7 Days in Puglia: Road Trip Itinerary & Guide

We love road trips. The ultimate freedom, the thrill of unexpected turns of events and the utmost genuine way to bond with family or friends. There’s nothing quite like it, and in our opinion, it’s the most ideal way to explore any large region when travelling. Puglia, in particular, is destined for road trips. With its countless attractions dotted all over the place, the only efficient way to see the best that it has to offer is by hitting the road. In just 7 days, a Puglia road trip can cover a lot, and in this guide, we’ll show you how!

Start planning your Puglia road trip itinerary with these recommendations on where to go, stay, and what to expect.

Puglia Road Trip Map

7 Day Puglia Road Trip Route Notes

Start and End in Bari

To our standards, an excellent road trip is first defined by one thing: the efficiency of the route. We’ve mapped out a Puglia road trip in the form of a nice and easy loop which begins and ends in the same spot. The start and end point is Bari, the capital of the Puglia region and home to its biggest international airport. Travelers who are flying into Bari Airport to reach Puglia will be able to enjoy this itinerary to its fullest.

Is Bari worth visiting? Yes, but not in the case of a road trip throughout Puglia. For the sake of maximizing every moment of just one week in Puglia, we’ve skipped actually seeing Bari in this guide. Compared to the other sights, Bari falls short in some departments, but by no means is it tedious to visit. As we’re almost certain you’ll plan follow-up trips to Puglia after your first, you can check out Bari on the second go-around.

Total Drive Time & Distance

The entire route from Bari to every point of interest on this itinerary and back to Bari is a round trip distance of 465 km (289 miles). From start to finish, the road trip would take eight hours of driving. Of course, this assumes there are no stops and it’s only meant to provide a reference for how much driving the road trip requires. In this Puglia road trip guide, the trip spans over the course of 7 full days.

What’s Included

It may be surprising how much this one week Puglia itinerary manages to include. This route includes stops to some of Puglia’s famous attractions, historic towns (both coastal and inland), as well as a healthy dose of beautiful beaches. If more time permits, this Puglia road trip could also include more places on the Salento peninsula. 

In our attempt to be accurate regarding the subject, you will not see Matera included in this itinerary. The reason for this is because Matera actually belongs to the Italian region of Basilicata and not Puglia.

Time of Year

Summer in Puglia is heavenly and unleashes the region’s magic to the fullest. Planning a road trip for the summer months will ensure maximum beach time and the best chance of open restaurants, tours, shops, and even hotels. However, given Puglia’s Mediterranean climate, the year-round temperatures are comfortable. A road trip like this one can just as easily be enjoyed during the winter in Puglia (or offseason like Spring) if you’re the type of traveler who wishes to avoid tourists.

Most Destinations Don’t Require a Car

What’s particularly great about every location included in this Puglia road trip is that you don’t need a car once you get there. Whether it’s a city, beach destination, or natural wonder, they can all be explored on foot. All you need to focus on during your road trip is getting there, and the rest is logistically simple!

Alternative Options…

1. Embrace Slow Travel around

Slow travel throughout Puglia means you would rather choose to spend the majority of your week in one or two places rather than hop around. Personally, and as we grow older, this is one of our favorite ways to travel, anywhere we go. Whether you choose a hotspot like Alberobello or a rural village in the Itria Valley, staying there for 4-5 days straight will ultimately lead to a more relaxing Puglia trip.

It also opens up the door to truly understanding a place, simply by spending more time there, regardless of whether that means you are visiting more attractions or not.

2. Spend More Time in Puglia (2 Weeks)

If it’s doable, setting aside 10 days or even two weeks in Puglia will allow you to include more of the region into your itinerary. With that being said, it’s still not enough to thoroughly explore the entire region, but it’s a good start! We still believe that Puglia is best experienced by multiple visits, but we understand that this is unquestionably a luxury that many don’t have.

In the section below, we’ve included extra stops that it would be possible to add to this itinerary with a few more days. Allowing yourself 10 days in Puglia for this road trip would permit time to see more of the Salento peninsula, further south.

3. Complete the Route in Reverse

To venture off on this 7-day Puglia road trip in a clock-wise loop instead is also possible. It’s actually recommended if you plan on visiting Puglia during the fall. The reason being, seeing the eastern coastline and its beaches in the first half of your trip will ensure you’re still catching the warm weather. Even if you plan on visiting in early October, you can swim in the sea at the first few destination on this itinerary and then visit the inland towns before returning back to Bari.

One Week Puglia Road Trip Highlights

• Valle d’Itria Towns
  • Alberobello
  • Locorotondo
  • Martina Franca
  • Cisternino
• Porto Cesareo
• Gallipoli
• Otranto
• Cave of Poetry
• Lecce
• Ostuni
• Monopoli
• Polignano a Mare

Additional Puglia Points of Interest

• Matera (located in the Basilicata region)
• Putignano & Grotte di Castellana
• Grottaglie
• Marina di Pescoluse (Maldives of Salento)
• Natural Pools of Marina Serra
• Calette di Torre Cintola
• Spiaggia di Porto Miggiano

7 Day Puglia Travel Itinerary

Depart from Bari

Depending on your flight to Puglia, you should aim to spend a full 7 days in Puglia for this road trip. Do not count your arrival day as your first day of the itinerary unless you arrive in the early morning.

If your flight arrives in Bari in the afternoon or evening, you can head to the Itria Valley that same night. Or, if your flight to Bari arrives too late at night, it’s best to just spend the night near the airport and head out the next day instead.

The Itria Valley: Days 1 & 2

Valle d’Itria (or Itria Valley in English) is a must-see itinerary item. The valley itself is beautiful in nature and landscape, but its best features are the historic towns. There are many scattered throughout the Itria Valley, but the ones that stand out the most are Alberobello, Locorotondo, Martina Franca, and Cisternino. Whichever of these towns you choose to see, they are all equally charming and fantastic for walking and taking many photos.

To visit all four towns in two days is doable if you begin early enough in the day. Fortunately, all of these towns are within close proximity to each other, around 30 minutes or less! However, if you want to cut down on running around too much, we would recommend narrowing it down to just Alberobello and Locorotondo.

Alberobello is easily the most renowned town in Valle d’Itria and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For tourists looking to check off the must-see items in Puglia, this stop can’t be missed.

The drive from Bari to Alberobello takes just over one hour. It’s advised that you take the inland route that goes by Turi and Putignano (Puglia’s best kept secret) instead of driving along the coast (you’ll spend time there later).

Best Things to Do in Alberobello

• Take a photo of the trulli village roofs from a distance at this park (maps).
• Opt for an olive oil tasting and informative guided walking tour.
• Don’t skip the smaller trulli district on the opposite side of the touristy area. The trulli homes here are free of souvenir shops and offer much better photo opportunities.
• Learn about the regional history and culture of Alberobello at the Territory Museum “House Pezzolla”.
• Visit shops that produce locally made products such as oils, liquor, and handcrafted linens.
• Grab a life-changing pasticciotto pastry from Bar Pasticceria Martinucci.
• PARKING TIP: The best paid parking lot within one minute of Alberobello trulli village is here.

Best Things to Do in Locorotondo

• Stop at the viewpoint in the fields below to see Locorotondo perched atop the hill.
• Take a stroll through the city park and garden which has panoramic views of the valley.
• Enjoy a coffee or lunch in the atmospheric town square of Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II.
• Find the monumental Church of Saint George Martyr after walking through the town’s maze-like streets.
• Make a reservation at Terrazzamenti Via Nardelli for a wine tasting at sunset.

Best Things to Do in Cisternino

• Indulge in a proper braceria meal at Al Vecchio Fornello, a butcher and restaurant serving traditional Puglian meats.
• Lose your sense of direction in the small alleys of the Centro Storico.
• Sit down for an apertivo and people watch in the heart of town.
• Experience one of the best rated restaurants in the entire valley at Osteria Piatti Chiari.
• Make sure you’re on schedule with your itinerary and check the time at the Torre dell’Orologio.

Best Things to Do in Martina Franca

• Make a grand entrance to the Centro Storico through Porta di Santo Stefano.
• Enter Palazzo Ducale, the town’s largest historical landmark and a former Duke’s palace.
• Marvel at Basilica di San Martino, one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture.
• Admire the aesthetics while eating lunch under the historic arches of Piazza Maria Immacolata.
• Find the hidden and tranquil courtyard behind the Church of Saint Dominic.

Where to Stay in Valle d’Itria

Porto Cesareo and Gallipoli: Day 3

To reach Porto Cesareo from the towns of Itria Valley takes roughly 1.5 hours. Depending on how much of a beach fanatic you are, it will determine how long you want to spend at Porto Cesareo and Torre Lapillo on the western coastline.

🐠 Read More: The Best Porto Cesareo Beaches

This area is comprised of a few bays, each boasting terrifically clear water with blue hues and sandy shores. It is undoubtedly one of the best places in Puglia for beaches and is usually left off the typical itinerary for international visitors. For travellers who aren’t dying to get a swim in, it’s still recommended to drive through Porto Cesareo to catch a glimpse of the gorgeous waters. 

After a 30-minute drive south, you’ll reach Gallipoli, where you’ll spend the 3rd night of your 7-day Puglia road trip. The old town of Gallipoli has one massive parking lot and is the only place to leave your car once you cross the bridge.

Gallipoli’s ambiance is coastal, as it’s home to an amazing beach located right in the historic centre. Additionally, it’s one of the best places for seafood restaurants and typical Salento cuisine. The number of places to enjoy a drink or coffee with a view of the sea below is endless. Gallipoli is also renowned for its compact, almost island-like shape, magnificent cathedrals, and notable historical landmarks.

Best Things to Do in Porto Cesareo

• Witness submerged ancient Roman columns just by snorkeling.
• Relax at Spiaggia di Torre Lapillo with rented sunbeds and drinks in hand.
• Kayak or paddleboard to the remote islet of Isola dei Conigli.
• Take a short hike through the wetlands to birdwatch.

Best Things to Do in Gallipoli

• Take a guided tour of Gallipoli Castle, a medieval fortress sitting on the waterfront.
• Admire the extraordinary interior and exterior Baroque-style details of the Church of Saint Agatha Virgin and Martyr.
• Explore a regional archaeological museum.
• Enjoy sunbathing at Spiaggia della Purità.
• Indulge in a romantic dinner along the old town’s perimeter walls with breathtaking sea views.

Where to Stay in Gallipoli

Otranto and the Cave of Poetry: Day 4

Driving from Porto Cesareo to Otranto means you’ll be crossing the width of the Salento peninsula. The drive takes one hour, and it’s best if you leave in the morning to get a jump on your day in Otranto. The historic town centre of Otranto is small, which makes it advantageous to discover within a short time frame. Surrounding Otranto are countless gorgeous beaches, which give the town a fresh feeling and a quintessential seaside vibe.

The magnificent Cave of Poetry (Grotta della Poesia) is located just 30 minutes north of Otranto. You can choose to stay in Otranto and simply make a roundtrip loop to visit the Cave of Poetry or find accommodation near Roca if you don’t want to backtrack.

🌊 Read More: How to Visit the Cave of Poetry

Otranto will offer a larger selection of apartments to choose from since Roca is not a large community. However, there are additional sights near Grotta della Poesia that would make spending the night near them more convenient.

Best Things to Do in & Near Otranto

• Take a short hike to Cava di Bauxite, an otherworldly-looking red-rocked quarry lake.
• Learn some new recipes at a cooking class hosted in a local’s own home.
• Tour the 15th-century chambers and secret corners of the Aragonese Castle of Otranto.
• Absorb the beautiful scenery along the waterfront path of Lungomare degli Eroi.
• Dive into the natural pool of Grotta della Poesia, surrounded by limestone cliffs and passageways to the Adriatic.
• Step back in time at the Archaeological Area of Roca Vecchia, an open-air museum.
• Trek along the ridge of the seafront cliff near Torre dell’Orso.

Where to Stay in Otranto

Lecce: Day 5

From Otranto, a 40-minute drive north will land you in the cultural capital of Puglia. Lecce is the biggest city on the Salento peninsula and deserves an entire day to experience. Lecce’s Centro Storico is not circular, which makes navigating the streets less straightforward. Allow yourself plenty of time to visit all the attractions you’re interested in since it’s almost guaranteed to get lost once or twice.

As with any major city, we recommend not entering the historic town center by car. If you find parking at a lot outside of the old town, you can easily walk to your accommodation. Or, simply book a hotel or apartment further from the bustle of things if you’re okay with longer walks. Finding a place to stay that’s centrally located within Lecce is recommended to maximize your one day there.

Best Things to Do in Lecce

• Stop for a casual lunch of traditional sandwiches and craft beers at Antica Pucceria Giannone.
• Make up some time and see the city on a private bicycle tour instead.
• Appreciate the sheer greatness of not one, but two Roman amphitheaters that are located in town.
• Admire the elegant architecture in the courtyards of Palazzo Marrese and Palazzo Palmieri.
• Visit the Piazza del Duomo to see the prominent Cattedrale Maria Santissima Assunta e S. Oronzo.
• Tour the Museo Storico Città di Lecce with a mix of historic and modern exhibitions.
• Experience unique street dining at Mezzo Quinto, a hole in the wall serving authentic Salento cuisine.

Where to Stay in Lecce

Ostuni: Day 6

The journey from Lecce to Ostuni will take just over an hour along the major motorway. Known as the White City of Puglia, Ostuni is a crowd favorite for many reasons. A Puglia road trip cannot be completed without a day spent wandering its whitewashed streets, mixed architectural buildings, and medieval ports. It is one of the most picturesque destinations you’ll come across during a week in Puglia and is manageable to appreciate in just one day.

Ostuni’s Centro Storico is perched on a hill and inaccessible by non-residential cars. There are a few large parking lots beneath the historic town centre, so you don’t have to stress about where to leave your car. A walk up the hill to town shouldn’t take more than 5 minutes. It’s recommended to book a stay within the old centre, so you can effortlessly enjoy a late dinner and drinks without requiring a long journey back for the night.

Best Things to Do in & Near Ostuni

• Walk along the ancient city walls and enjoy sweeping views of the valley and sea below.
• Learn about the archaeological history at the Museum of Preclassic Civilizations of the Southern Murgia.
• Gather at the Colonna di Sant’Oronzo to people-watch and listen to live music on weekends.
• Grab a cone of gelato under the twinkling lights leading up the beautiful staircase.
• Book a tour of Ostuni in a vintage (and tiny) Fiat 500.
• Discover architectural gems like the Arco Scoppa while exploring the labyrinthine streets.

Where to Stay in Ostuni

Monopoli and Polignano a Mare: Day 7

The seafront city of Monopoli is just 40 minutes from Ostuni. Head out early towards Monopoli if you plan on taking advantage of the sea during your last day. Monopoli’s Centro Storico is undeniably charming, but the real magic lies within Monopoli’s coastline. One dreamy beach after another surrounds the town and you may regret not visiting at least a couple of them.

🏖 Read More: Best Beaches in Monopoli, Puglia

If you prefer to drive to a quieter beach area, consider Calette di Torre Cintola, just south of Monopoli. The site is comprised of various inlets within a 16th-century ruin and is truly one of the most unique places to swim in Puglia.

On Day 7 of this 7-day Puglia road trip, some would argue that you’ve saved the best for last. Polignano a Mare is just 15 minutes north of Monopoli and is likely the most famous scenery in Puglia, thanks to Lama Monachile. Polignano a Mare’s beach may be the focal point, but its overall positioning along the cliffside is a sight itself worth seeing.

Street parking in Polignano a Mare should simply not be attempted, especially in the summer. If you head further south near Lido Cala Paura, you’ll be able to leave your car in the dirt lot for free. Alternatively, there are many paid parking lots throughout the town.

Best Things to Do in Monopoli

• Lay down a towel at the city beach of Cala Porta Vecchia, located beneath ancient defensive walls.
• Appreciate the beauty of Cattedrale Maria Santissima della Madia, a historic Roman church that houses a crypt.
• Stroll along the old port and to Monopoli’s defining castle (Castello Carlo V) from the 15th century.
• Sign up for a walking tour to learn all the insider history of Monopoli’s past.

Best Things to Do in Polignano a Mare

• Pose for a cheesy photo at the Monumento a Domenico Modugno, a sculpture of a famed Italian musician.
• Try unfussy and delectably fresh seafood from Pescheria Da Pasqualino.
• Step into the natural pool perfectly carved in a rectangular shape on the cliffside.
• Catch a view from every angle of Lama Monachile, one from this side and one from the opposite side.
• Trust the butcher to pick out your dinner for you at Braceria dello Sport.
• Visit the observation deck at the edge of the historic town for more scenic views.
• Book a boat tour with champagne at sunset to celebrate your last night.

Where to Stay in Polignano a Mare

Puglia Road Trip: Know Before You Go

Airports in Puglia

Puglia has managed to stay out of the spotlight for many international travellers because of its assumed inaccessibility. For example, reaching the famed Amalfi Coast is as easy as flying into Rome or Naples. But getting to Puglia requires one more step, especially if you are flying from outside of Europe.

The two Puglia airports include the one in Bari and the other in Brindisi (also known as Salento Airport). Bari Airport is a major hub within the country and, therefore, services frequent flight paths throughout Europe. If you want to reach Puglia as directly as possible, search for flights to Bari, which is where this road trip itinerary begins and ends.

Renting a Car

Unless you’re traveling with a family or a large group, it’s not necessary to book anything larger than a compact vehicle. These will, of course, be the least expensive but also the most fuel-efficient.

Applicable throughout all of Europe, you will also save a lot of money by booking a manual transmission vehicle, which is very common across the entire continent. Small vehicles are particularly advantageous because finding parking becomes much easier, in addition to navigating historic Italian towns and curvy countryside roads.

For this 7-day Puglia road trip, expect to rent a car at Bari Airport, so you can pick it up as soon as you land. Alternatively, it’s an option to book a rental car in Bari city because it may be cheaper. However, you’ll just have to figure out the logistics of getting from the airport to the rental agency if you go this route. Either way, do not overlook the location of the rental car when you are making your reservation.

Driving in Southern Italy

The best way to describe what it’s like driving in Italy is as if you are part of an orchestrated and choreographed event where you don’t know the moves. This means traffic flows quite naturally, and it does makes sense if you are a local. As a foreigner driving in Italy, it can take one or two days to get used to. However, it does not mean that it’s overly difficult or dangerous. In fact, the number of accidents we don’t regularly see in Italy is rather impressive. We’ve also spoken with countless people who drove in Italy for the first time and found them to be pleasantly surprised at how manageable the experience was.

For any visitors who are hesitant to take a Puglia road trip because of the driving, keep these main tips in mind.

• Do not drive in town centers, both in big cities or small towns.
• Do not feel pressured by people passing you. Stick to the speed limit you are comfortable with and let the others dance around you.
• Quickly research traffic signs and what they mean before arriving in Italy.

🚗 Read More: How to Master Driving in Puglia

Choosing Where to Stay

We’re committed road trip enthusiasts, but even we’ll admit there is one downside to traveling by car: PARKING. Particularly if you are visiting old European towns, finding parking can be challenging. When you’re choosing where to stay for your Puglia road trip, it’s nice to be able to search for parking as one of the accommodation amenities.

Even when you may think it’s impossible, there are always hotels and apartments located in historic centers that miraculously have a parking solution. Of course, this isn’t a requirement but certainly a “nice to have” while road tripping. Alternatively, ask your hotel or host for recommendations on where to park (either for free or paid). Do not wait until you arrive in order to sort this out as it’ll eat up a huge chunk of your travel time.

This 7-day Puglia road trip itinerary moves rather quickly. After all, it’s just a week! As you’re moving around the region and spending the night somewhere new each day, it’s recommended to keep accessibility in mind. What we mean by this is, is to be aware of places that allow self-check-in (so you can travel on your own schedule), are street level or have an elevator, or have drive-up access. These small details are a game-changer and will sneak up on you if you’re not used to switching accommodations so frequently.

Puglia Road Trip Resources

TRAVEL INSURANCE: EKTA or VisitorsCoverage

FLIGHTS: Skyscanner, CheapOair or Agoda

CAR RENTALS: Rentalcars.com or Discover Cars

TRAINS, BUSES, FERRIES: Busbud, Trainline or Omio

ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com, Hostelworld or Trivago

ESIM / CELL PHONE DATA: Airalo

TOURS & ACTIVITIES: GetYourGuide or Viator

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