Puglia, or Apulia, is the southern region of Italy that directly opens into the Adriatic Sea. Puglia is known for its coastal charm, pristine shores, and the whitewashed buildings that dot its rugged terrain. Puglia has plenty to offer, from typical beach days to trips that take you back to the past, so every type of traveler feels like they belong in Puglia. While there are countless places to tour in Puglia, a few make the region the lively and beautiful place it is. If you’re heading to Italy soon, then here are the 10 best places to visit in Puglia:
Related Posts
1. Bari
The capital of Puglia, Bari, is an old port city that marks the Adriatic coast. From the moment you step foot on Bari to the end of your trip, you’ll find this Italian spot the perfect destination; its hospitality, appeal, and impeccable landscapes are why it’s one of the best places to visit in Puglia. Bari’s open access to countless shipping routes in the region makes it one of the country’s most prominent and leading ports, so don’t be too surprised when you find a grandeur that matches its popularity. Bari also boasts spectacular ancient ruins and castles, allowing guests to feel like they’ve stepped inside a Christmas storybook. Of course, Bari’s gastronomy knows no bounds either; you’ll leave with a heavier belly and a happy heart.
2. Lecce
Most architecture and history buffs will recognize Lecce when they step foot in its territory; this Italian city is known for its Baroque buildings, which still stand tall despite centuries. The city is known as the Lady of the Baroque, boasting destinations like the Piazza Sant’Oronzo, Piazza Duomo, Church of St. Nicolò e Cataldo, and even Castello di Carlo V. The most popular destination is the Cathedral of Lecce, which looks as majestic as it sounds. Lecce isn’t only one of the best places to visit in Puglia because of its architectural finesse; you’ll also find gorgeous gardens, breathtaking hiking paths, and a few other destinations that will make the nature lover squeal with excitement.
3. Otranto
Head to Otranto and explore medieval ruins, strolling romantic streets and dipping your toes in a pristine beach that could rival the beauty in even the most picturesque paintings. Otranto’s beauty alone explains why it’s one of the best places to visit in Puglia, but you’ll find its personality matches its appearance. Here, the people are friendly, the culture vibrant, and the gastronomy mind-blowingly amazing. Otranto’s port is one of its finest attractions, inviting tourists to relax and feast on fresh seafood. Other popular destinations include the Aragonese Castle of Otranto, whose mysterious chambers and fine halls date back to the 15th century.
4. Alberobello
You’ll have to take a short detour from Bari to find Alberobello; this little gem lies sandwiched between the Apulian regions of Bari, Taranto, and Brindisi. Alberobello is usually called the capital of Trulli. Conical dry-stone houses or huts with pyramid-shaped roofs that line the area in such vast numbers they’ve earned it a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Alberobello’s most popular destination is the Trulli, which you’ll find marking every street, so finding one won’t be a problem. When you’re not looking for the pointed huts, head to the local eateries to feast on local delights and fresh wine. Alberobello’s historical charm and gorgeous skylines are a big part of why it’s one of the best places to visit in Puglia, and ensure that no tourist regrets their trip.
5. Ostuni
If you’re a sucker for history and art, head to Ostuni, and you’ll find a few landmarks boasting elements from numerous eras. This is just a teaser into one of the best places to visit in Puglia; Ostuni has plenty of other tricks up its sleeves. The Ostuni Cathedral is one of its most popular destinations, mainly because of its historical significance but also because it combines Byzantine, Gothic, and Romanesque elements. There are plenty more cathedrals and historical landmarks, but you can take a breather at the local parks and gardens, some of which meet the shore, leading to romantic walks along the sand against the dramatic crashing waves.
6. Brindisi
You’ll be able to spot the red-stone Aragonese Castle from the tip of Brindisi’s harbor, which tells you a lot about the fine experiences this port city brings you. Brindisi is one of many destinations that shares its borders with the Adriatic Sea. However, its location sets it apart; it connects Italy with Greece, so you’ll find some of the most diverse cultural influences here. Brindisi might be a famous and vital port city, but it’s surprisingly simple; you can stroll its streets, watch the harbor, and try out its finest delicacies at seafront eateries. Of course, like all the best places to visit in Puglia, Brindisi has its fair share of historical landmarks, like Monumento al Marinaio d’Italia.
7. Gallipoli
Gallipoli is a coastal delight with an impressive serenity you might not find for miles, one of Italy and Puglia’s finest destinations. This dainty town attracts beachgoers from all over Puglia, who can’t help but feel like they’ve stepped into heaven on its shores. The sentiment is primarily felt at the Beach of Purity, Gallipoli’s most popular tourist destination. But Gallipoli’s appeal brings bigger attractions than its delightful coastline; the town is home to some of the most impressive medieval ruins. The Gallipoli Castle overlooks the marina and frequently holds guided tours, while the Greek Fountain boasts a rich artistry and a delightful history.
8. Polignano a Mare
Polignano a Mare is a breathtaking town located along the coast of the Valle d’Itria. This fairytale town has its roots dating back to around 4th century BC. The town is famous for its stunning natural beauty, rich history and authentic Italian food. Visitors can wander through the beautiful whitewashed streets with numerous old churches, such as the famous Chiesa Matrice. There are three famous terraces in town offering breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea. After a stroll, you can take a dip into its crystal clear waters or enjoy the coast by boat. End your night by enjoying a memorable dinner at the scenic Grotta Palazzese; a unique restaurant inside a natural cave.
9. Trani
Travel 40 kilometers from Bari and find one of the most beautiful and best places to visit in Puglia: Trani. Trani’s stunning shoreline gives you a glimpse into what this Apulian seaport offers; here, you’ll only find a vibrant and eclectic environment that could rival even the most popular places around Italy. Trani is home to countless museums, including the Castello Svevo di Trani and the Palazzo delle Arti, which is an art museum. The Church of Saint Clare and Chiesa di Ognissanti is perfect for travelers seeking a religious respite, while local parks and gardens make it ideal for families.
10. Monopoli
Monopoli lies in the metropolitan city of Bari and often goes unnoticed, so it’s rarely included in most tourist itineraries. Monopoli is a colorful city, offering tourists a glimpse into the vibrant and lively lifestyle that usually escapes their eyes. Monopoli has countless destinations, ranging from your everyday trip to the port to exploring old ruins. One of Monopoli’s most prized destinations is the Baroque Monopoli Cathedral, which pulls religious travelers and art lovers alike. Monopoli’s Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi is another stellar point, where tourists can settle in the courtyard, watching the hustle and bustle pass their eyes while they feast on some of the best Italian pizza they’ll eat.
Video Guide: 10 Best Places to Visit in Pulia Italy (Coming Soon)
Related Posts
Travel Resources for Planning a Trip to Puglia, Italy
To make planning your trip to the best places in Puglia, Italy easier, we included some of our recommended travel resources below. You can search and find the best flights, transportation options, hotels to stay in, tours/activities, and things you can do at each destination during your trip.
Flights:
Agoda: Search thousands of destinations around the world & quickly compare prices to find amazing deals on the best flights.
CheapOAir: You can find airline tickets, hotel rooms, rental cars, and vacation packages all on one site!
Kiwi.com: What we like about Kiwi is the fact that they are able to create combinations of flight, train, and bus tickets and offer them in a single itinerary. Also, Kiwi has what they called “Nomad” which helps you find the best way of visiting multiple destinations, saving you time and money.
JetRadar: You can search and compare airfares from 726 airlines and dozens of travel agencies and systems.
Hotels:
Agoda: Agoda is one of the world’s largest online travel accommodation platforms with a network of over 2,000,000 vacation rentals and hotels worldwide.
Hotellook: They have more than 250,000 hotels in 205 countries, working with data from more than 10 online booking systems, such as Booking.com, Agoda.com, Hotels.com, Expedia, and others.
Transportations:
Airport Transfers: KiwiTaxi, Viator
Train: EuroRail, Trainline or RailEurope
Bus: Flixbus: Very affordable (as low as $6) and convenient way to transfer between cities in Europe.
Car Rentals: AutoEurope, EconomyBookings, or GetTransfer (transfers & car rentals with a personal driver)
Bike Rental: BikesBooking (Bikes & scooter rentals)
Transportation Comparison: Omio (search, compare, and book tickets for buses, trains, and flights all in one site)
Tours & Activities:
TakeWalks (WalkofItaly): This is our favorite site for walking tours & day trips.
Tiqets: Great site for entrance tickets. It offers directly bookable, instantly available, and completely mobile tickets for museums, shows, and attractions all over the world.
Musement: They have good activities and tours in Italy and Spain, also many great day trips you can choose from.
GetYourGuide: A large number of tours, excursions, and other travel activities
Viator: The largest one. It has everything from tours, attractions, shore excursions, and private guides in over 2,700 destinations worldwide. It also has many transportation and transfer options and some unique experiences we didn’t find anywhere else.
Need help planning a trip to Puglia, Italy?
Planning and looking for the best places to visit in Puglia, Italy? If you find this type of trip planning to be too complicated to plan on your own, we’re here to help!
At MultiCityTrips, multi-destination travel and complicated itineraries such as a special trip to the best places in Puglia, Italy are our specialties. Contact us today to learn more about how one of our experienced travel experts/destination specialists can personalize your multi-city vacations at the best price.
Don’t want to start from scratch and need some trip inspiration? Check out our marketplace for customizable pre-designed packages available right now for many amazing destinations.
To learn more about how our process of trip planning works in detail, please see our “How It Works” page or check out our video on “How to Plan a Multi-City Trip to Europe in 5 Easy Steps” here.
Have questions for us? Schedule a FREE Call with us here or contact one of the travel experts/destination specialists at [email protected], call/text us at (888)223-2316 today.
