Looking for the perfect Puglia itinerary in 7 days? From charming towns to historic UNESCO World Heritage sites to beautiful beaches, this itinerary covers all the best places to visit in Puglia.
Italy has always had a special place in my heart. From studying abroad in Florence to living La Dolce Vita on the Amalfi Coast to island hopping in Sardinia and Sicily, Italy is hands down one of my favorite countries to visit. One region that I had been dying to visit was Puglia, so I decided to spend 7 days there over the summer… and it did not disappoint!
After spending a fabulous week in the region, I’m sharing my epic Puglia itinerary!
About Puglia
Puglia, also called Apuglia, is located in southern Italy at the “heel of the boot.” The region is known for its stunning coastline, endless olive groves (for their olive oil production!), hilltop towns, and unique cuisine.
From the seaside town of Polignano a Mare to the white city of Ostuni to the ancient cave dwellings of Matera, Puglia is incredibly diverse with tons of must-see destinations.
Not quite as well-known as the Amalfi Coast or other coastal parts of Italy, this region is no longer the hidden gem it once was.
Until recent years, Puglia was most frequently visited by Italians on their summer vacations. Now, it’s becoming more and more popular with visitors from around the world.
How to Get to Puglia
Getting to Puglia is fairly easy as there are several airports in the region.
The largest airport is Bari Karol Wojtyla International Airport which is well-connected to Europe. There are flights from London, Paris and Barcelona, as well as Istanbul, Dubai, Tel Aviv and many more.
Since I was already in the UK, I flew from London Gatwick to Bari via Wizz Air. The direct flight was an easy 2 hours and 45 minutes!
The other airport in Puglia is Brindisi Airport, which is smaller but still has plenty of flights to many cities within Italy and around Europe.
If you’re traveling from the US or elsewhere outside of Europe, you’ll have to connect in a larger city before arriving in Puglia. Or, another option would be to fly into Rome and take the train to Bari. There is a direct high-speed train that runs from Rome Termini station to Bari Centrale station and takes about 4 hours.
How Many Days Should You Spend in Puglia?
Since it’s a sizable region with lots of beautiful and interesting places to see, I’d recommend spending 7 days in Puglia. A week will allow you to check out many of the major highlights in the area at a comfortable pace.
Of course, if you have more time, it would be easy to spend 2 weeks in the region and not get bored! Plus, this would allow you to go at a very leisurely pace, if that’s more your speed.
I wouldn’t plan a Puglia itinerary with less than 4 – 5 days though. It would be pretty hard to visit many of the must-see places in just a weekend!
After spending one week in Puglia, I personally thought it was the perfect amount of time to explore. We were able to soak in some of the most beautiful beaches along the Adriatic Sea, as well as hop from one city to the next without feeling rushed.
Where Should You Stay in Puglia?
While I was planning out my Puglia itinerary, one of the hardest decisions was figuring out where to base myself to best explore the region. Plus, there are some really unique lodging options in the heel of Italy that I didn’t want to miss out on experiencing.
Trulli
Trulli (or singularly called a trullo) are small stone buildings with conical shaped roofs. Dating back to the 14th century, they are typically painted white and sometimes have symbols painted on the roof.
These buildings are found throughout the countryside or small towns and have become an icon of Puglia.
Masseria
Also unique to the region are masseries, or traditional farmhouses that are now used as homes or hotels. Customarily set in the countryside, masserias are a popular lodging option and a great way to soak in the beauty of Puglia.
If you’re planning a trip to Puglia, you have to experience staying in both a trullo and masseria!
Where to Base Yourself in Puglia
Over the week-long trip, we based ourselves in three areas that we felt allowed us to explore the different areas of Puglia we wanted to see. The first was between Polignano a Mare and Monopoli, the second was near Ostuni, and the third was in Matera.
I felt staying in three locations around Puglia was a good compromise. We didn’t have to move hotels every night to be in an area we wanted to explore… but we also didn’t have to do tons of driving, which would be required if we just based ourselves in one spot for the entire week.
After mapping out my Puglia itinerary, I found the perfect places to stay in Puglia that included both trulli and masserias — which I’ll go into more detail on in the itinerary section of this post.
How to Get Around
The best way to get around Puglia is by renting a car and driving yourself. Of course, there are some public transportation options but driving is by far the easiest and most convenient way to do a Puglia one week itinerary.
We rented a car after arriving at the airport in Bari through Avis. I would recommend reserving a rental car in advance as they can get booked up during the busy summer months. Generally, the rental cars are on the smaller side (this is common throughout Europe!) which is helpful for finding parking in crowded streets.
Also, remember to reserve an automatic car if that’s your preference. Otherwise, many car rental companies in Italy will default to manual.
I was a bit nervous about driving in southern Italy as I heard that there are some speedy drivers… but it was totally fine! Just make sure to let any fast drivers pass and follow all the traffic signs.
About the Puglia Itinerary in 7 Days
This one week in Puglia itinerary includes all of the best places in Puglia to visit, as well as where to stay and the top restaurants to eat at.
The itinerary starts in Bari, as that’s where I flew into, but it could also start in Brindisi, if that airport is more convenient for your trip. While you could use public transport for some of the itinerary, it really is meant to be a Puglia road trip itinerary for those that are renting a car. And, I think this would be a great itinerary for a couples’ getaway or a group trip with family and friends!
Note: there were a couple of things we did on our trip that were unique or luxurious (like stopping at the spa of Borgo Egnazia or spending an evening with a pizzaiolo!), so I’ve made sure to include some alternate options in case you weren’t keen on those parts of the itinerary!
Puglia Itinerary in 7 Days Overview:
- Day 0: Travel day / Arrive in Puglia
- Day 1: Polignano a Mare
- Day 2: Monopoli
- Day 3: Borgo Egnazia & Masseria San Paolo Grande
- Day 4: Torre Sant’Andrea, Grotta della Poesia (Cave of Poetry) and Torre dell’Orso
- Day 5: Ostuni
- Day 6: Alberobello
- Day 7: Matera
Puglia Itinerary in 7 Days
Day 0: Travel Day / Arrive in Puglia
After arriving at the Bari airport, we picked up our rental car and were on the way! Our first destination was a private trullo house, conveniently situated between Polignano a Mare and Monopoli.
Trullammare is a private home rental that is an authentic trullo house! We were so excited when we arrived at the house — it was beyond charming and exactly what we hoped for. Plus, the sprawling property features a garden with sea views and beach access.
One of the best parts of staying at this property is that guests of Trullammare get complimentary reserved chairs at the beach club on the beach (called Cala Corvino).
Upon check-in, we were greeted by the lovely, welcoming family that owns the property. They showed us around and gave us lots of helpful information about the area.
After our travel day, we decided to spend the remainder of the day grabbing some grocery supplies, enjoying the beach and cooking dinner at the charming trullo!
Day 1: Polignano a Mare
If you’ve done any research on a Puglia itinerary, you’ve probably seen photos of the gorgeous coastal town, Polignano a Mare. It’s undoubtably one of the best places to visit in Puglia!
Walking around the old town, you can understand why Polignano a Mare is famous. It’s charming, narrow streets are situated on a cliff overlooking the sea. And from the north part of the old town, there are stunning views looking over the iconic beach, Cala Monachile.
Cala Monachile is a picturesque pebble beach with incredibly turquoise waters and is a popular spot for cliff jumping. In fact, Red Bull hosts their annual cliff diving competition here!
We spent the day exploring the town and taking in the views. For lunch, we grabbed paninis at Number One and ate them while enjoying views of the piazza.
Also while you’re visiting, don’t miss trying the famous “special coffee” at Il Super Mago del Gelo. This delicious drink is made up of coffee, amaretto, cream, and lemon zest!
Did you know that Polignano a Mare is the birthplace of Domenico Modugno, the original singer of “Volare?” The song was later covered by both Dean Martin and the Gipsy Kings.
Walking down Via Roma, the song’s lyrics are displayed overhead in string lights:
Volaré, oh-oh
Cantaré, oh-oh-oh-oh
Learn to Make Pizza with a Pizzaiolo
After a lovely day exploring Polignano a Mare, we made our way back to Trullamare for a special evening. The owners of the house helped us set up an evening with a pizzaiolo to teach us how to make the perfect pizzas in the house’s authentic pizza oven.
I’m not kidding when I say these were some of the best pizzas I’ve had in my life!
Alternate Itinerary Option: if you preferred to have dinner in Polignano a Mare as well, many people opt to dine at Grotta Palazzese. While I’ve heard that the food isn’t really anything to write home about, dining in a seaside cave is certainly a bucket list experience. If you’re more of a foodie, then Osteria di Chichibio is a nice option with elevated cuisine and fresh seafood dishes.
Polignano a Mare Hotels
Looking for the best hotels in Polignano a Mare? Here are my top picks!
- Aquamarea: One of the most iconic photos of Polignano a Mare is the viewpoint looking over the famous Cala Monachile Beach. And guess what? Right next to this bed & breakfast hotel is where that photo is taken from! Imagine waking up to one of the best views in Puglia every morning!
- Sei Stelle Mama: This lovely bed & breakfast has beautifully decorated rooms and features a stunning rooftop with views overlooking one of the charming town squares.
Day 2: Monopoli
For the second day on our Puglia itinerary, our plan was to explore Monopoli, another of the charming seaside towns. Just a 15-minute drive south of Poligano a Mare, this town is another must-see in the region.
Monopoli is situated on a gorgeous stretch of the coastline with endless views of the Adriatic Sea. The area is home to many beach clubs where visitors can rent beach chairs with food + beverage service to enjoy lunch with sea views… what could be better?!
Chill at a Beach Club
After doing tons of research about the beach clubs in the Monopoli / Capitolo area, I narrowed down our list of the best beach clubs. The only problem? We popped down to the beach club at Trullamare in the morning and had such a great time that we never left!
So, while I can’t speak to my experience at these beach clubs, I can share my well-researched list of the beach best clubs in Monopoli, in case you decide to visit:
Explore Monopoli’s Centro Storico
In the afternoon, we made our way into Monopoli to explore. We started off in the old town, or the centro storico, where winding streets are lined with green shutters and dotted with little shops and restaurants.
Compared to Polignano a Mare, Monopoli has a more local feel to it — locals gather in the piazzas to socialize and fisherman can be seen coming in with their fresh catch of the day. The town’s relaxed atmosphere almost feels like stepping back in time.
Our first stop was the gorgeous Porto Antico, or the old port, where you can see the gozzi. These traditional fishing boats have become iconic of Puglia!
The gozzi are painted in colors according to their town of origin — for example, Monopoli’s gozzi are always painted blue and red.
Next, we made our way to Castello Carlo V, a stone fortress dating back to the mid-1500s. This fortress was originally used as defense for the city and then later used as a jail. Now it’s a museum that is free to visit. Make sure to walk around it to enjoy the sea views!
We spent the rest of our time getting lost in the maze of picturesque side streets and admiring some of the town’s historic churches. Many of the streets are decorated with hat garlands… which make for some great photo ops!
To finish off our day in Monopoli, we had dinner at Porta de mä. Located in Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi, this upscale restaurant had both a chic interior and outside seating in the piazza. We chose to sit outside to enjoy the piazza and people watch during our dinner!
The food was super impressive — with fresh seafood options and beautiful presentations. I really loved all the sushi-style starters, like the bluefin tartare and bluefin tataki, as well as the O-Toro!
Monopoli Hotels
Looking for the best hotels in Monopoli? Here are my top picks!
- Residenza Il Sole: One of the major highlights of this bed & breakfast is it’s resort-style pool that’s perfect for a dip on those hot summer days.
- TRULIVO: Looking to stay in a trullo near Monopoli? This charming farm-stay house is worth checking out for it’s trulli, fresh-made breakfast, and outdoor pool.
Day 3: Borgo Egnazia & Masseria San Paolo Grande
After saying goodbye to Trullammare (“trulli” the best trullo experience ever… ha!), we began making our way towards our next destination: staying at a traditional masseria outside of Ostuni.
But first, we wanted to stop at Borgo Egnazia, one of the region’s most popular and well-known luxury hotels. The hotel is known for its expansive property, beach club, golf course, spa, and restaurants.
Vair Spa at Borgo Egnazia
My fiancé, who’s a huge golf lover, wanted to play at their coastal golf course… so I made a massage appointment at their spa and spent the morning pampering myself.
Borgo Egnazia’s Vair Spa features a beautiful heated indoor pool, saunas, steam and relaxation rooms… it’s pretty much heaven on earth!
After a relaxing morning at the spa, we met for lunch at La Calce, the hotel’s “bistro” restaurant serving Mediterranean fare.
Alternate Itinerary Option: If you’d rather spend your morning exploring more of Puglia’s charming cities I would recommend stopping in either Cisternino or Locorotondo. They are both picturesque “white cities” — meaning all the buildings are painted white — and they are perched on hilltops with views of the idyllic countryside.
Check into Masseria San Paolo Grande
From Borgo Egnazia, we drove about 40 minutes to check-in to our next hotel, Masseria San Paolo Grande.
Arriving at Masseria San Paolo Grande, it felt like we were transported back in time to a traditional farmhouse. Although, now it’s a beautiful, rustic hotel featuring an event space, restaurant, swimming pool and even hosts cooking classes!
We stayed in the Torre suite and loved our rooftop patio with views looking over the olive groves.
→ Book a Stay at Masseria San Paolo Grande
Dinner in Ostuni
After settling in, we decided to venture into Ostuni — just 10 minutes drive from the masseria.
Ostuni is perhaps the most famous white city in Puglia… and for good reason! This captivating town is packed with charm, from it’s maze of white-washed buildings to its hilltop views of the Adriatic Sea.
Since, it was pretty late in the evening, we didn’t get to see much of the city (yet!) but did have an incredible dinner at Ristorante Cielo. This one-star Michelin restaurant is upscale but the dishes are playful and innovative which we loved.
Day 4: Torre Sant’Andrea, Torre dell’Orso, and Grotta della Poesia
On the fourth day of our Puglia itinerary, we decided to venture south to check out some of Puglia’s most unique coastline.
I had seen some beautiful beaches with interesting rock formations on Instagram but I couldn’t find many articles about them online (there were some in Italian but not many in English!). So, we set off to check out these off-the-beaten-path beaches!
And… all I can say about them is WOW! Honestly, I was so happy we ventured down to check them out because they were some of the most beautiful coastline I’d seen in Italy.
Torre Sant’Andrea
We started off by heading to Torre Sant’Andrea which was about a 1.5 hour drive from Ostuni.
Torre Sant’Andrea is a rocky section of coastline that is characterized by its unique rock stacks called I Faraglioni di Sant’Andrea.
Arriving at Torre Sant’Andrea, I was blown away by the views from the cliffs looking down at the rock stacks and the sea below. The coastline had the most crystal clear waters and made me want to dive right in!
To get down to swim at this spot, it is quite rocky (no sandy beach here!) so make sure to wear sturdy shoes or pack a pair of water shoes. Once you’re down at the rocks, you can just jump in and swim around (or even through!) the rock stacks. It’s shallow enough to stand at some points and really is just the perfect place for floating and relaxing under the summer sun.
Pro Tip: Make sure to check the weather forecast because this spot is best visited when there isn’t much wind. If there are heavy winds, the water can get quite choppy and isn’t ideal for swimming. We actually switched our original itinerary to visit this spot on the least windy day of the week and it was totally worth it!
Torre dell’Orso
After we’d had our fill of Torre Sant’Andrea, we went on our way to the next stop, Torre dell’Orso, which was only a 5-minute drive.
Torre dell’Orso is made up into two areas. The first is a large sandy beach that is home to plenty of charming beach clubs and calm, clear water that’s a great place for a relaxing swim. And the second area is a cliff viewpoint where visitors can take in the incredible views of Le Due Sorelle.
Le Due Sorelle (which means “the two sisters” in English) are two rock formations jutting out of the Ionian Sea. They make for a great photo op!
We also saw some very brave people cliff jumping here… so if you’re an adrenaline junkie, this could be your chance. If not, they also have paddle boats you can rent to explore the area around Le Due Sorelle!
Grotta della Poesia
Our last stop of the day was the Grotta della Poesia (which translates to “cave of poetry”) which was just a few minutes’ drive away. By the time we got there, it was late afternoon and the sun was starting to go down so there was hardly anyone there!
Midday is definitely the best time to get here if you want to jump in, as it’s one of the most popular swimming spots in the area. With the sun shining down into the cave, the water is a beautiful shimmering blue color. And you’ll see plenty of people jumping in for a swim!
All in all, I felt that Torre Sant’Andrea, Torre dell’Orso, and Grotta della Poesia made for some of the best day trips in Puglia.
Since it was getting late and we had a full day of swimming and exploring, we decided to head back to Masseria San Paolo Grande to shower and freshen up before dinner.
Note: Lecce is just 30 minutes away so if it’s on your Puglia itinerary, this would be a great time to include it. The city is known for its stunning baroque architecture as well as its charming piazzas and dining scene – well worth a stop!
Dinner at Masseria San Paolo Grande
We decided to end our day with a low-key dinner at the hotel. Sitting in the picturesque garden, we were delighted at how incredible our meal was. We were expecting very casual food but instead, we felt more like we were at a Michelin rated restaurant.
If you plan to dine here, please don’t skip the eggplant appetizer (honestly, it was hands down the best eggplant I’ve ever eaten) or the indulgent desserts!
Hotels Near Torre dell’Orso & Lecce
Looking for the best hotels near Torre dell’Orso and Lecce? Here are my top picks!
- Marelive: If your goal is to be close to Torre dell’Orso, Torre Sant’Andrea, and the Cave of Poetry, then Marelive is a wonderful lodging option for you. And with a resort-style swimming pool, you’ll truly feel like you’re on vacation!
- Borgo Sentinella: Rustic meets chic at this masseria hotel with a beautiful pool, near Torre dell’Orso.
- Patria Palace Lecce: If you’re looking for a lux stay in Lecce, than this hotel is for you! With beautifully decorated rooms, views of Basilica of Santa Croce and a stunning roooftop, you can’t go wrong with Patria Palace.
- La Fiermontina: This masseria style hotel is located right in Lecce; a nice option for a relaxing stay in the city center.
Day 5: Ostuni
If you’re planning a Puglia itinerary in 7 days, you can’t miss stopping in Ostuni. Perhaps the most famous white city (or “La Città Bianca” in Italian) in the Valle d’Itria, Ostuni has a hilltop location in the countryside giving it a rustic charm and pretty sea views.
As you may have guessed, it’s called a white city because all of the buildings are white washed!
The main part of town, “centro storico” (or the historic center), is made up of a maze of narrow streets that are connected by little piazzas and dotted with churches, restaurants, and shops.
Piazza della Liberta is the town’s largest square and is home to the Spire of Sant’Oronzo. At over 60 feet high, the baroque column is the center point of the square and dates back to the 18th century.
Nearby is the Ostuni Cathedral, which was built in 1495. This beautiful church features gothic architecture with intricate stonework on the exterior. And, the interior is just as impressive with beautiful artwork on the ceilings and walls.
And, just steps away is the Palazzo del Municipio which is the grand town hall building with a gorgeous neoclassical facade.
After wandering around the small town, exploring its shops and piazzas, we were ready to watch the sun go down and grab a bite to eat.
Dinner at Borgo Antico
Borgo Antico is one of the most popular spots in town to catch the sunset. The restaurant is built around a staircase so the tables have a lovely view looking over the olive trees and Adriatic Sea.
The restaurant has a buzzy vibe and their aperitivo specialty is a grazing board. Whether you’re craving cheese, meats or veggies, you’ll love these incredible charcuterie boards!
Ostuni Hotels
Looking for the best hotels in Ostuni? Here are my top picks!
- Masseria Donna Nina: this masseria, or traditional farmhouse, in the Apulian countryside was built in the 18th century. It has a beautiful white-washed exterior and an outdoor swimming pool (perfect for those hot summer days!).
- Regina di Ulivi: Another quaint yet luxurious countryside stay near Ostuni, this hotel is made up of charming trulli homes. Plus, guests can enjoy a homemade breakfast and relax by the pool.
Day 6: Alberobello
After saying goodbye to the lovely Masseria San Paolo Grande, we had about a 45 minute drive to our next destination.
No Puglia itinerary in 7 days would be complete without a stop in Alberobello! You’ve likely seen photos of this town — which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site — and the iconic trulli that it’s famous for.
Rione Monti is the section of Alberobello that most people visit as it’s made up almost entirely of trulli buildings that are homes, shops and even restaurants.
There are more than 1,000 trulli here — it’s definitely an incredible sight to see!
We spend the day exploring the town, shopping around, and taking (about a million) photos of the trulli. Strolling around Alberobello almost feels like you’re in a storybook!
Lunch at Ristorante L’Aratro
Then, we had lunch at Ristorante L’Aratro which is a traditional restaurant set inside of a trullo.
With a Michelin guide review and tourists visiting from all over, this restaurant definitely isn’t a hidden gem. However, they serve traditional Apuglian dishes so you can sample all kind of food from the region.
We absolutely loved the Antipasti L’Aratro which came with 10 small starters that were all different typical dishes from the region. They were incredibly delicious and it was so much fun to try so many Apuglian foods in one meal. Plus, dining in a trullo was definitely a unique experience!
Spend the Evening in Matera or Sleep in an Authentic Trullo
Itinerary Note: After our time in Alberobello, we went on to our next destination: Matera. But, if sleeping in a trullo in Alberobello on your bucket list, you could easily spend the night in Alberobello and drive to Matera the next day.
The drive to Matera took about 1 hour, and we checked into our hotel, Sant’Angelo Luxury Resort, with an hour or so to spare before nightfall.
Sant’Angelo Luxury Resort is a hotel built directly into the ancient caves… so, if sleeping in a luxury cave intrigues you, don’t miss spending the night in Matera!
→ Book a Stay at Sant’Angelo Luxury Resort
After checking into our cave — I mean room! — we popped up to the Regiacorte Lounge Terrace for sunset drinks. Watching the sunset over Matera was truly a magical experience that felt like we’d stepped back in time (but with an Aperol spritz!).
For our last evening in Puglia, we booked a special dinner at Vitantonio Lombardo. This Michelin-starred restaurant is located in a thousand year old cave… pretty sure they are the only restaurant in the world that can say that!
Vitantonio Lombardo isn’t just a dinner… it’s an experience! Each of the dishes are so creative (and delicious) that we were delighted and entertained at every course. Definitely a dining highlight of our time in Puglia!
Alberobello Hotels
Looking for the best hotels in Alberobello? Here are my top picks!
- Charming Trulli: If you’re dying to stay in a trullo while visiting Alberobello (the home of the trulli!), then a stay at Charming Trulli is for you!
- Le Alcove: Another charming trullo hotel with luxury amenities and an ideal location near the town center.
Day 7: Matera
Matera is believed to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world — it’s been inhabited for thousands of years!
When most people think of Matera, the Sassi di Matera come to mind. This is the portion of the city that is made up of a complex of cave dwellings carved into the mountainside that overlooks a valley and river.
In the late 1800s to the early 1900s, the caves were occupied by the poor where improper sanitation led to widespread disease. Matera became known as “the shame of the country” until the people relocated to modern housing in the 1950s.
→ Read Next: The Ultimate 1 Day Itinerary for Matera, Italy
Fast forward to today, Matera has had quite the re-brand. It’s been renovated with hotels, restaurants and museums — and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. In 2019, it was even declared the European Capital of Culture.
And you may recognize the city from a few movie scenes as it was featured as a backdrop in Wonder Woman and James Bond: No Time to Die.
Matera is easily explored on foot so you can take your time strolling through the city and taking in the sights.
However, another fun way to see the city is on a guided Ape Calessino tour. You may be wondering, what’s an Ape Calessino? It’s a three-wheeled buggy, also known as a tuk tuk (mostly in Asia), and they are very popular for tours throughout Puglia.
Our tour guide was very knowledgable about Matera and made our tour tons of fun. It was a great way to see both the ancient city, Sassi di Matera, as well as the modern part of the city (where most locals live).
After leaving Matera, we had to say goodbye to Puglia and catch our flight. The drive from Matera to the Bari Airport took just about 45 minutes and was an easy drive.
Matera Hotels
Looking for the best hotels in Matera? Here are my top picks!
- Palazzo Degli Abati: This hotel is not only built into ancient caves but it also has 5-star amenities and gorgeous views of Matera.
- Locanda Di San Martino Hotel & Thermae Romanae: This cave hotel features an indoor pool… and swimming in a pool inside a cave is definitely a one-of-a-kind experience! This beautiful hotel also features a home-made breakfast and views of Matera!
What to Wear in Puglia
And that completes the ultimate Puglia itinerary in 7 day! Now you know all the best things to do in Puglia, as well as some of the most beautiful beaches, trullis, masserias and top restaurants. Now, andiamo in Puglia!
Hi Laura, I love this post….what a fantastic trip! Puglia looks so beautiful and I trust your recommendations on beaches and places to dine and stay. I’m traveling with my two college age SoCal girls. Any markets or areas/beaches you think they may be particularly interested in? We have 6 days. Is it necessary to rent a car or do you think we could manage with hired car service?
Hi Sarah!
Aww, that will be such a fun trip for your family. Puglia is just gorgeous!
Have you selected a hotel to stay at? If so, I would recommend reaching out to them to ask about hiring a car service to visit the places you want to see in the area. I found that Ubers were not available and many of the small towns just have a few taxis (although hotels and restaurants can call one for you)…. So renting a car was very convenient in getting around. If you planned to see everything in this itinerary, it may be difficult without a rental car but you could always cherry pick a few places and inquire about a car service!
As for beaches, I would recommend visiting the beach clubs in Monopoli and, if you can, make the drive down to Torre Sant’Andrea, Torre dell’Orso, and Grotta della Poesia (just check the weather to make sure it’s not too windy that day) — the coastline is absolutely gorgeous!
And, there are plenty of weekly markets in the area. Monopoli has a few markets on Tuesdays, Polignano a Mare and Alberobello on Thursdays, Locorotondo on Fridays, and Ostuni on Sundays to name a few.
Hope that helps. Have a wonderful time in Puglia!