Ultimate Puglia Road Trip Itinerary: Must-See Towns

Puglia, Italy’s sun-drenched gem, is the perfect destination if you want to experience authentic southern charm, coastal beauty, and timeless traditions. This Puglia itinerary takes you through whitewashed villages, ancient olive groves, and crystal-clear shores, blending history with slow-living elegance. Explore the fairytale trulli of Alberobello, stroll through Lecce’s baroque streets, and dive into the turquoise waters of Polignano a Mare. Along the way, stop at family-run Puglia wineries to taste rich Primitivo and crisp Fiano wines that perfectly capture the region’s spirit. With this itinerary, you’ll discover the very best of Puglia, from hidden coastal gems to hilltop towns, all while savoring its warm hospitality, delicious cuisine, and sunlit landscapes that make every day feel like la dolce vita.

What is the best Puglia itinerary?

1- Start your journey in Bari

Begin your Puglia itinerary in Bari, the region’s lively capital and perfect launchpad for exploring southern Italy. Wander through Bari Vecchia, where grandmothers still shape orecchiette pasta right on the streets, and feel the rhythm of local life echoing through narrow alleys and sunny piazzas. Visit the Basilica di San Nicola, stroll the seafront promenade, and enjoy Bari wine tastings paired with fresh seafood for the ultimate local experience. When you’re ready to explore beyond the city, take one of the many day trips from Bari, from the whitewashed beauty of Ostuni to the fairytale trulli of Alberobello. Authentic, flavorful, and full of life, Bari sets the perfect tone for your Puglia adventure.

2- Wander through the trulli of Alberobello

No trip to southern Italy is complete without discovering the UNESCO-listed trulli of Alberobello. These cone-shaped whitewashed homes are unlike anything else in the world, giving the town a storybook feel. Wander through Rione Monti, where cobbled lanes twist between perfectly preserved trulli, and let yourself get lost among artisan shops and cozy wine bars. Stop for a glass of crisp local wine or a handmade souvenir before catching the sunset over the rooftops, a truly magical moment.

Want insider tips? Dive into our latest guide on the things to do in Alberobello to make your visit unforgettable!

3- Soak up the sun in Polignano a Mare

Carved dramatically into limestone cliffs, Polignano a Mare is pure Italian seaside perfection. Spend the day swimming in turquoise coves, wandering through narrow whitewashed streets, or, if you’re feeling bold, join the locals and leap from the cliffs into the crystal-clear Adriatic. Don’t miss the view from the iconic Lama Monachile bridge, it’s one of those postcard moments that sticks with you forever. As twilight paints the sea gold, settle at a cliffside restaurant for fresh seafood and local wine.

For more inspiration and hidden gems, check out our guide to the things to do in Polignano a Mare.

4- Get lost in the white city of Ostuni

Perched high above endless olive groves, Ostuni shimmers under the Apulian sun like a mirage of white stone. Meander through its winding alleys, discover tucked-away courtyards, and climb up to viewpoints where the blue of the Adriatic meets the horizon. Every corner hums with laid-back southern life, cafés spilling onto cobblestones, locals chatting in the piazza, and the scent of fresh focaccia in the air. Stay for sunset, when the whole town turns gold and pink, it’s pure magic.

For more travel ideas and hidden gems, explore our guide to the things to do in Ostuni!

5- Taste the soul of Puglia in its wineries

Between hilltop towns and rolling olive groves, Puglia wineries invite you to slow down and sip your way through the region’s best vintages. From bold Primitivo di Manduria to crisp Locorotondo whites, every tasting tells a story of land, family, and sunshine. Pair your glass with local cheeses and bruschetta, and you’ll understand why wine is at the heart of Puglia’s identity.

6- Marvel at the baroque beauty of Lecce

Known as the “Florence of the South,” Lecce enchants visitors with its honey-colored stone and baroque masterpieces that seem to glow in the sun. Wander through the elegant streets to discover the Basilica di Santa Croce, the Roman amphitheater in Piazza Sant’Oronzo, and tiny workshops where artisans still craft papier-mâché by hand. As twilight falls, the city transforms, live music drifts through the squares, and locals gather for a slow evening aperitivo. It’s the perfect moment to indulge in wine tasting in Lecce, savoring a glass of rich Salice Salentino or Primitivo as you soak in the southern magic.

For even more inspiration, dive into our guide on the things to do in Lecce Italy!

7- Unwind on the beaches of the Salento Peninsula

Head south to Puglia’s dreamy Salento coast, where two seas, the Adriatic and Ionian, meet in a shimmer of turquoise. This sun-drenched stretch is pure paradise, from the powdery sands of Pescoluse (the “Maldives of Italy”) to the rugged cliffs of Santa Maria di Leuca. Jump in for a swim, grab a beachside gelato, or just watch the sun sink into the water as the sky turns pink and gold. Down here, time slows to the rhythm of the waves, no crowds, no rush, just the essence of southern Italian summer.

8- Explore the sea caves of Vieste

Make your way to the Gargano Peninsula and discover Vieste, a coastal gem where cliffs, caves, and turquoise waters meet. Hop on a boat tour through the dazzling White Grotto, stretch out on Pizzomunno Beach, or get lost in the old town’s sunlit alleys filled with sea breeze and the scent of fresh focaccia. If you’re looking for things to do in Vieste Italy, this seaside escape strikes the perfect balance between relaxation and adventure, where every turn offers a new view and every moment feels like summer.

9- Step back in time in Matera

Just across the border in Basilicata, Matera is an unforgettable addition to your Puglia itinerary. Famous for its ancient cave dwellings, the Sassi, this UNESCO-listed city feels like stepping into another century. As you visit Sassi di Matera, wander through stone-carved homes, explore rock-hewn churches, and soak in panoramic views that glow gold at sunset. Then, unwind with a glass of local wine at one of the nearby Matera wineries, where tradition and terroir meet in every sip. Matera is history, mystery, and beauty rolled into one, and absolutely worth the detour.

10- End your trip with flavors and memories in Monopoli

Wrap up your Puglia adventure in the sun-kissed coastal town of Monopoli, a place that captures everything you’ve come to love about southern Italy. With its calm harbor, bobbing fishing boats, and maze of whitewashed alleys, it’s impossible not to fall for its charm. Take a stroll along the old sea walls, stop for a long lunch by the water, and watch locals chatting over espresso in the piazzas. For inspiration on things to do in Monopoli Italy, explore the lively old port, visit the Cathedral of Santa Maria della Madia, or simply sink your feet into the sand at Cala Porta Vecchia. It’s the perfect finale, slow, scenic, and effortlessly Italian.

Good to Know for Planning your Puglia trip