The Ultimate 7-Day Road Trip Through Puglia: A Complete Travel Guide

Puglia, located at the heel of Italy’s boot, is a region that captivates travelers with its sun-soaked coastlines, historic towns, and exceptional cuisine. This lesser-known region is gaining popularity as more travelers seek authentic Italian experiences away from the crowds of Rome, Florence, and Venice. Embarking on a 7-day road trip through Puglia is the perfect way to immerse yourself in its unique blend of history, architecture, culinary tradition, and natural beauty. This comprehensive guide will provide you with a detailed day-by-day itinerary, including where to go, what to see, what to eat, and insider tips that will ensure a memorable adventure.

Table of Contents

1. Why Choose Puglia for a Road Trip?
2. The Best Time to Visit Puglia
3. Preparing for Your Road Trip
4. Day 1: Bari and Polignano a Mare
5. Day 2: Monopoli and Alberobello
6. Day 3: Matera and Locorotondo
7. Day 4: Ostuni and the Itria Valley
8. Day 5: Lecce, the Florence of the South
9. Day 6: Gallipoli and the Ionic Coast
10. Day 7: Otranto and the Salento Peninsula
11. Must-Try Food and Drink in Puglia
12. Practical Tips for Travelers
13. Alternative Itinerary Options
14. Conclusion

Why Choose Puglia for a Road Trip?

Puglia is unlike any other region in Italy. While Tuscany and Sicily have their distinct allure, Puglia remains irresistibly unspoiled, offering travelers a chance to connect with the “authentic” Italy. Here are some compelling reasons to choose Puglia for your next road trip adventure:

• Diverse Landscapes: From rugged cliffs overlooking the Adriatic to sweeping olive groves and tranquil beaches, Puglia’s scenery is captivating and ever-changing.
• Quaint Villages & Rich History: Medieval towns, baroque cities, and ancient ruins are scattered throughout the region, each brimming with unique stories and charm.
• Distinctive Architecture: The conical shaped trulli of Alberobello, impressive cathedrals, and whitewashed towns offer a feast for architectural enthusiasts.
• Outstanding Culinary Tradition: Pugliese cuisine is fresh, seasonal, and rooted in local tradition, with an emphasis on olive oil, fresh seafood, and delicious street food.
• Warm Hospitality: Puglia’s residents are famously welcoming. Visitors often find friendly smiles, open doors, and a genuine desire to share local traditions.
• Manageable Distances: With most major sights within a two-hour drive from each other, Puglia’s compact size makes it ideal for exploring by car.

The Best Time to Visit Puglia

Puglia enjoys a Mediterranean climate with long, hot summers and mild winters. The best times to embark on a road trip are:

• Late Spring (April to June): The weather is warm but not oppressive, and wildflowers are in bloom. Tourist crowds have yet to arrive.
• Early Autumn (September to October): Enjoy warm seas and fewer tourists after the August rush. Vineyards and olive groves are especially beautiful during harvest season.
• Summer (July and August): The region is vibrant with festivals and bustling beaches but expect high temperatures and more tourists, especially along the coast.

While winter is generally mild, some attractions and restaurants may operate limited hours.

Preparing for Your Road Trip

Renting a Car

A road trip in Puglia is best experienced with your own wheels, offering freedom and the ability to reach off-the-beaten-path destinations. Most travelers rent a car at Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport or Brindisi Airport—both have major international rental agencies. Here are some tips:

• Book in advance for the best rates and vehicle availability, especially in the high season.
• Consider a compact car for easiest navigation through narrow village streets but ensure it’s comfortable for both highways and local roads.
• Make sure to carry your valid driver’s license, passport, and an International Driving Permit (IDP) if required in your country.
• Familiarize yourself with Italian driving rules, including speed limits, Zona Traffico Limitato (ZTL or Limited Traffic Zones), and toll roads.
• GPS navigation (either through your phone or the car’s system) is invaluable for finding your way along country roads.

Accommodation

Puglia offers a variety of lodging options, from charming B&Bs and boutique hotels to countryside masserias (traditional farmhouse estates converted into unique lodgings). For a rich experience, consider staying in a different location every night or splitting your nights between centrally located hubs.

Packing Essentials

• Light, breathable clothing and comfortable shoes for walking through cobbled towns.
• Swimsuit, sun hat, and sunscreen for beach stops.
• A lightweight jacket or sweater for nighttime, even in summer.
• European power adapter for charging devices.
• A copy of important documents (passport, license, insurance).

Day 1: Bari and Polignano a Mare

Morning: Exploring Bari

Start your adventure in Bari, the bustling capital of Puglia. Often overlooked in favor of its more iconic neighbors, Bari offers a vibrant old town, lively markets, Romanesque churches, and a beautiful seaside promenade. Arrive early to enjoy the best of the city before crowds gather.

• Bari Vecchia: Wander the labyrinthine alleys of the old town, where elderly women hand-roll orecchiette (Puglian pasta) on wooden tables outside their homes.
• Basilica di San Nicola: Pay a visit to this 11th-century church, considered one of the most important pilgrimage sites in southern Italy.
• Castello Normanno-Svevo: Explore this imposing Norman castle, which dates back to the 12th century and houses archaeological exhibitions.
• Lungomare Nazario Sauro: Take a leisurely stroll along Bari’s promenade for views of the Adriatic Sea.

Lunch in Bari

Grab a bite at Bari’s bustling Mercato del Pesce (Fish Market) or enjoy local street food like panzerotti (fried dough stuffed with mozzarella and tomato) or sgagliozze (fried polenta cubes). For a sit-down meal, trattorias around Piazza Mercantile serve fresh seafood and Pugliese specialties.

Afternoon: Polignano a Mare

Hop back in the car for a short drive (about 34 km, 30 minutes) to Polignano a Mare, one of Puglia’s most picturesque seaside villages.

• Lama Monachile (Cala Porto): Admire the dramatic cliff-side setting and swim in the turquoise waters of Polignano’s famous pebble beach.
• Centro Storico: Lose yourself in the maze of whitewashed streets adorned with poetry and flowers, stopping for artisan gelato along the way.
• Viewpoints: Don’t miss the balconies overlooking the sea for breathtaking photo opportunities.

Dinner

For dinner with a view, book a table at a cliff-side restaurant like Grotta Palazzese—famous for its unique cave setting, or choose one of the many trattorias offering fresh crudo di mare (raw seafood).

Where to Sleep

Stay overnight in the old town of Polignano or in a cozy B&B nearby for an atmospheric end to your first day.

Day 2: Monopoli and Alberobello

Morning: Monopoli

A short drive (10 km, 15 minutes) brings you to Monopoli, a vibrant fishing town with centuries-old walls, a bustling harbor, and a labyrinth of alleyways.

• Porto Antico: Watch colorful fishing boats bob in the ancient harbor.
• Cattedrale di Maria Santissima della Madia: Marvel at the ornate Baroque interior of this cathedral.
• Castello Carlo V: Explore the 16th-century seaside fortress.
• Le Muraglia: Stroll along the city walls for panoramic sea views.

Lunch in Monopoli

Sample frittura di paranza (mixed fried seafood) or share plates of antipasti del mare at one of the portside osterias.

Afternoon: Alberobello

Drive inland (25 km, about 35 minutes) to the magical town of Alberobello—a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its trulli (traditional whitewashed stone huts with conical roofs).

• Rione Monti and Aia Piccola: Wander among over 1,500 trulli, many of which house souvenir shops, cafes, and small museums.
• Trullo Sovrano: Visit the only two-story trullo, now a small museum filled with historic furnishings.
• Church of Sant’Antonio: A trullo-style church set atop a hill, offering superb panoramas.

Dinner

Dine on Puglian classics like bombette (pork rolls), orecchiette con cime di rapa (pasta with turnip greens), or grilled lamb. Many restaurants are housed within atmospheric trulli.

Where to Sleep

For a truly unique experience, spend the night in a restored trullo—many Alberobello properties offer this unforgettable stay.

Day 3: Matera and Locorotondo

Morning: Matera (Basilicata Region)

While not technically in Puglia, Matera is a must-see city that’s only an hour’s drive from Alberobello (70 km). Known for its Sassi cave dwellings and stone churches, Matera is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former 2019 European Capital of Culture.

• Sassi di Matera: Tour the ancient cave districts carved into limestone, inhabited since Paleolithic times.
• Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario: Step inside a furnished cave-dwelling museum.
• Rock-Hewn Churches: Discover cave chapels decorated with medieval frescoes.

Allow half a day to soak in the haunting beauty of Matera’s stone cityscape.

Lunch in Matera

Try crapiata (a hearty legume soup) or focaccia materana. Scenic cave restaurants offer an atmospheric setting for lunch.

Afternoon: Locorotondo

Return toward Puglia and stop at Locorotondo (60 km west of Matera, 1 hour), voted one of Italy’s “Borghi più belli” (most beautiful villages).

• Centro Storico: Admire Locorotondo’s trademark whitewashed houses and elegant wrought-iron balconies overflowing with flowers.
• Piazza Vittorio Emanuele: The heart of the old town, scattered with inviting wine bars.
• Church of San Giorgio: The town’s main church, with a bell tower offering views of the Itria Valley.

Dinner

Feast on grilled meats or enjoy a glass of the area’s characteristic white wine—Locorotondo DOC, perfectly crisp and refreshing.

Where to Sleep

Stay overnight in a local masseria or in a traditional apartment in Locorotondo’s old center for a peaceful rural ambiance.

Day 4: Ostuni and the Itria Valley

Morning: Ostuni

A short drive (20 km, about 30 minutes) leads you to Ostuni, the “White City,” a gleaming hilltop town framed by endless olive groves and glimpses of the Adriatic.

• Centro Storico: Wander the winding cobbled streets flanked by whitewashed houses, archways, and cozy piazzas.
• Cattedrale di Santa Maria Assunta: Admire the 15th-century cathedral’s rose window and Gothic façade.
• Piazza della Libertà: The lively central square lined with cafes and historic buildings.
• City Walls: Walk along sections of the ancient city walls for panoramic views.

Lunch in Ostuni

Sample bruschetta di pane pugliese topped with local olive oil or tielle di riso (rice, potato, and mussel casserole).

Afternoon: The Itria Valley

Spend your afternoon exploring the idyllic Itria Valley, dotted with vineyards, almond orchards, and iconic trulli farmhouses. Take a leisurely drive, stop at scenic viewpoints, or visit nearby towns such as Cisternino (famous for its butchers’ grills) and Martina Franca (noted for baroque architecture and the annual opera festival).

• Cisternino: Enjoy street-side fornello pronto—meat grilled to order at local butcher shops, and explore the charming historic center.
• Martina Franca: Admire richly decorated churches, palazzos, and the splendid Piazza Maria Immacolata with its elegant arcades.

Dinner

Choose a countryside masseria for a rustic dinner featuring Puglian home cooking, served under a canopy of stars.

Where to Sleep

Overnight at a masseria in the Itria Valley for a tranquil rural retreat, often with pool access and olive groves at your doorstep.

Day 5: Lecce, the Florence of the South

Morning: Drive to Lecce

Head south (about 85 km, 1 hour) to Lecce, Puglia’s baroque masterpiece dubbed "Florence of the South.” Lecce stuns with its ornate palaces, elaborate churches, and lively local scene.

• Piazza del Duomo: One of Italy’s most striking squares, ringed by the cathedral, bishop’s palace, and bell tower.
• Basilica di Santa Croce: Behold the exuberant façade—an intricate riot of cherubs, beasts, and symbols carved in the soft local pietra leccese stone.
• Roman Amphitheater: Visit the remains of this ancient site right in the heart of town.
• Historic Center: Lose yourself in a maze of streets overflowing with artisan paper-mâché studios, trendy boutiques, and cafes.

Lunch in Lecce

Don’t miss rustico leccese—a flaky pastry filled with béchamel and tomato. Try it at one of the many pasticcerie lining the bustling streets.

Afternoon: More Lecce or Beach Escape

• Continue exploring Lecce’s treasures—visit the Museo Faggiano for a fascinating, family-run archaeological museum hidden in a centuries-old house.
• Alternatively, head 13 km south to Torre dell’Orso—a beautiful beach known for its fine sand and the “Two Sisters” sea stacks.

Dinner

Savor exquisite Puglian cuisine at a local restaurant—try pezzetti di cavallo (slow-cooked horse stew, a regional delicacy), or stick to classic orecchiette dishes and grilled seafood.

Where to Sleep

Stay a night in Lecce’s historical center, in a boutique hotel or a restored palazzo.

Day 6: Gallipoli and the Ionic Coast

Morning: Drive to Gallipoli

Set your compass toward the Ionian Sea and Gallipoli (about 40 km west of Lecce). This fortressed town is spread over a small island connected to the mainland by a bridge.

• Centro Storico: Explore labyrinthine streets lined with 18th-century palaces, churches, and inviting seafood trattorias.
• Castello Angioino: Visit the impressive castle guarding the harbor.
• Local Fish Market: Watch fishermen return with the daily catch or join the locals for an impromptu lunch of freshly prepared sea urchin or shrimp.

Lunch in Gallipoli

Enjoy frutti di mare (fresh seafood) or Gallipoli's famous gamberi rossi (red prawns), considered a regional delicacy.

Afternoon: Explore Ionic Coast Beaches

Spend your afternoon at one of the dazzling beaches south of Gallipoli:

• Punta della Suina: Pristine beaches with turquoise waters and pine forests.
• Baia Verde: Vibrant atmosphere perfect for sunbathing and swimming.
• Marina di Pescoluse: Frequently called “the Maldives of Salento” for its fine white sand and crystal-clear water.

Dinner

Head inland to a rustic agriturismo for dinner, or dine at a seafront restaurant in Gallipoli with sunset views over the harbor.

Where to Sleep

Stay in a Gallipoli boutique hotel or a beachside B&B for easy morning access to the water.

Day 7: Otranto and the Salento Peninsula

Morning: Otranto

Drive to Otranto (about 50 km, 1 hour from Gallipoli, or 50 km southeast from Lecce), a sparkling town perched between turquoise seas and dramatic cliffs.

• Cattedrale di Santa Maria Annunziata: Admire the jaw-dropping 12th-century mosaic floor depicting fantastical scenes.
• Aragonese Castle: Tour the imposing fortifications and museum exhibits.
• Lungomare: Take a seaside stroll and enjoy Otranto’s laid-back vibe.

Lunch in Otranto

Sample zuppa di pesce (fish soup) or linguine with local shellfish.

Afternoon: The Salento Peninsula and Capo d’Otranto

Spend the afternoon driving the stunning coastal road south from Otranto, dotted with turquoise coves and grottos.

• Baia dei Turchi: One of Salento’s most popular beaches, named for a Turkish invasion in the 15th century.
• Grotta della Poesia: A natural sea pool that’s perfect for a swim and a favorite with cliff jumpers.
• Punta Palascìa Lighthouse: The easternmost point of Italy, standing tall on Capo d’Otranto, where the Adriatic meets the Ionian Sea.

Dinner

End your journey with a festive Salentine meal, featuring purè di fave e cicorie (fava bean puree with chicory greens), frisella (crusty bread topped with tomatoes and olive oil), and a glass of robust local Negroamaro or Primitivo wine.

Where to Sleep

Choose from charming Otranto accommodations or a country B&B in the olive orchards south of town.

Must-Try Food and Drink in Puglia

Puglia’s cuisine is hearty, seasonal, and deeply rooted in the agricultural traditions of the region. Here are the essential dishes and drinks to try on your road trip:

1. Orecchiette:
   • Puglia’s iconic “little ears” pasta, most often served “alle cime di rapa” (with turnip tops) or with rich meat ragù.
2. Focaccia barese:
   • A thick, tomato-topped focaccia, often with olives and oregano, perfect for a road-trip snack.
3. Taralli:
   • Crispy, ring-shaped snacks, sometimes flavored with fennel or black pepper—bring a bag for the car!
4. Raw Seafood:
   • Especially along the coast—try raw shrimp, sea urchins, or octopus marinated in lemon.
5. Bombette:
   • Pork rolls stuffed with cheese and herbs, then grilled—an Itria Valley treat.
6. Tiella:
   • A casserole of rice, potatoes, mussels, and onions baked together.
7. Pasticiotto:
   • Lecce’s famous pastry—a custard-filled tartlet best enjoyed with morning coffee.
8. Rustico Leccese:
   • A savory puff pastry filled with béchamel, tomato, and mozzarella, sold at bars throughout Salento.
9. Salice Salentino, Primitivo, and Negroamaro:
   • Sample robust local reds alongside your evening meal.
10. Limoncello and Amaro Salento:
    • Local digestifs that cap off a traditional Pugliese feast.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Cultural Etiquette: Greet shopkeepers with a polite “buongiorno” or “buonasera.” Dress modestly in churches, and remember that many businesses close mid-afternoon (the “riposo”).
• Language Barriers: English is spoken in major tourist centers, but learning some basic Italian phrases will be helpful in rural areas.
• Driving: Local drivers can be assertive; drive defensively. Parking in towns often requires a blue “P” pass, available from shops or machines.
• Cash and Credit Cards: While credit cards are widely accepted, having cash is useful for small purchases, parking, and rural areas.
• Water: Tap water is safe to drink; bring a reusable bottle to stay hydrated.
• Shopping: Look for locally crafted ceramics, olive oil, wine, and linen as memorable souvenirs.

Alternative Itinerary Options

If you wish to adjust your route or spend more time in certain areas, consider these alternatives:

• Gargano Peninsula: If starting in the north, dedicate 1-2 days to this dramatic national park region with its forest trails, cliff-top villages (like Vieste and Peschici), and the pilgrimage site of Monte Sant’Angelo.
• Insider Beaches: Add detours to less-traveled beaches, including Torre Guaceto Nature Reserve (near Brindisi) or Porto Selvaggio (north of Gallipoli).
• Brindisi: Historic port city with a lively waterfront and ancient Roman column marking the “end” of the Appian Way.
• Multi-Night Stays: For a slower-paced trip, consider spending two nights in Lecce or the Itria Valley as a base for exploring neighboring towns and countryside.

Conclusion

A 7-day road trip through Puglia is a transformative experience, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in a region of Italy where time seems to slow down and simple pleasures reign supreme. From the ancient streets of Bari to the cliff-hugging splendor of Polignano a Mare, through the enchanting trulli of Alberobello, the cultural capital of Lecce, and the turquoise coves of Salento, Puglia delivers an unparalleled blend of history, architecture, gastronomy, and natural wonder.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Italy or a seasoned Italophile, Puglia’s warmth and authenticity promise moments that linger long after your trip ends. Take your time, travel slowly, and savor every bite, view, and encounter—the true spirit of Puglia is found not just in its sights, but in its rhythm of life. Buon viaggio!