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Apulia Slow Travel - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Travel · November 29, 2021

The Perfect Puglia Itinerary – Not to Miss Beaches and Towns in 5 days

**This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase using the links in this article, I might earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Please see my full disclosure for further information.

a woman in a yellow dress and hat sitting on the bench outside of a trullo in Alberobello, southern Puglia

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.

View at Grotta della Poesia

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

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 Rela is 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!

stone-finished room with large king bed and hanging chandelier- room of relais grottone B&B in Ostuni, Puglia

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

Our delicious home-made breakfast at Relais Grottone

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!

Breakfast table setting in the outdoor courtyard of Relais del Grottone

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

man and woman posing for a selfie as they are at dinner in an outdoor courtyard

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!).

A couple elegantly dressed for summer standing and posing for a picture in front of a flowered bush in the courtyard of Masseria del Frantoio, restaurant in Ostuni Puglia.

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

a woman in a red dress sitting down on a limestone staircase in the alleys of Ostuni puglia

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

a cat sleeping on the steps of an entryway of a house with a blue door in ostuni puglia

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 1 st and 2 nd 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?

A woman in red dress and straw hat leaning against the archway of a whitewashed building in Ostuni, Puglia Italy

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

A woman in yellow dress and hats wandering around the alleys of Alberobello exploring the trulli

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

the adorable trulli of alberobello puglia

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*.

A nice casale in Alberobello

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

Cobblestoned alley with a view of a trullo and quaint little bike leaning on the side wall - Alberobello Puglia

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

woman in yellow dress and bun looking out from a terrace onto the many trulli below in Alberobello Puglia, Italy

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

aerial view of turquoise waters of the Punta Prosciutto Coast in Salento, Puglia

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 .

couple posing for a selfie in the sea water

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.

Picturesque historical fortification tower Torre Lapillo (St. Th

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.

woman gazing at the sunset near the lighthouse at santa maria di leuca in puglia italy

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

puglia slow travel

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!).

Half underwater shot of a woman swimming the waters of Torre Sant'Andrea in southern Puglia

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)

grotta della poesia in puglia - one of the best swimming holes to stop on a road trip

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.

Otranto with historic Aragonese castle in the city center, Apulia, Italy

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.

Girl sitting on a low wall on the lungomare degli Eroi, Otranto Puglia staring out at the port and horizon

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 !!!

scrumptious raw red shrimp in otranto

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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August 4, 2022 at 11:42 pm

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

August 23, 2022 at 7:43 pm

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

July 24, 2022 at 4:57 am

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

August 23, 2022 at 7:57 pm

Yay Sejal! So glad this helped and so excited for your trip!!!

June 21, 2022 at 8:00 am

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!

August 23, 2022 at 8:00 pm

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!

April 19, 2022 at 10:39 am

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

April 19, 2022 at 3:04 pm

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.

March 3, 2022 at 2:03 am

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?

March 14, 2022 at 8:56 am

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

October 4, 2020 at 4:54 pm

Puglia is definitely on my list as soon as I can get to Europe!

October 5, 2020 at 7:49 am

Yessss! That’s great to hear :))

Nathalie Bolet says

October 4, 2020 at 10:49 am

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!

October 4, 2020 at 10:51 am

I’m so glad that this post inspired you for an Italian beachfilled 2021!

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PUGLIA TRAVEL GUIDE

Olive trees as far as the eye can see, deep red earth, whitewashed seaside towns, and the sparkling blue waters of the sea are just some of the things you can expect when visiting Puglia.

This is the Southernmost region of Italy and a place full of unique culture, food, and unforgettable landscapes. The locals are friendly and generous with their time, perhaps due to the incredible climate they’re blessed with – the sun shines 300 days a year here! 

A trip to the region might include sojourning through coastal towns, trulli hunting through the Valle d’Itria, sightseeing in Lecce, sometimes described as the ‘Florence of the South, hiking in the Gargano, or indulging in the freshest burrata cheese of your life. Most famous for the towns of Alberobello and Polignano al Mare, there is so much more waiting to be uncovered. Keep reading for our ultimate Puglia travel guide. 

Article contents

Where is Puglia

Puglia is located in the heel of the Italian boot in the very deep South. The Adriatic and Ionian Sea hugs the region from left to right, and the region shares borders with Molise in the north, and Campania and Basilicata in the north west.

South of Rome, the capital, Bari , is easily reached with the high-speed train in just under four hours. Naples lies to the West and a fast train will similarly get you there in less than four hours. 

Map of Puglia

Main cities and towns in puglia.

As one of the larger regions of Italy (in fact the 7th out of 20) there are a great number of cities and towns worth exploring when you travel to Puglia. Consider visiting the following: 

  • Bari: The capital (pictured above) is a great place to start or end your trip to Puglia thanks to the well-connected railway station and International Airport. Don’t miss wandering through the labyrinth-like streets of Bari Vecchia, watching the locals roll orecchiette in the streets, exploring the elegant Murat neighborhood, and strolling along the promenade with a detour to the little fish market on the port. 
  • Lecce : Also known as the ‘Florence of the South’, Lecce is beautiful and unique in its own right. An extremely elegant Baroque city, it is also a University town and it shows in its friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Don’t miss seeing the remains of the Roman amphitheatre, the Theatre Romain, the Porta Napoli gate, and of course make sure to take a sip of a caffe’ leccese .
  • Polignano a Mare : Perhaps the most famous place in Puglia thanks to Instagram (or one of the many weddings in US soap opera The Bold and the Beautiful) is Polignano a Mare. Perched high up on the cliffs, there is an iconic sea view that looks out onto the little beach known as Lama Monachile. Wander the pretty streets of the old town and have your camera handy – you’re going to want to take lots of photos!
  • Monopoli : A small fishing village, Monopoli is as pretty as a picture. A stroll through this whitewashed town that rests along the Adriatic Sea will unveil the beautiful Cathedral, a seaside fortress, fabulous restaurants and bars, and of course the beach! If you’re looking for picturesque fishing boats, you’re in the perfect town for a photo opportunity.
  • Otranto : Looking for a popular beachside town? Otranto could be your ideal destination. A trip there should also include visiting its UNESCO listed old town ‘centro storico’ and beautiful Medieval castle.
  • Alberobello : The other VIP town of Puglia is surely Alberobello, famous for its spectacular streets full of trulli, the traditional dry stone huts with conical roofs. Whilst Puglia is still relatively undiscovered by the crowds, the same cannot be said for this town so aim to arrive here very early for unimpeded walking. It also pays to do a guided tour here to understand the town on a deeper level. 
  • Martina Franca : A jewel of Baroque beauty, Martina Franca is a little off the beaten track when it comes to Puglia towns worth visiting. Not overrun by tourists, you can easily lose yourself for a few moments in the little streets. Be sure to try capocollo here, a delicious local cured salami and try to time your visit to coincide with the popular Sunday Flea Market. 
  • Locorotondo :  Whitewashed buildings and civic pride are a feature of this pretty town close to Alberobello, and Martina Franca. Locorotondo gets its name from its round like shape, so enjoy a wander through the streets and look out across the valley dotted with trulli . This town is also famous for its white wine so be sure to try some while you’re there.
  • Grottaglie : In the center of the region, Grottaglie is the undisputed capital of ceramics in Puglia. Visit the ancient ceramics quarter and while away the hours as you visit workshop, after workshop in search of the perfect piece. 
  • Ostuni : F amous for its stunning whitewashed buildings, Ostuni is another breathtakingly beautiful hilltop town to visit in Puglia. Catch glimpses of the Adriatic Sea as you wander through the narrow streets of the old town towards its Gothic style Cathedral. While not directly on the beach, you’ll find several only a short drive away from the center of town.
  • Gallipoli : One of the most famous Pugliese towns, Gallipoli is on the Ionian Sea. The old town, connected to the new town by a bridge, is full of lovely Baroque architecture and pretty palazzi. Go for a swim at the sandy beach and relax at one of the many bars along the promenade with a spritz. 
  • Vieste : Located in the Northern Gargano area of Puglia, Vieste is a stunning seaside town. Visit the Swabian Castle, relax at the beach here and use it as a base to access the Gargano National Park.
  • Taranto : Taranto has a very long and fascinating history reflected in its culture and architecture. Relatively free from tourists, the archeological museum is worth a trip as is the 15th century Aragonese Castle. Look out for Greek remains and don’t skip a visit to the fish market.

Top things to do in Puglia

No matter your interests, this travel guide to Puglia aims to show you how many great activities and experiences to have when traveling in Puglia! Whether you’re a foodie, beach lover, or history buff, you’ll find plenty of choice in this sunkissed region. Some of our favorite activities include: 

Taste olive oil

Puglia is the most important region in Italy for olive oil, producing 40% of the country’s total supply! Gain a deeper understanding as to how extra virgin olive oil is made and the difference between store bought and locally produced with a guided tasting. Try Acropoli di Puglia in Martina Franca!

Visit spectacular beaches

Puglia has some of the best beaches in the country, so you can’t miss a visit to at least one or two! The Grotta della Poesia in Roca is one of the most spectacular with a now Instagram famous sheltered natural pool to dive into. Others include the Beach of Purity in Gallipoli, Santa Maria al Bagno, and Mora Mora Beach near Lecce.

Stay in a trullo

One of the most unique experiences you can have in Puglia is staying in a trullo, the characteristic hut from the Valle d’Itria. There are many options for staying in a trullo from B&B style to luxury trulli resorts .

READ: Our full guide to the Best things to do in Puglia .

Eat pesce crudo (Pugliese sashimi)

Pugliese love their raw fish! In particular, Barese (the people from Bari) are famous for it thanks to the absolute freshness of their seafood. Wander along the old port early in the morning and buy some raw squid, calamari, and sea urchins for a fresh, healthy snack.

Learn to make orecchiette pasta

One of the best souvenirs you can bring home from your travels is the ability to cook something from the region you visited. Pasta from Puglia is very easy to make at home and requires just durum wheat flour, water, and a knife – no machine required. Learn how to make pasta with this class in Lecce .

Explore the Baroque churches in Lecce

Marvel at the sheer beauty and richness of the Baroque churches in Lecce. There’s an old Pugliese joke that the town has more churches than residents and it might seem just the way as you wander through the streets. In particular, take time to visit the Duomo and Basilica di Santa Croce.

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What to eat and drink in Puglia

The cuisine of Puglia is rustic and full of wholegrains, vegetables, fresh fish, and creamy cheeses. Whilst the region is the biggest producer of wine in Italy, it was historically used for cheap, table wine. That’s all changing now and the region is full of up and coming wineries that celebrate the local grapes of Primitivo, Aglianico, Negroamaro, Fiano, and Greco.

Besides indulging in as much raw seafood as possible (don’t miss the gamberro rosso or red prawns), look out for these tasty dishes on your trip: 

  • Orecchiette with cime di rapa: The typical pasta of the region takes its name from its little earlike shape. It’s made from durum wheat of which the region is full of and water – no eggs here. The most typical pairing is with vibrant cime di rapa (broccoli rabe).
  • Bombette : If you’re not a seafood lover, or simply prefer meat then this dish is for you.  Bombette are fried pork meat skewers filled with cheese, and seasoned with salt and pepper. The best place to try them is in the Valle d’Itria.  
  • Taralli : The typical savoury biscuits of Southern Italy, you’ll spot these frequently at aperitivo hour served alongside your spritz. You can find them spiked with fennel seeds, chilli, nuts, raisins or even sweet versions. 
  • Focaccia Barese : This focaccia is seriously life-changing! The dough is light and fluffy and thicker than its Northern relative in Genoa thanks to being made with mashed potatoes. The most classic version is topped with ripe tomatoes, oregano, olive oil, and sometimes olives. The best place to try this is at Panificio Fiore in Bari.
  • Mozzarella, burrata and stracciatella: Puglia is the land of creamy cow’s milk cheeses! Look out for mere hours’ old mozzarella, burrata and stracciatella or go and visit a local caseificio, dairy farm, to get it seconds after its made.   
  • Pasticciotti: The perfect breakfast treat to have at the bar in Puglia is undoubtedly a pasticciotto . This little tart is filled with ricotta, custard, pistacchio paste, or jams.
  • Caffe Leccese: Upgrade your coffee order to a caffe’ leccese when in Puglia! It’s a shot of espresso on ice and topped with almond syrup. Locals will tell you not to mix it, but it’s very refreshing either way. The best place to order this is unsurprisingly in Lecce.  
  • Rustico Leccese: Another Lecce special, look out for this savoury pastry filled with mozzarella, bechamel, and tomato sugo. Be sure to enjoy this piping hot at  one of the city’s wonderful bakeries like Il Fornaio di Greco Francesco .

Where to stay in Puglia

Whilst tourism is still relatively new in Puglia, there are fantastic and unique accommodation options throughout the region. There are many traditional hotels, B and Bs and apartments in the major towns available at budget to luxury prices.

More interesting however are the masseria and trulli options you can stay in – provided you are traveling with access to a car. Masseria are traditional Pugliese farmhouses that were once used as fortresses in medieval times. Today, there are hundreds of these properties that dot the countryside including many luxurious options that come with swimming pools, spa services and on-site restaurants.

Trulli or traditional stone houses are another option which are also found in the Itria Valley countryside. 

When planning your trip to Puglia, Vieste is an excellent base if you’re planning on visiting the Gargano. Along the Adriatic Sea, Monopoli (pictured above) is a wonderful option with lots of facilities and a useful position on the train line.

For those wanting to stay in the Itria Valley, a car is absolutely necessary as there is limited public transport. Consider basing yourself in the countryside in a relaxing Masseria or Trulli house between Martina Franca and Locorotondo like Masseria San Michele . Further south in the Salento, Lecce makes for the best base as the major city (with a train line) so there are lots of accommodation and dining choices and easy access to the beaches.

When to go to Puglia

Spring is a beautiful time to visit Puglia and enjoy warm weather and beach time with fewer crowds.We visit the region in late May / early June on our Early Summer Puglia tour to take advantage of these ideal conditions.

Those who love the heat and swimming will enjoy the summertime in Puglia, although August is best avoided due to crowds, inflated prices, and the hottest temperatures.

There are incredible cultural festivals during the summer which are worth seeking out including the Night of San Giovanni in Ostuni, San Pietro e Paolo in Otranto, the Puglia Jazz Festival in Bari, the Alberobello Light Festival, La Notte della Taranta in the towns south of Lecce, and many more.

Early Autumn can be a lovely time for late season swimming and sightseeing with less tourists. You can join our Puglia tour in mid September to enjoy the longer sunny days and mild nights perfect for exploring the region and discovering its delicious cuisine.

Whilst Puglia enjoys a Mediterranean climate and plenty of sunshine throughout the year, it’s important to note that things get very quiet during the Winter. Many beachside towns essentially shut down in the colder months with beach clubs closing from early October and reopening in April.

With that said, Christmastime is one of the most magical times of the year in Puglia as the towns are lit up and decorated to the max and bands walk through the streets on Christmas Eve singing Christmas carols.

How to get to Puglia

There are two main international airports in the region at Bari in the North and Brindisi in the South. If you’re arriving in Puglia from abroad, it’s possible to get a connecting flight from most Italian cities here.

Alternatively, the fast train from Rome or Naples is a reliable option to get you to Bari the capital in less than four hours. Traveling by train in Italy is easy and comfortable with the added bonus of no security checks or luggage restrictions making this our preferred way to travel to Puglia.

If you’re arriving with your own wheels or with a rental car from Rome, it’s a four to five hour drive on the A1 and A16. From Naples, it’s a shorter three hour drive along the via A16/E842 and Autostrada A14/Autostrada.

How to get around Puglia

Travel in Puglia with public transport is not widely recommended as it is slow, there are few main train stations, and regional buses might pass through just once a day (leaving you without a way back).

For travelers who are determined to visit without a car, it is possible to get the train from Bari to Polignano a Mare, Monopoli, and Lecce easily. There is a train to Ostuni, but the station is a short distance away from the town so a taxi would be required to reach the old town. Whilst there are train stations at some of the other towns, there are not normally direct routes from Bari.

With that in mind, it is most convenient to rent a car to travel around Puglia. From Bari or Brindisi airport, you can pick up a rental car to travel around the region with ease, on your own schedule. We recommend using Auto Europe or Car Rental by booking.com to browse the best car rental options. You’ll find the best deals at Bari and Brindisi airports.

Let’s go to Puglia!

We hope our Puglia travel guide has Inspired you to visit Puglia. If you’re keen to learn more about this beautiful region of Italy have a listen to our podcast episode about Puglia’s Pilgrim Trails , or discover more Picturesque Towns of Puglia .

Want to discover Puglia with us? For a deeper local connection, why not join one of our Puglia small group tours . You can see what our guests think about our Untold Italy tours in Puglia by watching the video below.

famous beach of polignano a mare as seen from above on a puglia road trip itinerary

The Perfect 7 Day Puglia Road Trip Itinerary

We always knew that we would fall in love with Puglia, but after diving deep into the region on an extended Puglia road trip, it’s safe to say that we’re near-obsessed with it.

From exploring whitewashed hilltop villages to dipping (again and again and again) into the sparkling Adriatic Sea, and from devouring endless plates of orecchiette to sleeping in one of the region’s famous trulli , Puglia is awash with delightful Italy travel experiences.

Longtime readers know that we have a tendency to fall in love with certain corners of Italy and return to them repeatedly, and, well–let’s just say we expect to have plenty of opportunities to continue updating this Puglia blog post over the years.

Located on the “heel of the boot”, Puglia (sometimes called Apulia) is known primarily as a beach destination to Italian and other European travelers.

kate storm overlooking the sea on a balcony in otranto puglia

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It’s less popular with North Americans (so far), but that balance seems to be shifting a bit more each year.

With a hidden gem as absolutely sublime as this one, though, it was only a matter of time until the secret got out.

If you’re looking to spend a week exploring a laid-back and beautiful corner of Italy, where the food is fresh (fun fact: around 40% of Italy’s olive oil comes from Puglia!), the driving easy, the and the swimming sublime, this Puglia road trip itinerary is for you.

(And, I didn’t even mention yet that Puglia is significantly less crowded and less expensive than hotspots like the Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre ).

Here’s how to make the most of 7 days in beautiful Puglia, Italy!

Table of Contents

How We Structured This Puglia Itinerary

Renting a car for your road trip (+ traveling to puglia), can this puglia itinerary work without a car, other destinations to add to your itinerary for puglia, the best time of year to visit puglia, italy, what to pack for a 7 day puglia road trip, one week puglia travel itinerary map.

kate storm jeremy storm and ranger storm on a terrace overlooking trulli alberobello puglia 7 day itinerary

With a region as large and diverse as Puglia, narrowing down the best places to visit on a 7 day Puglia road trip is quite the challenge!

Unlike many of the itineraries on Our Escape Clause , we’ve structured this Puglia itinerary as a point-to-point trip leading (loosely) from Bari to Lecce, rather than as a loop.

However, as Lecce and Bari are less than 2 hours apart by either train or car, you’ll easily be able to return to Bari at the end of your trip if needed.

We designed this trip to Puglia around visiting whitewashed villages, historic cities, and–of course–lots of beaches and seaside landscapes.

It’s a fairly fast-paced itinerary in the sense that it packs a lot in and involves visiting many beautiful towns, but to drive this route straight through without traffic would actually take less than 5 hours!

whitewashed building with green doors and red flowers in the foreground in polignano a mare puglia towns to visit

You’ll drive a bit more than that, counting day trips and such, but the bottom line is that it’s a very doable distance in a week, even at a relaxed pace.

In other words, you have more time for beach time than you might think at first glance!

However, try as you might, it’s impossible to explore all of the best places to visit in Puglia in a week, so some (very worthy) destinations have been cut.

Because of this, in addition to the detailed 7 day itinerary for Puglia that we’ve outlined here, we’ve also made notes of several more incredible places in the region that you can add or swap in, depending on your travel style, the season, and how much time you have to enjoy the heel of the boot.

This Puglia travel guide is quite long, so feel free to use the table of contents above this section to navigate to the most important parts for you if you wish!

kate storm in a red dress overlooking the adriatic sea during an itinerary for puglia vacation

For most people, of course, taking a Puglia road trip will require renting a car

We recommend renting a small car through  Discover Cars , which will allow you to compare the prices and inclusions of multiple companies at the same time and choose the best car for you from there.

For the purposes of this itinerary, we recommend picking up your car in Bari.

To get to Puglia itself, you can either fly into Bari (Brindisi, to the south, has an airport as well, but Bari is more convenient for this itinerary), or take the train there.

colorful umbrellas in the foreground with water of otranto italy in the background

If you’re coming from outside of Europe, there’s a good chance it will be more affordable to fly into Rome or Venice, and then take the high-speed train to Bari to start your road trip in Puglia.

If you’d like to investigate flying into a major city and then taking a train to Puglia, we recommend checking the train schedules and prices through Omio (bear in mind that tickets for high-speed trains can dramatically increase as the trip gets closer).

Check rates & book your rental car for Puglia today!

ranger storm sitting on a ledge overlooking the puglia countryside in locorotondo

This Puglia itinerary is specifically designed as a road trip, and we do strongly believe that driving is the best way to visit the heel of Italy’s boot!

From offbeat villages to quiet, out-of-the-way beaches, your trip to Puglia will absolutely be enhanced by having your own set of wheels.

That being said, if you can’t or would rather not drive, you can still cover the vast majority of the sights included on this Puglia road trip itinerary through a combination of public transportation and guided tours.

If you’re not planning to drive, you can still follow the bulk of this itinerary by train.

However, you’ll likely need to cut some of the smaller towns in the Itria Valley (as you won’t be moving as quickly), as well as stick to beaches/swim spots within walking distance of town.

turquoise water in monopoli italy with sailboats in the distance

You’ll also want to be sure to choose lodging that’s within walking distance of the train stations.

And, if you’re not attached the idea of sleeping in a trullo (though I’ll be the first to say it is a delight), you may consider spending longer based in Monopoli and visiting the interior towns via day trips.

If you want to structure your itinerary for Puglia without a car, we highly recommend using  Omio  to check exact ticket schedules and pricing for trains and buses in the region.

Check schedules and shop train and bus tickets in Puglia  today!

jeremy storm and ranger storm standing in front of the sea in otranto italy, ranger in a backpack

Day 1: Arrive in Bari and head to Monopoli.

Bari, Puglia’s capital and largest city, is the perfect launching pad for your road trip whether you arrive in the region by train or plane.

While Bari has several attractions worth exploring, for the sake of time, we won’t dedicate much time to Bari on this itinerary.

If you arrive by train and are a completionist at heart, it’s about a 15-minute walk from Bari Centrale to the heart of the old town, if you’d like to take a quick spin around the city’s central sights like the Basilica San Nicolo and the Cathedral of San Sabino.

Once you wrap up, though, it’s time to pick up your rental car and zip off to Monopoli!

It’s about a 45-minute drive between the 2 cities, depending on traffic, so you’re not in a rush.

streets of centro storico in monopoli, a great base during 7 days in puglia travel guide

After checking into your hotel (ideally in or near the historic center–more on that in a minute), it’s time to start exploring.

While Monopoli’s historic center has some interesting churches and such to check out, the Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi is definitely worth a peek (as is the Bella Blu Gelateria right on it), what you’re most likely looking for is the sparkling Adriatic Sea!

Head to the Porto Antico (Old Harbor) to start your stroll past the Castello Carlo V and along the Lungomare.

As you head further away from the historic center, you’ll notice more and more people with their towels spread out on the rocks, going for a dip–and yes, this is highly recommended!

kate storm in a red bathing suit standing on a rock overlooking monopoli puglia

Where to Stay in Monopoli, Italy

We loved our stay at La Maison dello Zio : the property was clean, spacious, and very quiet (extra impressive considering its location in the heart of Monopoli’s small historic center).

We’d be happy to stay again!

Other popular, well-reviewed options in Monopoli include Corte Sant’Angelo or–if you’re looking for a splurge complete with incredible views–the stunning Hotel Don Ferrante .

We recommend staying in Monopoli for 2 nights.

Check rates & book your stay in Monopoli!

jeremy storm with adriatic sea in the background in monopoli italy

Day 2: Visit Polignano a Mare and explore Monopoli.

On the second day of your road trip in Puglia, head just 15 minutes north or so along the coast to the famous town of Polignano a Mare.

You’ll likely recognize Polignano a Mare’s picture-perfect beach: the views of this beach from above are some of the most iconic images of the region!

While the beach itself is small and very rocky (you’ll definitely want water shoes if you plan to swim there), the water is gorgeous and the views of the coast from above are well worth the trip.

Polignano a Mare is one of the most popular–read crowded–towns in Puglia, so we recommend getting an early start if you can.

Don’t miss the opportunity to wander through the old town, seeking out stunning views of the Adriatic along the way.

kate storm in polignano a mare puglia overlooking the sea, one of the best stops on an itinerary for puglia italy

Terrazza Santo Stefano in particular is a must-see!

If you want even more unique views of the coast, joining one of the popular Polignano a Mare boat tours is a fantastic option (and will also give you an opportunity to swim away from the crowds at the beach).

Want a bucket-list dining experience while in Puglia?

The picturesque cave overlooking the sea found at Hotel Grotta Palazzese has been used as a restaurant since the 18th century (today, you’ll definitely need reservations if you plan to eat lunch there).

After wrapping up your morning exploring, eating, and possibly swimming your way through Polignano a Mare, head back to Monopoli and enjoy the afternoon and evening there!

To swim, check out Cala Porta Vecchia, or keep walking along the water until you hit Cala Cozze or Porto Bianco.

There are plenty of lidos (paid Italian beach clubs with umbrellas and chairs) around Monopoli, but for less than a full beach day, we prefer to stick with free swimming spots.

monopoli italy as seen from across the water at cala porta vecchia

Day 3: Head inland to Alberobello and nearby whitewashed towns.

As difficult as it can be to leave the coast behind, it’s worth it to see another side of Puglia during your week in the region!

Puglia is famous for trulli –the dry, stone, conical buildings typical of the area, and the buildings are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

You can find them across the Itria Valley, but no town has a higher concentration of them than the famous–and stunning–Alberobello.

After Polignano a Mare’s central beach, the trulli of Alberobello are probably the most recognizable image of Puglia.

trulli in alberobello as seen from above, one of the best things to do in puglia itinerary

However, today won’t just be about Alberobello, but about the surrounding villages.

The nearby small towns of Locorotondo and Martina Franca are both also well worth visiting, and while they have fewer trulli , they’re beautiful and will be far less crowded.

We recommend saving Alberobello for the end of the day, and spending the night there–ideally in a trullo !

The crowds of day trippers that swarm Alberobello throughout the day can be downright overwhelming, making this down best enjoyed in the evening and the early morning (and if you’re visiting in the summer, this will help with the heat, too).

If you want to make sure you don’t miss any of the most iconic trulli , this popular walking tour is a great addition to your time in Alberobello.

Book your walking tour of Alberobello today!

kate storm wandering the whitewashed streets of locorotondo, travel puglia road trip

Where to Stay in Alberobello, Italy

For a memorable stay in the Itria Valley, you can’t beat spending the night in a trullo!

We can’t rave enough about our stay in the Miratrulli Apartment & Trullo –everything from the structure to the location to the hospitality of the owner was flawless.

If it’s booked, though, Trulli Holiday Albergo Diffuso and Trulli Soav e also get excellent reviews.

We recommend spending 1-2 nights here.

Check rates & book your stay in Alberobello today!

interior of a trullo in alberobello italy with ranger storm lying on the bed

Day 4: Continue exploring the Itria Valley or head to Matera.

As you hit the mid-point of your Puglia road trip, it’s time for a decision!

Option one: stay in the Itria Valley, continue exploring whitewashed hilltop towns, tasting wine, sampling olive oil, and enjoying trulli .

With this option, you may want to head over to the gorgeous city of Ostuni, a longtime favorite in the region that features magnificent views from its hilltop as well as plenty of nooks and crannies to explore.

Alternatively, you can head west to the fascinating city of Matera.

Matera, though located in the region of Basilicata rather than in Puglia itself, is a popular addition to Puglia itineraries.

kate storm jeremy storm and ranger storm on a balcony overlooking matera on a southern italy itinerary

Matera is an endlessly interesting place, known for being populated since the prehistoric area, its incredible views, and its Sassi area–the area populated by cave dwellings dating back thousands of years.

In the 1950s, Matera gained international notoriety for the poor living conditions in the Sassi, and was nicknamed the “Shame of Italy”.

The population was forcibly removed the the “new” (still quite old) town surrounding the Sassi, and the historic cave dwellings were abandoned.

Fast forward several decades, though, and Matera has achieved new life as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a popular filming location (for films ranging wildly from “The Passion of the Christ” to “James Bond: No Time to Die”), and a European Capital of Culture.

door leading into a church in matera italy

Many of the formerly shameful Sassi have been converted into popular boutique cave hotels.

Matera is absolutely, without a doubt, worth visiting–but it is also incredibly hot during the summer months, even by the standards of southern Italy.

If that sounds like a fair trade, or you’re enjoying 7 days in Puglia outside of summer, Matera is a great idea.

If you don’t have a high heat tolerance, consider sticking around the Itria Valley instead, where it still gets quite hot, but is easier to cool off.

2 aperol spritzes with snacks on a table in a piazza in matera italy southern road trip

Where to Stay in Matera, Italy

Unfortunately, as beautiful as the views from our balcony were, we can’t recommend the cave hotel we stayed in when visiting Matera.

However, Conche Luxury Retreat and Il Belvedere are both beautiful properties that get excellent reviews!

Matera in general is extremely affordable by Italian standards, making it a wonderful place to splurge on a memorable place to stay.

If you choose to visit Matera, we recommend spending one night there.

Check rates & book your stay in Matera today!

kate storm sitting on the edge of a balcony on matera in summer--visiting matera in july can be considered a bit of an italy travel mistake

Day 5: Make your way back to the sea in Otranto.

Whether you’ve been exploring the Itria Valley or Matera, if you’re visiting Puglia during the summer, one thing is certain: at this point, you’re going to be ready to get back to the sea!

Make your way to Otranto (despite this being your longest drive of the trip, getting from Matera to Otranto is still likely to take you only about 3 hours), where you can enjoy wide, sandy beaches and plenty of coastal charm again.

Choosing a favorite between Monopoli and Otranto would be very, very difficult, but Otranto’s wide, sandy beaches located right next door to the center are definitely a plus.

kate storm in the shallow water near centro storico of otranto italy things to do

(Monopoli has plenty of swimming near the center too, of course, but not as many sandy stretches quite as conveniently located).

While in Otranto, be sure to pay a visit to the gorgeous Duomo, the Castello Aragonese, and the tiny Church of St. Peter.

Walking along the town ramparts is also a must, but without a doubt, a good portion of your time in Otranto should be dedicated to beach time!

clock tower in otranto puglia with people walking in front of it

Where to Stay in Otranto, Italy

We loved our stay at the spacious Marimar Apartments , located a short walk from Centro Storico and an even shorter walk from the sea.

B&B Palazzo Marzo and Palazzo de Mori are both excellent options as well!

Otranto’s small size and location hugging the Adriatic make it simple to find places to stay near the water, a big advantage for a beach town.

We recommend staying in Otranto for 2 nights and wrapping up your 7 days in Puglia here.

Check rates & book your stay in Otranto today!

two servings of gelato being held in front of a shop in otranto puglia at night

Day 6: Explore Otranto and visit the Cave of Poetry.

While we’ve tried to leave plenty of room for afternoon swimming in this 7 day itinerary for Puglia, today is the only day that is dedicated almost exclusively to it!

Other than perhaps a bit of sightseeing (gelato in hand, of course) in Centro Storico, today is all about the water.

We recommend taking a drive out to the Cave of Poetry (in Italian, Grotta della Poesia ) to enjoy one of the most stunning swimming holes we’ve ever had a chance to enjoy!

Featuring crystal-clear water, jaw-dropping views, a cave to swim through, and even some nearby ruins to explore, it’s a remarkable sight.

cave of poetry puglia road trip stops, as seen from above

And, if you’re feeling particularly daring, you can even join the locals for a bit of cliff-jumping.

Looking for something a bit different, either as an alternative or an addition to your day?

The Bay of Turkey ( Baia dei Turchi ) is also nearby and boasts what is widely considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Puglia.

If you happen to be visiting Puglia outside the swimming season and are looking for an alternative away from the water, you could substitute a visit to Gallipoli and/or Lecce here.

kate storm and jeremy storm taking a selfie at the grotta della poesia italy

Day 7: Make your way home, possibly stopping in Lecce on the way.

As you wrap up your 7 days in Puglia and prepare to head home, there’s one final stop we recommend making on the way: Lecce, the “Florence of the South”.

This university city is packed with stunning Baroque architecture and long history with ties to Ancient Greece and Rome.

It’s gorgeous and well worth a visit, but since it’s located inland in the southern part of Puglia, it doesn’t draw nearly as many visitors as the coasts.

If you have time, spend some time exploring the best things to do in Lecce’s Centro Storico, including the remains of the Roman Amphitheatre, the Basilica di Santa Croce, and the Piazza del Duomo and Duomo itself.

This well-reviewed walking tour can help you efficiently cover the highlights of the city in just a couple of hours!

roman amphitheater in lecce italy with bell tower in the background

If you don’t want to drive back to Bari to drop off your rental car (it’s about a 2-hour drive), consider checking prices for a one-way rental that you drop off in Lecce.

That’s what we did on our Puglia road trip, and it ended up being very affordable!

Lecce is home to a well-connected train station that can easily whisk you off to your next destination in Italy if you’re planning to continue your travels within the country.

If you’re flying home from Bari, though, it’ll likely be easiest to drive back yourself.

front facade of basilica di santa croce in lecce italy, a fun stop during a week in puglia italy

While this itinerary covers quite a bit of Puglia in 7 days, no one trip could hope to cover it all!

In addition to the choose-your-own-adventure modifications we’ve included throughout the itinerary, here are a few more stops you might consider adding on with more than a week in Puglia.

Located on the western edge of the Salento region of Puglia, Gallipoli is located more or less opposite Otranto on the peninsula.

Featuring the beautiful seaside Castello Aragonese, a charming center, and plenty of surrounding beaches, Gallipoli makes for a delightful seaside base in southern Puglia.

beach of gallipoli puglia as seen through a stone wall, one of the best italian coastal towns

Gargano National Park

This itinerary for Puglia doesn’t stray further north than Bari, so sadly doesn’t pass through Gargano National Park.

However, if you’re looking for rugged, wild beaches, offbeat small towns like the gorgeous Vico del Gargano, and even a forest (the Forest Umbra is stunning), Gargano National Park has you covered.

Unless you have an exceptionally long time to spend on your Puglia vacation, this part of the region is probably best visited on a separate trip.

bright blue water with white cliffs in gargano national park puglia travel guide

Tremiti Islands

This small archipelago, made up of 5 main islands, is known for its magnificent beaches, sea caves, cliffs, and brilliant turquoise water.

The Tremiti Islands are part of Gargano National Park, but you’ll need to hop on a boat–or, if you’re feeling like a splurge, a helicopter–to get there!

view of white cliffs, bright blue water and sailboats from above on tremiti islands

Castel del Monte

The mysterious Castel del Monte dates to the 13th century and was built by King Frederick II.

Its unusual shape has caused some to speculate over the centuries that it was never meant to be a defensive fortress at all!

Today, it is known as one of Puglia’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is located just outside of Bari.

octagonal castel del monte as seen from the front facade

Located right on the Adriatic Sea and featuring a beautiful Duomo, charming Centro Storico, and the remains of once-important defensive structures, Trani has quite a bit in common with towns like Monopoli and Otranto!

Too far north to fit into this 7 day Puglia trip, it is nonetheless well worth a visit with more time in the region.

view of trani italy as seen from the water on a sunny day in puglia vacation

Grotte di Castellana

This stunning karst cave system is a feast for the eyes, and definitely one of the coolest places to visit in Puglia!

And, during the summer, “coolest” is literal: the caves maintain a constant temperature of around 62 ° F/16.5 ° C, making them a great place to escape the summer heat on a particularly hot afternoon.

You can reach the Grotte di Castellana in under 30 minutes from Monopoli or Alberobello.

dramatic stalactites in grotte di castellana in puglia travel itinerary

We’ve designed this Puglia road trip for a visit that takes place during the swimming season–so late spring, summer, and early fall.

Personally, we find June and September to be the ideal months for visiting Puglia if you’re hoping to swim and have a typical beach trip: the water will be great for swimming, and the towns lively without being overrun as in July and August.

July and August are the most popular months for visiting Puglia, so if you want the height of the mid-summer, peak season experience, that’s when to go!

famous inlet beach of polignano a mare, as seen during a road trip in puglia italy

In May, the weather is a bit cool for swimming as far as we’re concerned, but some brave souls do take it on.

Spring and fall are both ideal for cultural trips to Puglia focused on exploring the villages of the Itria Valley, the region’s historic sites, and of course, its food.

We found sweating during mid-day when inland a fair trade-off for swimming in the Adriatic, but we definitely would have been far more comfortable in places like Locorotondo and Alberobello in the spring or fall.

Winter is a decidedly slow season in Puglia, however, the weather does stay mild and quite dry, making it a great choice if you’re looking to escape the cold, dark weather further north during winter in Europe !

kate storm and ranger storm posing with trulli in alberobello during a trip to puglia italy

Here are a few essentials that you should definitely add to your packing list as you prepare for your road trip in Puglia, Italy!

Travel Insurance  — We don’t ever suggest traveling without travel insurance–anything can happen, and a fast-paced road trip is definitely a case of better safe than sorry.

We use and recommend  Safety Wing  for trips to Italy.

Travel Adaptors for Italy  — If you’re coming from outside of Europe, you’ll definitely need adaptors for your electronics.

kate storm on the adriatic coast near the cave of poetry in puglia

Hands-Free Phone Mount  — This is especially important if you don’t have a reliable co-pilot: the last thing you want to do is fumble with the GPS on your phone when driving in Puglia.

Pack a cell phone holder to attach to the car and you’ll be able to drive much more safely!

Dry Bag — Want to keep your electronics safe during a beach day or boat trip?

Securing them in a dry bag is the perfect low-cost solution!

ranger smiling amongst the boats in the old harbor of monopoli italy

Sunscreen — The day we visited Polignano a Mare, we forgot our sunscreen and ended up panic-buying a very overpriced bottle in town… that didn’t even work well.

Moral of this story: bring your own sunscreen!

Additional Car Insurance  — Whether you purchase a policy that covers car rental (only some do, so double-check!), purchase a policy through the rental car company, or something else, be sure you have coverage: it’s worth the peace of mind.

Portable USB Charger  — Don’t stress about your phone dying while you’re spending long days driving from village to village: add a portable charger to your packing list.

walls of monopoli puglia with the adriatic sea in the foreground

Swiss Army Knife  — Want to open wine bottles in your hotel room, slice cheese from the market, or cut up that fresh focaccia from the bakery?

You’ll be so glad you brought a Swiss Army Knife along on your Puglia vacation!

Camera  — We absolutely adore our  Sony a7R III , but whatever camera you’re comfortable with works.

Just make sure you have something with you to preserve your memories!.

Hand Sanitizer  — We carry this everywhere, and have never been sorry to have it floating around in our day bag.

Take This Map With You! Click each highlight to pull up the name of the destination. To save this map to “Your Places” on Google Maps, click the star to the right of the title. You’ll then be able to find it under the Maps tab of your Google Maps account! To open the map in a new window, click the button on the top right of the map.

2 photos of puglia travel destinations, alberobello and polignano a mare. black and red text reads "the perfect 7 day puglia road trip"

About Kate Storm

Image of the author, Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

10 thoughts on “The Perfect 7 Day Puglia Road Trip Itinerary”

Hi there, absolutely loved all the info. I am from Canada and going to Italy(Verona) to visit family from May 24- June 29th. My friend is meeting me in Italy within those 5 weeks and we are going to Puglia. We are planning out our trip next week. This info was perfect. We will be renting a car and are planning for a 7-10 day trip. If we wanted to spend a couple of extra days to relax would you recommend just staying in Otranto?

Otranto is a great choice! Monopoli would be almost a tie with it for us–can’t go wrong with either. 🙂

Hi, Was it easy having the dog with you? Was the dog allowed eveywhere you went e.g. Beaches, restaurant etc. Or was it difficult? I’m asking as I would love to bring my dog with me

In general, it’s very easy to travel with dogs in Italy, and that’s true in Puglia, too. 🙂

Dogs are allowed on some beaches (some are limited to the winter and not all lidos are dog-friendly), so definitely check before heading out on that.

Outdoor dining at restaurants is more or less universally dog-friendly.

Not all hotels and apartments are dog-friendly, but a wide variety are, and we are never short on options for places to stay.

Hope you and your furry friend have a great trip!

Just read your 7 day itinerary for Puglia and so tempted to book almost everything you mentioned. Looks a great trip! So glad we found your site.

Thank you so much, Tina! Hope you have a wonderful time in Puglia!

Hi Kate, my husband and I are planning our 3rd trip to Italy this coming March (2024). Our 2nd trip was to the northern regions, and your advice was extremely helpful. This trip we are going to focus on the southern region. Is there a way to easily print your guides? I didn’t see a print bottom and the formatting changed a bit when I tried to print the page – cutting off some of the info. Thanks for all the great information!!

Thank you so much, that’s great to hear our posts already helped you once! 🙂

Unfortunately we don’t have a specific printable version available right now, though it is something we’ve considered setting up in the future!

Do you know of the Masseria Pote winery in Puglia? We are headed to a wedding there this fall and love your 7 day tour of the area.

I am not, but it looks beautiful! Hope you guys have a fantastic time–Puglia is such a special place. 🙂

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puglia slow travel

Slow Guides

Puglia slow guide, bundle: milos, kimolos & sifnos, sifnos slow travel guide, milos & kimolos slow travel guide, menorca slow travel guide, mallorca slow guide.

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  • Slow & Chic

Slow & Chic Hotel in Puglia

This is the best choice for those who want to experience destinations away from the beaten track. This selection, which embraces the  ‘Slow Travel’ philosophy , includes popular  small hotels  and  alberghi diffusi  – or ‘scattered hotels’ - in various locations in Puglia. If you choose a  Slow & Chic Hotel , you'll be sure to have a unique wine and food and cultural experience, to better experience the region and fully enjoy everything it is able to offer. The  small hotels  and the  alberghi diffusi of Puglia  are located in quiet places, away from the hustle and bustle of the jet set, often immersed in natural scenery and rural landscapes rich in  traditions ,  simplicity  and  history . If you don’t want to live your next vacation as a tourist but as a  traveller , then  Slow Travel  is right for you: flip through the pages of the  Slow & Chic hotel section  and choose your destination!

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Tourist resorts in Puglia

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Only hand-picked properties, to provide you with the best accomodation in each location.

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Slow & Chic Hotels in Puglia

8 Properties found

Masseria Fontanelle

Masseria Fontanelle ****

Marina di ugento, distance from the beach - 3 km | beach - affiliated lido | rooms – 35, from 130,00 € per room per night per villa per week.

Naturalis Bio Resort

Naturalis Bio Resort

11 rooms | free wi-fi | green project, from 220,00 € per room per night per villa per week.

Lama di Luna Biomasseria

Lama di Luna Biomasseria

Airport bari – 70 km | nearby locations – montegrosso approx. 3.5 km, andria 18 km, trani and barletta 30 km | beach on the adriatic coast – approx. 30 km distance, from 200,00 € per room per night per villa per week.

Le Grotte della Civita

Le Grotte della Civita

Matera (basilicata), bari-palese airport – 65 km | town – matera  | nearest beach – 50 km , from 100,00 € per room per night per villa per week.

Masseria Le Carrube

Masseria Le Carrube ****

Distance from the beach - 3 km | rooms – 19 | brindisi airport – 48 km, from 140,00 € per room per night per villa per week.

Read all about Puglia with our Guide 2024

Tenuta Monacelle ****

From 81,00 € per room per night per villa per week.

Palazzo Ducale Venturi Luxury Relais and Wellness

Palazzo Ducale Venturi - Luxury Hotel and Wellness ***** L

Minervino di lecce, 20 rooms | buffet breakfast | indoor heated pool, from 245,00 € per room per night per villa per week, masseria san martino ***.

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Puglia travel blog — the fullest puglia travel guide for first-timers.

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Puglia is a small region located at the heel of Italy’s boot. Along with the birthplace of Renaissance Tuscany, Puglia is one of the most beautiful destinations of Italy with picturesque towns and villages, the Italy’s most beautiful beaches. It is also famous for the two tree and plant that have become iconic: Olives and grapes at highest quality. Many Puglia specialties come from them. However, not only famous for its olive production and famous premium wines, Puglia also has many more reasons to urge visitors to come. So, is Puglia Italy worth visiting, what to do in Puglia and how to plan a perfect budget trip to Puglia for the first-time? Let’s check out our Puglia travel blog (Puglia blog, Puglia Italy travel blog) with the fullest Puglia travel guide (how to get to Puglia, Puglia guide, Puglia Italy travel guide, Puglia tourist guide) from how to get there, best time to come, where to stay, best places to visit, what to eat and top things to do in Puglia as well as suggested Puglia itinerary to find out the answer!

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puglia slow travel

When it comes to Italy, surely in your head will immediately appear cliché names like Venice, Rome or Milan. But the boot-shaped country has much more to offer than that. Have you ever heard of the land of Apulia or Puglia, located at the “heel” of the Italian peninsula? To many tourists, this name may not really widely know, but in Italy, Puglia is the most desirable place to visit. Surely, after reading this sharing of Puglia travel blog, you will want to pack your suitcase and explore this wonderful remote land.

puglia slow travel

Puglia is a “heel” region of the southern peninsular section of Italy and is home to historic towns that are thousands of years old, diverse landscapes, great food, and owns some of the best beaches in the south of the country.

Puglia travel blog: Overview of Puglia

puglia slow travel

Where is the Puglia region?

puglia slow travel

As I shared in the article sharing my experience of visiting Bari , Puglia is the geographical region located in the southeasternmost tip of Italy. In the past, along with Venice, Puglia was located on Italy’s sea trade route with Eastern European countries and the Balkans. Today, when economic development is more concentrated in the northern regions, the name Puglia is somewhat less well known, many liken Puglia to the Italian Far East, a name that evokes remoteness and mystery.

puglia slow travel

Located in Southern Italy and right at the heel of the boot-shaped country, the Puglia region has a true Mediterranean beauty with blue sea water, immense olive groves interspersed with Trulli mushroom houses and pretty little white towns. Therefore, Puglia is a very hot tourist destination in the summer in Italy.

puglia slow travel

This is also one of my favorite regions in Italy. In total I went to Puglia 2 times. Once 6 years ago only used public transport and mainly sightseeing. As for the August trip this year, I went by car from Rome, mainly going to the beach for 7 days and combining with 3 more days of sightseeing around the region.

Although there are a few villages that I have been to twice, but every time I go, I also like it because it is so beautiful. I highly recommend that you go to Puglia once if you can.

Puglia can be divided into 3 parts: North, Central and South. Puglia’s famous attractions are mostly concentrated in the South and Central, from Bari stretching down to Lecce and divided into 2 areas: Valle d’Itria and Salento.

puglia slow travel

Puglia travel blog: Valle d’Itria  (Itria Valley)

puglia slow travel

The Itria Valley, located between the provinces of Bari , Taranto and Brindisi, is characterized by beautiful white villages, irresistible delicious food and especially “trulli”, a very typical conical stone house. That is why this area is also known as the  valley of trulli.

Dotted with trulli houses along both sides of the road are olive trees and the stone walls are arranged ingeniously without the use of any adhesive. In Italian this type of wall is called “muro a secco”.

puglia slow travel

The most famous villages in Itria Valley are Alberobello, Ostuni and Locorotondo. Because it is located near Bari – the capital of Puglia, so you can combine visiting Bari and Polignano a Mare. There are also Zoosafari and Castellana caves, so it is very suitable for families traveling with children.

puglia slow travel

The Salento Peninsula is also known as the heel of the Italian boot. Stretching from the southern province of Taranto to the entire province of Lecce. The western Salento is bordered the Ionian Sea and to the east by the Adriatic Sea. The two seas meet and intersect at Santa Maria di Leuca, the southernmost point of the peninsula.

puglia slow travel

It is because of this very unique topography that Salento has many of the most beautiful beaches in the region. Quite a few beaches are called very beautiful names such as Maldive del Salento, Caraibi del Salento… because of the clear blue water.

In addition to the beaches, Salento also has no shortage of beautiful attractions such as:  Lecce, a city characterized by baroque architecture, or small coastal towns like Otranto, Gallipoli, Santa Maria di Leuca.

puglia slow travel

Is Puglia italy worth visiting: Why should you visit Puglia?

The north of Puglia is associated with the wine-producing culture, while the south has a strong connection with traditional Roman-Greek culture. Thanks to those factors, it has created a special land, attracting tourists from all over the world. It can be said that in terms of history, poetic aspects, peace or bold Italian culture, there is no land that can overcome Puglia. Here are some reasons why you should visit Puliga.

puglia slow travel

Rich history and architecture

Puglia was once the gateway to Greece and the East. Therefore, this is the ideal land for those who want to learn about culture and history. The region also retains many ancient vestiges of history, culture, tradition and spirituality.

puglia slow travel

Coming to Puglia you can satisfy all your curiosity and discovery interests. From ancient history to the Medieval and Baroque eras. From castles along the coast to small art villages. Where craft masterpieces begin, stunning views and old quarters. Here like creating the door to enter different civilizations.

Beautiful limestone houses with conical roofs, called Trulli. Very common here, and dates back to the 15th century. Roman, Greco and Messapian remains are also found side by side here. Lecce city with beautiful baroque architecture and considered as an art treasure.

puglia slow travel

Friendly, generous locals

puglia slow travel

Although not many people in Puglia can speak English, they are always smiling and ready to help visitors as much as possible. They can guide you on how to get around, places to visit and absolutely do not disturb or cheat. A little friendly Italian words like “ciao” or “bello”, “gustoso” is definitely not difficult for you but makes them happier when welcoming strangers from far away. Who knows, you might learn how to make pizza from an Italian?

Peaceful countryside

puglia slow travel

If the streets of Puglia were peaceful, the countryside is also absolute peace. There is nothing more enjoyable than cycling through unnamed small dirt roads, flanked by grape fields or weeds, breathing in the countryside fresh air. Even if you scream, it will only startle the birds.

Slow living pace

puglia slow travel

Puglia is exactly the place for tourists to live slowly. No one is in a hurry here, of course you have to blend in with that atmosphere. Restaurants, coffee shops, restaurants are almost only heard whispering and many places are closed for lunch break. Sipping a cup of coffee and gazing at the streets is perhaps more than enough to slow down after days of hurrying.

Great cuisine

puglia slow travel

Food is the reason that you cannot miss when coming to Puglia. This land is developed for agriculture so it is an ideal place for fresh meals from local produce. The food here is not expensive, they are reasonably priced. In particular, your meal cannot be without olives and wine – the prides of the Puglia people.

puglia slow travel

Dreamy alleys and cobbled streets

puglia slow travel

Most of the streets in Puglia are a maze, small and super winding alleys but not making visitors feel tired and annoyed. They enjoy wandering the cobbled nooks and crannies to discover a forgotten world.

puglia slow travel

Other reasons

Puglia is the land with the longest coastline in Italy, along with a tradition of maritime trade, so Apulia has many ancient towns, villages and beautiful Mediterranean-style ports.

Puglia shares the Adriatic Sea with Greece and is not far from North Africa, so the architectural style here is influenced by Eastern Europe and Greece very strongly.

Southern Italy’s warm, sunny climate creates a generous, open-minded and not as touristy as northern Italian cities.

puglia slow travel

Referring to Apulia, people immediately think of unique cultural heritages such as the ancient town of Alberobello, the white city of Ostuni, the open-air architecture museum of Lecce or the once-resounding Bari capital.

puglia slow travel

When to visit and how long should you travel to Puglia?

The not good time to avoid traveling to Puglia is 2 weeks in mid-August, because this is extremely crowded with tourists due to the Ferragosto holiday season. If you like the hustle and bustle, no problem. However, the other problems that come with it are: difficulties in finding a beach spot or a seat at restaurant, and the cost of room renting or sun loungers at the beach is also higher.

puglia slow travel

Except August, it’s ok to come to Puglia every other month. If you want to go to the beach but avoid crowds, you should go around June and July.

The ideal travel time in Puglia in my opinion is 7 days. The more time you have, the better you will experience, because there are indeed plenty of places to go. The first time I went for about 4 or 5 days, but almost only to visit the main places but did not deeply explore. This time going for 10 days, I feel a lot better.

puglia slow travel

Puglia travel guide: How to get to Puglia?

Taking a plane is the most convenient way to get to Puglia. The region’s two main airports are located in Bari and Brindisi. Cheap airlines like Ryanair or Easyjet all operate flight routes here, so you just have to work hard to find cheap prices on Google Flights, Skyscanner or Kayak. There was a time when I found a ticket with only… €9 from Rome.

If you depart from Rome or southern Italy you can consider taking the train to Bari. But if you come from cities in the North or Central Italy, you should… forget this option, because the time on the train can be nearly half a day.

puglia slow travel

As I shared in the previous article to visit Bari , you can take the train or plane to Bari, then stay one night and the next day visit other cities in Puglia. Another less common way is to take a bus. One bus company that is mentioned a lot is Onbus but I have not experienced it because I see Puglia as a rather remote area, so the bus ride is quite long and not as comfortable as a train or plane. Unless you are in cities near Bari, use this vehicle.

Puglia Italy travel guide: Getting around Puglia

puglia slow travel

If possible, you should rent a car or self-drive to Puglia to be more flexible about the itinerary and save time. Self-driving also helps you to visit more closely the Itria valley or beautiful beaches that are difficult to reach by bus.

Taking public transport in Puglia is still fine, because a few years ago when I was a student, I only took buses and trains. However, your travel time and schedule will not be very flexible.

puglia slow travel

Puglia blog: Getting from Bari to Ostuni, Polignano al Mare and Alberobello

From Bari to other places like Polignano a Mare, Alberobello, Locorotondo, Ostuni, Lecce you can check train timetable and tickets on Omio or  Trenitalia . And from Lecce to the towns and beaches there are buses of STP , especially the summer service called   Salentoinbus  will have more trips.

From Bari to Ostuni you can take the regional train, you can look up the departure time and buy tickets online here . Travel time is about 2 hours 30 minutes.

puglia slow travel

From Ostuni to Polignano a Mare is the same, but you should note that Polignano a Mare is located in the middle of the road from Bari to Ostuni, so it is common for you to visit Ostuni first and then on the way back to visit Polignano. It takes about 30 minutes by train from Ostuni via Polignano. From Bari to Alberobello also take the train, travel time is 2 hours.

puglia slow travel

Puglia blog: Where to stay?

If you want to live like a local in Puglia, you have to experience the form of tourism at the farms, also known as Masserie in Italian. Guests will stay in houses with Mediterranean-style gardens with olive trees, rooms painted with white walls with minimalist décor and luxurious swimming pools just like hotels. You can check it out on Agoda or Booking or Airbnb.

In addition, in Alberobello you also have the opportunity to spend the night in trulli mushroom houses, the type of traditional conical stone houses with spires only found in this town.

puglia slow travel

To avoid moving and changing accommodation too much, you should only choose a maximum of 2 places to book your hotel: One in the Bari and Itria valley, one in the Salento. The distance between attractions in the same area is not far, so you only need to book in one place to be able to easily travel to other places.

In agricultural areas such as the Itria valley there are many masserias, i.e. farms whose dwellings have been converted into hotels or B&Bs.

Bari and Valle d’Itria (Puglia Italy travel blog)

If you travel by public transport, it is best to book a hotel in Bari. If you have a car, you can choose a hotel or B&B in the trulli area like the villages near Fasano.

My family booked 3 nights at B&B Salita delle Pere . The feeling of sleeping in a trulli in the quiet country atmosphere is really relaxing and unforgettable. The breakfast cakes are all handmade by the lady owner, and the cow’s milk is also from her farm. After spending 3 nights here, I feel relaxed after 7 days of jostling with tons of people at the sea. In short, very good value for money.

puglia slow travel

Some good hotels in Bari you can refer to

  • The Nicolaus Hotel ( Agoda , Booking )
  • Hi Hotel Bari ( Agoda , Booking )
  • Mercure Villa Romanazzi Carducci Bari ( Agoda , Booking )
  • Parco Dei Principi Hotel Congress & Spa ( Booking )
  • iH Hotels Bari Oriente ( Agoda , Booking )
  • Zodiacus ( Agoda , Booking )
  • iH Hotels Bari Grande Albergo delle Nazioni ( Agoda , Booking )
  • Hotel City Bari ( Agoda , Booking )

puglia slow travel

Check out more top and best hotels in Bari on Agoda.com or Booking.com .

Lecce is the largest city in the area and has a very busy nightlife, so you should book a hotel here ( Agoda , Booking ). Those who have a car should stay outside the old downtown area with a bit ride or check the hotel’s parking carefully, but finding parking in the center is quite difficult.

Distance from Lecce to other places:

  • Lecce – Gallipoli and nearby beaches (Porto Cesareo, Punta Prosciutto, Punta della Suina..): 35-40 minutes.
  • Lecce – Otranto and nearby beaches (Torre dell’Orso, Alimini, Baia dei Turchi..): 35-40 minutes.
  • Lecce – Santa Maria di Leuca and nearby beaches (Maldive del Salento, Lido Marini..): 1 hour.

Puglia italy travel blog: Where to go, what to do in Puglia?

puglia slow travel

If you are a history enthusiast, Puglia is the paradise for you to indulge in that pleasure. The city of Bari , the capital of Puglia, is also home to many Baroque mansions. The Old Quarter is located on a peninsula jutting into the sea, mainly built of white limestone. Small alleys, alleys and ancient domes. Standing from any corner of Bari, you can easily see churches and monasteries.

puglia slow travel

More interested, you can go to Otranto to admire the church of Santa Maria Annunziata – the most important Catholic cathedral of the city. The floor of the church is completely covered with mosaics dating from the 11th century, fully reproducing the images from the Bible. On the right wing of the hall is a place to remember those who died in the massacre by the Turks in 1480. Today, the skulls of the victims are placed in a glass cabinet right at the church pedestal, making many people feel creepy.

puglia slow travel

The White City of Ostuni

Ostuni is called La Citta Bianca (the white city) because of its white houses. Strolling these streets is one of the relaxing moments. The city is full of cute cafes, ice cream parlor, pastry shops and shops with local products. Pottery shops sell pumo di fiore (ornamental ceramics) with all kinds of colors and sizes. You will see this egg-shaped flower bud all over Puglia, acting as a symbol of prosperity and fertility.

puglia slow travel

In Ostuni, there is a town that fascinates visitors with its Greek beauty: whitewashed houses, scattered from the plains to the hills. Even hotels in this area are painted white to blend in with the surrounding residential area. The most famous accommodation is La Sommita hotel, built in the 16th century, which was originally a castle of the indigenous people. From here you can look out over the sea and enjoy meals right under the castle dome as a guest. During the day, walking on the labyrinthine streets of the city, don’t forget to stop by the bar to sip some real Puglia wine to be alert enough to find your way home.

Ostuni located on the Adriatic coast, famous for its white paint color of the whole city. If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting the Greek island of Santorini, Ostuni will surely fascinate you. In the past, the trade of Italy and Greece was very active, the Greek community used to live in Puglia and their mark was the characteristic white painted towns. Under the golden sun like honey, the deep blue sky no less the color of the sea in the distance, Ostuni appeared proud but very simple. To exalt that pride white color, houses and streets also seem to be decorated as minimally as possible. Ostuni is still not very crowded, so we feel even more small in the space of the city. We stopped for lunch at the fairy-tale Trattoria Fave e Fogghje restaurant/pub and inhaled the distant scent of Greece across the Adriatic.

puglia slow travel

Polignano a Mare

The town of Polignano a Mare is one of the beautiful towns in Puglia known for its stunning beach with clear blue water, craggy white buildings and a charming beach, Polignano a Mare is one of the towns. you must visit when visiting Puglia Italy.

puglia slow travel

Perched on a craggy cliff overlooking the Adriatic Sea, looking even more blue from above, Polignano a Mare is just a small town but steals your soul in a jiffy by lovely streets and houses decorated as if its owners were all poets, or at least artists. This is where Italians come to watch the sea, swimming and enjoy the pleasant atmosphere of a Mediterranean afternoon. Polignano is like a short poem, but ecstatically beautiful.

puglia slow travel

Heading to the square in Polignano al Mare, stop at Il Super Mago del Gelo for a special coffee – their unique concoction with lemon, liqueur and espresso. If not, you can also try others as they also serve traditional coffee, gelato and pastries.

Alberobello

Alberobello is a super cute town in Puglia, home to tiny houses called trulli that have been listed as a UNESCO heritage site. Trulli are small hut-like houses whose cones look like cute mushrooms. Layers of “mushrooms” lining the small slopes of Alberobello attract the footsteps of any visitor. Shops, restaurants or even churches here are also shaped like mushrooms. The secret to a beautiful photo of trulli is to go to the high hill in the afternoon, when the whole cute city is bathed in the extremely romantic sunset.

puglia slow travel

The houses were built of stone to be easily disassembled to pay less taxes in the 19th century and are now protected by UNESCO law. You can see them scattered throughout the countryside, but you will see these houses one after another in Alberobello.

This is probably a city you must visit once in your life, because it is only one in the world and has become a new highlight of Italian tourism next to the familiar Rome and Venice. Alberobello is world famous for its mushroom-shaped stone houses (conical roofs). This is not a scene from a mythical movie, this is Southern Italy full of surprises for you. Alberobello for me is somewhat less emotional than the two cities above due to quite a lot of tourists. On Alberobello’s holiday, it is packed with tourists because Alberobello is beautiful and unique. You know how, sometimes we have to accept to share beautiful things with many people, not just keep them for ourselves.

puglia slow travel

Puglia on all three sides is surrounded by the sea, making it really attractive to tourists who love the sea. The sea water here has a beautiful blue color, the color that makes people stare endlessly. You can easily find great beaches for swimming, photography or simply looking at. No need to go too far, the capital Bari can meet the needs of most visitors. Here you can also shop, admire the large-scale shipyards under the blue sky.

puglia slow travel

The beaches have beach clubs offering loungers, lounges, sunbeds and umbrellas. Costs vary depending on the beach club’s amenities and time of year, but usually around 20 euros for two sun chairs and umbrellas. Most of these places will have a mini-bar and bathroom. Lido Morelli are huts and a casual bar while Coccaro Beach Club offers a more luxurious experience.

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If you have time visit the south near Otranto, there is a sinkhole there called Grotto della Poesia. It is like a unique natural swimming pool.

puglia slow travel

Stay at Masseria or Trulli

You might be surprised at how many accommodation options you have in Puglia. From unforgettable masserias to charming airbnbs with terraces, there is something new for every preference and budget. Almapetra Trulli Resort offers 2-bedroom trulli houses with swimming pools and communal barbecue areas. Starting at around 100 euros a night, it’s a great value option for families.

Or choose Masseria San Francesco for an upscale accommodation with thoughtful interiors, a pool and a lively bar.

puglia slow travel

Souvenirs:Surely, pretty Alberobello Trulli made of porcelain or stone. Decorative ceramics with Fichi d’India cactus is also a beautiful choice for you.

Puglia travel blog: What to eat?

puglia slow travel

Puglia has both an agricultural area and a sea, so the cuisine is very rich. Therefore, there is no shortage of specialties from breakfast, street food, to meat and seafood, to suit everyone’s taste.

Delicious food in Puglia

  • Pasticciotto: A day in Puglia will start with an energetic breakfast with pasticciotto and almond milk iced coffee. Pasticciotto is a very popular cream-filled cake in the region.
  • Puccia:  This is a round and flat bread, very suitable for a quick lunch. In addition, in Puglia, there are many other types of street food such as fried foods (pittule, pitta, panzerotti), or baked goods (rustico, frisa).
  • Bombette: This is the most typical dish of the whole region, especially in the Itria valley. Bombette is pork slices rolled with salt, pepper, cheese then grilled in the oven or on a BBQ grill.
  • Riso patate e cozze (tiella barese): Including rice, potatoes and mussels cooked together create the perfect taste. This dish is a specialty in Bari, so anyone who comes to Bari should not miss it.
  • Orecchiette con broccoli o cime di rapa (orecchiette with broccoli): Orecchiette is a very popular pasta in Puglia. This dish can be found everywhere, but it is best eaten in Bari. In addition to broccoli tops, you can find orecchiettes with ketchup or meat sauce. Food in each region in Italy is different and each city will have its own specialties. Orecchiette is an ear-shaped pasta commonly found in Puglia. There are even variations of this delicious dish throughout the region. Eating a plate of Pasta Orecchiette is a must try experience when visiting this southern region.
  • Burrata is a cheese from Puglia, it’s like a bag made of mozzarella with cream and soft cheese inside. You’ll find burrata on the menu, served with a green salad or with pasta. Burrata is delicious and you won’t find it as fresh unless you are in Puglia.
  • Olive Oil: With a history of growing olive over 500 years, you can expect the region of Puglia to have an excellent olive oil. There are more than 60 million olive trees in the region that produce about 40% of the entire Italian olive oil production. Olive groves are an integral part of the Puglia landscape and one of the reasons you should travel here.
  • Local wine: Primitivo di Manduria and Negroamaro are two of the many dialects you’ll find on menus in restaurants and eateries here. Red wine is really a staple of the Puglian diet and you can’t visit without trying it.

puglia slow travel

These are just a few of the highlights, but the list is actually quite long. In Salento you can also find very delicious fresh seafood dishes.

Where to eat

Here are a few places I’ve eaten at and enjoyed very much:

  • Martinucci coffee/cake shop . This is a very famous pastry chain in Puglia, almost everywhere. Pasticciotto here has a lot of flavors, not too sweet and the cream filling is so tasty.
  • Macelleria e Salumeria di Olimpia di Nicola Semeraro (SP216, Lamie di Olimpia BA): This is a butcher with restaurant business near Alberobello and Locorotondo. Bombette here is soft but very tasty. In Puglia it is very common for a butcher to run its own restaurant. So if you want to eat right, you should choose these restaurants to eat bombette or barbecue.
  • Gallipoli Seafood Market: At night, the market stalls have tables and chairs selling fresh seafood to enjoy like aperitivo. The atmosphere here is fun and the seafood looks fresh. If you have the opportunity to visit Gallipoli, you should definitely not miss it.
  • La Pastasciutta (Via Vito Tamborrino, Ostuni, BR): The restaurant is located in the center of Ostuni, the pasta is delicious and the price is very cheap.

puglia slow travel

Puglia itinerary 7 days

We usually take at least 3 days and 2 nights to exploring this region. But it is not enough. A suitable Puglia itinerary is 7 days. The attractions in Puglia are mostly small and can be visited during the day. Even, there are many towns that only take 2 hours to explore it all. The travel distance between places is not far, so it is easy to schedule.

puglia slow travel

Here is the suggested Puglia travel itinerary for 7 days:

  • DAY 1 – Arrive in Bari and visit Bari, the capital of the region.
  • DAY 2 – Visit Polignano a Mare, a town built on a beautiful seaside cliff.
  • DAY 3 – Visit the famous towns of Alberobello and Locorotondo. Alberobello is the most famous trulli town in the region. The evening in Alberobello is also very beautiful and sparkling. So if you are flexible about time, you can go to Locorotondo in the morning and then go to Alberobello in the afternoon.
  • DAY 4 – Morning visit to the white city of Ostuni and after lunch depart for Lecce, the city known as the Southern Florence with beautiful Baroque architecture. At night in Lecce is very crowded and bustling, walking at night here is also very fun.
  • DAY 5 – Lecce tour (Can be replaced by Gallipoli/Santa Maria di Leuca if day 4 can visit Lecce).
  • DAY 6 – Sightseeing in Otranto (can be combined with the nearby beach and then visit in the evening).
  • DAY 7 – Depart for Brindisi to catch the flight, ending the journey.

puglia slow travel

This is just a suggested Puglia travel itinerary with the main purpose of sightseeing. If you want, you can combine a visit to Matera in the nearby Basilicata region.

If you want to go to the beach more, you should add about 2-3 days. My family last went to August, it was very hot, so most of the day we only went to the beach, only went to visit in the evening to cool down. The last 3 days were just walking around the towns in Valle d’Itria.

puglia slow travel

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Bari and Puglia you can refer to

  • Private Bari Old City Guided Walking Tour
  • Bari City Walk, by Bike or Segway
  • Matera Tour from Bari
  • Bari Street Food Walking, Bike, or Segway Tour
  • Alberobello Walking Tour from Bari
  • Castel del Monte Tour from Bari
  • Bari City Walking, Bike, or Segway Tour with Pasta Making Experience
  • Lecce: Baroque Architecture and Underground Walking Tour
  • Polignano a Mare: Speedboat Cruise to Caves with Aperitif
  • From Bari: Pasta Experience Walking Tour
  • Alberobello: 2-Hour Guided Trulli Tour
  • Ostuni: Olive Oil Tasting Tour
  • Polignano a Mare: 1.5-Hour Boat Cave Tour
  • Alberobello: History Walking Tour with Olive Oil Tasting
  • Bari Walking Street Food Tour
  • Apulia: Bike Tour through the Treasures of Bari
  • Lecce: Walking Tour
  • Lecce: Guided Rickshaw Tour
  • Bari Rickshaw Street Food Tour
  • Bari: Segway Tour & Gelato Tasting
  • Bari Walking Tour
  • Bari Street Food Tour by Bike
  • Bari: Bike-Rickshaw City Tour

puglia slow travel

Read more Italy guide here .

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Experiencing the Unique Cuisine of Puglia

puglia slow travel

I’ve been home from Europe less than 48 hours and my jet-lagged mind is filled with memories… especially memories of experiencing the unique cuisine of Puglia!

I ended my recent eight-week trip in Europe with two-and-a-half weeks in Puglia in southern Italy. The Puglia Experience is one of our newest European Experience trips and one we’re very excited about. We welcomed our first three groups to Puglia in October 2021 and were delighted to host two groups this month.  Our base for this trip is the historic “white city” of Ostuni, sprawled across a hillside with views across to the Adriatic Sea just a few miles away.

view of the white city

The Puglia Experience is a week of many highlights ( see our website to learn more ), but I think everyone in our groups would agree that the food was a real highlight of their time in this less-discovered region. The cuisine of Puglia is distinctly different than the cuisine of other regions of Italy and very different from what we find in Italian restaurants at home.

Puglia—the “heel” of the Italian boot—is one of Europe’s great agricultural areas. Its immense plains and rolling hills produce much of Italy’s wine and olive oil, vast quantities of its fruit and vegetables, and most of the hard durum wheat used to make its pasta. Located between the Adriatic and Ionian seas, with 500 miles of coastline, fish and seafood are abundant.

Many foodies consider traditional Puglian cuisine among the most wholesome and authentic in all of Italy, with many historic recipes passed down through the generations.  Due to poverty in the region for much of its history, the food of Puglia is often referred to as ‘cuisine of the poor’ (cucina povera). Culinary traditions developed around affordable local ingredients and simple cooking techniques. Conquered over the centuries by the Greeks, Turks, Arabs, Spanish, and French, Puglian cuisine also reflects this multi-ethnic heritage.

Antipasti is an art form here, each restaurant offering a taste of a variety of dishes to begin the meal. There may be as many as eight or even ten different antipasti! Diners may be served an individual plate of several antipasti or plates may be passed family style. Antipasti is then followed by a main course (pasta, meat or fish) and perhaps a small dessert.

puglia slow travel

All our groups enjoyed experiencing the unique cuisine of Puglia. Our Sunday evening cooking classes and dinners with chef Anna Maria are especially valuable in understanding more about the regional cuisine. This year’s groups helped Anna Maria prepare focaccia and pasta, and several group members helped pastry chef Maria Carla prepare dessert cookies and sweets.

puglia slow travel

We also watched as Anna Maria and Maria Carla deftly prepared other dishes for our meal… a bountiful banquet was served in the big dining room of the masseria in the countryside. At the end of the evening everyone was excited to receive one of Anna Maria’s cookbooks to take home.  We all plan to cook Puglian meals back at home, and many of us also bought wine at one of our two winery visits.

puglia slow travel

Puglia is the largest producer of Extra Virgin Olive Oil in Italy, producing around 40% of Italy’s olive oil.  Our groups are astounded by the miles and miles of olive trees (50 million of them!), including many ancient trees 1000 years old.  Olive oil is a key ingredient in Puglian cuisine and is used in almost all typical Puglian dishes.

puglia slow travel

Our group visits an historic masseria (a fortified 18th century farm) hosted by Alessandro, a passionate olive oil specialist and the 7th generation of his family producing olive oil on this farm of 20,000 trees.  We learn all about olive oil, including how to identify a true “extra virgin olive oil.”

box of olives

Vegetables, Fruits and Beans

With its warm Mediterranean climate and long growing season, Puglia is an ideal region for agriculture. The vegetables and fruits in shops and restaurants are almost always sourced from local farms.

Tomatoes (pomodoro) are one of the most important vegetables in Pugliese cuisine. Other important vegetables are white onions (cippola) , eggplant ( melanzana) , zucchini ( fiori di zucca) , wild chicory (cicoria), artichokes (carciofo), fenne l (finocchio), broccoli rabe ( cime di rapa ), peppers (peperoni), and green beans ( fagioli verdi) . Most mornings we enjoyed eggplant or zucchini along with our breakfast eggs!  Our vegetarian travelers found plenty to eat in Puglia.

The most memorable vegetables were drying outside an ancient and remote masseria, where our group enjoyed a very special lunch. Tomatoes and peppers hung from the rafters and will be used during the winter months.

puglia slow travel

Local vegetables are often jarred with extra virgin olive oil and vinegar, which preserves them for extended use, often on antipasti platters. (This method of preserving produce is called sott’olio .)  Anna Maria served her delicious giardinier a at our cooking class dinners.

Fruits are also abundant, including lemons, oranges, figs, melons, table grapes, peaches, pears, apricots, and pomegranates.

Beans are grown extensively and feature in the cuisine, including fava beans, lentils and chickpeas.  Mashed fava beans are often served with chicory, two staples of the traditional Puglian diet.

Meats, fish and seafood

Because Puglia was a poor area, meat was a luxury. The primary traditional meats are lamb, goat and (sorry!) horse.  (Don’t worry—we don’t include goat or horse on our menus.)

Cured pork products—typically called salamis—are important in the antipasti course, especially Capocollo di Martina Franca , the most famous Puglian salami in Italy.

puglia slow travel

Bombettes are a popular meat dish in Puglia. These are meat (pork) rolls stuffed with cheese, salt, pepper, and spices and are specialties of the “Fornello” butcher shops in the town of Cisternino. Fixed by a toothpick, they are strung on a skewer and roasted on a barbeque.  We watched Anna Maria’s friend Maria Carla make these for our cooking class dinner… and they were delicious!

puglia slow travel

Polpette Pugliesi   are meatballs usually made from beef, breadcrumbs, egg, milk and Pecorino cheese.  These meatballs are a traditional Pugliese food that once represented luxury in a time when meat was extremely scarce and was only eaten once a week on Sundays.

Our groups enjoyed a very special seafood meal in the town of Salvelettri on the Adriatic Sea. Mussels (cozze) are one of the most popular types of seafood in Puglia and can be found in many local dishes.

puglia slow travel

Sea urchins ( Ricci di mare) , squid ( calamari ), octopus ( polpo ), and shrimp (gambero) are other popular seafood. Oily fish ( pesce azzurro ) are another specialty of the region, such as anchovies, sardines, tuna and salmon.

Experiencing the unique cuisine of Puglia definitely involves cheese. Puglia is known for its cheese production, with a number of cheese varieties originating from the region . You’ll find cheeses in food stores and specialist cheese shops and served on antipasti platters.  Puglian cheese can be made from the milk of cows, Italian Mediterranean buffalo, sheep, or goats.

puglia slow travel

Burrata is the best-known artisan cheese from Puglia.  This tender ball of cheese looks like mozzarell a, but when you cut into it, a delicious mix of stringy stracciatell a cheese and thick cream oozes out. Burrata should be served as fresh as possible. It is most often served seasoned with just salt, pepper and drizzled with extra virgin olive oil but it also pairs with bruschettas topped with fresh tomatoes, prosciutto, figs, or fresh vegetables. My mouth is watering just thinking about this!

One highlight of our week is a visit to a family farm not far from Ostuni, where artisan cheese is produced on site using the milk from their herd of dairy cows.  We all enjoy watching the cheesemaker completing the production process for mozzarella and burrata.

puglia slow travel

Later we sampled this just-made cheese at a casual picnic lunch, served in the courtyard of the farmhouse. Everything we eat– including the salami and the focaccia bread– is produced there on site.  (They grow the wheat, mill the flour, and bake the focaccia daily.) Hosted by family member Daniela, we all enjoyed experiencing the unique cuisine of Puglia in this intimate setting.

puglia slow travel

Other cheeses of Puglia include Caciocavallo , a popular type of stretched-curd cheese, often found tied up and hanging from a piece of rope; Scamorza , a cheese made with cow’s milk, shaped into two connected balls, one smaller than the other; and Cacioricotta , a soft cheese, Puglia’s version of ricotta.

Snacks and street food

Focaccia is perhaps the most famous specialty of Puglia, primarily known as street food.  Focaccia is served with a variety of toppings including onions, eggplant, vegetables, meats, and cheeses. Normally served warm and crunchy, focaccia is ideal for a snack, as part of an antipasti, or for a casual meal. Focaccia Barese  is a type of focaccia from the city of Bari; the dough is made of flour and mashed potato, studded with tiny cherry tomatoes, olives and oregano.

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Friselle is a crunchy, dry bread baked in a stone oven with a drop of olive oil, cut in half, and seasoned with tomato, garlic, oil and salt to make a small bruschetta.

Taralli are small ring-shaped snacks made using no-yeast dough, olive oil and white wine. Similar in texture to a breadstick or a pretzel, they are one of the most widely-eaten snack foods in Puglia. These little treats are most commonly served with wine or cocktails at aperitivo time. Taralli is made with a variety of flavors (salt, garlic, olive, chili flakes, fennel seeds, sesame seeds, poppy seeds and other local ingredients) to give them an extra kick. You can buy them at food shops that specialize in local products.

puglia slow travel

There are over 350 types of pasta in Italy! Some pasta on restaurant menus is dried pasta, but in many restaurants you’re served fresh pasta ( pasta fresco ), made by hand on the premises. Our group practiced their pasta-making skills in our cooking class with Anna Maria.

Several shapes of pasta are most popular in Puglia:

Orecchiette – the most famous Puglian pasta, with a name based on its shape (“small ears”). The shape gives them a unique texture—soft in the center and slightly chewy around the edges, ideal for soaking up any delicious sauce. Orecchiette pasta is usually served with tomato sauce, meatballs, ricotta cheese, or broccoli.  A classic recipe is Orecchiette Con Le Cime Di Rapa – orcecchiette served with broccoli rabe.  On the streets of ancient Bari you can watch local women hand-make orecchiette pasta on rustic work tables in front of their homes.

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Foglie d’ulivo – a unique handmade pasta in the shape of olive leaves. Due to its cavities and the stripes on its surface, foglie d’ulivo is especially good for capturing sauces and flavors.

Sagne ‘ncannulate – a long, spiraled fresh pasta that resembles the twisting and swirling architecture in Lecce—traditionally served with a tomato and cheese sauce.

puglia slow travel

Troccoli – a traditional pasta made from durum wheat flour and water, sometimes with a few eggs in the mix. It looks like spaghetti but is a bit thicker and has a square or oval cross-section because it’s made using a troccolo – a rolling pin that cuts the pasta dough into strips.

Capunti –a variety of pasta made with durum wheat semolina, always handmade and characterized by its canoe-like shape.

puglia slow travel

Pastries, Sweets and Coffee Drinks

The people of Puglia enjoy sweet things, and pastries and little cakes are sold in bars, cafes, and artisan pastry shops.  People often stop by a bar in the morning for a cappuccino or espressino with a croissant or pastry and then in the afternoon for coffee or an aperitivo.

Pasticciotto – small custard-filled pastries that originated from Lecce, traditionally filled with black cherries, and usually eaten hot for breakfast. (It’s sometimes served at our hotel’s breakfast.) But this is a tasty sweet snack at any time of day. Variations include vanilla, lemon, hazelnut, chocolate and pistachio.

puglia slow travel

Caffè Leccese – an iced coffee beverage enjoyed in the summer, developed in the city of Lecce.  The simple drink includes ice, almond milk or syrup, and hot expresso. Stir and enjoy!  Sweet and very refreshing!

puglia slow travel

Espressino – another coffee beverage enjoyed in Puglia, prepared with equal parts of espresso and milk, with some cocoa powder on the bottom of the cup and on top of the drink.

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But as I write this and reflect back on my two Octobers and many meals in Puglia… looking at hundreds of photos from these trips… I realize that the best part of any of our meals in Puglia was always the community of fellow travelers, sharing conversation, enjoying the good food and wine, and experiencing the unique cuisine of Puglia together around the table.

puglia slow travel

Buon Appetito!!

If you’re interested in experiencing the unique cuisine of Puglia for yourself, come with us in 2023! We’re returning to Puglia with two Puglia Experience groups in October 2023: October 5 – 12 and October 12 – 19. We’d love to have you join us!

All our European Experiences trips include memorable meals featuring local specialties. It’s a delicious and fun way to learn about local culture! You may enjoy these food-related blog posts focused on other European Experiences destinations:

Dinner at L’Arôme – a Memorable Meal in Bonnieux

A Cornwall Experience: The Wonderful Food!!

Duck, Duck, Goose… Walnut!! The Cuisine of the Périgord

A Chianti Experience: Lunch with Janet & Stefano

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puglia slow travel

The most beautiful Italian masserias to visit all year round

Celebrities love them, tourists would travel for countless hours just to stay in one and brands can’t stop using them to shoot their campaigns. you definitely follow a few masserias on instagram already – but which are the best in the business our own alessia armenise gives us a tour of the most beautiful masserias in puglia..

Once a secluded part of Italy that tourists didn’t seem to bother to discover, for the last few years Puglia has been at the top of anyone travel list. Editors rave about the beauty of it , foodies drool over the delicious-looking food made by expert nonne , and Instagrammers can’t get enough of the amazing backdrops worth thousands of likes that can be found in masserias all over the region. 

Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel – who got married at Borgo Egnazia in the province of Brindisi – are just one of the many couples flying to Italy every year to tie the knot in one of Puglia’s iconic farmhouses. They are so pretty, people are happy to spend thousands and transport their whole families across the globe to celebrate. Thanks to rising demand from all over the world, in the last few years we have seen more and more masserias popping up – but which ones are really worth a visit? We selected the best ones to save you some precious planning time. 

Masseria Torre Coccaro

Torre Coccaro is more than a masseria, it’s everything any member of the family might want, all in one place. A beautiful hotel, both romantic and great for children; an amazing beach club; a golf club and a fabulous spa signed AVEDA.

View this post on Instagram #repost @myapulianway ・・・ There are places like @masseriatorrecoccaro for which every single word would be wasted and any image would be narrow to describe the slow living within it 💙 #MyApulianWay . . . . . . . . . . . . @condenasttraveller @hotels @discover.hotels @tasteinhotels @beautiful_italy__ @beautifuldestinations @beautifulhotels @hotelsandresorts @italy @italy.vacations @italysegreta @beautiful___travel @italy_bestplaces @pugliascoprire @italiait @dream_casa @worldarchitecturedesign @promenadehomes @beautifulhomes @out__liers @posh_magazine_ @elle_italia @ad_italia @grazia_it @vanityfairitalia @forbesitalia @forbestravelguide #puglia #hotel #travel #vacation #hospitality #luxury #hotellife #holiday #ostuni #hotelroom #luxuryhotel #luxuryhotels #restaurants #italy #interiordesign #hotelier #resort #beautifuldestinations #travelgram #summer #instatravel #tourism #hoteldesign #italysegreta #boutiquehotel #howitalyfeels #design #relax A post shared by Masseria Torre Coccaro (@masseriatorrecoccaro) on Sep 26, 2020 at 8:59pm PDT

Masseria Torre Maizza

A Rocco Forte hotel, Torre Maizza is another amazing place offering a private beach, a golf course, a spa and a rooftop terrace to enjoy the magical Puglian sunsets. The big plus? They offer a dreamy air-balloon experience which includes a classic Italian aperitivo, in the sky.  

View this post on Instagram Puglia seen from above is pure magic. Are you ready for a hot air balloon adventure during your stay at Masseria Torre Maizza? Link in bio! #RoccoForteHotels #RoccoForte #travelwithRFH #hotairballoon #experience #masseriatorremaizza #travel #wanderlust #instagood #instadaily #traveller #wanderer #instapic #hotel #hotellife #holiday #holidays #onholidayinitaly #puglia #welovepuglia #apulian #apulianholidays A post shared by Masseria Torre Maizza (@masseriatorremaizza) on Jul 28, 2020 at 9:07am PDT

Masseria San Domenico

An uber-luxury experience, difficult to forget, San Domenico offers a thalasso spa that it’s worth the trip in itself. Add a golf course, not one but two beach clubs and, of course, delicious food and you are all set for a great holiday. 

View this post on Instagram Cartolina #pugliese! . . . #MasseriaSanDomenico #Talassoterapia #Puglia #puglia365 #SanDomenicoHotels #weareinpuglia #travelling #travelphotography #mytravelgram #igtravel #travelawesome #openmyworld #letsgosomewhere #exploremore #travelingcouple #coupleswhotravel #travelingartist #nature #vegetarian #doyoutravel #traveldiary #simplyadventure #photography #travelandlife #travelblogger #instatraveling A post shared by Masseria San Domenico (@masseriasandomenico) on Nov 25, 2019 at 9:30am PST

Masseria Le Carrube

Located next to one of the most beautiful cities in Puglia, Ostuni, Le Carrube is perfect if you want to relax but also visit the region. A particularity of this masseria is their commitment to their values. The restaurant, lead by chef Massimo Santoro, is vegetarian and revisits the classics of Puglian cuisine using delicious, local and seasonal vegetables. 

View this post on Instagram La lunga #estate di Masseria Le Carrube ☀ . . . #MasseriaLeCarrube #Puglia #weareinpuglia #travelling #travelphotography#mytravelgram #igtravel #travelawesome #openmyworld#letsgosomewhere #exploremore #travelingcouple#coupleswhotravel #travelingartist #vegetarian #doyoutravel#traveldiary #simplyadventure #photography #travelandlife#travelblogger #instatraveling A post shared by Masseria Le Carrube (@masseria_le_carrube) on Sep 16, 2020 at 10:02am PDT

Masseria Potent i

Potenti took Instagram by storm when they opened and they are now on every list of the places to visit in the region. The family-run hotel has a warm charm that is sometimes lost when hotels become popular. Travellers go for the beauty of the masseria and they return to visit Maria Grazia and their family. 

View this post on Instagram La nostra bellissima estate tutta italiana #🇮🇹 #weareinpuglia #bluesky #puglia #mediterranean #estate#❤️ #feelinglucky #whatitalyis #light #outdoor #🇮🇹 #puglia #salento #weareinpuglia #ladolcevita #littlethings#wanderlust#welltravelled#thatsdarling#aquietstyle#slowliving#pursuepretty#letsgosomewhere#masseria#pouilles#masseriapotenti#grateful#summer#lemon A post shared by MASSERIAPOTENTI (@masseriapotenti) on Jul 27, 2020 at 6:52am PDT

Masseria Moroseta

If your passion is food, you need to visit Moroseta and their talented chef, Giorgia Eugenia Goggi. Start your trip by following their Instagram account and prepare to salivate. 

View this post on Instagram Moroseta Kitchen never really stopped during quarantine. We had fun experimenting, baking sourdough focaccia and cooking new recipes . Photo @renee_kemps In the kitchen @giorgiaeugeniagoggi . . #masseriamoroseta #moroseta #ostuni #puglia #italia #organic #farmtotable #cheftable #morosetagarden #morosetaathome #morosetakitchen A post shared by Masseria Moroseta (@masseriamoroseta) on May 22, 2020 at 4:10am PDT

Masseria Le Torri

In one of the most visited places in Puglia, Polignano a Mare, Le Torri is a masseria that really feels like home. From cookery classes to dolce far niente (‘sweet idleness’ in Italian), you will come back home relaxed and probably a bit heavier. 

View this post on Instagram Immersa nella natura rigogliosa, @masserialetorri si circonda di muri di pietra, ulivi secolari e di una pace esclusiva! 📞 080 806118 #MasseriaLeTorri #puglia #italy #masseria #instapuglia #relax #instamood #instarelax #apulian #relax #apulianholiday #luxury #pugliagram #beautiful #countrychic #luogosenzatempo #countrystyle #countrychic #vacanzeinpuglia #charme #Apulianholiday #puglia #weareinpuglia #travel #travelgram A post shared by Masseria Le Torri (@masserialetorri) on Sep 6, 2019 at 12:38am PDT

Masseria Trapana ‘

Located only fifteen minutes away from Lecce city centre, Trapana’ is a great place to spend a sun-soaked weekend in Puglia eating, tanning and enjoying the beauty of the region. 

View this post on Instagram la porta di Salento #summergarden #pugliahotel #lecceluxury #privatevilla #italyescape #bucketlisthotel #otranto #gallipoli #lecce A post shared by Masseria Trapana' (@masseriatrapana) on Aug 21, 2020 at 4:46am PDT

Masseria il Frantoio

Another gem tucked away near the lovely town of Ostuni; Il Frantoio is a place that will stay in your heart. This masseria has the luxury standards of a five-star hotel and the warmth of a family home – making your stay there extra special. 

View this post on Instagram Immergiti in un'atmosfera unica e romantica, per una #cena a lume di candela nella corte di Masseria Il Frantoio… 🌿 Per prenotazioni e maggiori informazioni: Tel: 0831 330276 Email: [email protected] . . . #masseriailfrantoio #masseria #ostuni #puglia #pugliagram #weareinpuglia #igerspuglia #igtravel #travelgram #instatravel #wanderlust #travelinspired #nature #colorful A post shared by Masseria Il Frantoio (@masseriailfrantoio) on Jul 27, 2020 at 6:45am PDT

B orgo Egnazia

Beloved by celebrities and influencers, Borgo Egnazia is 360 degrees luxury experience that includes a Michelin starred restaurant, private villas (with their own private pools), a golf club and tennis courts. 

View this post on Instagram Welcome to our January Blues 🤩✨ • • • BorgoEgnazia #NowhereElse #Puglia #WeAreInPuglia #Pugliagram #Italy #🇮🇹 #IlikeItaly #keepchilling #januaryblues #bluesky A post shared by Borgo Egnazia (@borgoegnazia) on Jan 10, 2020 at 8:28am PST

Lead image: Masseria Torre Maizza

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ApuliaSlowTravel

APULIA SLOW FOOD TOUR

Apulien Rundreise Luxury: Ostuni

ITINERARY OF APULIA SLOW FOOD TOUR

1. day: arrival.

Arrival: pick-up service from the airport of Bari/Brindisi and transfer to the hotel. Welcome dinner at a “Slow Food”restaurant “Cibus” in Ceglie Messapica.

2. day: Ostuni, the white town. Olive oil farm visit and olive oil tasting, visit of Alberobello and lunch at “L’Aratro”, slow food restaurant.

The very first day we will visit the gleaming white town: Ostuni. Looking out from its fortifications, your eye is drawn over a plain full of ancient olive trees toward the crystal blue waters of the Adriatic Sea. We will take a walking tour through narrow streets lined with white-washed buildings, ending at the town’s sophisticated Gothic cathedral. After that, we will visit a traditional olive oil mill. Here, we will learn about the traditional method of olive oil process as well as the modern processing system. We will taste seven different extra vergin olive oils. Alberobello will crown your day with its timeless, fairy-tale beauty. The town is Itria Valley’s premier location to see trulli, the cone-shaped houses distinctive to Apulia. Here we will have lunch at “L’Aratro”, a renowned slow food restaurant where we will indulge ourselves with the colors, tastes and scents of Apulian cuisine.

3. day: free day -time at leisure

or Matera (UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site) and wine tasting at “Cantine Polvanera”. (Optional day trip)

Matera sits like a giant sculpture in the center of the Murgia plateau. We will visit the ancient town, known as the Sassi, where homes, churches and reservoirs were dug out of caves. The Sassi has its roots in prehistory, preserved almost intact to this day. We’ll discover hidden treasures in churches carved into the stone and painted by Byzantine monks, as well as modest farmhouses, evidence of the bitter reality of mid-20th Century. A wine tour in Puglia is one of the best ways to discover the territory, the culture and the flavors of this wonderful part of Italy. We will visit together one of the most popular vineyards of this area and ending with a delicious wine tasting.

4. day: Lecce, the capital of Apulian baroque style and dinner in San Vito dei Normanni

On a guided tour, you will see elegant baroque palaces and churches constructed from warmly colored Lecce stone. These beautiful buildings surround the magnificent ruins of what was once a Roman city called Lupiae. After a the tour we will first head to the hotel for a rest and in the evening we will enjoy a dinner at a slow food restaurant in San Vito dei Normanni.

5. day: free day – time at leisure or Monopoli and Putignano. (optional day trip)

Monopoli is a wonderful town along the Adriatic coast with about 13 kilometers (8 miles) of coastline. The origins of this ancient town date back to fifth century BC. We will take an unforgettable guided tour among the most important historical buildings, such as the baroque Co-Cathedral of Our Lady of Madia and the wonderful Castle of Charles V, symbol of the city. We will end our trip along the harbor, which is full of fine restaurants, colorful fishing boats and very stylish bars, and where we will enjoy the unique Mediterranean atmosphere of this town. After Monopoli we will head to Putignano, a typical ancient village filled with a maze of alleys, narrow streets and small squares surrounded by enchanting loggias. Here we will enjoy a tasty lunch in a Slow Food restaurant: Osteria delle Botteghe Antiche.

6. day: Bari and lunch at restaurant Perbacco and Polignano a Mare

Bari is the capital of Apulian Romanesque style. While here, you will see the two faces of the city. First, you will visit the French-influenced Murat quarter, with its elegant 19th Century theaters and majestic Liberty-style palaces. From there, you will visit picturesque old Bari, full of ancient traditions, seaside fish markets, narrow lanes, and homemade orecchiette pasta. After a guided walking tour of Bari, we will taste the delicacies of this land at one of the area’s most renowned “Slow Food” restaurants: Perbacco. After lunch we will head to Polignano. Perched on a high rocky outcrop that reaches into the Adriatic Sea, Polignano is a destination not to be missed on a trip to Puglia. The best way to experience the atmosphere of this Mediterranean city is through a walk on its terraces overlooking the sea. With its picturesque bays and hidden caves, Polignano was an ancient landing spot for merchants and fishermen. Today, its artisan shops and stylish bars are busy year round.

7. day: free day – time at leisure or Visit of Locorotondo, cheese and mozzarella tasting, free time in the afternoon and dinner in Carovigno (optional day trip)

The white and gleaming Locorotondo is certainly one of the most fascinating and unique places in Puglia. Its high position and its “terraces” offer unforgettable views on what can be defined as the most beautiful countryside of Puglia—the bucolic Itria Valley, dotted with trulli, farms, olive trees and dry stone walls. After Locorotondo we will enjoy a mozzarella and burrata tasting in a local cheese farm where we will experience the art of mozzarella making with a local producer. In the afternoon you will have free time on your own and at evening we will enjoy dinner in a “Slow Food” restaurant in the town of Carovigno.

8. day: pick-up service and transfer to the airport of Bari or Brindisi

What is included in the slow food tour of puglia, what is not included in the slow food tour of puglia.

Optional day tours Travel and health insurance Single room supplement Tips, souvenirs, city tax Private taxis – transportation

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Judith Fein

What Slow Travel Is and Why You Should Try It

A personal perspective: when you do slow travel, your trips become more exciting..

Posted March 25, 2024 | Reviewed by Abigail Fagan

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I always wanted to be like explorers Marco Polo or Ibn Battuta. They traveled the world with wide eyes, curiosity, and a desire to share with others the marvels they discovered. Everything was new, fresh, and surprising, and they were constantly learning and having unexpected experiences.

They had no Internet, guidebooks, social media , blogs, vlogs, reviews, or slideshows. And with so much information available, how can one possibly be like these travel writing pioneers?

The answer may shock you as it did my travel journalism students. I plan nothing in advance except for a place to stay, especially for the first few nights. I just show up in a place and let it reveal itself to me on its own terms. And how does that work out? I have contributed to 130 international publications with articles about what I discovered.

I do not recommend this approach to everyone. But what I do suggest is that you give up your desire to have everything planned in advance. That you stop obsessing about all the trip details and trying to make it a perfect trip. Whether you are traveling with a tour group, friends, family, or solo, leave unstructured time so magic can happen. To me, travel should be transformative. It should lift you out of your daily life and transport you to a place where the food, the language, the customs, the culture may be different from yours. And that’s where the excitement begins.

Many people I know approach travel like a job, and a stressful one at that. They scour the Internet, read what everyone else says, plan a detailed itinerary, and make reservations. They want to make sure they cover all the bases and don’t miss anything. But in my opinion, they are missing a lot if they bring all of their information and expectations to a trip before they’ve even gotten on a plane or into their car. They replicate what others have done before them and check each site off on a list.

So how do you make your trip unique? I call it slow travel. It’s not just about slowing down. When you decelerate, your trips get more exciting. Instead of running from place to place, you look around you, you take your environment in, you notice things that perhaps no one has ever noticed before. And you start talking to people. Random people you meet and talk to are a key element you cannot plan for. They may tell you about places and events that will enrich your trip. They give you local insider tips. They may even accompany you or invite you to join them for an experience. They have enriched every trip I have taken. And the more you talk to people — even if you are shy — the more you develop the self-confidence to do more of it. And then you are really in the present, having an experience that is uniquely yours.

During the pandemic, my husband — a photojournalist — and I couldn’t travel around the globe like we always did, so we regrouped. We decided to travel around New Mexico, where we live. And we would look for special experiences.

We did this for two years. The experiences were artistic, historical, and culinary. We went on special hikes, attended indigenous ceremonies, met healers, naturalists, ecologists, and the manager of a natural wildlife refuge. We picnicked inside an ancient volcano. We saw the tracks of animals who lived tens of millions of years before the dinosaurs. We rode in a lowrider. And the question we always asked was, can other people do this as well?

If the answer was yes, we included the experience in our new book, Slow Travel New Mexico: Unforgettable Personal Experiences in the Land of Enchantment. The name of the book includes New Mexico, but the slow travel lessons are applicable anywhere.

It was a dream of mine to teach readers how to do slow travel. And now it’s a reality.

Once people ditch their over-planned approach to travel, who knows? They may even begin to consider changing their over-planned approach to life.

You don’t have to travel halfway around the world to have an exciting, meaningful trip. It can happen every time you leave your house, even to go to the grocery store, or when you visit the town next to yours. Start with talking to people — really talking with them — and you’re already well on your way.

Judith Fein

Judith Fein is an award-winning international travel journalist who has contributed to 130 publications, the author of three books about transformative travel, an inspirational speaker, and an opera librettist.

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IMAGES

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VIDEO

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COMMENTS

  1. ApuliaSlowTravel

    Apulia Slow Travel is a tour company run by passionate locals offering tailor-made tours for solo travelers, and small and medium-sized groups. We introduce visitors to Southern Italy - particularly the "heel" of the Italian boot, Puglia—in a friendly environment and in harmony with nature.

  2. 10 Reasons for Visiting Puglia and Slow Traveling Italy's High Heel

    Puglia is an ideal slow travel destination in Italy, and here are our top 10 reasons why visiting Puglia in 2023 is a great idea: 1. For Amazing local food and drink. One of the most enjoyable things about traveling in Italy is getting to try regional cuisine. Italian food is so much more than just pizza and pasta, so chances are that you've ...

  3. Apulia Slow Travel (Reviews)

    Apulia Slow Travel is a tour company run by passionate locals offering tailor-made, daily and private tours for solo travelers, and small and medium-sized groups. We introduce visitors to Southern Italy - particularly the "heel" of the Italian boot, Puglia—in a friendly environment and in harmony with nature. Ostuni, Puglia, Italy.

  4. The Perfect Puglia Itinerary

    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 1- Arrive in Bari, drive to Ostuni, overnight in OstuniDay 2- Visit Ostuni, drive to, visit and overnight in AlberobelloDay 3- Drive to Porto Cesareo, visit beaches, overnight in Porto CesareoDay 4 ...

  5. Puglia

    Things to do in Puglia, Bari, Ostuni, Gallipoli and the Apulia region of Italy, including food in Puglia, where to eat, travel ideas, when to go, where to stay and recommendations on small group tours to Puglia Italy. ... Here are 10 reasons (more to come) to slow travel Puglia and visit this year, plus 2 fabulous trullo to stay in!

  6. 17 Really Useful Things to Know Before Visiting Puglia, Italy

    Including why you should alway stay in the historic centre, hire a car and follow the rhythms of southern Italian life, these are 17 essential things to know before you visit Puglia, Italy. Updated October 2023. If you're a keen follower of Along Dusty Roads, you'll know that we fell a little bit - okay, a lot - in love with Puglia during our ...

  7. Puglia Travel Guide

    Travel in Puglia with public transport is not widely recommended as it is slow, there are few main train stations, and regional buses might pass through just once a day (leaving you without a way back). For travelers who are determined to visit without a car, it is possible to get the train from Bari to Polignano a Mare, Monopoli, and Lecce easily.

  8. Puglia Travel Tips

    1. Puglia is in Southern Italy. Puglia is part of southern Italy. It forms the" "heel of the boot" and is in the far southeast of the country. Southern Italy, often referred to as the " mezzogiorno " in Italian, starts to the south of Rome. Southern Italy is culturally and geographically very distinct from the north.

  9. The Perfect 7 Day Puglia Road Trip Itinerary

    Day 1: Arrive in Bari and head to Monopoli. Bari, Puglia's capital and largest city, is the perfect launching pad for your road trip whether you arrive in the region by train or plane. While Bari has several attractions worth exploring, for the sake of time, we won't dedicate much time to Bari on this itinerary. READ NEXT.

  10. 7 Days in Puglia: Road Trip Itinerary & Guide

    Puglia Slow Travel. Slow travel throughout Puglia means you would rather choose to spend the majority of your week in one or two places rather than hop around. Personally, and as we grow older, this is one of our favorite travel anywhere we go. Whether you choose a hotspot like Alberobello or a rural village in the Itria Valley, staying there ...

  11. Puglia Slow Travel Guide: discover the inner beauty of the island

    Explore the hidden depths of Puglia, a magnificent island that holds secrets yet to be discovered. Plan your trip with our Puglia Slow Travel Guide. (Travel consciously) (appreciate the traditions) (honour the land) On a mission to explore the Mediterranean

  12. Laidback Puglia: Alberobello, Lecce & Bari

    If you've explored Italy's famous highlights and want to see more, this 10-day Puglia itinerary is the perfect option. Explore Alberobello's history from medieval Trulli to prehistoric caves, then head south to Lecce for sunny beaches, sleepy fishing villages, and Baroque architecture. End in Bari in the north for 12th-century churches and delicious street food.

  13. Slow & Chic Hotels in Puglia

    This is the best choice for those who want to experience destinations away from the beaten track. This selection, which embraces the 'Slow Travel' philosophy, includes popular small hotels and alberghi diffusi - or 'scattered hotels' - in various locations in Puglia. If you choose a Slow & Chic Hotel, you'll be sure to have a unique wine and food and cultural experience, to better ...

  14. The fullest Puglia travel guide for first-timers

    Slow living pace | puglia italy travel guide. Puglia is exactly the place for tourists to live slowly. No one is in a hurry here, of course you have to blend in with that atmosphere. Restaurants, coffee shops, restaurants are almost only heard whispering and many places are closed for lunch break. Sipping a cup of coffee and gazing at the ...

  15. ApuliaSlowTravel

    Apulia Slow Travel è un tour operator incoming specializzato nell'organizzazione di viaggi e tour altamente personalizzati in Puglia per gruppi di dimensione medio/piccola o singoli viaggiatori attraverso percorsi e itinerari che il turista scopre attraverso un'esperienza del territorio che solo una guida turistica innamorata della propria terra può dare.

  16. Experiencing the Unique Cuisine of Puglia

    Cheese. Experiencing the unique cuisine of Puglia definitely involves cheese. Puglia is known for its cheese production, with a number of cheese varieties originating from the region. You'll find cheeses in food stores and specialist cheese shops and served on antipasti platters.

  17. Apulia Slow Travel

    Apulia Slow Travel, Ostuni. 1,495 likes. Apulia Slow Travel is a tour company offering tailor-made tours for small groups willing to experien

  18. The most beautiful Italian masserias to visit all year round

    Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel - who got married at Borgo Egnazia in the province of Brindisi - are just one of the many couples flying to Italy every year to tie the knot in one of Puglia's iconic farmhouses. They are so pretty, people are happy to spend thousands and transport their whole families across the globe to celebrate.

  19. Puglia Slow Travel

    Puglia Slow Travel, Zollino, Puglia, Italy. 395 likes · 2 were here. Sports & Recreation Venue

  20. Apulia Slow Food Tour

    1. day: arrival. Arrival: pick-up service from the airport of Bari/Brindisi and transfer to the hotel. Welcome dinner at a "Slow Food"restaurant "Cibus" in Ceglie Messapica. 2. day: Ostuni, the white town. Olive oil farm visit and olive oil tasting, visit of Alberobello and lunch at "L'Aratro", slow food restaurant.

  21. What Slow Travel Is and Why You Should Try It

    The name of the book includes New Mexico, but the slow travel lessons are applicable anywhere. It was a dream of mine to teach readers how to do slow travel. And now it's a reality.

  22. This Italian town is struggling to sell off its empty homes for one

    Italy's one-euro-home sales have attracted interest in recent few years, but towns like Patrica, located south of Rome, have struggled to offload their empty homes.