Puglia: The Underrated South Region of Italy and Why It Should Be On Your List
There’s no secret that Italy is one of the hottest summer destinations, for many reasons. Puglia, the south east corner of the boot is undeniably gorgeous, and there is a reason why it has become such a hot destination in the travel world recently. I personally love it because it is less visited than many of the other parts of Italy. Full of rocky coastlines, stunning architecture, and of course amazing food and wine. Puglia is situated closely to the Mediterranean and the history stretches deep throughout the region. You will need at least 5 days to travel around Puglia, since the towns and beaches are spread out. Ideally a week would give you more time to cover more grounds while soaking up the hot Italian sun.
While it is possible to explore Puglia by public transportation, a rental car is highly suggested to see more and travel around easier. We rented a car for 2 days and did the train system the other days.
How to Get to Puglia
The Puglia region has two airports- Bari (BRI) or Brindisi (BDS). Both are on the east coast, with Bari being about 77 miles (124 km) north of Brindisi. Both are international airports and are the easiest ways to reach Puglia. However it is possible to take a train to Bari, Lecce, or Brindisi. We were able to book a last minute flight on Ryan Air from Rome (FCO) to Bari (BRI) for $79.
When to Go
You should visit Puglia in late spring or early fall to enjoy comfortable warm weather without the summer crowds. Summer is also an option, but the weather can get very get hot, and you will have to contend with both local and tourist traffic. September is one of the best months to visit southern Italy, to enjoy the beaches and have less of the summer crowd.
6 Day Puglia Itinerary
Bari- Monopoli/Polignano a Mare / Alberobello – Ostuni – Gallipoli- Lecce
Most likely you’ll be starting in Bari due to the airpot and train stations. We bounced around to different towns every two nights to get as much done as possible. However if you’re looking for a good base, we truly enjoyed the quaint town of Monopoli or Polignano A Mare.
Day 1-2: Bari
Bari is bustling harbor and port city, with a thriving food scene and some of the best beaches nearby. We started out our Puglia trip with two nights here. It is truly an off-the-beaten-path destination, boasting spectacular food, castles, churches, and friendly people. Bari was truly where I had some of my favorite meals throughout my time in Italy. The main city is divided into two parts, Bar Vecchia (the old town) and Murat. I recommend staying in Bar Vecchia to be in the middle of all the food, shops, and entertainment.
Places to stay
Palazza Calo
iH Hotels Bari Grande Albergo
Il Pavone
B&B Palazzo Nicolaus
Or any B&b really! Check out airbnb for last minute bookings and accommodations too.
Where to Eat
Bakery Santa Rita is a must for the best focaccia barese you will ever taste! Be sure to get there early, the line gets long.
Pizzeria di Cosimo had the most incredible panzerotto. Be prepared for a long wait. One of my favorite tries of the trip!
La Tana del Polpo for an outstanding seafood orecchiete and other seafood dishes. Be sure to make a reservation, this place gets busy!
Antica Gelateria Gentile a popular spot for gelato
Things You Should Do
Visit the Old Harbour
Visit Basilica Di San Nicola
Hang out in Bar Vecchia or Piazza Mercantile
Beach and Lido San Francesco
Day 3-4 : Polignano a Mare & Monopoli
Monopoli easily became one of my favorite coastal towns in the south. Monopoli allows you to have a beautiful, southern Italian experience while catching glimpse of everyday life for the locals. I personally fell in love with Monopoli for the amount of beaches that are in walking distance, and how bustling the small streets are. It is also a great place to make base for visiting Polignano a Mare and Alberobello.
Places to stay
Nenetta Airbnb - Room in the heart of the old town of Monopoly
BellaRiva B&B - sea side property that offers a sun terrace with a “shared” hot tub with a wonderful view of the sea.
Hotel Don Ferrante for a luxury option
Or any B&b really! Check out airbnb for last minute bookings and accommodations too.
Where to Eat
La Locanda sul Porto a classic seafood and Italian plates served in a relaxed spot with port views. One of our favorite seafood experiences at a reasonable price.
20m2 for delicious create your own pizza and sandwiches in the heart of the town
Seacret Rituali di Gusto an atmospheric experience overlooking part of the harbour, with great cocktails
Carlo Quinto a relaxed restaurant with sea views offering hearty fare and cocktails
Caffe Napoli for the best espresso freddo
Things to Do
Here is a list of some of the best beaches in town
Cala Porto Rosso | A delightful sandy cove about a 15 minute walk from the old town. If the beach section gets crowded, you’re also able to sit atop a grassy area that still has access to the sea.
Calamarena | Popular with in the know locals, this wild cove has crystal clear water, sunbeds for rent and a small bar with good Aperol spritz.
Cala Paradiso | Part beach club - but with a section of sand that can be used for free - this is a very popular beach during the warmer months.
Spiaggia di Porto Marzano | A small sandy beach that is free to access, with wild surroundings. Popular with families and also has free parking and a bar during the warmest months.
Spiaggia di Porto Ghiacciolo | A lively sandy cove at the foot of an abbey, this isn’t a great choice for those who want a peaceful Monopoli beach experience, but is incredibly popular. Also has a nice bar/restaurant renting out sunbeds and parasols.
Spiaggia di Santo Stefano | Overlooked by a medieval castle, this is probably the most photogenic beach in the area (seriously, just take a looks at the parasols), with beautiful water to boot!
Spend the Day at Polignano A Mare
Polignano a Mare is a must-visit beach town spectacularly positioned in a small cliff town that overlooks a small rocky beaches surrounded by cliffs and emerald water. If the beach is too crowded be sure to stop in the Fly Bar, for a dining/beach experience overlooking the crowd and beach.
This is also where you will find the touristy restaurant cave- Ristorante Grotta Palazzese, which is located inside a cave. It is a bit overpriced but most find it worth the experience, be sure to make a reservation ahead of time.
Whether you choose to stay in Polignano A Mare or Monopoli, they are only a train stop away from each other (10 minutes).
Other Day Trips from Monopoli
One of my favorite experiences on the entire trip was doing a tour with local, Robi Petrus. He picked us up in an old fiat 500 and took us to the iconic trulli town of Alberobello followed with a true local dining and wine tasting experience with an Alberobello family. To book and see other tours he offers, click here — you won’t be disappointed!
Alberobello | A UNESCO Heritage site with its iconic trulli, Alberobello is a must-do in the region. For us, its touristy vibe make it preferable to visit on a day trip.
Ostuni | “The White City”, Ostuni is a great recommendation for a day trip if you are using Monopoli as a base. This very pretty hilltop white city is also possible to visit as a day trip with most of its major sites easy to negotiate in a few hours.
Day 5-6: Lecce
Lecce, Italy has become known as the “Florence of the South” because of its long history with connections to ancient Greece and the Roman Empire and the city’s ornate Baroque architectural style.
Places to Stay
Patria Palace Hotel
Palazzo Persone
Where to Eat
Il Vico Del Gusto
Crianza
Osteria degli spiriti
L’ Angolino di Via Matteotti
Things to Do
Ancient Roman Amphitheater.
Explore Lecce Centro Storico.
Get a drink at Cocktail Bar Saloon Keeper, a bar from 1933.
See Baroque’s finest at the Basilica di Santa Croce.
Visit the Lecce Cathedral.
Day-Trip from Lecce to Gallipoli.
From Lecce to Gallipoli, it’s just 30 minutes by car (90 minutes by train). The ancient walled city sits along the Ionian Sea coastline and dates back to the Greeks. It’s only accessible by a 16th-century bridge that connects the old town to the mainland.
A 13th-century castle served as part of the city’s fortifications, but today offers rooftop views overlooking the water. There’s a small sliver of beach along the city walls similar to Monopoli further north. But the most popular beaches are the many that line the coastline just north and south of the city like the Spiaggia di Baia Verde.
Puglia is the perfect road trip destination to experience beaches, culture, and great food. Expect a laid-back but stylish vibe, and prepare to be wowed by the sunsets and beautiful coastlines. Plan for at least a week, and build in time to relax and enjoy the raw beauty of Italy’s heel.
Ciao Bello!
