Puglia – situated in the heel of Italy’s boot, is often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors. Trust me – PUGLIA – will leave you breathless! Puglia turned out to be more conservative than I ever thought. But at the same time, I had never thought it would open up with such beauty and uniqueness. The region is very catholic, so keep in mind to dress properly, otherwise, people might give you a dirty look. All these incredible places in Puglia are so charismatic and unique, that are among one of the most beautiful regions of the world.
Breathtaking places in Puglia - travel guide.
Each region of Italy is immeasurably different. There are so many fascinating places in Puglia, influenced by its turbulent history. Like most regions easily accessible from the sea, Puglia was constantly inhabited since antiquity by a few civilizations: the Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans and Byzantines. Puglia region is a combination of kilometers of Mediterranean coastline, olive trees, unique towns and a rich history, which still deeply influences people’s lives. The region supplies 40% of the country’s olive oil.
I explored the southern part of Italy by car. The more places I was visiting the more I was dragged in by it’s fascinating landscape, hospitality and rich history. I’m taking you through the best places to visit in Puglia – the stunning peninsula, including BARI – the capital of Puglia (Apulia) – read my travel guide here.
Alberobello trulli.
First on your itinerary should be the iconic town of Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its trulli—whitewashed stone dwellings with distinctive conical roofs.
Arberobello attracts millions of tourists and is considered one of the most amazing experiences and places in Puglia.
As you wander through the narrow streets lined with these charming structures, the whimsical architecture will transport you a few centuries back. Visit the Trullo Sovrano, the tallest trullo in town and sample the local olive oil in nearby shops. Visiting during the late afternoon will bring you a golden sunset against the backdrop of these unique buildings.
Alberobello is famous worldwide for Trulli and folk architecture. It’s one of the most unique things you’ll see in your life and one of the best places in Puglia. The road from Ostuni to Alberobello is full of olive trees.
A trullo is a traditional Apulian dry stone hut with a conical roof. These white small houses are made of grey limestones. What’s more interesting there is no linking between the limestones. Initially constructed as temporary shelters in the period when the construction of stable dwellings was highly taxed. Their specific design was to create a shelter easy to dismantle in case of any tax control. The Trullo construction made them very dark inside and difficult to heat over the winter.
In the past Trullo were shelters of the poorest people. But their unusual exotic shape became very popular and soon turned into a huge tourist attraction. On the top of each cone-shaped roof, you’ll find Pinnacoli.
Recently many existing Trulli have been bought and renovated by foreigners and celebrities to become luxury private properties or guesthouses. Some old inhabitants who can now afford to buy back their historic homes, start living there again. Alebrobello nowdays mostly remains a huge tourist attraction and the place can be a little crowded.
BEST PLACES TO STAY IN ALBEROBELLO:
Torre a Mare coastal town.
TORRE A MARE – a small, quiet town 30 minutes from Bari by bus (No. 12 or 12/).
The surrounding landscape is characterized by beautiful Mediterranean vegetation, craggy cliffs and scenic rural areas, making it a great spot for nature lovers and photographers. The place is equally popular among locals and tourists.
Its close proximity to Bari makes Torre a Mare easily accessible for day trips, allowing to explore both the coastal and urban experiences and places in Puglia.
Matera - more than a sad story.
Matera – one of the most touching places in Puglia with its ancient cave city called Sassi. Sassi di Matera is one of the oldest places of human settlement in Italy. The first inhabitants came here 9000 years ago. Until the 20th century, people have been living in caves with just small windows, NO ELECTRICITY AND NO ACCESS TO RUNNING WATER.
The place has remained UNESCO heritage since 1993 and is one of the main tourist attractions in Italy and one of the most visited places in Puglia. Most of the Sassi is owned by the government. In 1950’s the Italian government had to relocate a majority living in ancient caves to very poor conditions and spreading diseases (mostly malaria).
Some sources say Matera is the oldest continuously inhabited cave city in the world!
As the region remains one of the poorest in the country, soon new people inhabited the cave dwellings. Although every tourist guide says there are no longer people living in this area some of the parts are still inhabited as you can see on my pictures (people inside, laundry hanging in front of the caves). Some sources say that this is the oldest continuously inhabited cave city in the world!
When you get to the old town in Matera – there is a Tourist Information Office. Go there and ask for a map and direction to Sassi di Matera. They share lots of interesting information. No cars allowed, you can only walk there or take a three-wheeled motorbike (with a driver).
Capo d'Otranto lighthouse.
Lighthouse – Italy’s most easterly point, offering beautiful panoramic view of rocky coast and sparkling dark blue sea. The Capo d’Otranto lighthouse was built in 1867. The place is a great stop and it’s easily accessible by car.
Otranto.
Otranto was one of the most enjoyable places in Puglia. The best way to enjoy this town is by taking a walk through the charming old part of the city, hosting a great, cozy and pleasant atmosphere. The town is buzzing in the summer months, due to magnificent beaches, crystal blue sea and attractive coastline. Among the lovely tiny streets, you may want to check the Otranto Cathedral with a giant mosaic covering the floor, dating back to the 12th century. Other two beautiful city landmarks are Castello di Otranto and Church of Saint Peter.
Lecce historical town.
Although it’s considered to be one of the most beautiful historical towns in Puglia. But to be honest the only two landmarks I found attractive were Piaza del Puomo and the old town. There were no other flavors that caught my attention.
RECOMMENDED PLACES TO STAY:
Polignano a Mare.
One of the most famous pictures of Puglia is taken in Polignano a Mare. It’s a small cozy town located 30 km south direction from Bari. The place is famous for its impressive beach located between the cliffs – Lama Monachile beach (Cala Porto). It is a must-see place in Puglia.
It’s the most iconic spot in Polignano a Mare. The unique scenery of the place attracts thousands of tourists, so it is packed in the summer months. Cliff diving would be one of the most popular attractions in the area. The old town with all the historic buildings is equally beautiful.
Day trips from Polignano a Mare.
Adventure seekers will fall in love with Polignano a Mare, a breathtaking seaside town perched on cliffs overlooking the Adriatic Sea.
Polignano a Mare is known of its dramatic coastline, making it a great spot for cliff diving. Magnificent coastline and crystal-clear waters makes this place an adventurous travelers’ hub. There are many options for an amazing day trip from Polignano a Mare:
- Highly popular Polignano a Mare boat tour emotions, caves, diving and appetizers
- Boat Tour of the Caves
- Explore the sea caves by kayak!
Best places to stay in Puglia.
Recommended places to stay in Polignano:
Monopoli.
Monopoli – a lovely town for a one day trip, mostly visited for its sea caves and sandy crystal water beaches. The two main attractions would be Centro Storico di Monopoli and Basilica Cattedrale Maria Santissima della Madia.
Exceptional hotels in Puglia Italy.
- Antica Masseria le Monache – Situated in Grottaglie, 25 km from Taranto Cathedral, offers an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking and a garden.
- The Crown Palace – Gallipoli
- Antica Masseria Martuccio – located in the Puglia countryside, 5 minutes’ drive from Mesagne. Surrounded by pine trees and greenery, with a pool, restaurant and wine cellar.
- Torre Del Parco – a medieval fortress in the centre of Lecce.
Ostuni - the White city.
Ostuni – also called “White City” is one of the most beautiful places to see in Puglia. I was lucky to see local Ostuni festival, the uniformed performing groups walking through the city, accompanied by live instrumental music. The whole city was blocked for cars. The main square was full of people celebrating the occasion. Ostuni’s Cathedral with windows remaining the traces of Gothic and Renaissance styles is something you cannot miss. On the way to Ostuni there are plenty of fields of local olive groves, which are among the oldest in Europe and remain an important landmark of Puglia.
The region’s cuisine is a must-try with plenty of opportunities to sample the famous extra virgin olive oil and local wines.
If you are a nature lover like me you can visit Gargano National Park, which offers hiking trails, rugged coastlines and beautiful forests. It’s a great place for an outdoor adventure. Foresta Umbra is home to diverse wildlife and ancient trees. While the coast of Gargano offers stunning cliffs and hidden beaches.
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