6 BEAUTIFUL CITIES TO ADD TO YOUR PUGLIA ITINERARY

INCLUDING A SURPRISING ONE NEARBY YOU CAN’T MISS!

Last Updated: 11 September 2025

Destinations, Europe, Italy

Dreaming of southern Italy without the crowds of Amalfi or the price tag of Capri? Say hello to Puglia. This sunshiny region, sitting at the heel of Italy’s boot, offers everything you love about Italy: stunning coastline, ancient towns, and amazing food.

If you are planning a road trip or just looking for a base with plenty of day trip options, Puglia is that perfect mix between beauty and authenticity. You will drive past many charming villages, stop for a swim in crystal-clear waters, and eat the kind of meals that you will not forget.

From whitewashed towns perched above the sea to fairytale villages, this guide is featuring some of the best places to visit in Puglia – including one bonus stop just outside the region, that you’ll want to squeeze in.

1 – BARI, GATEWAY TO PUGLIA

The best way to start your trip is in Bari, a lively coastal city with a lot more to offer than just an airport hub. The real charm of Bari lies in the old town, Bari Vecchia: maze-like alleys, local women making fresh orecchiette, laundry dancing between balconies, locals chatting from their doorsteps….

Take your time strolling the Lungomare, one of the most scenic seafront promenades in southern Italy, especially beautiful at sunset.

If you are a food lover, Bari won’t disappoint you. Are you into street food? Then grab a panzerotto from Panzeropoli: this local gem serves golden, deep-fried pockets of dough filled with many different options, perfect for a quick bite with a lot of flavour. Benedetto (or Benny), the owner, is a nice and funny gentleman. For a delicious traditional meal in a unique setting, head to Osteria Le Arpie. And, if you want something trendy but still local, book a table at Anto – Cucina Tipica Pugliese for Apulian flavours with a modern twist.

Don’t leave without a gelato stop at Gentile, the best in the city and with origins dating back to 1880.

If you are into shopping or modern cafés, the new town also has plenty to explore.

Travel Tip: Bari is the perfect base city if you want to do some day trips in Puglia.

2 – MONOPOLI, A COASTAL GEM

Monopoli is all about seaside charm and postcard-perfect old streets. It is one of the best places to visit in Puglia, and a must for any itinerary. Start by wandering around the historic center: whitewashed buildings, blue shutters, fishing boats gently rocking the harbour, and a lively yet laid-back atmosphere.

Don’t miss the Cathedral of Monopoli (Basilica of the Madonna della Madia, or Duomo di Monopoli), a stunning baroque church right in the heart of the old town. Its grand facade and peaceful interior are worth a moment of pause.

While the town can get quite busy, you’ll be able to find some moments of calm. One of my favourite moments was a lunch at Bellavista Lounge: a quiet, white and blue spot overlooking the sea, that seriously felt like Greece! It was a perfect moment to take a break from the crowds and enjoy fresh food with a view.

Travel Tip: if you are coming to Monopoli by train, the old town is about 15 minutes walk from the station, so wear comfortable shoes.

Whether you are stopping by for a walk or a relaxed meal, Monopoli is one of those towns where you will love every second of.

3 – POLIGNANO A MARE, DRAMATIC VIEWS AND ICONIC CLIFFS

Famous for its dramatic cliffs, whitewashed buildings, and that iconic beach nestled between rocky walls, Polignano a Mare is just as scenic as it looks in the photos. And the best part? It’s only 12 minutes away from Monopoli by train, 15 by car, so it makes perfect sense to visit the two towns in the same day or back-to-back.

Start your visit at Lama Monachile, the beach postcard spot. Then wander through the old town, grab a gelato, and admire the views from different panoramic terraces. And if you’re still around for the golden hour, don’t miss the sunset at Pietra Piatta (Pendma Chiatt) – a beautiful spot to sit on the rocks and watch the sun dip behind the sea. No wonder Polignano a Mare is often listed among the best places to visit in Puglia!

Photographer Tip: the best time to snap that perfect photo at Lama Monachile is in the morning hours. Not only the light falls beautifully over the cliffs (no harsh shadows yet), but also the beach is already packed with colourful umbrellas and swimmers, adding life and vibrancy to your shoot.

4 – ALBEROBELLO, TRULLI MAGIC

You can’t visit Puglia without stopping in Alberobello, famous for its trulli! Whitewashed stone houses with conical roofs, listed a a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

But let’s keep it real: the main streets of Alberobello like Rione Monti are incredibly photogenic, but all the trulli are just souvenir shops. Still, Alberobello remains one of the best places to visit in Puglia. For a more authentic experience, head to Via A. La Mormana for instance, where people still live in trulli homes.

Fun fact: the stone used to build trulli comes from the Valle d’Itria: it’s local, limestone, and easily shaped, which explains the unique dry-stone technique.

Travel tip: get there early, between 8 and 9 am, to enjoy the peaceful streets and soft morning light. From around 11 am, it’s the streets start to get very crowded and a bit chaotic. 2 to 3 hours is more than enough to visit Alberobello.a

5 – LOCOROTONDO, PEACEFUL AND PRETTY

Located on a hilltop in the Valle d’Itria, Locorotondo is cute, elegant, and all white everything. It’s the perfect city for a moment of calm during your trip, and definitely one of the best places to visit in Puglia.

Like many towns in Puglia, there is no checklist or must-see landmarks. Just whitewashed streets, peaceful vibes, and the kind of charm that makes you want to slow down a bit, and stay longer.

I really loved Locorotondo. I still remember this guy playing the saxophone at Parco Comunale – it added the perfect soundtrack to the moment I was looking at the beautiful views of the countryside. I also loved wandering through the Centro storico. It was not necessarily quiet, but I felt calm walking around. This town is almost too cute to be true, and it truly had that effortless Italian charm that’s hard to put into words.

Recommendations: plan to visit Locorotondo before or after Alberobello, as the two are only 15 minutes apart by car. I recommend a half day to one full day to enjoy Locorotondo. Don’t miss the panoramic viewpoint for countryside views, and make time for lunch or aperitif on a terrace.

6 – MATERA – JUST OUTSIDE PUGLIA, BUT UNMISSABLE

Matera isn’t technically in Puglia (it’s in Basilicata), but it’s a short drive away, and absolutely worth it.

Matera is one of the oldest cities in the world, and the oldest in Italy. A few things made Matera so special to my eyes: the Sassi di Matera (ancient cave dwellings carved into stone). Just walking around is a whole experience: the views, textures, the way the light hits the stones. I loved the contrast between the historic Sassi and the livelier part of town with its shops and cafes. For an aperitif with a view, Terrazzo Cavaliere is a spot you will love.

Recommendations: you can explore Matera in one full day, but if you have the time, I would suggest staying overnight: it’s a completely different vibe when the town lights up at night. Also, Matera is a great place for shopping. So. Many. Shops.

Just a head-up, if you’re coming by public transport: the bus stop is about a 30-minute walk from the Sassi area. It’s not a hard walk, but it’s a bit uphill in that direction, so plan accordingly and wear comfy shoes!

6 – BONUS – TOWNS I DIDN’T GET TO VISIT (YEP, YOU’VE GOTTA MAKE CHOICES)

Even with a solid itinerary, you can’t do it all. I did my research, took notes from locals, and I’m sure there are a few cities that I am adding to my list for the next trip in Puglia. Maybe you will too?

Ostuni: known as the White City, perched on a hill overlooking olive groves and the sea. It’s said to have chic Mediterranean vibes.

Lecce: apparently a baroque city, and often called the Florence of the Southern taly. Lecce is a bit larger than the other towns of Puglia, with gorgeous architecture. Deserves its own mini city break.

Cisternino: apparently less touristy than some other cities in Puglia. Cisterino is famous for its meat grills served straight from the local butchers.

PRACTICAL THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE VISITING PUGLIA

IS PUGLIA SUPER TOURISTY?

To be honest, and this might sound obvious, it depends on where and when you are visiting. We visited Puglia in early to mid-July, and I found it quite balanced: lively, but not overwhelming. Alberobello for instance, is definitely crowded (as expected), but some other towns – even the popular ones like Polignano a Mare or Matera – felt calm, especially in the mornings or late afternoons and evenings. And of course, if you explore lesser-known villages, you will often have them almost to yourself.

So yes, Puglia is on the radar, and when looking for the best places to visit in Puglia, you will still find plenty of authentic, uncrowded moments to enjoy.

CAR OR NO CAR?

If you are planning a roadtrip and moving from one town to another very often: yes, rent a car. It’s simply more convenient and it gives you the freedom to explore small villages and countryside spots that public transport doesn’t reach.

But if you are staying in one place and just doing day trips, you can manage without a car, especially if you plan in advance. Trains and buses run fairly well between major towns. Make sure to book your trips ahead of time (1 or 2 days before), as buses in summer often fill up fast. I recommend using apps like Omio or Flixbus to check schedules and book easily. Trains are usually on time, and buses are relatively reliable too. As I mentioned for a few cities above, sometimes the train or bus station can be far from the main attractions, so make sure to have comfortable shoes.

Also, keep in mind that having a car comes with its own challenges: parking can be tricky (and expensive) in historical centres, especially in summer. Some zones are restricted and streets can be narrow or crowded. So unless you’re planning to explore more remote places or stay in the countryside, you might actually save yourself a headache by sticking to public transport.

WHERE TO STAY

If you are not doing a full-on road trip but instead staying in one place and exploring Puglia with day trips, the big question is: where should you base yourself?

We chose Bari, and, honestly, it was a great decision. It’s super well connected by train and buses, there is an airport, and the city has a lively atmosphere (especially in the evenings), plenty of food options, and makes logistics much easier. For visiting Alberobello, Polignano a Mare, Monopoli, Bari is a very practical base – these cities are 40 minutes to an hour away from Bari.

A FEW MORE TRAVEL TIPS

Try to organise your visits early if you want to avoid crowds and catch the best light for photos. Late afternoons can also work.

Pack light, breathable clothes. It gets seriously hot in summer. If you’re into fashion and want the best photos, I suggest wearing linen sets, white or neutral cotton dresses, light colours, shades of blue or pastels: you will perfectly blend with Puglia’s streets.

Also, don’t wait too long to book: summer flights and hotels sell out fast, especially in July and August.