Whether you’re interested in exploring historic towns, relaxing on the beach, or savoring traditional Italian dishes, Puglia has something for everyone. From the Trulli of Alberobello to the iconic Lama Monachile in Polignano, there is much to see and do in this region. You can easily spend a month exploring Puglia. Luckily you can also cover a lot of ground in just one week.
If you’re looking for a one week guide to Puglia, you’re in the right place! Read on for our Puglia road trip itinerary.
Where to Begin
There are two main airports in the Puglia region. One in Bari, located in the north of Puglia, and the other in Brindisi, in the southern region of Salento. Either choice will be a great starting point for your road trip through Puglia.
My husband and I actually started our road trip from the Amalfi Coast, where we were vacationing with my family. We booked a one-way rental from Sorrento. As you will see, we started in Salento and worked our way north from there, but either option is great!
Renting a Car
Regardless of where you begin, traveling by car is the best way to see Puglia. The highways are well marked and the rules of the road are straightforward. However, do keep in mind that many of the cars have manual transmissions. They are also smaller on average than cars outside of Europe. Our Fiat 500 hybrid was the perfect size for the two of us, and luckily Haig knows how to drive stick shift.
If you plan on renting a car, you will also need an international driver’s license. If you are from the US, you can get an international license here. This license will be valid for five years. Make sure to print a copy and take it with you whenever you travel, as most countries will require this license when renting a vehicle.
Parking throughout Puglia
Each town along the route is comprised of a historic center and the surrounding area. As you can guess, cars are not allowed into the historic centers of the towns. Fortunately, there are plenty of parking lots and street parking to accommodate road trippers. We used street parking in Lecce, Polignano, and Monopoli, and found parking lots in Matera, Ostuni, and Alberobello.
Each option is convenient and affordable, and all payments can be made using a card. Before you go, you should download the EasyPark app. The app is used throughout Italy (and Europe) and allows you to start, end, and pay for your parking session through the app.
Now that you have some basic arrival information, it’s time to hit the road. Andiamo!
First Stop – Matera
Though technically not part of Puglia, Matera is only about an hour drive from Bari. A visit to this UNESCO World Heritage Site is an absolute MUST when in the area! Matera is the oldest town in Italy and is known for it ancient cave dwellings, or “sassi.” The Sassi di Matera have been inhabited for thousands of years. Boutique hotels, fantastic restaurants, and charming shops now occupy the revitalized sassi.
Though Matera is small, I recommend spending one night here for the full experience. The town comes alive at night, and you will be in awe of the views of the sassi illuminated from within. Just like much of Italy, the town also takes its time waking up. If you head out before 9 AM, you will have the streets to yourself and can appreciate the peaceful beauty of Matera. Plus, you can also have the unique experience of living in a cave hotel.
For full details of our trip to Matera, click here.
Second Stop – Lecce
Lecce is the perfect introduction to Puglia. From the minute you arrive, you will feel the unique charm of the region. Lecce is located in the Salento region of Puglia, which is known for its baroque architecture and desert-like vegetation. You will often see ceramic prickly pear decorations in stores, homes and restaurants, and as well as real ones along the highways and throughout the town. This is just one indicator of the unique differences between Puglia and other regions of Italy.
It’s worth spending at least one night in Lecce in order to see the beautiful churches, dine at one of the incredible restaurants, and experience the golden glow of the city as the sun is setting. My husband and I spent two nights here in order to take a day trip to the Adriatic coastline. If you have the time, I highly recommend a trip to one of the nearby beaches – the water is stunning!
If you’re looking for more detail to help plan your trip to Lecce, click here.
Third Stop – Ostuni
Known as La Città Bianca, or the white city, Ostuni sits on a hilltop overlooking the Adriatic coastline. Once in the Centro Storico, you’ll be charmed by the white buildings, winding streets, and vibrant atmosphere of this town. Since the town is situated on a hillside, you will find yourself constantly climbing or descending. The marble pathways and staircases will take you to the various centers, each with a new view. The main attraction, the Bishop’s Palace, sits at the highest point of the town. This is one of the best places to people watch or enjoy a coffee or aperitvo.
We spent about 6 hours here before continuing on to Alberobello. It is possible to see most of the town on a short stopover, but there is plenty to do if you choose to stay longer. We contemplated spending a night in Ostuni, but ultimately chose to stay in a traditional trulli in Alberobello instead. If you do stay here, you will have several options for activities.
Whether you’re spending a few hours or a few days in Ostuni, you can find more information and recommendations here.
Fourth Stop – Alberobello
Alberobello might be one of the most well-known (or at least most photographed) towns in Puglia. Home to the iconic cone-shaped trulli, Alberobello is definitely the quirkiest stop on this itinerary. From the moment you enter Alberobello, you’ll be transported to a different world. It’s hard not to think of the Smurfs while visiting this town!
Originally constructed as a means of tax evasion, the trulli homes are now the main attraction. In the 15th century, new construction in this region was taxed heavily. To avoid taxes, locals came up with a plan to build structures using materials and techniques that allowed for easy dismantling in case of a tax inspection. Despite this purpose, the trulli remain standing. These homes now have UNESCO World Heritage status, and serve as shops, restaurants, boutique hotels, and even holiday homes.
I recommend staying in a traditional trulli home and enjoying the bustling nightlife followed by a quiet morning wandering the town. The town is easily walkable, and there are multiple vantage points to view the zona trulli from above.
Fifth Stop – Monopoli & Polignano a Mare
Monopoli is a beautiful beach town situated on the Adriatic coastline. This historic port town was a main trading hub for centuries, and is characterized by the ancient defensive walls that line parts of the coast. The history here is palpable and can be observed well beyond the Centro Storico.
As you might have guessed, Monopoli is one of the best spots for seafood. You will find many small, family-owned restaurants serving the fresh catch of the day. It is also a great place to shop for crocheted goods. As you wander the town you will likely see older women hand-crafting hats, blankets, and even crocheted cover-ups or swimsuits. If you’re lucky, you can request a custom-made item – these make great souvenirs or gifts for friends.
When deciding whether to stay in Monopoli or Polignano a Mare (or one night in each), we ultimately went with the town where we found more options for accommodation. We spent two nights in Monopoli, and visited Polignano a Mare twice – once for a beach day, and another time for an iconic dinner.
If you’ve ever considered visiting Polignano a Mare, you’ve probably seen photos of the iconic Lama Monachile. The Lama Monachile is a complete spectacle. It is well worth a walk down to this small stretch of beach, or at least admiring the waters and colorful, crowded beach from above. Another Polignano must is a dinner at the beautiful Grotto Palazzese. Not only is the food incredible, the atmosphere and overall experience is one of a kind. You can enjoy the salty sea breeze with views of the Adriatic, or dine inside the cave, with views of the turquoise blue grotto on the other side. Be sure to make reservations well in advance.
Buon Viaggio!
