Last Updated on 12/17/2021
During the time we lived in Italy, my only regret about visiting Puglia is that we didn’t go more often and see more of it. It truly is a special region with a stunning landscape, amazing food, friendly people and unique cities. On my list of things you can’t miss in Puglia, I’ve included my favorite towns, things to do and of course, the best local specialties (hint: pass me all the wine and burrata, please).
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1. Visit the Town of Polignano a Mare
I first heard of Polignano a Mare when my husband suggested we watch the movie Spring. The only reason I even made it through the whole movie was because it was filmed in Puglia. I wouldn’t recommend the movie, but would 100% recommend Polignano a Mare. Known for its aqua blue water, cliffside white buildings and a charming beach, Polignano a Mare is one of the towns you have to see when visiting Puglia.
Stop at Il Super Mago del Gelo for a caffe speciale – their unique concoction of lemon, liqueur and espresso. If you’re not feeling bold enough to give it a try, they also serve traditional caffè, gelato and pastries.
2. Go to the Beach
A lido in Italy is a beach club that provides lounge chairs, sunning beds and umbrellas. Costs vary depending on the beach club’s amenities and time of year, but it’s usually around €20 for two chairs and an umbrella. Most lidos will have a little bar and bathrooms. Read more about lidos in my article for Italy Segreta.
Lido Morelli for tiki huts and a casual bar (located on this beach). Coccaro Beach Club (find it here on Google maps) for a more luxury experience.
I’ve never been more south near Otranto, but there’s a sink hole there called Grotto della Poesia. It’s like a natural swimming pool and is on my list for our next visit!
3. See the Trulli Houses in Alberobello
Alberobello is a small town known for its trulli houses, a white circular house with a grey coned top. The houses were built with stone for easy disassembly to pay less taxes in the 19th century and are now protected by UNESCO laws. You can see them dotted all over the countryside, but you’ll see one after the other in Alberobello.
4. Stay at a Masseria or Trulli
You might be surprised at how many accommodation choices you have in Puglia. From unforgettable masserias to charming airbnbs with rooftop terraces, there’s something for every preference and budget. If you didn’t get your fix from walking the streets of Alberobello, you can also stay in a trulli. Almapetra Trulli Resort offers 2 bedroom trulli cottages with a pool and shared barbecue area. Starting at around 100 euros a night, it’s an excellent value option for families.
Choose Masseria San Francesco for an upscale accommodation with thoughtful interiors, a pool and a lively bar. Read my full review of Masseria San Francesco. For the ultimate 5-star estate experience, do as Justin Timberlake does and choose Borgo Egnazia. JT and Jessica Biel wed at the luxury hotel in 2012.
Also Read: Where to Stay in Puglia
5. Wander the Streets of Ostuni
Ostuni is known as La Citta Bianca (the white city) because of its white buildings. It’s also one of my favorite places in Puglia. The city is full of cute cafes, gelaterias and shops with local products. Ceramic shops sell pumo di fiore in every color and size you could imagine. You’ll see this acorn shaped flower bud all over Puglia, serving as a symbol of prosperity and fertility.
We stayed at this airbnb and enjoyed the rooftop terrace with views of the old town. Check out La Sommita Relais & Chateaux for a luxury stay right in the heart of Ostuni.
6. Eat Burrata
Burrata is a type of cheese from Puglia and you can’t leave the region without trying it. It is a pouch made of mozzarella with cream and soft cheese inside. You’ll see burrata on the menu by itself, served on a green salad or with pasta. However it is served, order it. Burrata is delicious and you won’t find it fresher than in Puglia.
7. Order a Plate of Orecchiette Pasta
The American notion of “Italian food” is a bit skewed. Food is extremely regional in Italy and each city will have its speciality dish. Orecchiette is an ear shaped pasta commonly found in Puglia. There’s even variations as to how it’s served throughout the region.
8. Try the Olive Oil
With olive trees over 500 years old, you can bet Puglia has some amazing olive oil. There’s over 60 million olive trees in the region that produce about 40% of Italy’s entire olive oil production. Olive orchards are an integral part of the Puglian landscape and one of the reasons I love this region so much.
9. Eat at a Masseria
Italy is renowned for its food and Puglia is no exception. Classic Puglian recipes tend to highlight vegetables like eggplant, fava beans and zucchini. Since the heel is surrounded by ocean, there’s also some fine seafood to be had. Even if you don’t stay at a masseria, you can still book a meal there.
We had the most amazing experience at Masseria Il Frantoio the first time we visited Puglia, and I’m still talking about it! The 8-course menu changes every night and costs €65 with wine pairing. They were happy to make accommodations for dietary needs. Reach out to them directly to make a reservation.
10. Try the Local Wine
It’s almost impossible to choose a favorite, but Puglian wine is definitely in my top three. Our small wine cabinet in Italy was filled with varietals from Puglia. Primitivo di Manduria and Negroamaro are two of several local varietals you’ll see featured on a menu. Full-bodied, red wine is practically a staple of the Puglian diet and you can’t visit without trying it.
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My husband and I are planning on living in Puglia for 3 months (we have had a short visit previously but it was cold and wet). This time we will be there from the start of September. We can’t decide whether to base ourselves in Monopoli (haven’t been there) and Ostuni. We love wine, food, wandering in laneways and people watching. We will have a car. Can you suggest which town will have a better vibe?
Hi Vivienne, Three months! Wow! So nice!
I haven’t been to Monopoli either. I might not stay in the same place for all three months. Might be nice to break it up. Monopoli is a larger town, so there might be more things open as you get into a the slower season on November. I would also consider staying half the time more north (Monopoli or Ostuni) and then do the other half in Lecce so you could see all of Puglia! Wherever you stay, the time is sure to be memorable!
Your Blog is amazing! So much great information. We’ve been lucky enough to have travelled through Italy over the years but never to Puglia. I am wondering if you could share some insight on travelling through Puglia without a car. We will be spending 6 nights and would like to split the time between 2 towns/areas. Also what it is like to be in the area at the end of August? Any information is greatly appreciated!
If you’ve enjoyed your trips to Italy in the past, you will love Puglia! The end of August is very crowded in beach areas. Be sure to make reservations, book transportation in advance, and leave plenty of travel time since you won’t have a car. I haven’t heard great things about public transportation in Puglia, to be honest. I would stay in a larger town like Ostuni, Bari or Monopoli where you might have more options.
Thank you for this! We leave for Puglia Saturday for a “babymoon” and all of your posts on the region have been incredibly helpful!
What a place to babymoon! Relax and enjoy!
Wonderful refresher. I spent 3 weeks in Puglia 2 years ago and will return next year for a longer stay. It really is beautiful and rich in history and character. If going there, venture further south to Lecce, Monopoly and Otranro. Just as stunning.
I would love to go further south and spend more time in the region. I just love it there as well!
Great recommendations, thank you for your insight and lovely photos.
Thank you, Chris!
How long would you recommend staying in Puglia for first time visitors to Italy who are also exploring the other major towns e.g. Rome, Florence, Chianti, Siena, Pisa, Positano etc.
Hi Sydney,
Well, that really all depends on how long the whole trip is. Are you doing a slow travel trip over the span of two months (lucky you!)? Or trying to squeeze that those places into 10 days? You could probably see Ostuni and most the towns in the area over 3 or 4 days. If you also want to go all the way down to Lecce and spend a day in each town, you could easily spend 10 days enjoying Puglia alone.