Puglia, Italy was the third weekend trip I took during my month-long stay in Bulgaria, and let me tell you, it’s an absolutely stunning region of Southern Italy that you have to visit. Its iconic towns highlight the best of Puglia’s history, culture, natural beauty, and incredible food. Whether you’re exploring the charming white cobblestone streets of Alberobello, marveling at the stunning cliffs of Polignano a Mare, enjoying the relaxing coastal vibe in Monopoli, or wandering through Bari’s historic old town and beautiful port, Puglia offers a rich blend of authentic experiences that leave a lasting impression.
Beyond its postcard-perfect towns, Puglia is a region where tradition and modernity beautifully coexist. The crystal-clear beaches, historical atmosphere, and architectural treasures make it a dream destination for any traveler. Whether you’re a foodie, history buff, or beach lover, Puglia has something for everyone. In this guide, I’ll share the must-visit towns, how to get around, when to visit, and more to help you plan your perfect three-day getaway in Puglia.
How To Get To Puglia, Italy And How To Get Around
The easiest way to get to Puglia, Italy is to fly into Bari Karol Wojtyla Airport (BRI), the main airport in the region, which offers direct flights from many European cities. I highly recommend booking transportation ahead of time from the airport to your hotel or renting a car as it’s very challenging to find a taxi, especially if you’re arriving late at night like I did. Over 100 people were waiting for a taxi after baggage claim and only one taxi coming every 10 minutes, so everyone was fighting over who would get a ride or not. Luckily for us, a taxi driver needed 2 more people in his cab and we quickly raised our hands and got chosen (after about half an hour of trying to find transportation and even calling a taxi company which told me to just wait for one at the airport). We were also traveling with only a backpack so it made his decision much easier to take us as we could just hop in and go. There is a train station at the airport that you can take into the city of Bari, but it does close at a certain time.
Getting around Puglia is best done by car for maximum flexibility, especially if you want to explore its smaller towns and scenic countryside. Car rentals are available at the Bari airport and driving allows you to set your own pace. If you prefer public transportation, trains connect major cities in Puglia, though some smaller towns might require a bus ride or taxi. Once you get into the city or towns themselves, it’s very walkable and makes for an adventurous time exploring on foot.
Where To Stay In Puglia, Italy
We stayed in Bari at an Airbnb as this was the city we flew into and we didn’t want to be too far from the airport since we were tight on time. Bari is the Puglia region’s capital, known for its historic old town and vibrant coastal life and it was a great location to get to the other towns in Puglia. However, Puglia has plenty of charming places to stay, from boutique hotels to traditional accommodations in each town and city – it’s just a matter of personal preference.
Bari – stay near the historic Old Town (Bari Vecchia) for easy access to key attractions, lively restaurants, and an energetic city.
Alberobello – for a truly unique experience, stay in a trullo, the traditional and iconic cone-shaped stone houses that area part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Monopoli – opt for beautiful seaside hotels and stunning views where you can soak up the charm of this authentic fishing town, complete with narrow streets, vibrant piazzas, and the coastline; I would love to stay in this area next time I visit
Polignano a Mare – stay at cliffside accommodations to enjoy dramatic vistas over the Adriatic Sea and easy access to the beach and hidden caves
Best Things To Do In Bari, Italy
1 – Basilica Di San Nicola
Time Spent – 45 minutes
Why You Should Visit – Not only an important religious site, it’s a treasure trove of history, mystery, and culture. This Romanesque church is dedicated to Saint Nicholas (the inspiration for Santa Claus as he’s a 4thcentury bishop known for his generosity and secret gift-giving), whose remains are housed beneath the basilica, where you can explore the ancient ruins and crypts of Bari that date back to Roman and Byzantine times.
2 – Piazza Mercantile
Time Spent – 30 minutes
Why You Should Visit – This piazza is one of the most vibrant and historically rich squares in Bari, serving as a hub of social and political life for centuries. Home to the iconic Palazza del Sedil, which was once of the city’s governing council and the Colonna della Giustizia (Pillar of Justice) where bankrupt individuals were once publicly punished. Today, this square is full of life with cafés and plenty of street performers creating a lively atmosphere.
3 – Bari Old Town (Bari Vecchia)
Time Spent – 3 hours or more
Why You Should Visit – This is the heart of Bari where you can walk through narrow streets, visit key landmarks, and get a feel for traditional Southern Italian life as you pass by small shops, restaurants and cafés, and historic sites. You can just get lost in their many streets and each has its own character, so feel free to walk without a GPS and just explore!
4 – Basilica Cattedrale Metropolitana Primaziale San Sabino
Time Spent – 30 to 45 minutes
Why You Should Visit – This hidden has an understated beauty that makes it a must-visit. Also a Romanesque cathedral, it was built between the 12th and 13th centuries and stands our for its simple but striking architecture. With mosaics and relics inside, you can also visit the crypt of Saint Sabinus. What also makes this cathedral unique is the light phenomenon that occurs twice a year on the solstices when sunlight perfectly illuminates a mosaic of a rose on the floor.
5 – Piazza Dell’Odegitria
Time Spent – 20 to 30 minutes
Why You Should Visit – Conveniently located in front of the San Sabino Cathedral, this atmospheric square provides a perfect spot to pause and admire Bari’s mix of old-world charm and everyday life. Named after the Odegitria icon of the Virgin Mary, which is housed in the cathedral, it is said to have protective powers over the city. It’s also a quieter square that offers more local vibes.
6 – Castello Svevo di Bari
Time Spent – 1 to 1.5 hours
Why You Should Visit – This massive fortress has an intriguing history that goes back to the Norman, Swabian, and Angevin dynasties. Built in the 12th century by King Roger II, this castle has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times. Inside the castle, there are exhibitions with a fascinating journey through Bari’s military and political history with exhibits of the medieval times along with many different artifacts. There are dungeons, towers, and courtyards to experience the defensive strength of the fortress. The seaside location also offers a strategic viewpoint to watch for invaders over the centuries.
7 – La Via Delle’ Orecchiette
Time Spent – 20 minutes
Why You Should Visit – This is the iconic street where you can experience a piece of Bari’s culinary tradition by watching local women hand-make orecchiette (Bari’s famous ear-shaped pasta) right on the street. It’s an authentic slice of local life that gives you insight into Puglia’s rich food culture. (It was also safe enough to put in your luggage if you want to bring some home!)
8 – Ristorante Giampaolo
Time Spent – 1.5 to 2 hours
Why You Should Visit – Giampaolo is a beautiful fine dining restaurant that offers a true taste of the Adriatic with its seafood dishes, serving freshly caught fish and other seafood that highlights traditional Apulian flavors. Their service was also amazing, from the owners to the many servers.
9 – Fish Market
Time Spent – 30 minutes to 1 hour
Why You Should Visit – Not just a place to buy fresh seafood, it’s an immersive cultural experience of Bari’s coastal community. This is where local fishermen bring in their daily catch and you can see an impressive display of freshly caught seafood. You can also see and partake in the traditional Bari-style raw seafood eating culture here and enjoy freshly shucked sea urchins or raw octopus on the spot.
10 – Teatro Petruzzelli
Time Spent – 15 minutes to 1 hour
Why You Should Visit – One of Italy’s most prestigious opera houses, it is renowned for its stunning architecture and rich history. Built in the early 20th century, it was beautifully restored after a fire in the 1990s. You can observe the theatre from the outside, join a guided tour, or attend a performance for a night of exceptional music and drama and get the opportunity to experience the grandeur of the venue itself, with its lavish interiors and vibrant atmosphere.
11 – Lungomare Di Bari
Time Spent – 1 to 2 hours
Why You Should Visit – This picturesque seaside promenade stretches along the Adriatic coast offering both views of the sea and the city skyline. Stop by one of the many gelaterias while soaking up the sun for a relaxing walk to enjoy the coastal breeze. Also home to several historical landmarks, this is a great place to appreciate the blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Top 3 Iconic Towns To Visit In Puglia, Italy
Puglia, a captivating region in Southern Italy, is a treasure trove of stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. While it is often overshadowed by more famous destinations in Italy, the towns of Alberobello, Monopoli, and Polignano a Mare each boast unique charm and allure that are well worth exploring. From the whimsical trulli of Alberobello to the picturesque streets of Monopoli and the dramatic cliffs of Polignano a Mare, these towns offer unforgettable experiences that capture the essence of Puglia. Join me as we delve into the highlights of each location and uncover what makes them must-visit destinations on your Italian adventure in the Puglia region.
Due to our (literally) last-minute trip to Puglia, we booked a private guided tour and visited the three towns of Alberobello, Monopoli, and Polignano a Mare in 2 days. One day was to visit the town of Alberobello and take a boat tour to see Polignano a Mare from the sea and visit the many caves, and the second day was to see Polignano a Mare from land and explore the old town of Monopoli. You can definitely spend at least a full day or more at each location, but if you are short on time like us and only had 4 days, it’s absolutely doable to see all the locations mentioned in this blog post – especially if you have your own transportation.
Alberobello
Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is globally recognized for its enchanting trulli – traditional white stone houses with conical rooftops. These unique structures date back to the 14th century and were built without mortar, allowing them to be dismantled quickly to avoid taxes imposed by the Kingdom of Naples. This clever construction method highlights local builders’ resourcefulness and reflects the region’s socio-economic history. As you wander through the Rione Monti and Rione Aia Piccola districts, you’ll find numerous trulli, most of which were once and still are peoples’ homes, that are now converted into quaint shops, cafes, and accommodations, showcasing local crafts and unique culinary delights.
A fascinating aspect of Alberobello is the tradition of the “Mastro Trullaro,” a master craftsman who specializes in trullo construction, and I had the opportunity to meet a couple very talented men who still use limestone to make model trulli in their workshops. Many of these artisans continue working in the town and can share the intricate techniques and materials used to build these iconic homes.
You will also find that many trullo shops have their own specialties – such as chili pepper espresso (an aphrodisiac coffee) at Bar Peperoncino di Palmisano Cosmo, high-quality and absolutely delicious oil, vinegar, and truffle salt and butter at Yoko’s Shop, and Maria’s handmade woven linens and whistle shop.
There is a fascinating history and the locals were all extremely welcoming and friendly. I had this location on my bucket list for a little while and it did not disappoint! In fact, it was probably my favorite part of this Puglia trip, and the people I met there made it that much better.
Monopoli
Monopoli is a hidden gem, known as Puglia’s seaside city, boasting stunning beaches and a picturesque old town with a charming fishing village vibe. The medieval streets you will walk through retain an authentic Italian atmosphere lined with whitewashed buildings adorned with colorful flowers and other decorations, creating a postcard-worthy backdrop. The historic center has many beautiful churches, such as the Cathedral of Maria Santissima della Madia, known for its impressive Baroque architecture and fascinating legends surrounding its construction. This is a must-visit location in Monopoli as according to local legend, when the cathedral was constructed in the 12th century, it had to be paused until they could find enough beams to finish the roof. Years later, a raft carrying an image of the Madonna drifted in the harbor with 33 beams onboard which were used to finish the roof. This story has become a cherished part of Monopoli’s history and this image is still stored in the cathedral, although a replica is on display for all to see. There is also a piece of wood from the boat that you can touch for good luck.
One of Monopoli’s standout features is its vibrant local market where visitors can find fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and locally caught seafood, all while soaking in the lively atmosphere of the community. But don’t forget to visit the Cripta Romanica with centuries-old frescoes and stone carvings hidden beneath the Monopoli Cathedral. This Romanesque crypt dates back to the 12th century and offers a glimpse into the town’s early Christian history. Along with that, Il Bastione del Molino Ruins can be a quick stop to see the remnants of Monopoli’s ancient coastal defenses while enjoying panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea. And finally, the Church of Purgatory offers a unique and eerie experience with its 17th-century Baroque design and mummies on display, which you can even see through the church windows. Known for its focus on the afterlife and displaying different professions on the door to show everyone goes to the same place after death, this church makes a fascinating stop for those interested in this morbid side of history.
Monopoli’s blend of history, culture, and natural beauty makes it a must-visit destination for those looking to experience the heart of Puglia.
Polignano A Mare
Polignano a Mare is renowned for its dramatic cliffs and is one of the most Instagrammable towns in Italy, overlooking the sparkling clear Adriatic Sea. Polignano has a rich history dating back to the Roman Empire and its town’s historic center with its maze of narrow alleys create an enchanting atmosphere. A notable cultural gem in Polignano a Mare is the annual Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series, which attracts elite divers from around the world who leap 27 meters into the waters below by the famous Lama Monachile Beach. I had the luxury of visiting Peppino Campanella’s (who sells beautiful, artistic pieces of light objects made of glass) private terrace to have the perfect view of the cliffs. This is also where news stations would camp out to record the diving spectacle.
If you’re a foodie, Polignano is renowned for its gelato and a visit to the legendary Gelateria Pescaria is a must. Here, you can savor unique flavors inspired by local ingredients, such as almonds or figs, that reflect the region’s agricultural bounty. Also, add Pescheria Da Pasqualino to your itinerary if you love fresh seafood. This is the go-to spot for locals to purchase their seafood for home cooking, and you can join them by enjoying a fresh, raw dish on-site. I tried the raw tuna, and it was a completely different experience compared to the typical tuna sashimi. Lastly, Super Mago del Gelo Mario Campanella (the cousin of Peppino Campanella mentioned above), serves an absolutely delicious ‘Caffe Speciale’ which is made of coffee, amaretto, lemon zest, and cream. There is also a famous cave restaurant called Grotta Palazzese on the cliffs overlooking the water, but even the locals told me it’s a tourist trap and the food isn’t that good!
As mentioned above, I also had a boat tour that allowed me to explore the unique grottos (or natural sea caves), which provide a breathtaking perspective of the stunning coastline. It was a fun and relaxing way to see the stunning cliffs and hidden spots from the water while enjoying a glass or two of champagne. The grottos had cool rock formations that made me feel like I was in Pirates of the Caribbean for a second, and it was interesting to see how the waves shaped them over time. Overall, it was a great way to experience Poligano’s coastline up close and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
If You Have A Little More Time, Try These Authentic Experiences
Learn About Olive Oil Production – Puglia is the largest producer of olive oil in Italy, and you can take an olive oil tasting tour just an hour outside Bari at a traditional olive oil mill to learn about the production process and taste various olive oils.
Take A Cooking Class in A Local Home – Learn how to make traditional Puglian dishes like orecchiette, panzerotti, and focaccia barese from scratch, all while learning about local customs. traditions make it a must-visit destination in Puglia, Italy. Here’s a Polignano a Mare Apulian Cooking Class and Alberobello Cooking Class that’s very popular, depending on which location you prefer.
For more tour options, visit Get Your Guide – Puglia, I have enjoyed using this tour supplier for my trips in Europe!
If you’re looking for more itineraries and travel guides, visit Destinations.