Puglia Travel Guide

Think of a fine leather Italian boot, but swap the leather for rolling hills lined with olive groves, the fine stitching for fairytale towns and the laces for some of the most tranquil beaches you’ve ever encountered. There you have Puglia, the region which occupies the sun-blushed heel of the ‘boot’ of Italy. 

Heralded as the ‘New Tuscany’, Puglia or Apulia, the Latin name by which it is often referred to, is a region known for its whitewashed hill towns, Baroque architecture and stunning Meditteranean coastline. Favoured by the likes of Tom Hanks, Bella Hadid, Helen Mirren and other A-listers, Puglia offers everything Tuscany and Campania do but without the crowds. Despite its cultural richness, stunning architecture and food to die for, Puglia remains one of Italy’s least explored regions. 

Fans of slow travel and a relaxed pace of life will fit in perfectly in Puglia. The region’s locals have a penchant for languid living which is partly to do with the 300 days of sunshine that the south of Italy boasts each year. Combine the heat with the delicious local produce and authentic home cooking Puglia is famous for and you have a region where time seems to pass more slowly, allowing you to appreciate every rich detail of life here. 

Often missed out in search of ‘south Italy’s Florence’, Lecce, the town of Bari is an amalgamation of historic sites and trendy bars. In direct competition with Lecce, Bari brings a more forward-looking feel to it, but Lecce wins consistently for its succinct Baroque architecture and strong Pugliese traditions. 

In the northernmost part of the region, you’ll find the unique cave dwellings of Matera, which were once the shame of Italy and have been transformed into dreamy hotels and atmospheric restaurants. The Trulli of Alberobello are also a highlight of any Pugliese trip and of course, the tranquil beaches of Salento will have any traveller determined never to leave. 

Whether you come to Puglia to tick off some UNESCO World Heritage sites, to feast on sustainable produce, to get lost in its idyllic medieval towns or to swim in its dazzling alcoves and grottos, it has something for everyone.

Southern Italy is blessed with a Mediterranean climate meaning wild winters and hot summers and over 300 days of sun a year. Puglia is one of the sunniest places in the world. 

The most popular time to visit Puglia is in the summer (May to September) and in July and August, the locals flock in with their families and the cultural events reflect this in Puglia. Food and wine festivals, concerts and other cultural events pop up throughout the streets in Puglia’s historic towns and beachside villages. Sadly, during this time, the prices are inflated along with the temperatures as they reach the mid-30°Cs. 

The months shouldering this high season (May, June and September) are the perfect time to plan a trip to Puglia with temperatures sitting in the mid-20°Cs, great for wandering the towns and cycling through the countryside. If you’re accepting of a few chilly or rainy days, April and October are good months to visit Puglia. 

The low season spans October to April. Whilst the water is too chilly to swim and there are a good number of rainy days, the countryside blooms into emerald green magnificence and outdoor adventures like cycling, horseback riding and hiking continues. The autumn harvest also brings about bountiful produce during the colder months.

Much of Puglia’s must-see list revolves around its atmospheric medieval towns. Choosing to travel in this region is an invitation to lose yourself in the architecture of these towns, gain an insight into the ancient Greek and Roman influence on the region and indulge in its authentic cuisine. 

Soak up Puglia's Beach Scene

Salento, Italy’s stiletto peninsula offers some of the best beaches in mainland Italy. Framed by the Ionian and Adriatic seas, the Salento presents picturesque bays, quiet alcoves and sandy coastal villages without the crowds. Savelletri is a laidback seafaring town and fisherman’s village perched on a beautiful stretch of Adriatic coastline on Puglia’s Salento peninsula. A mix of luxurious resorts and beautifully converted farmhouses, this beach resort is known for its romantic restaurants and exquisite seafood dining. 

The Unmissable Trulli of Alberobello

Trulli - white, cone-shaped pyramidal houses - are a unique type of architecture which scatter the region of Puglia. The UNESCO-listed town of Alberobello is famed for its vast concentration of well-preserved Trulli which date back to the 14th-century. Trulli houses and their mortarless construction are remarkable examples of prehistoric buildings in this region. Spend an afternoon wandering this beautiful white-washed town and make sure to have made a reservation in advance to one of Alberobello’s killer restaurants. Boasting some of the best and most unique restaurants and hotels in Puglia, if not in the whole of Italy, the locals have made use of this peculiar Puglian landscape and transformed these structures into various establishments. On this 10-Day Rome, Amalfi Coast & Puglia, you can live a real-life fairytale by staying in one of the Trulli. 

Explore Puglia’s Ancient Seaside Town: Otranto

Surrounded by ancient walls, Otranto is characterised by its surrounding azure blue waters, rocky crags and white-washed buildings. It’s rich history as a Greek settlement, a thriving Roman port and later under the rule of the Byzantines, the Normans and the Aragonese. Otranto’s locals met an unfortunate fate when the Turks invaded in the 15th-century and executed anyone who wouldn’t convert to Islam. Now 800 skulls of these locals are placed behind glass in the stunning 11th-century Otranto Cathedral. 

When in Otranto, don’t miss the chance to swim in its dazzling waters and relax on its beautiful beach in the shade of its ancient walls like you can on this 11-Day Rome, Amalfi Coast, Fasano and Lecce trip. 

Admire the Baroque Architecture in the 'Florence of the South'

It’s abundant historical monuments, narrow golden streets and assortment of museums coined the city of Lecce, the ‘Florence of the South’. The style of the architecture in Lecce is so distinct it even earned its own name, barocco leccese (Lecce Baroque), which you’ll find demonstrated in its key monuments: Basilica di Santa Croce, the Roman Amphitheatre and the Lecce Cathedral. The jewel of Puglia, Lecce’s fine golden sandstone is used religiously throughout the town and exported generously due to its soft and malleable nature; you’ll find the whole city has a pleasant golden glow. 

Step back in time on this 11-day Puglia trip by staying in a 15th-century residence in the heart of Lecce’s historic centre. 

Spend the Day in Puglia's Prettiest Village

Away from the buzzing seaside towns of Polignano a Mare and Monopoli, through the spectacular countryside expanse of Valle d'Itria and fields upon fields of olive groves, you’ll find the picture-perfect village of Locorotondo. Dotted with white-washed trulli connected by narrow winding streets, Locorotondo is often missed out of Puglia trips due to its lack of actual ‘box-ticking’ landmarks. Travelling Puglia with a local guide enables you to encounter quaint villages like Locorotondo that would otherwise be missed without even being aware of their existence. 

The Other 'Pearl of the Adriatic'

Forget Dubrovnik in Croatia, Puglia’s Polignano a Mare is Italy’s true pearl of the Adriatic Sea. Built on the edge of a ravine, Polignano a Mare is sprinkled with caves, pebble-dashed beaches and stunning scenery. As well as the caves, make sure to take a peek at its Romanesque church with its 16th-century tower and visit the Museum of Contemporary Art Pino Pascali the atmospheric centro storico. 

Learn How to Cook Puglian-Style

Framed by rich farmlands delivering bountiful fruits and vegetables each harvest, Fasano is another of Puglia’s towns known for its outstanding gastronomy. With a local guide on this 11-Day Rome, Amalfi Coast, Fasano and Lecce trip, you’ll experience this first hand as you prepare one of the most delicious regional dishes: orecchiette pugliese. Developed in Puglia, this mouth-watering dish is a unique shape of pasta served with a salty sauce of broccoli and pancetta. 

Whilst local buses and trains do offer transport around the Puglia region, they do take considerably longer than travelling by car. Another downside to travelling using public transport is that you will miss out on the little towns and coves that make Puglia the beautiful and unique region it is. 

For those that want freedom and the ability to stop wherever they like en route to their next destination or landmark of the day. Puglia trips like this one are perfect for families with young children or older couples who like to travel at their own pace. Self-driving trips ensure that you won’t miss out on the picture-perfect towns and deserted beaches which are to be found all over Puglia. 

Alternatively, travelling Puglia by private car with a guide enables you to experience this region in a way few travellers will. A guided Puglia trip like this 11-Day Rome, Amalfi Coast, Fasano and Lecce trip means that you can completely relax as you are escorted in comfort from destination to destination. Your local guide will be able to tailor your trip to your preferences and provide activities that suit your style of travelling that accommodate your family’s needs.

As for arriving, the most convenient Puglia airports are the Karol Wojtyla Airport in Bari and the Airport of Salento in Brindisi. If you want to explore northern Puglia, then the airport in Bari is best to arrive into and the airport in Brindisi is best for exploring southern Puglia.

Choosing where to where to stay in Puglia comes down to three primary choices: trulli (white-washed conical huts), masserias (old stone farmhouses which have been converted into guesthouses) or castellos (beautiful castle-type buildings). If you really want to experience Puglia, it is best to make your trip a mix of all three of these accommodations, like this 9-Day Puglia and Basilicata Culture does. 

When it comes to choosing where to stay in Puglia, that can be determined by whether you plan to base yourself in one place and take day trips to other areas in the region or whether you plan to move every couple of days to experience a new town and culture. Lecce, Polignano a Mare and Otranto are great towns to base yourself in on your Puglia trip. Each town has a lot of exciting things to see and so such as the Baroque architecture in Lecce, the romantic pebbled beaches of Polignano a Mare and the kasbah-like bustle of Otranto. 

Whilst not strictly in Puglia, Matera is on the western border of the region and its proximity to many of Puglia’s main attractions and cute little towns makes it a great place to base yourself for a few days.  Home to some luxurious resorts, Savelletri is also one of the most reasonably priced places in Puglia, great for families or couples on a budget. Much of the accommodation is converted old farmhouses in pretty hamlets surrounding Savelletri. Close to a number of interesting archaeological sites and picturesque Pugliese town, Savelletri is a great place to base your Puglia trip as a family. 

The most important decision you’ll make every day on your Puglia trip is where to eat. Renowned for its exclusive local products, Puglia is a self-sustainable region where restaurants often make their own olive oil and only incorporate seasonal and locally-sourced ingredients into their menus. The home of burrata, if there’s one place you’re likely to eat yourself into a gluttonous demise, it’s Puglia.

The southeastern area is Puglia is where you’ll find the cluster of relaxed beachside towns and villages where languid seafood dining is a given. It is plentiful and fresh, and the picture-perfect setting of these towns is the perfect accompaniment to your meal. 

When visiting the medieval trulli of Alberobello, make sure to book yourself a table at the highly-revered Trullo d’Oro: a Michelin-star-worthy restaurant but without the price tag to match. As you make your way by mouth through the region of Puglia, expect to dine on mouthwatering dishes such as eggplant caponata, veal cutlets, mammoth plates of antipasti, grilled octopus, an array of fresh vegetables and some of the best tomato focaccia you’ll ever have. 

In almost every restaurant you encounter in Puglia, behind the delicious dishes and wafts of fresh bread that ooze from the kitchen, there will be a small army of nonnas busily preparing. Don’t forget to pair your meal with the excellent local wines produced in Puglia, including full-bodied reds like Salice Salentino, Primitivo, and Nero di Troia, and refreshing white and rosé wines.

Expect homemade pasta, bread in all forms, cheese you’ve never encountered before, the freshest vegetables you’ve ever tasted and dishes that will make your mouth water just reading the menu. Puglia is food heaven. It’s also important to note that Puglia is a great region for vegetarians and vegans; there is an abundance of plant-based dishes to enjoy in every town. 

There are a good number of variables which come into the cost of a trip to Puglia, Italy: 

• Length of your trip
• Season or month you choose to travel in
• Accommodation class and type
• How many places you visit during your trip
• Number of activities or tours you take part in
• Expenditure on shopping and dining out

When factoring all of these different variables, making sure your Puglia trip is within budget can be a little overwhelming. However, there is a way the stress can be taken out of this.

With Designer Journeys, it’s as simple as specifying your budget, trip duration, activity preferences and how you like to travel. With this information, you will then be connected directly with an in-destination Local Designer who will plan your trip for you based on your requirements. Taking care of everything from airport transfers to rental car pick, hotel and restaurant reservations, guided activities and tours, our Local Designers make planning a trip to Puglia, or anywhere else in Italy, simple!

Design your own Puglia trip with Designer Journeys and relax in the knowledge that every detail has been taken care of. Your trip will be full of unique local and cultural experiences on the Amalfi Coast.

By specifying your budget, your Italy tour can be tailor-made to what is achievable for you. 

However, changing the class of hotel and choosing to travel in just one region of Italy can considerably reduce the cost of your Puglia trip. As an example of a middle-range trip to Puglia in Italy, this 9-Day Puglia and Basilicata Culture costs around $3,200 per person and features:

• 4-star accommodation
• 15 guided activities and tours
• 8 breakfasts and 2 lunches
• Transport by private car

By adjusting certain parts of a trip, you create a more budget-friendly trip. Where you choose to stay, how often you decide to move and how you choose to travel will all affect the price of your Puglia trip. 

Everyone has different interests, priorities and preferences when it comes to planning a trip to Puglia in Italy or anywhere in the world for that matter. With Designer Journeys, you can browse our range of fully-customisable Italy tours and tailor any one of them to your preferences with an expert Local Designer. Or better yet, select what you want out of a trip using the 'Design your Own Trip' function and let a Local Designer design your perfect trip.

Due to its year-round pleasant Mediterranean climate, Puglia hosts a spectacular array of outdoor events from food and wine festivals to musical concerts. 

One of the most popular Puglia events is the Taranta Festival, one of Italy’s largest folk music festivals which takes over the province of Lecce every year in August. A symbol of the vibrancy of the Salento Peninsula, over 100,000 people gather each year to dance the night away to diverse music genres, from world music to rock, jazz and symphonic music. The festival is all about celebrating the region’s diversity. The music concerts take over 14 different squares in Puglia’s main towns, including Lecce. 

The Santa Domenica in Scorrano, which takes place in July each year, is also not to be missed. Puglia’s illumination festival sees breathtaking galleries lit up in honour of Santa Domenica, drawing in crowds of thousands each year. Opera-lovers must not miss the annual Opera Festival in Valle d’Itria that takes place each August. Running for more than 45 years, the festival boasts an impressive lineup and has garnered international appeal over the years. 

Of course, Puglia is renowned for its food worthy of celebration: in July, you’ll find the feast of Uliata in Lecce; in August, the Festival of Tripe and Horse meat in Struda; also in August, the Feast of Municeddha (the snail) in Cannole and many more. 

Take the stress out of planning your trip, whether it be for you and your spouse, your family or a group of friends. Designer Journeys’s Local Designers can tailor your trip to suit the needs of everyone in your party, with an assortment of locally-inspired and culturally-rich activities that few travellers have the chance to take part in.

Get inspired by our trips to Puglia in Italy and other regions in Italy on the Designer Journeys destination gallery, or design your own trip from scratch by connecting with a Local Designer who can take care of it all.