Are you headed to southern Italy and looking for an amazing 10 day Puglia itinerary? Well then, youโre in luck! On this page we will introduce a fantastic Puglia road trip and explain everything you need to know to have the perfect vacation in this underrated part of Italy!
Puglia is often an afterthought for most international visitors to Italy. They usually flock to places like the Amalfi Coast, Rome, and Venice. And donโt get me wrong, those places are simply amazing. But there is a true rawness to the rolling hills of Puglia. You feel like this is the real Italy, not plagued with American tourists and overpriced hotels.
On this 10 day Puglia itinerary you are going to get an in-depth look at Puglian culture. Iโve done this exact road trip after a ton of research myself as well as consulting with born and bred Puglian friends. So you can trust youโre getting the best info here to plan yourself an amazing trip to Italy!
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Summary of the Main Sites You Will See
We will go through all the sites in the 10 day Puglia itinerary below, but letโs start with an overview of the main things you are going to see on this trip.
- Polignano a Mare
- Monopoli
- Torre Lapillo
- Ostuni
- Cisternino
- Locorotondo
- Alberobello
- Matera
Additional optional places:
- Brindisi
- Bari
Things you will unfortunately miss on this itinerary:
- Otranto
- Lecce
- Castel del Monte
- Castro
- Torre SantโAndrea
There are plenty of other things to see and do in Puglia, but this itinerary will focus on historic and beautiful Puglian cities (with a side trip to Matera). You could pack more into a 10 day Puglia itinerary, but part of the allure of Puglia is living โLa vita lentaโ. The slow life. Slow down and enjoy!
10 Day Puglia Itinerary – Important Information
How to get around Puglia
It is highly recommended that you complete this 10 day Puglia itinerary as a road trip in a rental car. Trying to do this trip without your own vehicle will be asking for a stressful vacation. And you donโt want that!ย Rental cars in Italy are pretty damn cheap and you can often get economy rentals for around 20 euros per day.
Click here to find a great rate on a rental car in Italy!
Where the trip starts and ends
This 10 day Puglia itinerary starts and ends in Bari, the largest city in Puglia. So the assumption is that youโll be flying into Bari the day or night before starting this road trip.
The Bari airport is west of the city and has direct flights to many European destinations, though most of these are on regional airlines like RyanAir. Itโs a regional Europe airport and does not have intercontinental flights. If youโre coming from the US, your best bet for a one stop flight to Bari is Lufthansa through Frankfurt or Alitalia through Rome or Milan.
Itโs also possible to do this trip starting and ending in Rome. As Rome is a major international airport with flights all over the world, you might find itโs quicker and/or cheaper to fly to Rome and drive an extra 4.5-5 hours to Puglia.
We chose this option, as it was much cheaper and a little bit quicker for us than flying to Bari. I love driving in Italy and didnโt mind the extra time in the car. Plus we got to stop at some other cool places like Castelmezzano and Casertavecchia!
Landscape of Puglia
The landscape of Puglia can be described only as endless rolling hills of olive tree groves sprinkled with freshly painted white trulli. We will get into what a trullo (trulli is plural of trullo) is exactly later, but basically itโs a traditional conical roofed stone house that is only found in Puglia.
Puglia is known for olive oil production and you will see literally millions of olive trees as you drive across the Puglian countryside. They are everywhere, and most residents have olive trees in their yards as well.
Puglia is not mountainous like much of Italy, but it is known for its particularly dramatic coastal cliffs on the Adriatic Sea. Other than the cliffs, the landscape is just endless hills. The climate is very dry and arid so you also see various cactus species and fig trees everywhere. The figs picked right from the tree are seriously to die for!
Total mileage covered
While Puglia is quite a large region, this road trip is concentrated to the most beautiful part of it with the most famous sites. So in the car youโll only actually cover about 450 km (280 miles). There will be little side trips here and there, but not big days on the road on this itinerary (unless youโre starting from Rome).
The total driving time is only about 6-7 hours, with the longest day of driving being barely 90 minutes without any planned detours. Itโs a very nice, relaxing road trip that focuses more on getting out on your feet than pressing a pedal in your car!
If you go with the starting and ending in Rome option, add 950 km and 10 hours of driving to that total. Itโs about 5 hours each way to Bari and once you past Naples you get to a very desolate and unpopulated part of Italy, which is nice and easy to drive through.
Puglia vs Apulia
You might hear people refer to Puglia as Apulia. They are the same thing. Puglia is the Italian name and Apulia is the English name. I know, it makes literally no sense but thatโs how it is. In this article I use the Italian name and call it Puglia.
Money and expected total trip cost
Italy uses the euro and you likely wonโt need any cash for this trip, as everywhere in Italy takes cards these days. Itโs always good to have some backup euros in your pocket though.
While Puglia is getting pricier and pricier each year, it is still one of the lesser visited parts of Italy for international tourists, which helps keep costs down. This isnโt Venice where brand name luxury hotels are topping 1000 euros per night. In summer, when prices are higher, you can expect a nice room or small apartment to run you on average around 140-160 euros per night.
Itโs possible to find cheaper places and possible to find more luxurious, expensive places. But this is a good average to work with for budgeting purposes if youโre trying to stay in decent places with good service and nice views. If youโre looking for as cheap of a stay as possible, your budget should be around 100 euros per night. There really arenโt too many budget accommodations in Puglia. The suggestions listed as โbudgetโ in this itinerary are typically around 90 euros per night.
As discussed before, rental cars are pretty cheap in Italy and for 10 days you will probably pay 200-300 euros for an economy rental. Youโll probably only have to fill up with gas once, so Italyโs high petrol prices wonโt break the bank.
Food is also pretty cheap in Puglia. The region caters mostly to domestic Italian tourists, so menu prices reflect that. Pizzas start around 6 euros and go up from there, with pastas starting around 8 euros and up. It all depends which restaurant youโre at, but this gives you a good idea of how cheap it can be.
So when it comes to the total price of your trip, it will vary greatly depending on where you stay, but you can reasonably expect to get away with spending about 250 euros per night for two people including a nice dinner and the rental car.
Language
Youโre going to need to have Google translate on your phone and working offline for this trip. Puglia is not a popular international travel destination and the vast majority of tourists are domestic Italian travelers. This hasnโt created a huge need for English amongst the locals, even those that work in hospitality.
You wonโt run into too many people who speak English on this trip. The younger generation has a much higher English proficiency, but you can safely assume that anyone over 40 will not speak a word of English. Thatโs not a hard rule, of course, but just be prepared for the people who run your guesthouse, the waiters, the taxis drivers, etc. to not speak any English.
Weather in Puglia
Puglia has a strong Mediterranean climate, meaning warm, dry summers and mild winters. It hardly ever rains and the skies are usually clear and blue. Itโs an arid climate, ideal for cultivating grapes and olives.
July is the hottest month, with an average high of 85 degrees (29 C) and overnight lows around 67 (19 C). January is the coolest month, with an average high of 55 degrees (13 C) and overnight lows staying well above freezing (provided temperatures are for Bari and vary slightly across the region).
The most rain falls from November to March, about 2.5 inches (60mm) per month. It hardly ever rains in summer, and humid days are few and far between. Itโs hard to imagine a better climate!
Best time of year for this itinerary
The best time of year for this road trip across Puglia is May to September. Puglia never gets super crowded like the Amalfi Coast or Cinque Terre or Venice, so visiting in summer wonโt overwhelm you. Though if you can avoid August Iโd advise that, since thatโs the month when most Italians take their summer holidays.
Where to stay
Each day of the itinerary is described in more detail in the following sections and each overnight stop includes recommendations for where to stay.
Travel insurance
When visiting Italy itโs advised to have a quality travel insurance policy. We use World Nomads when we travel internationally. World Nomads provides coverage to travelers in over 100 countries. You can find a great policy on World Nomads by using the link below.
The Ultimate 10-Day Puglia Itinerary
Without further ado, letโs get into the specifics about the itinerary now. I wonโt go into great detail about any of the specific stops here, but youโll get a good summary that will give you the info you need to plan your trip. This road trip around Puglia is going to be amazing!
Day 1: Polignano a Mare
The first stop on this 10 day Puglia itinerary is the beautiful coastal city of Polignano a Mare. Once you arrive at the Bari airport and rent your car, head straight down the highway to Polignano a Mare. Depending on where you are staying, you might have to leave your car outside the city.ย
Old Town Polignano a Mare is car-free and if your accommodation is inside the old town you will have to leave your car outside the city center. Your accommodation will arrange it for you, but it will not be free. If youโre staying outside the old town there might be parking available so pay attention to the parking situation when booking your accommodation.
Either way, once you get to Polignano a Mare, leave the car. You wonโt be getting in it again until you leave two days later. Youโll be on foot here in Polignano a Mare.
Spend the rest of the afternoon getting acquainted with the city. Walk around the old town, weaving through the narrow streets and quiet alleyways. Polignano a Mareโs old town is known for being situated atop pa sharp cliff that drops off into the Adriatic Sea below.
Most of the coast here features dramatic cliffs with crashing waves. There are tons of nice views of the cliffs and of the famous beach Lama Monachile below from in and around the old town. One of the best views can be found at Belvedere su Lama Monachile. The viewpoint looks down on the tiny cove beach below with dramatic cliffs on each side.
Another one of the most Instagrammable places in Puglia is the view of Lama Monachile from the main bridge. Here you look back to the old buildings built atop the cliff beyond the beach. Itโs simply to die for!
Polignano a Mare is probably the most busy city you will visit on this itinerary. Itโs not super crowded, but much more popular with international tourists than many other places in Puglia. Due to this, there are a ton of restaurants to choose from for dinner.
The restaurants within the old town are a bit overpriced and crowded, so head to Via Roma just outside the gates of the old town. This is a long pedestrian street lined with restaurants and shops. Itโs an attractive street worthy of the old town and youโll find multiple good options for dinner. Just note that in this part of Italy itโs common for people to make bookings for dinner, so if you donโt have one, you might have to wait a little for a table.
End the night with a local beer at Hops Birreria & Wine Bar in the old town. Polignano is one of the more happening towns in Puglia so there is always something going on at night all days of the week.
Where to stay in Polignano a Mare
Budget: There are no budget options in Polignano a Mare but for a great price for what you get check out Al Giardino Del Nespolo
Mid Range: A Casa di Elena
High End: Aquamarea
Optional stops for Day 1
If you arrive in Bari earlier in the day you might want to spend a little time checking out the largest city in Puglia. Bari isnโt quite as picturesque as the other places youโll visit on this itinerary, but it can be a neat place to spend an hour or town walking around the city center and having a good lunch.
Day 2: Polignano a Mare
Today will be a chill day exploring and relaxing in Polignano a Mare. Start your day with a leisurely walk along the coast, starting at the rocky cliffs just past Monumento a Domenico Modugno, where you get arguable the best view of Old Town Polignano a Mare, and continuing on towards Cala Paguro and Lido Cala Paura. If youโre a walker you can keep on going up the coast as far as youโd like. Great views are everywhere!
As the sun is reaching its highest point in the sky, head to Lama Monachile. This is the most famous beach in Puglia, so you can count on it being crowded. Itโs not sand, but pebbles and rocks, but the beauty of the cove cannot be beat.
You should be able to find some free space on the rocks to set your towel down and soak in the sun. If you go earlier in the morning it will be less busy, but due to the steep cliffs on either side, the sun only shines directly on the beach during the middle of the day.
For a late lunch, check out Pescaria, a local casual fish joint where you order at the counter. Just be prepared to wait in line as it is a very popular place! Then spend the rest of the afternoon either hanging out in the old town, or exploring more of the coast in the other direction, towards the south, as more hidden coves and spectacular cliffs await.
If money is not an issue for you, then you donโt want to miss a dining experience at Grotta Palazzese Restaurant. The restaurant is literally built into the sea cliff overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Now, the reason I saw โmoney is not an issueโ is because the tasting menu starts at 195 euros per person. If thatโs fine with you, just be sure to book well in advance (like when you plan your trip), as itโs usually booked out months in advance.
If dropping 500 euros on dinner isnโt your thing, head back to Via Roma and have another nice dinner on the terrace. Itโs your last night in Polignano a Mare so enjoy it!
Day 3: Polignano a Mare to Monopoli
Right down the coast from Polignano a Mare is the similar coastal city of Monopoli. But before parking for the day in Monopoli, stop by Grotta di Cala Incina just off the highway. This part of the Puglian coast has some dramatic coral rock cliffs and grottos. This is just one of them, but the easiest to see as there is parking access for your car.
Monopoli sits on a relatively flat part of the Adriatic coast. Home to about 50,000 residents, itโs considerably larger than Polignano a Mare but has a similar sized old town. Old Town Monopoli is mostly flat and features a maze of narrow pedestrian-only streets flanked by whitewashed houses, in true Puglian style.
Youโll only have one day in Monopoli but thatโs really all you need. Some things to be sure to see in Monopoli are Porto Antico, Castello Carlo V, Cattedrale Maria Santissima, Cala Porta Vecchia, and Palazzo Palmieri. The best thing to do in Monopoli is to walk around the old town and the coastal walkways, taking in the sights and sounds of the city.
Perhaps the most beautiful view in Monopoli is from Porta Antico, which is a small cove full of colorful fishing boats. The walk along the coast from Porta Antico to Cala Porta Vecchia is lovely and while itโs not long, youโll find yourself stopping often for photos.
The beach at Cala Porta Vecchia itself is not great, and at high tide there is no beach. So if your plan is to go to the beach there, make sure itโs low tide.
Have dinner in the old town before retiring for the night. One more day on the coast, then you wonโt see the water again!
Where to stay in Monopoli
Budget: Monopoli Mia
Mid Range: Corte Sant’Angelo
High End: Vittorio Emanuele Charming Suites
Optional stops for Day 3
Itโs only a 15 minute drive between Polignano a Mare and Monopoli, so not really much more to see.
Day 4: Monopoli to Torre Lapillo
Today you will bid farewell to the Adriatic Sea and make your way across the heel of Italy to Torre Lapillo. Itโs a 90 minute drive with no stops, so if you want to stop in the city of Brindisi along the way be sure to get going early.
Torre Lapillo sits on the Ionian Sea on the west side of the heel of Italy. In stark contrast to the rest of the places youโll see on this trip, Torre Lapillo is not a stunningly beautiful city, but more of a typical run-of-the-mill coastal town. The draw here, however, is the beautiful turquoise water of the Bahia del Sol Porto Cesareo beach.
This is one of the most pristine beaches in Puglia (and all of Italy for that matter). Golden sand stretches the entire length of the town and the shallow, clear water continues out further than youโd care to walk. Itโs more like something youโd see in Turks and Caicos and not Italy. But thatโs Bahia del Sol Porto Cesareo!
Be sure to arrive in Torre Lapillo in time to check into your hotel and enjoy the afternoon on the beach. Other than your brief sunbathing at Lama Monachile in Polignano a Mare, this is the only beach time you will get on this Puglia road trip. So soak in that Italian sun!
Torre Lapillo is a beach town catered to tourists (though almost exclusively Italian tourists) so there are plenty of restaurants and bars to choose from for dinner or a drink out.
Where to stay in Torre Lapillo
Most of the accommodations in Torre Lapillo require a 3-night minimum stay. So options are limited when just staying one night.
Budget: B&B Lady Jolanda
Mid Range: Salento Sottovento Luxury BeB
High End: Villetta Lido Canne
Optional stops for Day 4
Along the drive today you will pass Brindisi. This is one of Pugliaโs larger cities – home to about 87,000 people – and also has one of the region’s only airports. Brindisi is not really known for anything in particular, but it has a neat little old town with charming streets and alleyways that can be worth getting lost in for an hour or two.
Day 5: Torre Lapillo to Ostuni
Leaving the coast behind, today youโll head to Ostuni. Ostuni is little known internationally and many people skip it on a trip to Puglia. But the White City, as itโs known, is deserving of your time and interest. So youโll be spending the day in Ostuni, getting in touch with true Puglian hospitality and culture.
Puglia is called the White City because all the buildings in the old town are painted white. Now, while this is true for many Puglian towns, Ostuni takes the whitewashed architecture to new heights. The old city sits on a hill and is surrounded by a medieval wall. And as you inferred, the wall is also painted white.
Ostuniโs old town is a bit bigger than the other old towns of Puglian cities youโll visit on this road trip, but itโs still quite small. Itโs easy to walk around it in an hour or two, though it does feature lots of stairs and steep streets, unlike other Puglian old towns. Or if you donโt want to walk up all those hills, you can take a tuktuk tour of the old town. Yup, a tuktuk, just like Southeast Asia or India!
From the north side of the city you can see the Adriatic Sea, as itโs only 6 km away. Many Ostunians escape to the beaches on the coast on nice weekend days. Or even just for lunch on a work day. In the words of my friend Giorgio from Ostuni, โsometimes I go to the beach for lunch.โ โHow long is lunch usually? I ask. โMaybe 2 hours.โ Gotta love Italy!
For dinner, book a table at Osteria Del Tempo Pers and enjoy some fine Puglian cuisine in a cave setting. Ostuni and its little cafes and restaurants are just so charming that you might never want to leave!
Where to stay in Ostuni
Budget: Bombonera
Mid Range: Caterina’s Suites & Apartament
High End: Masseria San Paolo Grande (a beautiful resort outside the city)
Optional stops for Day 5
Ceglie Messapica is another beautiful little Puglian city just south of Ostuni. There is not anything that really stands out about it when compared to the other Puglian cities youโll see, but it might be worth a stop for lunch if youโre trying to tick off charming old towns to visit.
Day 6: Ostuni to Alberobello
Leaving the White City behind, today youโll be stopping by two of Pugliaโs more famous cities on the way to its (arguably) most famous city. Cisternino and Locorotondo and two Instagram-worthy little cities between Ostuni and Alberobello. Dedicate an hour or two to exploring each city. They look similar, but have their own unique character.
Itโs only a 40 minute drive between Ostuni and Alberobello, so with the two additional stops youโre looking at only about an hour on the road. Have lunch on an outdoor terrace in either Cisternino or Locorotondo before heading towards Alberobello. But you arenโt going straight to the city today. Youโre in Italy after all, so why not try some wine!?
While Puglia is not the biggest wine region in Italy, its climate is very friendly to grape cultivation so you will find lovely wineries across the region. Most of them are inland near Alberobello. If you like wine, plan to visit at least one winery before heading into the city.
My recommendation for a winery to visit is Terrecarsiche. Itโs about another 20 minutes past Alberobello and the winery is in a city and not at their vineyards, but Terrecarsiche makes some of the best wine in Puglia. When you visit the winery, they will explain – in English – all about their wine and let you try just about anything.
All of their wines are delicious and youโll be hard pressed not to bring a few bottles home. Just email them in advance to set up a tasting, as they donโt get too many walk-ins and if you plan in advance the employee who is fluent in English can be there.
If thatโs a bit far out of your way, a good alternative is Masseria Torricella. Theyโre winery is at the vineyard, so itโs more of a pristine and beautiful setting, and they also have a restaurant.
Lastly, for a true Italian olive oil experience, stop by Frantoio Olerio Giovanni Loliva. Giovanni is an old local dude who makes olive oil from his own home. He has a full processing facility on his property and heโll be happy to show you and let you taste his olive oil. He doesnโt speak a word of English but heโll understand enough hand gestures to let you try some delicious olive oil. We still use Giovanniโs olive oil when we make pasta at home! No advance booking required, so long as Giovanni is home.
For dinner, consider eating outside Alberobello at Ristorante La Nicchia. The restaurant is located inside a beautiful trullo and has excellent local food. Just note that it doesnโt open till 7:45 and English will most likely not be spoken by any of the staff. Some tour buses also come through, so if you can make a booking that will be best.
Where to stay in Alberobello
Budget: Palazzo Scotto (not really budget, but a nice place for the price)
Mid Range: Casa Relax Isabelle (just outside the city)
High End: La Mandorla Luxury Trullo
Optional stops for Day 6
The wineries and olive oil plant are optional, really. If you donโt want to do that you can head straight to your accommodation in Alberobello and chill out.
Day 7: Alberobello
The most internationally famous city in Puglia is without a doubt Alberobello. This Puglian city is straight out of a fairy tale. In a country full of beautiful cities and villages, Aleberobello really stands out.
The city is famous for having the highest concentration of trulli in the world. What are trulli? A trullo (the singular of plural โtrulliโ) is a rectangular limestone masonry house with a conical stone roof. The rectangular part is almost always painted white and the roof is a natural grey rock left unpainted. The masonry construction is mortarless, a prehistoric building technique found around the world in places like Machu Picchu, among others.
Trulli are only found in the Puglia region of Italy and while they can be found all over central Puglia, the highest concentration of trulli are in Alberobello. The trulli of Alberobello are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which protects the outstanding beauty and fascinating construction method of the trulli. The construction of trulli dates back to the mid 13th century, though most of what you see today has been restored.
A full discussion of Alberobello is beyond the scope of this itinerary summary, but there are two distinct zones of trulli. One is mostly residential where people actually live and the other is mostly for tourists now, where the buildings are occupied by shops and cafes. Youโll want to spend time exploring both trulli zones, as well as some of the rest of the city, which is more โnormalโ looking.
Note that while you wonโt have to deal with hordes of tourists for most of this Puglia itinerary, Alberobello is the one exception. The touristy parts of the city can get really crowded, as itโs quite compact. Most people are day trippers, so if you really want to avoid the crowds, get there early in the morning, by 7 AM or so, before any of the shops and cafes open.
The city is most beautiful with the sun at the highest point in the sky, though. Just be prepared for plenty of other people in your mid-day photos.
For some truly awesome specific spots to get awesome views in Alberobello refer to my article on the most Instagrammable places in Puglia, where I go through the four best spots in Alberobello for amazing photo ops. Spend the day exploring Alberobello and having some delicious meals at one of the city’s many cozy restaurants. Everyone loves Alberobello!
Day 8: Alberobello to Matera
Bidding the white painted buildings of Puglia farewell, today you will head to a city where not a block of masonry was painted, lest it disrupt the beautiful natural color of the stone. Matera is not actually in Puglia, but it’s so close that any good Puglia itinerary should include the famous Basilican city.
From Alberobello itโs about a 1-hour drive to Matera, leaving the rolling hills of olive tree groves behind and entering into the barren and rocky landscape of the Basilica region.
Matera is famous for being the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. The city is thought to date back to about 10,000 BC. At that time it was just a series of caves that prehistoric man lived in, but when you visit today, you see that the cave culture remains alive and well in Matera.
Here in Matera, you can – and should – stay in a cave hotel, eat at a cave restaurant, and view historic preserved cave homes that were occupied until fairly recently (in a historical context).
Matera is home to about 60,000 people, but the old city – known as the โSassiโ – is not permanently occupied. The Sassi is the historic city center that features the most beautiful buildings. Historically, it was home to the cityโs poor. So in the 1950s the government forced everyone to relocate to new public housing outside the city center, leaving the Sassi in disarray.
A few decades later restoration work began on the historical city and today the Sassi is one of the most stunningly beautiful places you will ever see. The old buildings are now populated by hundreds of hotels, guesthouses, restaurants, shops, and museums.
Itโs hard to describe just how beautiful Matera is, so Iโll let the pictures below do the talking for me.
Youโll want a good two days in Matera, so be sure to arrive in the city in time for lunch. Before getting to the city though, be sure to stop by the Matera Viewpoint for an incredible view of the city from the other side of a large gorge. There are also some historical cave homes if you wander down the trail into the gorge a bit. The trail actually connects to the city, so you could also come here as a hike from the city center.
The Sassi of Matera is completely car-free, so assuming youโre staying at one of the hotels in the Sassi, youโll have to leave your car outside the Sassi and walk in. Donโt worry though, amazingly enough there is free parking right outside the Sassi that you can easily walk to your accommodation from. Just note that Matera is built on cliffs and steep hills so there are tons of steps and steep inclines all over the Sassi.
I recommend parking by Castello Tramantano. The street that circles the castle has free parking and you can usually find spots. From there simply walk to your hotel. If you have mobility concerns, contact your hotel to see if they can help you bring your bags.
The best thing to do in Matera is to walk the old streets and get in touch with the local culture. The Sassi is quite large, in contrast to the small old towns of Puglian cities, so you can wander for hours, getting lost in the adorable streets, catching one incredible view after another.
Some of the key specific things to see in Matera are:
- Casa Grotta nei Sassi di Matera – historic cave church and dwellings
- Church of Saint Mary of Idris – church built into a rock
- Cattedrale di Maria Santissma – main cathedral for the city
- Palombaro lungo – underground ancient water cistern
- Belvedere di Piazza Giovanni Pascoli – famous observation viewpoint
There are of course many more things to see and do that we wonโt get into here in this itinerary. But you get the idea. Matera is amazing and you will find after two days that you still donโt want to leave!
Where to stay in Matera
Budget: Casino San Giuseppe
Mid Range: Residence Le Vie Del Mosto
High End: Palazzo Degli Abati
Optional stops for Day 8
I recommend getting straight to Matera today. You want to maximize your time in the city.
Day 9: Matera
Spend another day exploring the beautiful city of Matera. Trust me, you wonโt get bored. Matera is simply magnificent.
If you didnโt have dinner in a cafe last night make sure to get that experience tonight. I recommend restaurant Annina 1937. Be sure to book a table, though, as the tables deep in the cave get booked out quick!
Day 10: Matera back to airport
The drive back to the Bari airport from Matera is only about 45 minutes. Depending on what time your flight is, you might have time to take a slight detour to Gravina in Puglia, a small city known for its old arched stone bridge crossing a gorge into the city. Or you might have time to go into central Bari or some of the coastal towns north of Bari. Staying in Matera and enjoying breakfast on a balcony is never a bad thing either!
The End of Your Epic Puglia Road Trip
What an amazing road trip around Puglia it has been! I hope youโve enjoyed this underrated part of Italy. Now itโs time to go home and make all your friends jealous as they were shoulder to shoulder with other tourists in Positano while enjoyed La vita lenta in Puglia!
10-Day Puglia Itinerary: FAQs
Where can I base myself in Puglia?
If youโre looking to set one home base in Puglia and make day trips from there, a good place to do that is either Alberobello or Ostuni. These cities are central and well connected to the rest of Puglia by road. They also provide ample dining options, though Ostuni is much more lively at night than Alberobello.ย
What is the most beautiful seaside town in Puglia?
Polignano a Mare is by far the most beautiful seaside city in Puglia. The old town of Polignano a Mare sits on a steep cliff that drops down to the turquoise water of the Adriatic Sea below. The old city itself is pedestrian only and full of charming streets and picturesque cafes. There is even a restaurant built into the sea cliff under the old town!
How many days do you need in Puglia?
Itโs possible to take a short trip to an individual part of Puglia, but ideally you want at least 7 days to explore the region. 10 days would be even better and allow you time to really get in touch with Puglian culture and make a slow road trip across the beautiful heel of Italy.ย ย ย
Which is better, Monopoli or Polignano a Mare?
Itโs hard to argue that Polignano a Mare is not more beautiful than Monopoli. While Monopoli is quite gorgeous, itโs not located atop a massive sea cliff like Polignano a Mare is. Monopoli is, however, more laid back and relaxed and a little easier to walk around. Monopoli is also generally cheaper than Polignano a Mare.ย
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This is fantastic! Thank you for all the details. So much inspiration and now planning to go to Puglia in summer.