Visit Puglia in 7 days: the most beautiful villages to see

Travel tips for a stay in Puglia: 

• ✈️ Book your flight to Bari (best prices)
• 🚗 Car hire in Puglia: best prices (rated 4.6 on Trustpilot)
• 🏨 Best hotels in Puglia (most popular with travellers)
• 🏖️See all the activities to do in Puglia

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Visit Puglia in 7 days: arrival in Bari 

For those who want to visit Puglia in 7 days without a car: here is an idea for a trip from Bari

Otherwise, here is the ideal road trip: start this first day in Puglia by visiting Bari. While it is an excellent starting point for discovering Puglia thanks to its proximity to Polignano a Mare, Alberobello and Matera, Bari is above all a pretty port city with a rich historical heritage. 

What to see in Bari?

Here is a summary of what you can visit: 

• its historic centre (Bari Vecchia) encircled by an imposing wall. You will find many restaurants and local shops there
• the Basilica of St Nicholas with its Romanesque architecture and mystical atmosphere
• the port of Bari, a perfect place to taste seafood or sea urchins, typical of the region 
• the Lungomare promenade with its stunning view of the Adriatic Sea

You will also find trattorias serving traditional Puglian dishes, such as orecchiette alle cime di rapa (with turnip tops).

If you don't have time to visit Bari, then head straight to Polignano a Mare, famous for its old town and its magnificent white limestone cliffs overlooking the Adriatic. For a pretty beach, we recommend Lama Monachile, or set off:

•  on a cruise by boat to visit the caves with aperitif included
• paddle boarding in Polignano a Mare

Then at the end of the day, go and explore Monopoli, a charming picturesque coastal village with its pretty whitewashed houses, an essential place if you want to taste fresh fish by the sea. Its name comes  from the Greek monos (meaning alone) and polis (meaning city). 

Where to sleep in Monopoli?

• TerraCieloMare Apartments, rated 9.3 Fabulous on Booking.com 
• Hotel Don Ferrante, rated 9.2 Fabulous on Booking
• Vittorio Emanuele Charming Suites, rated 9.7 on Booking for its location

To see near Monopoli: 

• The Castellana Caves: book your visit here
• Fasano Zoo, a unique animal park for the whole family, where the animals roam freely. 

DAY 2: Discovering Alberobello and its trulli

If you come to visit Puglia in 7 days, Alberobello is one of the must-sees in southern Italy. This emblematic village is best known for its trulli, stone dwellings with conical roofs unique to the region.

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What to do in Alberobello? 

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Alberobello is a must for all travellers in Puglia. Stroll through the Rione Monti district, the oldest, where you can visit trulli open to the public, such as the Trullo Sovrano, to learn more about their history and construction. Here, you can taste local products, including the famous pasta alle orecchiette. 

Where to sleep in Alberobello?

• Masseria Rosa Trulli Relais, rated 9.2 Fabulous on Booking.com 
• Palazzo Scotto, rated 9.6 exceptional on Booking
• Trulli Soave, rated 9.7 on Booking for its location

DAY 3: Visiting Ostuni and other white villages

For this second day, head inland. Start by exploring Ostuni, nicknamed the "white city". Perched on a hill, Ostuni offers a panoramic view over the Adriatic Sea with olive plains stretching as far as the eye can see as a backdrop. Here, time seems to have stood still; all you have to do is wander the lanes, admire the cathedral and climb to the top, 200 m above sea level. 

Then, head to Cisternino, another pretty picturesque village known for its famous trulli and charming lanes. Take the time to try a "fornello pronto" in a local butcher's shop, which will cook your meat purchases for you on the spot!

Finally, end this second day in Locorotondo, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. A real favourite. This white village is surrounded by vineyards, known for its local wine. Don't miss the view from the belvedere with its incredible panorama over the Itria valley. For good restaurants: note U Curdunn in Locorotondo. Tips for visiting these last two villages: don't go in the middle of the afternoon as shops often close.  

DAY 4: Discovering Lecce and its Baroque architecture

For this fourth day of the itinerary in Puglia, head to Lecce, often nicknamed the Florence of the South or capital of the Baroque.

What to see in Lecce? 

• the Basilica of Santa Croce with its façade richly ornamented with sculptures
• the Roman amphitheatre located on Piazza Sant'Oronzo
• the Piazza del Duomo, not far from the Cathedral and Piazza Sant'Oronzo (patron saint of Lecce)
• the Porta Napoli, monumental gateway to the old town, dating from the 16th century
• Museo Faggiano to admire the archaeological remains of Lecce's past 
• Former Augustinian Convent, a historic site in this city

Lecce is also a city renowned for its papier-mâché crafts and local shops. During this day, get lost in the lanes to admire the Baroque palaces and sublime churches. Taste Salento specialities such as caffè leccese or the pasticciotto as a dessert with its custard cream. 

Where to sleep in Lecce?

• Dimora San Giuseppe, rated 9.8 for its location on Booking.com
• Palazzo Zimara Boutique Hotel, rated 9.9 Exceptional on Booking.com
• Oronti Accommodations, rated 9.9 Fabulous on Booking.com

DAY 5 - 6  : Heading to the Salento region

For this fifth day, explore the Salento peninsula, known for its paradise turquoise-blue beaches and typical Mediterranean atmosphere. 

Head to the east of Puglia, towards Otranto, a fortified town on the coast. Here, you can visit the Cathedral of Otranto  and the Chapel of the Martyrs, with its magnificent unique mosaic floor depicting the tree of life. In the chapel are kept the bones of the 800 inhabitants of the time who refused to convert to Islam in 1480 following a Turkish invasion. 

Depending on when you come, enjoy the crystal-clear waters of Salento, such as those of the bay of Porto Badisco or the famous Grotta della Poesia, a popular spot for diving enthusiasts.

Another town in this region of southern Italy: Gallipoli. Set off to explore this picturesque town built on an island and linked to the mainland by a bridge. Visit its historic centre and Gallipoli castle, surrounded by white sand beaches.

At the southern tip of Salento, discover the lighthouse and basilica of Santa Maria de Finibus Terrae, symbolising the "end of the land", with impressive views over the Ionian and Adriatic seas.

What to see in the surrounding area if you have more time: 

• the Bauxite quarry, a stone's throw from Otranto, to admire surreal blazing colours and its emerald lake in the centre
• Porto Cesareo with its fine sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters
• the Porto Selvaggio Natural Park, a nature reserve for hiking enthusiasts. You can also swim in secluded coves.
• Castro,  a charming seaside village with a medieval castle and the Grotta Zinzulusa
• Specchia, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy
• Torre dell'Orso (Due Sorelle) 
• Sant'Andrea
• In summer: Baia dei Turchi, Grotta Sfondata or Baia di Porto Miggiano

DAY 7: Visit Matera

End your stay Visit Puglia in 7 days with Matera, in Basilicata, an impressive cave city that will take you back in time with its lunar landscapes.

What to do in Matera?

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Matera is best known for its sassi , dwellings carved right into the rock. Here, you can visit: 

• the Sasso Caveoso district and that of Sasso Barisano
• one of the rock churches such as Santa Maria de Idris, carved into the rock
• Matera Cathedral (Duomo), located on high ground,  with its magnificent 13th-century frescoes 
• The Ridola Museum, considered the oldest museum in Basilicata, traces the history of the region from prehistory to Roman times, with many archaeological pieces.
• the Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario, a former cave dwelling reconstructed to show the daily life of the inhabitants of the Sassi before they were abandoned in the 20th century.
• the Palombaro Lungo, an immense underground water reservoir dating from the 16th century, which shows the ingenious water-supply techniques of the old city.
• the National Museum of Medieval and Modern Art of Basilicata 
• admire the panoramic views of the city from the Murgia Timone viewpoint.

Matera is also famous for its cave hotels and restaurants offering traditional cuisine, perfect for total immersion in local history and culture.

Where to sleep in Matera?

• Lo Stemma Luxury Boutique Hotel, rated 9.9 for its location on Booking.com
• Pianelle Resort, rated 9.6 Exceptional on Booking.com
• Palazzo Degli Abati, rated 9.5 Exceptional on Booking.com

Practical tips for visiting Puglia in 7 days 

What is the most beautiful place in Puglia?

Puglia is full of fascinating places, but some sites stand out particularly in our view. 

We would recommend: 

• Alberobello, with its unique trulli listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most emblematic. 
• Polignano a Mare and Otranto for their spectacular sea views and charming little lanes. 
• Lecce for its grandeur and Baroque architecture, is also a must for culture lovers. 

What is the best time to visit Puglia?

The best time to visit Puglia is between May and June or September and October to avoid the influx of tourists during the summer period. During these months, the climate is pleasant, with mild temperatures and sunny days. In summer, be aware that temperatures can climb above 30 °C, which sometimes makes visits gruelling (especially if you come as a family) and popular sites crowded. On the other hand, autumn is ideal for quieter and less expensive holidays, but there may be seasonal closures in November. Visitors who prefer calm and mild temperatures generally prefer spring or early autumn.

What budget for a week in Puglia?

The budget for a week in Puglia varies depending on the season, but above all on your travel style. On average, for a week as a couple, allow:

• Accommodation: between €50 and €150 per night for a hotel or Airbnb. The price rises in summer, especially in coastal areas.
• Meals: about €15-30 per person for a meal in a local restaurant.
• Car hire: about €200-300 for a week, depending on the model and time of year.
• Activities and visits: €10-20 per person for paid sites.

A reasonable budget for a week is between €700 and €1,500 per person, depending on the level of comfort desired and the season.

How long to visit Puglia?

Visiting Puglia in 7 days is enough for a first glimpse of the region, especially if you focus on the highlights such as Bari, Polignano a Mare, Alberobello, Lecce and Matera (located in Basilicata, mind you). However, to explore more and include places like the Gargano National Park or the southern tip of the region, ten days to two weeks are ideal, especially if you also want to relax by the pool or spend a few days at the seaside. A week lets you cover the essentials, but a longer stay offers more flexibility to discover off-the-beaten-track places.

Is it easy to drive in Puglia?

Yes, driving in Puglia is no harder than elsewhere in Europe. The main roads are in good condition and distances between towns are short. However, in small historic villages like Alberobello and Ostuni, the streets are narrow and can be difficult to navigate. Moreover, in high season, it can also be tricky to find parking spaces in tourist areas, which is why we advise you to arrive early. Another recommendation if you come to visit Puglia in 1 week: hire a compact car and check parking options in advance.

That's it, our article Visit Puglia in 7 days ends here. We hope all this information helps you plan your stay in the south of Italy, and more particularly in this magnificent region of the heel of the boot . All that's left is to wish you a great trip and plenty of good vibes 😎