3 roadtrip itineraries to discover Puglia

Discover the Riches of Southern Italy

Between historical monuments, quaint villages, sandy beaches, and endless olive fields, the Puglia region is an extraordinary destination that truly shines on a road trip. We share with you 3 itinerary ideas for one week, 10 days, and two weeks to immerse yourself in the Dolce Vita.

In 10 days, you can see the essentials of the region. If you also want to visit northern Puglia and explore the surroundings, I recommend staying for 15 days.

Of course, all these itineraries are easily adjustable according to your preferences and availability. Bloggers from the Fleeps community are also available to help you design a unique itinerary that will turn your trip into an authentic experience.

Still hesitating to rent a car? Check out our guide on the [6 mistakes to avoid when renting a car in Puglia(https://fleeps.co/blog/6-errors-renting-a-car-puglia).

7-Day Itinerary in Puglia: A Mesmerizing Journey through History and the Sea

This 7-day itinerary is perfect for those who want to dive into the local culture while exploring breathtaking landscapes, combining natural beauty, rich history, and exquisite gastronomy of southern Italy. Each stage of the journey reveals a different facet of this magnificent Italian region, leaving indelible memories.

Day 1: Arrival in Bari – Discover Polignano a Mare and Monopoli

Start your adventure in Puglia by visiting Bari, a lively city with a rich medieval past. After a brief stop in Bari, head to Polignano a Mare, famous for its dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear sea. Explore its charming streets before heading to Monopoli. This picturesque port offers a beautiful contrast between its medieval castle and tranquil beaches. End the evening with dinner at a local restaurant to taste the famous Puglian cuisine.

Day 2: Monopoli Beaches, Castellana Caves, and Alberobello

After a relaxing morning on Monopoli’s beaches, head to the Castellana Caves, a spectacular underground cave complex. In the afternoon, continue to Alberobello, known for its trulli, stone houses with conical roofs unique to this part of Italy. Alberobello is so unique that it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering a fascinating glimpse into an ancient architectural tradition.

Day 3: Alberobello, Martina Franca, and Locorotondo

Spend the morning further exploring Alberobello, then head to Martina Franca. This town is famous for its beautiful baroque architecture and whitewashed streets. Next, stop at Locorotondo, a circular village that is one of the most beautiful in Italy, known for its local white wine and panoramic views of the Itria Valley.

Day 4: Cisternino, Ostuni, and Lecce

The fourth day takes you to Cisternino, where you can enjoy grilled meat in butcher shops that also serve as restaurants. Continue to Ostuni, the ‘white city,’ dazzling under the Puglian sun. End the day in Lecce, dubbed the ‘Florence of the South’ for its incredible baroque architecture.

Day 5: Adriatic Coast - Grotte della Poesia, Torre dell’Orso, and Otranto

Start with the Grotte della Poesia, one of Italy’s most beautiful natural pools. Continue to Torre dell’Orso and the Faraglioni di Sant’Andrea for spectacular views. Finish in Otranto, where you can visit the cathedral renowned for its 12th-century floor mosaics.

Day 6: Matera

A detour through Basilicata takes you to Matera, famous for its “Sassi,” ancient cave dwellings carved into the rock. This city, one of the oldest continuously inhabited in the world, offers an unforgettable experience with its structures seemingly frozen in time.

Day 7: Return to Bari

Return to Bari to enjoy its historical sites, such as the Basilica of Saint Nicholas, before concluding your trip to Puglia.

10-Day Itinerary in Puglia: In-Depth Exploration of Hidden Treasures

A richer version: planning a 10-day road trip will allow you to discover the diversity and beauty of Puglia in depth. A balanced mix of culture, history, nature, and relaxation: each day is a new adventure, leaving you with unforgettable memories of this enchanting southern Italian region.

Day 1: Bari

Your adventure begins in Bari, a city rich in history and culture. Take the time to explore old Bari, a maze of narrow streets where you can visit the famous Basilica of Saint Nicholas and the Norman-Swabian Castle. Enjoy the lively waterfront and local gastronomy, especially handmade orecchiette.

Day 2: Altamura and Matera

Head to Altamura, renowned for its DOP bread and majestic cathedral built by Emperor Frederick II. Then, continue to Matera, located in the neighboring Basilicata region. Explore the Sassi of Matera, a UNESCO World Heritage site, for a fascinating dive into ancient history.

Day 3: Taranto, Nardò, and Porto Selvaggio

Visit Taranto, an ancient city with a rich archaeological heritage, including its museums and Hellenistic remains. Then continue to Nardò, a beautiful baroque town with a charming atmosphere. End the day in Porto Selvaggio, a nature reserve offering pristine beaches and a wonderful opportunity to relax in nature.

Day 4: Gallipoli, Marina di Pescoluse, and Il Ciolo

Gallipoli, located on an island connected by a bridge to the mainland, is known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant historic center. Next, head south to Marina di Pescoluse, dubbed the Maldives of Salento for its turquoise waters. Finish your day at Il Ciolo, a stunning bridge with breathtaking views of the rocky coast.

Day 5: Otranto, Cave di Bauxite, and Santa Cesarea Terme

Explore Otranto, with its imposing castle and cathedral renowned for its Byzantine mosaics. Don’t miss the Cave di Bauxite, an emerald lake surrounded by red rocks, offering an almost surreal landscape. Conclude with Santa Cesarea Terme, known for its thermal springs and Art Nouveau architecture.

Day 6: Adriatic Coast - Grotte della Poesia, Torre dell’Orso, and Otranto

Revisit the pleasures of the Adriatic Coast, as detailed in the 7-day itinerary.

The Grotta della Poesia: a natural pool carved into the rock. This place is very touristy, so to avoid the crowd, go early in the day.

Day 7: Ostuni and Lecce

As detailed in the 7-day itinerary, the ‘white city’ and the ‘Florence of the South’ are must-see.

It’s a true open-air museum offering a delightful mix of different eras, from ancient Rome to the Renaissance.

Day 8: Ostuni, Cisternino, Locorotondo, and Alberobello

Spend an extra day exploring these towns in more detail after briefly visiting them during the 7-day itinerary. Each town has its unique features, such as the whitewashed streets of Ostuni and the charming squares of Locorotondo.

Day 9: Discover Polignano a Mare and Monopoli

Similar to the 7-day itinerary, these coastal towns impress and are absolutely worth visiting.

Our first trip favorite: the historic center of the town is superb with its white houses and green shutters. The atmosphere is really pleasant, a must-see in the Puglia region!

Day 10: Return to Bari

The opportunity to catch up on what you may have missed in the region’s largest city during your first day of exploration or to do some last-minute shopping.

15-Day Itinerary in Puglia: The Complete Experience

What a dream: planning 15 days to visit Puglia on a road trip offers you a total immersion. To discover every corner of this fascinating region, from north to south, beaches to historical sites. You will have the opportunity to live a rich and varied adventure that will capture the hearts of all travelers.

Day 1: Bari

We can’t stress enough that starting in Bari is really the best way to start your road trip in Puglia.

Bari is the capital and the largest city of Puglia. Once you arrive at the airport, I recommend renting a car.

Day 2: Trani

After leaving Bari, make a stop in Trani, an elegant coastal town known for its beautiful cathedral right by the sea. Take the time to stroll around the port and discover the historic center, where the Romanesque architecture and peaceful atmosphere will charm you.

Day 3: Mattinata

Continue towards Mattinata, located in the beautiful Gargano region. Enjoy the picturesque beaches and crystal-clear water. It’s an excellent spot for hiking enthusiasts, with trails offering spectacular views of the Adriatic coast.

Day 4: Vieste

Head to Vieste, a seaside town on the tip of the Gargano, renowned for its old lighthouse and white cliffs. Explore the old town’s narrow streets and discover small local craft shops. The beaches around Vieste are perfect for relaxing after a day of exploration.

Day 5: Gargano National Park and Foggia

Discover the Gargano National Park, a true paradise for nature lovers, with its dense forests, lakes, and diverse wildlife. End the day in Foggia, a city that offers an interesting mix of history and modern culture.

Day 6: Altamura and Matera

As in the 10-day itinerary, Altamura and especially Matera are impressive historical cities not to be missed.

The third oldest city in the world, after Aleppo and Jericho: Matera is a true gem well worth the detour!

Day 7: Taranto, Nardò, and Porto Selvaggio

Enjoy the delights of these seaside towns, as in the 10-day itinerary.

If you love hiking and the coastline, definitely take this walk in Porto Selvaggio. Swim or continue the walk along the coast. Very refreshing, we loved it!

Day 8: Gallipoli, Marina di Pescoluse, and Il Ciolo

A wild and beautiful rocky coastline awaits you, as in the 10-day itinerary.

A town with a unique configuration since the old town is located on a limestone island and is connected to the mainland by a bridge.

Day 9: Otranto, Cave di Bauxite, and Santa Cesarea Terme

As detailed in the 10-day itinerary.

This emerald green lake is surrounded by red-orange bauxite cliffs. The contrasts between the stone and the lake are striking! It is accessible with a 10-minute easy walk, even though the site itself is rather poorly indicated.

Day 10: Adriatic Coast - Grotte della Poesia, Torre dell’Orso, and Otranto

As detailed in the 7-day itinerary.

This place is superb. The color of the water is really incredible, and the cliffs are impressive.

Day 11: Roca Vecchia

Visit Roca Vecchia, known for its archaeological ruins and not just for the Grotta della Poesia, another of the wonderful natural pools in the region. The history and natural beauty of Roca Vecchia make it a must-see stop.

Day 12: Ostuni and Lecce

Similar to the 7 or 10-day itinerary, these towns are really unmissable.

The town is full of charm at night with its white stones and lights.

Day 13: Cisternino, Locorotondo, and Alberobello

As in the 7-day itinerary, each town has its unique features, such as the charming squares of Locorotondo.

Perched atop a hill, Locorotondo is a must-see marvel. We loved it. Everything in this town is cute!

Day 14: Discover Polignano a Mare and Monopoli

Similar to the 7 or 10-day itinerary, these towns are really unmissable.

Monopoli is one of our favorites in Puglia. This town is still off the beaten tourist path as visitors prefer to go to Lecce or Alberobello.

Day 15: Return to Bari

Now all you have to do is choose! Are you going for 7, 10, or 15 days?