Where to Stay In Puglia as a Base in 2024

There’s no denying it – Italy’s region of Puglia is having its moment. From the fairytale town of Alberobello to the cliffside viewpoint of Polignano a Mare, visitors are ready to head south. Puglia is easily one of our favourite destinations in Europe and has so much to offer. But for a first-time visitor, it may be tough pinpointing exactly where to stay. After all, Puglia isn’t exactly just one city and is actually quite a large region! If you’re asking yourself, “What is the best base town in Puglia?” then we have the answer for you.

In this guide, you’ll find a handful of recommendations and tips for where to stay in Puglia as a base. 

Essentials for Choosing a Base in Puglia

🚙 A trip to Puglia is immensely more enjoyable with a car. By driving, it makes visiting Puglia’s many beaches, points of interests and various towns so much easier. Rent a car at either Bari Airport or Brindisi Airport.

🚊 If you do opt for choosing public transportation, you can rely on the Salento Bus schedule or use an app like Bookaway for bus and train routes.

🌊 Among the best overall places to stay in Puglia is Monopoli. It is the perfect combination of being in a charming coastal city while being very close to tons of gorgeous beaches. Whether you have a car or not during your Puglia trip, Monopoli is a suitable base for nearly all types of travelers.

🏛 Don’t care too much about being close to beaches? Stay in the inland city of Lecce. Whenever you do want to visit the coast or the towns of Itria Valley, you can book one of the many tours which depart from Lecce.

Where Is Puglia in Italy?

As enchanting as it often sounds, some of the finest holiday destinations always seem to be located in the south. This holds true when it comes to Puglia, a stunning region in southern Italy. If you’re like the majority of us, you probably refer to any geographical features in Italy by its shape, which resembles a tall boot. Puglia constitutes the heel of Italy and is embraced by two seas – the Adriatic on the east and the Ionian on the west.

Directly across from Puglia and on the other side of the Adriatic, lie the Balkan states. From the Puglian town of Otranto, you can even catch a glimpse of Albania on a clear day. Additionally, the eastern-most region shares borders with Italy’s Molise, Basilicata, and Campania regions.

Despite being only the seventh largest region in Italy, Puglia still has plenty to brag about! Puglia’s coastline is the longest on mainland Italy and stretches for about 800 km in total. What does this mean? Clearly, it has more than one or two beaches for travellers like us to relish in. However, Puglia’s vast area also means it can be challenging to choose exactly where to go and stay. With six provinces dividing the gorgeous southern region, each has its own treasures and a long list of reasons to visit.

→ ⛱ Read more with our extensive guide on the best beaches in Puglia ←

Why Is Puglia Worth Seeing?

Truly, it’s a wonder why it’s taken so long for non-Italian tourists to discover Puglia. But at the same time, we hope it never gets to a point that other Italian hotspots like Amalfi or Cinque Terre have reached. The main reason why Puglia stands out above any other Italian destination is that it’s not just home to a handful of places worth visiting. Puglia’s entire region is packed with a never-ending abundance of magnificent sights, ranging from beaches that resemble the Maldives, hundred-year-old farms, charming towns, and even UNESCO sites.

For most people seeking a summer holiday, Puglia is deservedly acclaimed for its magnificent beaches. Not only are the beaches dreamy, but there are so many to choose from. Whether you’re a beach bum looking to snorkel and explore caves or simply lay under an umbrella with a drink in hand, Puglia beaches are one of the top reasons to visit. Still, the beautiful coastline of Puglia is just the beginning of what the region has to offer. Anyone interested in culture, art, and history will be more than pleased to explore sites such as the trulli town of Alberobello, the Spartan city of Taranto, and the Baroque-influenced city of Lecce.

→ ✈️ Find the cheapest flights to Bari or Brindisi with Skyscanner ←

How Many Days Are Enough in Puglia?

The fact that Puglia has so many places to visit and see is a blessing and a curse. It’s tempting to go into planning your Puglia trip with the mindset of “seeing it all.” Unless you are spending at least three weeks in Puglia, it would be incredibly challenging to tour the entire region. For travellers, this means you should set expectations accordingly. After all, driving from the north end of Puglia to the southernmost tip takes five hours. If spending a lot of time in the car is not of interest to you, do not overpack your Puglia itinerary.

Visiting Puglia is not like visiting Florence, Venice, or even Rome. Although the number of must-see places is plentiful, they are spread out throughout the entire region. If you choose one province such as Bari or Lecce to explore, a minimum of one week should be allocated for a Puglia trip. For spending time at the beach and exploring inland, a two-week-long Puglia itinerary is recommended.

The amount of time you spend in Puglia is also dependent on how you plan on getting around. Unsurprisingly, visitors will make the most of their time if they’re traveling with a car. Personally, we’re huge road trip advocates and Puglia is ideal for travellers not hesitant to get behind the wheel. However, experiencing just as much without a car is made possible with guided tours and packaged experiences.

Rental cars do not have to be expensive, especially if you book a compact vehicle, which happens to be the perfect size for touring the Italian coastline.

→ 🚗 Book an affordable rental car for a dreamy Puglia road trip ←

🚙 First time driving in Puglia? Use our guide on how to master driving in Puglia this upcoming season!

A Map of Where to Stay In Puglia as a Base

Where to Stay In Puglia as a Base

Otranto

Distance from Bari Airport: 2 hours | 211 km (131 mi)

The coastal town of Otranto sits on the east side of Salento. By any definition, it is one of the most ideal holiday destinations you could ask for, particularly in Europe. A 15th-century castle and its fortress walls act as the town’s most prominent historical landmarks, along with an ancient cathedral consisting of a crypt and preserved mosaics.

Surrounding the beautiful city are some of the most crystal-clear beaches located just steps from Otranto’s centre. Depending on how adventurous your travel style is, Otranto can be explored locally or utilized as an excellent base while traveling throughout Salento. We held off on visiting Otranto because of its popularity, but in the end, it became one of our favourite places in the entire region.

Attractions Near Otranto

Cave of Poetry (Grotta della Poesia): 30 minute drive and located here.

Cava di Bauxite: 5 minute drive and located here.

Lighthouse Punta Palascìa: 20 minute drive and located here.

Ipogeo di Torre Pinta: 5 minute drive and located here.

Baia dei Turchi: 15 minute drive and located here.

Giardino Botanico La Cutura: 15 minute drive and located here.

Where to Stay in Otranto

💰 Cuti Mari – Book with Booking.com

💰💰 La Torretta – Marea Collection – Book with Booking.com

💰💰💰 Agriturismo Vigna Corallo – Book with Booking.com

→ 🛏 Find the lowest priced hotels, apartments and vacation villas in Otranto ←

Savelletri

Distance from Bari Airport: 1 hour | 74 km (43 mi)

The small town of Savelletri often goes unnoticed by visitors heading to more popular destinations like Polignano a Mare and Monopoli nearby. Comparatively, the town is much sleepier and lacks the attraction of mass tourism. Unlike its neighbouring destinations, Savelletri doesn’t boast a gorgeous central beach, which is part of the reason why it feels more relaxed and authentic. For visitors driving throughout Puglia, it’s the perfect solution as a base when choosing where to stay. You’ll still find no shortage of incredible places to eat, stay, and enjoy the coastline without bumping elbows with tourists. A bonus detail that’s easy to overlook is the ability to find free parking within the town, an important detail if travelling by car.

🐟 Read more with our guide on visiting the quaint seaside town of Savelletri.

Attractions Near Savelletri

Museo Archeologico Di Egnazia: 5 minute drive and located here.

Aquapark Egnazia: 5 minute drive and located here.

Calette di Torre Cintola: 10 minute drive and located here.

Parco rupestre Lama d’Antico: 10 minute drive and located here.

Zoosafari Fasanolandia: 15 minute drive and located here.

Towns of Valle d’Itria (Locorotondo, Alberobello, Cisternino): 30 minute drive

Where to Stay in Savelletri

💰 Case d’Artista – Book with Booking.com

💰💰 Midiè B&B Savelletri – Book with Booking.com

💰💰💰 Bianco Riccio Suite Hotel – Book with Booking.com

→ 🛏 Find the lowest priced hotels, apartments and vacation villas in Savelletri ←

Gallipoli

Distance from Bari Airport: 2.5 hours | 200 km (124 mi)

Frequently known as one of the top places in Puglia for nightlife, there are still many reasons to enjoy Gallipoli even before sunset. The old center of Gallipoli makes for a magical stay as it is geographically a miniature island, only connected to the mainland by one bridge.

Gallipoli’s charm is comprised of medieval narrow streets, a lovely walkway surrounding the island’s perimeter, and enough restaurants to last a lifetime. The stunning yet humble Spiaggia della Purità is a centrally located beach, perfect for a quick dip or to spend a lazy day. For beach goers with a car, staying in Gallipoli is a wonderful choice for exploring numerous beaches located north and south of the town.

Attractions Near Gallipoli

Lecce: 30 minute drive and located here.

Spiaggia di Punta della Suina, Spiaggia di Punta Pizzo and Baia Verde: 15 minute drive

Spiaggia di Torre San Giovanni: 35 minute drive and located here.

Castello de’ Monti: 40 minute drive and located here.

Parco naturale regionale Porto Selvaggio: 30 minute drive and located here.

Faro di Santa Maria di Leuca: 45 minute drive and located here.

Where to Stay in Gallipoli

💰 Appartamenti in Residence Kalè – Book with Booking.com

💰💰 Relais Corte Palmieri & Il Chiostro – Book with Booking.com

💰💰💰 Palazzo Presta – Book with Booking.com

→ 🛏 Find the lowest priced hotels, apartments and vacation villas in Gallipoli ←

Tricase

Distance from Bari Airport: 2.5 hours | 218 km (135 mi)

Located in the southern area of the Salento peninsula, Tricase is an inland town just 4 km from the coastline. Despite it being home to a 16th-century castle, the town is fairly modern, which makes it easily accessible by car. With its non-coastal location, accommodation is much more affordable than anything situated directly by the sea.

For budget travellers, staying in Tricase is a smart move as it’s still extremely close to many remarkable beaches in every direction and within a 15-minute drive. Tricase Porto and Marina Serra are two of the most unique places to swim in Puglia, both of which happen to be located within 5 km of Tricase.

Attractions Near Tricase

Spiaggia e Piscina Naturale di Marina Serra: 10 minute drive and located here.

Tricase Porto: 10 minute drive and located here.

Cala dell’Acquaviva: 20 minute drive and located here.

Grotta Zinzulusa: 25 minute drive and located here.

Spiaggia di Porto Miggiano: 25 minute drive and located here.

Punta Ristola Leuca: 30 minute drive and located here.

Marina di Pescoluse (Maldives of Salento): 30 minute drive and located here.

Where to Stay in Tricase

💰 B&B La Vecchia Corte – Book with Booking.com

💰💰 Masseria Uccio – Book with Booking.com

💰💰💰 BioMasseria Santa Lucia – Book with Booking.com

→ 🛏 Find the lowest priced hotels, apartments and vacation villas in Tricase ←

Where to Stay In Puglia as a Base Without a Car

Monopoli

Distance from Bari Airport: 45 Minutes | 56 km (35 mi)

First-time visitors may be quick to choose Bari as a base when staying in Puglia due to the location of the airport. Although this is sensible, staying in Monopoli instead requires a little more travel but is truthfully much more enjoyable. Monopoli is a fishing town, comprised of both a modern neighborhood and a Centro Storico (historic center). Picking Monopoli as a base for a Puglia trip is most suited for any visitor seeking a beach vacation without too much travel. In fact, we’ve even put together a complete guide on the best beaches in and near Monopoli. With so many swim spots within walking distance of Monopoli’s center, it’s the clear-cut winner as the best Puglia base for beaches if you don’t plan on driving anywhere.

The Old Port of Monopoli, along with the historic center, are just some of the town’s most endearing characteristics. You don’t have to look far to find medieval cobblestone streets, tucked-away shops, and ruins from ancient civilizations. If local cuisine and fresh seafood are on your radar, staying in Monopoli won’t disappoint, with its vast selection of restaurants serving delicious traditional dishes.

The coastal town is also commonly used as a focal point for regional festivals, concerts, and events. Even if you are not travelling by car, it’s uncomplicated to reach the nearby admired destinations such as Alberobello and Locorotondo by tour buses, which depart regularly from Monopoli. The renowned picturesque Lama Monachile in Polignano a Mare is also only 15 minutes away.

⛵️ Complete a perfect day in Polignano a Mare with a boat tour of the caves and breathtaking coastline.

Where to Stay in Monopoli

💰 Casa di Domy – Book with Booking.com

💰💰 Borgo Cozzana – Book with Booking.com

💰💰💰 Hotel Don Ferrante – Book with Booking.com

Lecce

Distance from Bari Airport: 2 Hours | 163 km (101 mi)

In comparison to other major cities in Puglia, Lecce is unparalleled when it comes to overall charm and visual appeal. Having been influenced by multiple civilizations such as the Ancient Greeks, Romans, and more, each has imparted their own personal touches that remain intact in Lecce’s culture today. Choosing to stay in Lecce is most ideal for travellers who appreciate art, culture, food and those who don’t necessarily need to be at the beach every day.

Upon entering the ancient quarter, it’s instantly understood why Lecce is occasionally named “the Florence of the South” or even “the most beautiful town in Italy.” Historic fortress walls, preserved Roman theaters, age-old relics, and Baroque churches are just some of the city’s most defining features. Even though Lecce is steeped in history, this doesn’t translate to its present-day youthful energy. Streets are lined with hip bars, boutique shops, and innovative gastronomy, thanks to Lecce’s reputation as a university town.

As the capital of its own province, Lecce is conveniently located to other larger towns in Salento and acts as a common departure point for day trip tours. This makes it a favourable base whether you plan on solely discovering Lecce town or venturing off.

→ 🤿Book a Salento peninsula day trip that departs from Lecce ←

Where to Stay in Lecce

💰 Le Antiche Mura – Book with Booking.com

💰💰 PALAZZO MARINI B&B DI CHARME – Book with Booking.com

💰💰💰 Pollicastro Boutique Hotel – Book with Booking.com

Torre Lapillo / Porto Cesareo

Distance from Bari Airport: 2.5 Hours | 174 km (108 mi)

Beginning in Torre Lapillo and extending south to Porto Cesareo is a series of half-moon bay beaches. In comparison to other historic coastal towns in Puglia, like Otranto or Gallipoli, the Porto Cesareo area is heavily a beach town. What these towns lack in charm, they effortlessly make up for in convenient access to some of the best sandy beaches in Puglia. When choosing where to stay in Puglia as a base, Porto Cesareo is an exceptional option for families with children. As parents, we empathise with the common struggle of simply getting ready to leave the hotel or apartment and getting to the beach with young ones. To cut out this nonsense and reach the beach with your kids as quickly as possible, the numerous beachfront accommodations in Porto Cesareo are the perfect solution.

Naturally, convenience doesn’t only exist for folks with kids. If you’re the type of traveler who is committed to not doing anything while on vacation, staying in Torre Lapillo or Porto Cesareo will fit your needs. We visited a number of beaches near Porto Cesareo and it was unbelievable how nice each one was. All of them had crystal clear water, fine sand, and shallow entrances. If you’re up for a slight adventure, you can even find some private slices of paradise with fewer crowds like this one.

🌞 Read more with our travel guide on visiting Porto Cesareo and its many incredible beaches!

Where to Stay in Torre Lapillo / Porto Cesareo

💰 Moonlight B&B – Book with Booking.com

💰💰 Le Dune Suite Hotel – Book with Booking.com

💰💰💰 Adagio Salentino – Book with Booking.com

Locorotondo

Distance from Bari Airport: 1 Hour | 80 km (49 mi)

Itria Valley (or Valle d’Itria) is the inland section of Puglia between the Bari and Taranto coastlines. Mostly known for its delightful and historic towns, it is one of the most frequented places by tourists in Puglia that isn’t near the coast. The valley is comprised of notable towns including Alberobello, Martina Franca, and Cisternino. Among them is the town of Locorotondo, which has recently grown in popularity and deservingly so. Choosing Locorotondo as a base to stay in Puglia is practical for people keen on exploring as many delightful towns as possible within the valley.

As much attention as Puglia beaches receive, the beauty of Locorotondo and neighboring small towns is refreshingly different. Locorotondo’s historic center is wrapped around a hill and slightly perched above the valley and waves of vineyards below. The charming streets make for one of the most picture-perfect strolls you’ll ever experience. Although the town itself isn’t huge, it would be a mistake to assume there isn’t much to see or do. For a town with a history dating back to the 10th century, Locorotondo is a noteworthy hub for Puglia culture, cuisine, and agricultural appreciation.

For travellers short on time, a brief guided tour of Locorotondo and its nearby counterparts is a brilliant holiday idea for those only spending a few days in Puglia without a car. It is very easy to get to neighbouring towns by bus, private transfers or guided tours.

→🍷 Don’t leave the Itria Valley without booking a wine tasting experience ←

Where to Stay in Locorotondo

💰 Coppola di Seta – Book with Booking.com

💰💰 Dimora Graziana 1909 – Book with Booking.com

💰💰💰 Tenuta del Lauro – Book with Booking.com

More Tips on Choosing Where to Stay In Puglia

Where to Stay for Resorts and Luxury Hotels in Puglia

Instead of the typical beachfront real estate being jammed with uninspiring resorts, most of Puglia’s luxury and high-end stays are actually situated inland. When searching for a stay worth indulging in, begin your search for a masseria. A masseria is known as a country home, farmhouse, or even an estate and is very renowned in Puglia.

Most are typically reconstructed, renovated, or preserved from the ground up with extreme detail. Another type of stay to look out for is a trulli, which is another historical structural design often renovated for tourists. You can find anything from a studio-sized trulli to an entire trulli resort. Both of these types of luxury stays in Puglia are truly unique to the area and can be found throughout the entire region. However, you’ll find a large selection of high-end accommodations in Valle d’Itria.

→ 🌾 Book a rustic and refined farm stay in the Itria Valley ←

Best Place to Stay In Puglia for Couples

The prominent inland city of Ostuni is well known for its historic whitewashed town centre. With its ancient structures composed of a range of architectural elements, it is undoubtedly the most romantic town in Puglia. In the evening, the town is lit up and filled with an enticing energy, which even includes live music heard throughout the streets. Couples will particularly enjoy staying in Ostuni as their base in Puglia for the ample selection of atmospheric restaurants and outdoor bars.

→ 🛏 Find the lowest priced hotels, apartments and vacation villas in Ostuni ←

Where to Stay In Puglia With a Family

Also known as the Maldives of Salento, Marina di Pescoluse is great for families traveling with kids. There is no shortage of beach shops selling floaties and toys, pedal boats for rent, and other similar water sport activities. Keeping young children in mind, all of the beaches in the area are ideal as the water is calm, shallow, and completely clear.

The type of accommodation you’ll most frequently find in Pescoluse are multi-bedroom apartments and villas (both small and large). Choosing this type of stay over a hotel is also advantageous if you are traveling with a family and plan on cooking.

🏖 Plan your family beach holiday to Puglia with our guide on visiting Marina di Pescoluse.

Where to Stay In Puglia for Beaches

It is challenging to narrow this down to just one location in Puglia since the region is full of amazing beaches. Still, there is one thing to be sure of, and that’s to stay in the Salento peninsula of Puglia. Salento is a section of the region located beneath Bari and, in our opinion, is home to the best of the best beaches. By staying near Otranto on the east coast, visitors have the option of many different kinds of beaches, including rocky coves, sandy bays, or even natural pools.

Puglia Travel Resources

TRAVEL INSURANCE: EKTA or VisitorsCoverage

FLIGHTS: Skyscanner, CheapOair or Kiwi.com

CAR RENTALS: Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com

TRAINS, BUSES, FERRIES: Busbud, Trainline or Omio

ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com, Agoda or Trivago

ESIM / CELL PHONE DATA: Airalo

TOURS & ACTIVITIES: GetYourGuide or Viator

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