Puglia, the 'heel' of Italy's boot, offers pristine beaches, picturesque towns with unique architecture, and exquisite Mediterranean cuisine. It's an ideal destination for those seeking a blend of relaxation, culture, and good food in an authentic atmosphere.
Top things to do in Puglia
Things to do in Puglia include Alberobello, Lecce Cathedral, Polignano a Mare. Here are 15 places worth knowing, with a short note on each.
MUST
Alberobello
Alberobello invites you to wander among its unique Trulli houses, distinctive white buildings with conical dry-stone roofs, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This picturesque town, nestled in the heart of the Itria Valley, offers a rare glimpse into traditional rural architecture.
Lecce Cathedral is the cathedral of the city of Lecce in Apulia, Italy, dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. It is the seat of the Archbishop of Lecce.
The Sassi di Matera form two neighbourhoods of the Italian city of Matera, in the region of Basilicata. They are well known for ancient cave dwellings, which people have inhabited since the Paleolithic period.
Gallipoli Old Town rests on a fortified limestone island jutting into the Ionian Sea, linked to the modern mainland by a historic 16th-century bridge. This captivating citadel matters as one of Puglia's most evocative coastal enclaves, characterized by whitewashed alleys, ornate baroque churches, and grand noble palaces.
The Gargano National Park is a national park in the province of Foggia in southern Italy. Aside from the Gargano promontory from which it takes its name, it includes also the Tremiti Islands archipelago and the wetlands Lago Salso. It is the largest park in Apulia.
Located in the Metropolitan City of Bari in Apulia, southern Italy, the old town of Locorotondo sits between Martina Franca and Alberobello within the green Valle d'Itria. This town of around 14,000 residents is recognized as one of I Borghi piu belli d'Italia and has earned the Orange Flag of the Touring Club of Italy for its harmonious shapes and accessible historical center.
Trani Cathedral, dedicated to Saint Nicholas the Pilgrim, is a striking example of Apulian Romanesque architecture. Formerly the seat of the archbishop of Trani, it now serves as that of the archbishop of Trani-Barletta-Bisceglie.
The Santa Maria di Leuca lighthouse is an active navigational light located at the extremity of Santa Maria di Leuca. It stands in close proximity to the sanctuary of the same name, forming a prominent coastal landmark.
Here is what 3 days in Puglia look like when the planner builds them - arriving at noon on the first day and flying home at noon on the last. Stops are grouped by proximity so no day doubles back, and the same route can be built for any length, from two days to a week.
Day 1Arrival at noon
Stops
3
1
Grotte di Castellana
15 km
2
Polignano a MareRailway station · Polignano a Mare
The route assumes the first day starts at noon, after you land, and the last ends at noon, before your flight. It also assumes a car: the places are spread across a wide area. It is an example: with your dates the planner builds a route around your landing and your flight home, real opening hours, how you get around and your own preferences.
Frequently asked questions
What are the top things to do in Puglia?
Alberobello, Lecce Cathedral, Polignano a Mare, Ostuni 'The White City', Matera Sassi, Bari Old Town (Bari Vecchia) and 9 more. Alberobello invites you to wander among its unique Trulli houses, distinctive white buildings with conical dry-stone roofs, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This picturesque town, nestled in the heart of the Itria Valley, offers a rare glimpse into traditional rural architecture.
What can you do in 3 days in Puglia?
Day 1: Grotte di Castellana, Polignano a Mare, Monopoli Old Town. Day 2: Lecce Cathedral, Ostuni Old Town, Alberobello, Matera Sassi. Day 3: Bari Old Town (Bari Vecchia).
Which areas should you explore in Puglia?
The itinerary for Puglia runs through Polignano a Mare, Monopoli, Lecce and Bari.
Which churches are worth seeing in Puglia?
Churches worth seeing in Puglia: Lecce Cathedral (Lecce), Otranto Cathedral (Otranto) and Trani Cathedral.