Top Travel Tips for Your First Trip to Puglia, Italy

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If you’re planning your first trip to the Puglia region—also known as the heel of Italy—you’re in for a treat. This part of southern Italy offers an unforgettable mix of historic centers, sandy beaches, olive groves, fresh pasta and coastal towns along both the Adriatic Sea and Ionian Sea. Whether you’re after a relaxing escape, a road trip adventure, or a deep dive into Italian culture, this Puglia travel guide covers the best way to enjoy it all.

Here are the top tips if you are planning a trip to Puglia, Italy.

Puglia is home to so many cute little towns that for me it was love at first sight. After spending 6 days exploring, I realized I should have planned at least for 10 days to fully enjoy this beautiful Italian region. Hopefully next time I can spend more time in Gallipoli and its nearby beaches. I can’t wait to go back to Puglia!

The Best Time to Visit Puglia

The summer months are popular for beach lovers, but the shoulder season (May-June and September-October) offers warm weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices. If you’re looking to explore seaside towns and enjoy beach clubs without the summer rush, shoulder season is a good idea. I visited in late June and it was perfect because it was early summer and not as crowded as July-August is.

Renting a Car is the Best Way to Explore

Public train service and public transportation can connect some of Puglia’s main towns, but a rental car gives you easy access to smaller towns, local masseria (farm stays), and hidden gems like Grotta della Poesia and Santa Maria di Leuca. Driving through the Valle d’Itria, known for its iconic olive trees and conical-roof trulli, is a highlight of any road trip. Just keep in mind that cars cannot enter certain areas of small towns.

Puglian Towns You Can’t Miss

  • Martina Franca: A baroque jewel in the Itria Valley, perfect for a walking tour through its elegant old town.
  • Alberobello: A UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its trullo sovrano and unique architecture.
  • Ostuni: The White City is one of the most beautiful towns with incredible sunset views.
  • Lecce: Often called the Florence of the South, it’s a beautiful city rich in history and art.
  • Polignano a Mare:  Home to the Instagram-famous cove Lama Monachile, it’s a great place for cliffside views and fresh seafood. You’ll also be tempted to sing Volare after seeing the statue honoring singer Domenico Modugno.
  • Otranto: One of the most enchanting coastal towns in the Puglia region of southern Italy, it will remind you of Greek island towns with its narrow streets and white buildings. 

Getting There: Airports and Trains

The main airports in Puglia are Bari Airport and Brindisi Airport, with direct flights from various international airports. You can also fly to Rome and take the train to Bari or arrive in Naples and drive to Puglia. If you’re coming from other Italian cities, high-speed trains to Bari or Lecce are a good choice. Plan ahead and book train tickets in advance to save time and money. We rented a car at Naples airport and drove; we knew parking would be a hassle sometimes but it was worth it.

Where to Stay

Puglia offers everything from boutique hotels in city centers to rustic local masseria in the countryside. For a truly authentic experience, consider staying in a trullo in the Valle d’Itria or a beachfront villa in Santa Maria di Leuca. We stayed in Polignano a Mare at a small boutique hotel, Dei Serafini, and visited local masserias in Southern Puglia. 

How Much Time Do You Need?

If it’s your first trip, I recommend at least seven days. A 7-day Puglia itinerary gives you enough time to explore the east coast, relax by the best beaches, and visit a number of small towns. If you have more time, ten days will allow you to explore more, especially in the most southern area and the gorgeous southwestern beaches.

Fun Fact: Olive Oil Heaven

Puglia produces around 40% of Italy’s olive oil! You’ll see countless olive groves and olive trees during your visit. Many local masseria offer tastings and even a cooking class, which is a great way to immerse yourself in regional flavors.

Pro Tip: Take a Day Trip or Two

Make time for a day trip to the Gargano Peninsula for stunning nature and the National Park, or venture west to Matera—though technically not in Puglia, it’s worth seeing and only a full day away. We loved Matera, which is full of caves, and stayed the night. Highly recommend the Aquatio Cave Hotel, which has a spa and such a unique vibe that I would go back in a heartbeat.

Favorite Things To Do When Traveling to Puglia

Here are 6 unforgettable things you should not miss when traveling to Puglia, Italy:

1. Stroll Through Alberobello’s Trulli

Visit the fairy-tale town of Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its iconic trulli—whitewashed houses with conical roofs. Don’t miss the Trullo Sovrano and wander the narrow alleys of this truly unique town.

2. Explore the Old Towns of Ostuni and Lecce

Nicknamed the White City, Ostuni boasts dazzling architecture and stunning views of the Adriatic. Meanwhile, Lecce, the Florence of the South, impresses with its baroque churches, main squares, and rich history.

3. Take in the Views at Polignano a Mare

This dramatic coastal town perched on cliffs above the Adriatic Sea is home to Lama Monachile, one of the most scenic beaches in Italy. Stop for a gelato and enjoy the cliffside views—you won’t forget them. Also make sure to ride around in a TukTuk.

4. Drive Through the Valle d’Itria

A road trip through the Valle d’Itria is the best way to experience Puglia’s countryside. Expect to see rolling olive groves, charming small towns like Martina Franca, Locorotondo, and Cisternino, and plenty of photo-worthy moments.

5. Swim at Grotta della Poesia

Located near Roca Vecchia on the east coast, this natural swimming hole carved into the rocks is one of Puglia’s most stunning natural wonders. It’s ideal for cliff diving, relaxing, and capturing breathtaking photos.

6. Eat Fresh Burrata

Eating fresh mozzarella in Puglia is a must-do experience, especially if you’re a foodie or simply love authentic Italian flavors. Burrata is made from mozzarella and cream. On the outside, it looks like a ball of mozzarella, but when you cut it open, the creamy inside flows out. It’s rich, fresh, and born in Puglia. With fresh tomatoes, olive oil and bread it is even more delish!

Puglia Personal Favorites

  • POLIGNANO A MARE – Beautiful, poetic, great food. I could go back a thousand times.
  • MATERA – Just a short drive away from Bari, spend the night in a cave hotel. It’s right next to Puglia, so make time to see this stone city.
  • MASSERIA – Naturalis 
  • BURRATA – Simply the best in the world. By itself, with tomatoes, on pizza… you need to try it in Puglia.
  • SUNSET AT OTRANTO – This seaside town gives Grecian village vibes. Great for exploring and dinner! 

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Planning your first trip to Puglia in Italy? Here is a complete travel guide with the top tips.

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TV Host, Speaker & Author

Jeannette Kaplun is a Latina mom of 2, TV host, author and blogger. She's the founder of Hispana Global and has appeared on Good Morning America, The Steve Harvey Show, Despierta América, Hoy Día, CNN en Español and The Chew. Previously she co-founded Todobebé and hosted the Emmy-nominated Viva la Familia TV show on Univision. Jeannette's work has been featured in prominent media outlets such as Forbes, The Huffington Post, Today Show Parenting Team, Parents Latina, Univision and Telemundo. She has also been a speaker at industry conferences and events, sharing her expertise on content creation, branding, and entrepreneurship. She serves as Special Advisor to The Bank of America Institute for Women's Entrepreneurship at Cornell and was included in the Forbes #Next1000 2021 list. She won the Iris Award for Instagram of the Year in 2021. Jeannette lives in Miami with her family and Maltese dog, Snoopy.

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