up to the entrance it literally feels like you’re about to go on a tour of ancient ruins. A completely open restaurant, you will be seated below trees in an actual natural reserve!
The menu is completely derived from organic local products- the perfect place to try all those traditional foods. From orecchiette, to frise, to ‘bombette pugliesi’ everything is exquisite. Wild herbs are an area of expertise of this restaurant and as such the restaurant has a vast variety of vegan and vegetarian options. The best part? They have an on-site boutique where you can purchase their local products before calling it a night. This restaurant however is only seasonal and is only open end of spring to early fall.
Mosquitoes! Make sure you bring a good mosquito repellent when going to dinner outdoors in Puglia. They are not dangerous or transmit any diseases, but they definitely are a pester and I guarantee will keep you itching! Many restaurants actually have mosquito repellent on hand for customers but better to come prepared.
Otranto and Cave of Poetry – Day 5
On your last day touring Puglia, we finally venture to the Adriatic coast. I actually preferred this side as the beaches were mainly rocky as opposed to the sandy Ionian side. This might be a total turnoff for a lot of you, but I guarantee that all the little grottos and swimming holes that the coast offers will definitely steal your heart.
Torre Sant’Andrea
On our way towards the notorious Cave of Poetry, we came across this name on our Google maps. I had never read about it in any blogs and even friends that had been to Puglia numerous times had never been. All the more reason to check it out!
As always, it is indeed those lesser known spots that end up stealing the light. This place was absolute heaven. Not only was the water a deep turquoise, the area was filled with little coves to explore- perfect for snorkeling! The towering stack rocks were a sight to see and perfect for the adventurous looking for a place to cliff-dive. (Beware that the rock here are friable and can crumble. Climbing the rocks is at your own risk!).
I spent an entire morning with my go pro dome exploring the different little inlets, creeks and tidepools. It was hands down my favorite beach day of the entire trip.
Grotta della Poesia (Cave of Poetry)
Much more crowded than Sant’Andrea, we next headed to IG famous Cave of Poetry. The cave used to be in fact a cave until the roof collapsed giving birth to one of the most spectacular natural swimming pools in the world.
From above, the pool literally looks like a glowing emerald set in stone, a beautiful aquamarine gem nestled in a breathtakingly beautiful cliff. Legends recount there was an unbelievably beautiful princess that would come and bathe here. She was so beautiful that men would compose and narrate long romantic poems of her.
Many people love cliff diving here and it is the most popular activity. Over the years, much damage has been done to the surrounding rocks from people brazenly climbing or carving into the stone and contributing to an overall degradation of the territory. Please remember to be respectful and considerate – let’s help keep this marvelous jewel intact!
Otranto Town
To close off our Puglia itinerary we headed to Otranto to catch our last sunset of the trip.
A city full of history, Otranto like Ostuni, has passed through the hands of dozens- from the Aragonese to the Turks. As such, it doesn’t come as a surprise that the town is fortified, the center being completely encircled by defensive walls. Historically the city was one of the most important stages for international commerce in southern Italy. In being at a crossroads between the east and west, the city’s strategic position was highly coveted. Even Venice at one point conquered the city!
What to See in Otranto
After passing under the Porta Alfonsina you will find yourself in the heart of Otranto- a maze of delightful alleys and courtyards. You can just imagine what it must have been like during Medieval times to barter at the town market or trade at the local workshops. Even today the city is full of little studios and ateliers in every corner.
As you meander your way through the streets of Otranto you will come across two beautiful masterpieces; the Castello Aragonese and the glorious Cathedral di Santa Maria Annunziata. The Castle or rather fortress is entirely surrounded by a moat and sits high on the city offering beautiful views of the sea. I didn’t visit as I preferred to save my little time left for an aperitivo, but it is most certainly possible to visit at 10 euro a ticket. The Cathedral also will definitely catch your eye and it holds a tragic story of martyrdom. In 1480 over 800 devoted Christians were slaughtered by the Turks in this very church- an entire chapel is dedicated to remembering these departed worshippers.
For views? I highly suggest you make your way down to the port and take a nice seafront evening stroll on the Lungomare degli Eroi. Right next to Porta Alfonsina you will have the beautiful town walls on one side and a magical sea sunset on the other. This area is also full of great aperitivo spots and exquisite restaurants!
Otranto Restaurants – Where to Eat?
We were looking for a place right on the boardwalk where we could get those romantic seafront views. Our B&B host suggested Ristorante dal Baffo and we were so happy with it. If you are a fan of seafood, boy, this is the place for you. I had some of the best raw red shrimp of my life here!!!
If you’re not a fan of seafood however Otranto is home to hundreds of other gourmet restaurants to choose from. Here are some of the best choices picked by Tripadvisor.
Check Out & Head Home – Day 6
Unfortunately all vacations have to come to an end and Otranto is where we decided to conclude this Puglia Itinerary. From here you can head back to Bari to catch your train or flight home.
Puglia Itinerary – Last Remarks
If you survived this post, you deserve a gold star! Thank you so much for sitting through the longest Puglia travel guide ever. I hope you may find this info to be helpful while planning your trip.
There are without a doubt many things I had to exclude in this 5-day itinerary but I’m confident these are the spots that will leave you feeling like you got a comprehensive experience of what the magical Apulian territory has to offer. If you end up going, I would love to hear back with all of your comments below!
Buon Viaggio!
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This blog post is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. Please read my full disclosure for further information.
Amy says
We are heading there end of OCt early Nov with my mom. Her family is from Bari so we will start there and we have 8 full days before we fly out of Rome! Any other places you would recommend instead of the beach towns because of the time of year?
Linda Faison says
Hi Amy, that sounds so exciting! To answer your question it depends if you will only be in Puglia. Locorotondo and Cisternino are some great other towns that are not beach towns, otherwise if you can venture into nearby Basilicata, Matera is a great place to explore (and not on a day trip)! I have a blog post on it if you might be interested. Have a wonderful vacation!
Sejal shah says
I can’t thank you enough for this perfect description. I’m following your trip to the T and can’t wait to explore , thank u for ur help
Linda Faison says
Yay Sejal! So glad this helped and so excited for your trip!!!
Tina says
We’re planning a trip to Puglia and this is so helpful! I wanted to ask how you found the parking situation? Is it generally easy to find parking around the towns and beaches? thank you!
Linda Faison says
Hi Natasha! Yayyy, so exciting!! So to answer your question, parking can be painful during high season, especially at the beaches. If you don’t arrive early expect to have to park far away and to have to pay for it! When it comes to towns, I find it’s a bit easier- it’s one of those cases where the early bird truly does get the worm!
tania says
hi Linda, thanks so much for sharing this. I was wondering what coastal town you loved the most, or that had the nicest beaches and would recommend staying for a few nights.
thanks
Linda Faison says
Hi Tania! I’m so glad you’re finding this post useful. For coastal towns I would have to say I loved Otranto the most and its nearby beach Torre Sant’Andrea. Gallipoli however has a higher concentration of beaches. I would aim for one of these two cities. If you’re interested in nightlife, Gallipoli is probably the better choice.
Mina says
This is such a great guide – thanks for sharing! If you’re someone who wants to spend more time in the beach cities would you recommend cutting out one of the cities?
When you get to the coast would it be possible to stay in one of the beach cities and then drive to different cities from there instead of staying in a different place every night?
Linda Faison says
Hi Mina! I’m so glad you’ve found this guide helpful! You can definitely stay in one beach city and drive to the different cities in southern Puglia. For example you can stay in Otranto and just drive to Gallipoli, Porto Cesareo etc. Even if the cities are on opposite coasts, the driving time is only about 40 min. I find, depending on how many days you have that you can choose a base town for the south, one for the middle like Ostuni and one for the north which could be Monopoli or Bari. That way you find a nice balance between not switching too many accommodations and reducing drive time. Hope this helps and if you have any other questions don’t hesitate to reach out!
Denise says
Puglia is definitely on my list as soon as I can get to Europe!
Linda Faison says
Yessss! That’s great to hear :))
Nathalie Bolet says
This year I’ve been dreaming about going to the beach and this post just made me want to go back to Italy even more. Great itinerary!
Linda Faison says
I’m so glad that this post inspired you for an Italian beachfilled 2021!