Puglia is a region with an incredible mix of history, culture, and seaside fun. But do you know where to stay in Puglia Italy? It can be hard to decide, so I’m here to help. The Puglia region has some of the best beaches in Italy, charming towns, fresh seafood, national parks, and architecture worth admiring, and its destination has something for everyone.
You may be wondering what I know about Puglia. Although I lived in Florence for 12 years, I have family in Puglia. I first visited Puglia to see my family from a city outside of Bari; once there, I immediately fell in love with the people, the region, the history, and the food. As someone who now works as a travel planner who curates itineraries to Italy, I can attest that our clients adore traveling to this region at the heel of Italy’s boot.
Puglia is a region of contradictions where you can find a luxury hotel as quickly as a farmhouse stay, aka a Masseria. It has 500 miles of coastline with some water that is so blue that it looks like a swimming pool and other water so brown that it looks like mud. Still, it is inexplicably dotted with exotic birds like flamingos, which happen to call the Gargano National Park wetlands home.
It also feels like you’ve been stopped in time as you stroll through cobblestone streets, with laundry hanging off clotheslines above your head and the scent of soffritto cooking in countless kitchens.
Where to Stay in Puglia Italy: 11 Towns To Consider
Even within its simplicity, Puglia is home to world-class resorts, boutique hotels, private beach clubs, and spas. Puglia truly has something for everyone, which draws all types of visitors in and keeps them returning for more.
If you, too, want to be one of the many who fall head over boot (pun intended) in love with this region, read on for our favorite places to visit, from Vieste and Bari to Lecce and Otranto. Arrange from north to south; here are 11 towns that are the best places to make your home base when you travel to Puglia:
Vieste: The Hidden Gem of the Gargano Peninsula
The Gargano Peninsula is the “spur” of the Italian boot and is found in the northern part of Puglia. This area is renowned for its diverse landscapes, rich history, and unique natural beauty.
Vieste, located on the Gargano Peninsula, is known by those in the know for its stunning coastline, sea caves, and towering cliffs. It’s less focused on tourism than Puglia’s southern towns but offers incredible beaches and a more rugged, natural experience. Unsurprisingly, it’s the best area for travelers looking to get off the beaten path.
What You’ll Love: Incredible coastal scenery, less crowded than southern Puglia.
Need To Know: Remote location, limited public transport options, not as suited for families or first-time travelers abroad.
Don’t Miss: Outdoor enthusiasts will love the options from hiking to windsurfing and more.
Bari: A Vibrant Port City
Bari is Puglia’s capital and beating heart. It’s steeped in history, with Romanesque churches like the Basilica di San Nicola and its medieval castle. These landmarks reflect Bari’s importance as a crossroads of cultures over the ages. The city’s architecture is also a journey through time, and exploring Bari Vecchia, or centro storico, aka the historic old town, allows visitors to stroll through Bari’s past.
Unlike other more tourist-heavy cities in Italy, Bari retains a genuinely local atmosphere. This is partly due to the university, which draws Italians from all over the peninsula. Additionally, in the old town, there is an abundance of local markets, family-run restaurants, and lively piazzas, which offer an authentic taste of southern Italian life.
What You’ll Love: Lively city life, vibrant local cuisine, easy access thanks to a well-connected transport hub including an airport, and authenticity.
Need To Know: Less picturesque compared to smaller towns, busy and can feel chaotic, and “rough” compared to places like Ostuni.
Don’t Miss The nonne, Italian grandmothers making fresh orecchiette pasta in the historic city center along La Via delle Orecchiette
Polignano a Mare: A Famous Cliffside Retreat
The seaside town of Polignano a Mare was made Instagram famous thanks to its (overhyped) cave restaurant. Its beautiful historic center is perched atop cliffs that drop into the Adriatic Sea, and the town has a small beach with deep blue water.
Polignano a Mare is one of Puglia’s prettiest towns with a sea view, but, unfortunately, it has become quite touristy. You can still do day trips here, especially if you arrive early. In my experience, the best way to experience Polignano is by boat; taking a cruise around the cliffs and caves is an experience you won’t soon forget.
What You’ll Love: Spectacular coastal views, great for cliff diving, charming old town.
Need To Know: Crowded in summer, expensive over-hyped restaurants.
Don’t Miss: Strolling through the old town.
Monopoli: Coastal Charm with History
Monopoli was founded in 500 AD and has undergone many changes since. Strong influences from the Byzantine era are still apparent in intact medieval walls and narrow streets full of hundreds of years of architectural history. Monopoli’s a picturesque and quaint fishing town on the Adriatic coast, much loved for its charming harbor, medieval churches, and cobblestone streets.
Despite its small size, Monopoli’s piazzas are vibrant, and its seaside location makes it perfect for a hot day. The beaches are less crowded than in other Puglia locations, allowing for a more easygoing and relaxed experience.
What You’ll Love: Beautiful beaches, historic architecture, relaxed atmosphere.
What You Need To Know: There is limited nightlife, a bit sleepy, and some areas are highly touristy during peak season.
Don’t Miss: Make a quick trip to Savelletri or Fasano, about 15-20 minutes outside town.
Alberobello: A UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Famous Trulli Houses
Alberobello is famous for its traditional trulli houses or whitewashed stone huts with conical stone roofs. This small town feels like stepping into a magical fairy tale, with its distinctive architectural style dating back centuries. If you’re interested, you can also stay in a Trullo as part of your vacation and get a feel for what these ancient dwellings offered their historic inhabitants.
In my experience, the best time to experience the town and city center is at dusk and evening when the Trulli are lit up in the most enchanting way, and most tourists head out of the city.
What You’ll Love: Unique architecture, rich history, and a very central location
Need To Know: It can feel overly touristy, particularly in summer.
Don’t Miss: Bombette, a kind of grilled meat on a stick.
Locorotondo: The Prettiest Town You’ve Never Heard Of
Locorotondo, named for its “Rotondo” or round layout, is one of Puglia’s prettiest villages. It’s so pretty that it was awarded the official designation of Borghi più belli d’Italia, or one of the most beautiful villages in Italy.
Locorotondo is a gorgeous place with whitewashed homes and incredible views over the Itria Valley. The valley is a vibrant green expanse of nature dotted with white, gray, and white trulli and far-reaching olive grove crops worth exploring. Tourists often overlook this circular town, making it peaceful, even in the summer.
What You’ll Love: Tranquil atmosphere, stunning views, great for a slow wander, great stop for a few hours
Need To Know: Limited attractions, and it’s rather quiet.
Don’t Miss: Grab a drink, sit in a piazza, and people-watch.
Martina Franca: Opera Lovers Rejoice
Martina Franca is known for its baroque architecture and elegant palaces, or palazzi (the plural of palazzo). Walking around the historic center, one can marvel at beautiful buildings and enjoy delightful winding streets. It also boasts an upbeat, lively atmosphere in the summer on festival days.
In particular, Martina Franca is famous for its summer opera festival, the Festival della Valle d’Itria. This opera festival takes place on a specific stage in front of the Palazzo Ducale and has been hosting guests since 1974. There are many nearby towns and quaint villages to visit from the coast to Locorotondo and Ostuni.
Some of the best hotels in the region, such as Masseria Torre Maizza, Borgo Egnazia (pictured above), and Relais Villa San Martino, are centrally located between the towns of Monopoli, Locorotondo, Alberobello, and Martina Franca.
What You’ll Love: Beautiful baroque architecture, opera.
Need To Know: It can feel quiet outside of the festival season; there is limited parking, and it is landlocked, so it’s hot in the summer.
Don’t Miss: Photography lovers, head to the “La Lama” area for some of the best photo ops!
Ostuni: The White City
Perched above olive groves, Ostuni has always been a stunning sight for travelers. Often called “La Città Bianca” for its bright white buildings, Ostuni’s history spans millennia, from ancient tribes to the Normans and beyond. However, what visitors see today mainly dates back to the 1400s through the 1700s.
Ostuni’s 300 years of historical and cultural evolution is reflected in its Gothic cathedral, medieval streets, and sweeping countryside views extending to the Adriatic Sea. Every corner of Ostuni reveals something new, from its ancient architecture to lively local festivals celebrating its rich cultural heritage. For a luxe experience, book hotel rooms at La Sommità Relais & Châteaux.
What You’ll Love: Scenic views, a beautiful old town, lots of exciting history, and easily accessible olive groves to get your fill of olive trees.
Need to Know: Steep, narrow streets may be difficult for some and can be very crowded during peak seasons.
Don’t Miss: Pucce, a pita-like bread stuffed with olives, meat, and cheese.
Brindisi: An Authentic Port City
Like Bari, Brindisi is another significant port city with a rich maritime history dating back to Roman times. It is less touristy than other towns in the region, offering a more authentic experience than places like Polignano a Mare. It is also home to many festivals and cultural events, making it a great place to immerse yourself in Italian culture.
What You’ll Love: Authentic local atmosphere, history-rich, quieter.
Need To Know: It has fewer tourist attractions than neighboring towns, and industrial areas can detract from the beauty of the historical center.
Don’t Miss: The end of Via Appia, Europe’s earliest “super highway” designed by the Romans to connect Rome with Southern Italy.
Lecce: The Florence of the South
If Florence is the queen of the Italian Renaissance, Lecce is the king of the Baroque. Lecce is genuinely a Baroque masterpiece in and of itself. This sandstone city has countless ancient churches, palazzos, and two Roman amphitheaters, transporting visitors to another time.
Lecce is also a cultural hub, with galleries, museums, and events celebrating its artistic heritage. If you love Florence for its beauty, don’t miss adding Lecce to your itinerary. In my opinion, it’s even better in a lot of ways than its northern counterpart. Stay near the historic center of this picturesque town at the lovely La Fiermontina Luxury Home.
What You’ll Love: Breathtaking baroque architecture and rich cultural offerings.
Need To Know: Summers are hot, and it has limited coastal access compared to other towns.
Don’t Miss: You can’t go wrong with visiting numerous churches or planning a day trip to nearby Gallipoli for a break from the sweltering sun.
Otranto: The Easternmost Town of Italy
Otranto is a beautiful town in southern Italy, located on the easternmost point of the Salento peninsula. It also has some of Italy’s most inviting beaches with gorgeous crystal-clear waters.
Don’t miss the beautiful natural spots like the Baia dei Turchi, Torre Sant’Andrea, or the Porto Badisco, which offer the perfect sunbathing, swimming, or snorkeling setting. The coastal path along the Adriatic is excellent for those who love exploring the outdoors, and it’s fun to walk to the Otranto lighthouse, which marks the furthest east point in Italy.
Our clients consider the Baglioni Masseria Muzza a perfect location because it’s between the beach and town, so you can see it all.
What You’ll Love: Gorgeous beaches, rich history, perfect for coastal getaways.
Need To Know: Somewhat remote, less nightlife compared to larger cities.
Don’t Miss: For lovers of the macabre, the Otranto Cathedral, and the Chapel of the Martyrs, where the remains of 800 locals are displayed for their role in martyrdom in the 15th century.
Frequently Asked Questions
Puglia's accommodation options range widely to suit all preferences and budgets:
- Masserias: Traditional farmhouses transformed into luxurious hotels or bed and breakfasts, offering a rustic yet comfortable stay with local charm.
- Hotels: There's a wide selection of hotels in all major towns and rural areas, from boutique hotels in historic centers to luxury resorts on the coast.
- Vacation Rentals: Ideal for families or groups, these rentals include modern apartments in urban areas or traditional homes in quieter villages.
- Agriturismos: These working farms offer guest accommodations and are perfect for those interested in experiencing the region's agricultural lifestyle and cuisine.
Ideally, spending at least 7 to 10 days in Puglia allows you to explore a range of sites without feeling rushed. This duration provides enough time to enjoy the diverse landscapes and towns, from the historic sites in Lecce and the trulli in Alberobello to relaxing by the sea in towns like Ostuni and Monopoli. If you have more time, you can delve deeper into the local culture, cuisine, and slower-paced lifestyle that Puglia is celebrated for.
The best month to visit Puglia, Italy, depends mainly on your preferences for weather and crowd sizes. Generally, May, June, September, and October are ideal for visiting Puglia. Here’s why these months might be the best time for your trip:
Weather: The weather in Puglia is typically warm and pleasant during May, June, September, and October, with fewer of the scorching hot days that can occur in July and August. These months offer comfortable temperatures ideal for exploring the countryside, coastal areas, and historic towns.
Crowds: Due to European summer holidays, July and August are peak tourist months in Italy, including Puglia. By visiting in the months just before or after this peak season, you can avoid the largest crowds and enjoy a more relaxed visit while benefiting from lively local activities and open attractions.
Events and Activities: Puglia's late spring and early autumn are packed with cultural and food festivals, providing a deeper insight into the local traditions and cuisines. Additionally, these months are perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and beach visits, as the weather is neither too hot nor too cold.
Visiting during these shoulder months allows you to enjoy the best of Puglia’s attractions with the added benefits of mild weather and smaller tourist crowds, enhancing the overall quality of your Italian getaway.
Traditional Food To Eat In Puglia
Now that you know some of the best restaurants in Puglia for traditional cuisine, you may want to learn about the Puglia food that makes up the region’s traditional cuisine. The area has some of the most fertile soil in Italy, so various products — from olive oil to citrus and many Slow Food ingredients — are grown in Puglia.
Also, there is a considerable reliance on seafood and grain products. As a result, some of the traditional foods to eat in Puglia are Focaccia Barese with olives, potato, and tomatoes; handmade pastas with seafood; and beloved pastries.
Have Us Plan Your Trip To Italy
Did you know we’re also a boutique travel agency specializing in Italy travel planning? If you’re looking to plan one of the best trips to Italy, our Italy trip planner services are here to help you plan your perfect itinerary.
Photo Credit: Vieste by giulia gasperini, Bari by richard stachmann, Monopoli by luca dimola, Locorotondo by rich martello, Brindisi by Valerio giannattasio, Lecce by balate dorin, Otranto by massimo virgilio
