5 Unmissable Places in the Enchanting Puglia

Lying in the heel of Italy, Puglia offers a gorgeous panorama of the historical towns and natural wonders. If you’re having a budget-friendly vacation, these 5 places will let you sparkle your wanderlust.

From the incredible coastal towns to the hilly jewels, you’ll unveil the sparkle in the south of Italy. The plain landscape full of olives represents the fairy tale of discovering dreams.

The stunning small towns have their own magic where you’ll discover the best culinary traditions of Puglia. Puglia (in English Apulia) bursts with hidden gems rather than worldly famous sights.

Though Polignano a Mare became quite famous and expensive in recent years, Puglia offers an incredible palette of places.

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Bari- the capital of Puglia

The historical center of Bari is a charming weaving of the cobblestone streets and ancient heart so don’t miss it. More than 2000 years constructed its history thanks to the Peucetii tribe.

Among its splendid architecture, the Theatre Margherita plays an exquisite role in Bari on Lungomare promenade. The longest beach in Italy stretches at this promenade that takes 16 km and changes the name accordingly. Lovely restaurants and museums spread in the old soul of Bari as you walk away from the train station.

La Strada delle Orrecchiete is an unmissable spot where you can buy this homemade delicacy. The street dedicated to the famous Puglesian pasta lies across the imposant Svevo Castle.

Ideally, spend 2 or 3 days in Bari and you can even combine it with the nearby Polignano a Mare.

Polignano a Mare

With impressive cliffs, Polignano is a wonderful town that ornates the Puglian coast. Polignano a Mare is the most amazing place if you’re searching for a quick way to find a cute beach.

Lama Monachile attracts numerous visitors to its seaside colours being a fascinating cove in the area. The incredible views pour easily from the various viewpoints in Polignano.

The most famous Italian song by Domenico Modugno „Nel blue dipinto di blue“ took shape in Polignano. You can feel its cheerful vibes in the white streets of Polignano. While admiring the city be ready to sing „Cantare“ and absorb the incredible statue of Domenico Modugno.

The lovely verses on the walls will fulfill your allure of Polignano. If you feel fancy, take dinner at a cave restaurant- particularly Grotta Palazzese.

It’s easy to reach Polignano a Mare, from Bari it takes only 30 minutes by train.

Monopoli

A charming town at the Adriatic coast is a beautiful maze of streets and waterfront promenades. Monopoli offers a simple but enriching allure where history hides its shine. Strolling around gives you an incredible taste of fulfillment while spontaneously discovering the main attractions.

Palazzo Palmieri takes an exquisite role in the Old Town of Monopoli and its narrow alleyways. The Monopoli Cathedral dominates among plenty of hidden churches.

Wonderful views perching from the Castello Carlo V will give you a reason to step inside and observe the Old Town.

The crystal clear waters of the beautiful beaches stretch around the large cliffs. Cala Porta Vecchia is a small cove in the Old Town, bursting with people but usually not so much. Just outside of the city you will discover a delightful small beach Lido Colonia where you can even take an easy walk.  

Alberobello

The picturesque landscape of Itria Valley hosts the unique trulli houses with Alberobello town being the capital of trulli. The whitewashed houses with conic roofs create the fairy tale atmosphere in Alberobello where I did the volunteering.

Alberobello is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996 and the historical significance of Trulli precious testimony. It’s enough few hours to stroll around and absorb the magic of Alberobello and its neat shine. The lovely souvenir shops will give you a chance to take home your mini trullo and other delights.

Don’t miss a chance to try the divine ice cream in Alberobello, Puglian snacks here or in nearby Locorotondo.

Staying overnight new kind of magic and lesser crowds.

See also: Volunteering with Worldpackers in Mexico;

Matera

Though Matera doesn’t belong to Puglia, it’s such a pity to miss this gorgeous town in Basilicata. The marvelous world of Matera awaits you after 1h bus ride from Bari.  Being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Old Town of Matera is one of the oldest cities in Italy.

The town full of caves even has its cave church, also known as the Rock church. The Church of Saint Mary of Idris (the official name) will delight you with an incredible viewpoint of Matera.

Sleeping in a cave hotel feels like being transported in time though you can even take a guided tour of the cave houses. The ancient settlements of Matera or Sassi transformed the old town with incredible caves.

A fantastic maze of the picturesque streets served in several movies such as Passia with Mel Gibson as the director.

Hiking in Matera

If you’re eager to explore some hiking routes in Puglia, Matera in Basilicata will perfectly satisfy your wanderlust. Hiking to Belvedere Murgia Timone provides the most stunning trail in Matera where delightful views shine. Beginning at Porta Pistola you’ll reach Murgia Materana Park. On the way, you’ll pass a Tibetan-style suspension bridge and admire the Gravina Canyon.

How long should you stay in Puglia

Ideally, you would need 10-14 days to enjoy Puglia with coziness and visit off-beaten places. Alternatively, you can squeeze the wonders of Puglia in one week or even 5 days.

Though you’ll only touch the surface with these 5 towns, it will breathtakingly inspire you to come back for more.

One day is enough in most of the towns, but allow yourself to feel the spirit of Puglia and stop the moment. Exploring the coast more further towards Ostuni and Lecce will unveil new pearls such as the gorgeous Cave of Poetry. Tramiti islands will enrich you with turquoise adventures, close to Vieste.

Arriving by plane either to Bari or Brindisi will set you on the adventure of the southern charm. Ferries from Bari to Greece or Albania operate mostly all year round. To Croatia by ferry you can arrive only from May till October.

Where to stay

If you’re on a budget, base yourself in Bari and spend a couple of days in Matera and Lecce.

Bari

Olive Tree Hostel– great atmosphere and wonderful location near the train station make this hostel your choice;

Hotel Auditorium– a lovely budget-friendly hotel near the train station with the garden, restaurant and breakfast;

Executive Business Hotel– spacious hotel in the historical city center including the breakfast;

Matera

Fra I Sassi Hostel– very cozy hostel/hotel with the best view in Matera;

Lecce

Urban Oasis Hostel– amazing hostel offering a little fruit garden, kitchen and fantastic to meet new people. The location near the train station is unbeatable.

Baroque B&B– simple but elegant rooms in the center of Lecce, including breakfast;

Grand Hotel Tiziano E Dei Congressi– fantastic hotel with a pool, restaurant  and modern style;

Polignano a Mare

Tuo Hotel– very affordable hotel with the pool, breakfast, comformity and 1,5 from the center;

Alberobello

Trulli Holiday– unique accommodation in the trulli at the tranquil location and breakfast in the nearby caffe;

Final thoughts

Puglia hides a treasure full of lovely towns, historical charm, gorgeous beaches and places that wait to be discovered. At the countryside of Puglia the imperial fields of olives stretch between ancient trulli and soft tranquility.

The authentic experience of Puglia will inspire you with culinary delights and natural wonders. Exploring beyond the surface is what Puglia deserves to await you with its gentle heart.