Puglia is still one of the most underrated regions of Italy. With its small towns, whitewashed streets and beautiful cove beaches with the bluest water, one could say that Puglia is the definition of Italian summer. Yet, with the amount of charming towns this region offers, it is important to have a well planned itinerary before visiting here. From Pilignano a Mare, where the historical old town and the famous Lama Monachile beach meet, to Alberobello, a town which feels like it comes straight from a fairytale, this 5 day Puglia road trip itinerary will cover every must visit spot, from the popular touristy spots to the hidden gems only locals know about.
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Day 1 – Matera
If you plan to travel to this region of Italy, it is also great to add Matera to your Puglia itinerary. I’ve been to many places in Italy and I have to say that this was one of my favourite places.
The town is located in the region of Basilicata and known for its ancient cave dwellings. Over time, these caves became spaces for homes, businesses, shops, bars and more, and today they make up a really unique landscape.
Matera is known not only because it is the oldest city in Italy, but also because it has been a setting for many famous films, such as the James Bond movie “No Time to Die” and Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ”.
Here is my travel guide to spending your first day in Matera:
Morning
Walk around the Sassi and explore the narrow streets. Every corner of Matera is beautiful, we really enjoyed waking up for sunrise and taking photos in the many viewpoints here. Here are some of the viewpoints that you may want to check out on your walk:
- Belvedere di Murgia Timone = located outside the city, this viewpoint is a little further to get to but definitely offering the most impressive view of the whole city in my opinion. You will need a car to get here.
- Belvedere Luigi Guerricchio (Tre Archi) = this is one of the most central and popular viewpoints in Matera. Located just off the Piazza Vittorio Veneto, it offers views of the whole Sassi. I suggest coming here early to get it all to yourself.
- Belvedere di Piazza Giovanni Pascoli = this viewpoint is located more towards the edge of the Sassi district but offers amazing views of the city.
- Piazza Madonna de Idris = there is a staircase you will find leading upwards, which also happens to be the way towards Zipa Cafe. On the way you will find this viewpoint with spectacular views, no matter the time of the day.
- Regiacorte restaurant = this is not a public viewpoint but I wanted to include it here as this restaurant offers incredible views over the Sassi.
Afternoon
In the afternoon, you can treat yourself to some lunch with a view. We really loved the restaurant Osteria La Vigna de Mare. They have tables with the perfect backdrop of the town view. We sat indoors where the round window gave a picture-perfect setting to have our food. The food here was also amazing, make sure to try the pasta.
Evening
Head for a walk in the Sassi and you can explore more historical spots along the way. Wander into Chiesa di Santa Maria de Armenis, an ancient church in a cave. Later, head for a drink to Zipa Cafe. Make sure to get here early to get a spot as the queue tends to get very long. We got here around 5 pm as it opened and got a table almost immediately.
For dinner, try La Fedda Rossa. The restaurant is located in the central square along Via del Corso. It is the perfect spot to enjoy the atmosphere of the town while enjoying some of the best food made with local and fresh produce.
Day 2 – Gravina in Puglia & Altamurra
On the second day of your Puglia itinerary, we decided to explore a few hidden gems as we wanted to get away from the crowded spots and see the gems this region offers from the locals’ perspective.
We decided to explore the two towns of Gravina in Puglia and Altamurra, both of which are beautiful and very interesting historically.
To explore comfortably, I would highly suggest renting a car to have the flexibility to go where you please.
Gravina in Puglia
Located in the Apulia region, this picturesque town is full of unique architecture, lots of history, and beautiful views. It is a wonderful alternative to visiting the more touristy cities such as Matera and Bari.
The town is small so you will only spend a few hours here. Start your visit by exploring the historic centre. There are lots of photo opportunities here as the city is filled with traditional churches and narrow valleys for wandering around.
Make sure to check out the stunning bridge Ponte Acquedotto Madonna della Stella, which crosses over a canyon and makes an ideal photo location. Unfortunately it was under construction when we visited but it was still a sight to behold.
Another sight worth visiting is the Church of Santa Maria del Suffragio, also known as the Church of the Purgatory. It was built between 1649 and 1654 by Duke Ferdinando III Orsini and his wife as their family’s funerary chapel. The church has traditional features of churches dedicated to the cult of the dead, such as a broken tympanum above the portal with skeletons representing human mortality.
Altamura
Altamura is another unique little town not far from Gravina in Puglia. Start your visit by checking out the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, which is one the most important religious sites in the region. It dates back to 1232 when it was built by Emperor Frederick II.
However, Altamura is most famous for its bread, titled “Pane di Altamura”. This sourdough bread is made from durum wheat, which gives it a nutty and slightly sweet flavour. We found the perfect bakery called Antico Forno Santa Caterina, where you could buy this bread and focaccia with lots of different fillings, baked fresh right there.
This is also where we decided to have lunch, trying the “cialda fredda” (the traditional salad with bread and tomatoes), the pasta of the day and a delicious salad with straciatella and tomatoes. Better yet, we only paid €23 for everything…
The highlight here was watching a few Italian women making fresh pasta at a table next to us. This is the perfect authentic experience you want to have while in Italy!
Day 3 – Alberobello
The next day, check out of your hotel and drive to Alberobello. This magical town feels like entering a real life fairytale, famous for the trulli houses – whitewashed stone huts with conical roofs, and it’s a must visit during your Puglia itinerary.
The trulli were constructed in the 14th century but have since been converted to souvenir shops, houses, and restaurants. Alberobello was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. It is definitely a must visit when in Puglia and is one of the most popular towns to visit here.
Start your visit by exploring the popular area of Rione Monti Quarter. This part of the town is very touristy so expect it to be crowded. However, this is also the liveliest part of the town with lots of shops, cafes, restaurants, and very picturesque streets. Don’t miss a visit to Church of Saint Anthony of Padua, which is also shaped like a trullo.
However, if you wish to escape the crowds, head to the Rione Aia Piccola region. This is a lot less known and much quieter, but still filled with adorable trulli houses. You can even go inside one of the trulli houses and see how some of the locals live. Along your walk, you will also find a lot of decorated courtyards which are ideal for picture opportunities.
There are also multiple viewpoints in Alberobello that you shouldn’t miss:
- Piazza del Popolo = this is a famous viewpoint located near the central square. Take the stairs up and you will find a small terrace with a view over the trulli houses.
- Belvedere Santa Lucia = this was probably my favourite viewpoint. Located near the Church of Santa Lucia, this area offers a view over the Rione Monti region, giving a perfect overview of the city.
- Villa Comunale Belvedere = this is a much quieter viewpoint, but the park also offers great panoramic views over the trullo houses.
- Via Monte San Michele = head to the top of this street to find a view of the Alberobello streets.
If you get hungry, I recommend trying the Pasqualino sandwich from La Pagnottella. It was absolutely delicious and made with lots of fresh local ingredients.
Day 4 – Polignano a Mare
Continue your road trip Puglia itinerary by visiting another famous town on the coast of the Adriatic Sea, Polignano a Mare.
Start your visit by discovering the beautiful historic centre of the town. You will find here lots of narrow streets, whitewashed houses, and quiet corners. There are also plenty of lookout spots that give a perfect view over the famous Lama Monachile Beach. It is the perfect place to shop for souvenirs, take pictures and take in the dolce vita lifestyle.
If you are feeling like spending a day on the beach, head down towards Lama Monachine. If you do not feel like spending your day amount the crowds, the Roman bridge above the beach is a great lookout spot over it.
When in Polignano a Mare, you need to try the focaccia from La Focacceria di Marco delle Noci. They have an amazing selection and bake them fresh every day. It was one of the best things I tried while in Puglia!
A boat trip is also a must when visiting Polignano a Mare. It is the best way to experience the city from the water, and explore the sea caves that are around. There are plenty of swimming and snorkelling opportunities, otherwise you can choose a sunset cruise to watch as the sun sets into the sea.
Another popular thing to do in Polignano a Mare is to dine in the Grotta Palazzese cave restaurant. The restaurant offers spectacular sunset views over the sea and offers the ideal romantic spot for high end dining. However, make sure to book this well in advance and be prepared to pay upwards of €100 per person.
Day 5 – Ostuni & Monopoli
On the last day of your Puglia itinerary, you definitely do not want to miss a trip to Ostuni and Monopoli, the white washed towns of the region. This was definitely one of my favourite day trips we did during the trip.
Monopoli
Start your visit in Monopoli, a charming town by the sea. Explore the old town centre, walking around the square filled with shops, restaurants, and historic buildings.
There are a lot of great restaurants and sandwich shops where you can enjoy lunch. We stopped at a place called Gustavo which served nice traditional sandwiches to take away.
I loved getting lost here, finding myself among beautiful maze-like streets made of white stone. We even came across a rooftop bar offering incredible views called Don Ferrante.
It is near here where you will also find the beach and the locals enjoying the seaside.
Ostuni
Next on your Puglia itinerary, head to Ostuni, a town nicknamed “The White City”, and offering incredible views of the Adriatic sea and the olive groves.
My best tip is to park next to this viewpoint, Viewpoint Corso Vittorio Emmanuel II. This is the perfect place to stop your car and also take pictures with the view of the white city before entering it.
It is only a short walk from here and into the city. The city itself is beautiful, filled with hidden corners, flowers everywhere within the narrow streets. Allow yourself some time to explore this town as you will want to stop at every corner to take pictures.
Ostuni is also famous for the restaurant with a magical sunset view called Borgo Antico Bistrot. It does get very busy and they do not take reservations, so the tables are first come, first serve basis. If you want to get a good table here it is worth coming early to avoid disappointment. They serve some bites and drinks too.
Dinner in Masseria Grieco
Because we did not get the chance to stay at a masseria, we decided to end our last night of our Puglia itinerary by having dinner in one.
Masserias are farmhouses that are found all over Puglia. They were bought and converted into luxury boutique hotels and farm stays, offering a farm-to-table concept. Staying in them feels like visiting someone’s home, as the owners welcome you in like they would in their home.
The dinner at Masseria Grieco is lovely, in an open setting with fairy lights and a seasonal menu that changes each time. We tried some pasta and it was delicious and tasted home-made.
Other places to visit
If you do happen to find that you have more than 5 days and want to extend your Puglia itinerary, then there is a lot more that you can explore in this region. Among the many hidden gems and bigger cities, you can definitely spend around 2 weeks here and not run out of things to do and see.
Bari
We did not have time to visit Bari, the biggest city and the capital of Puglia. However, it is definitely worth spending a couple hours if not a day here.
Start your visit by checking out the Basilica di San Nicola, an 11th-century church dedicated to Saint Nicholas, which is the most well known attraction in the city. From here, you can wander into the old town, where you can see how the locals live and work. You can also sometimes watch the locals making fresh pasta right in the street! There are plenty of shops, bars and restaurants in this area, giving you opportunities to shop for souvenirs while discovering the town.
You can also take a stroll along the promenade, called the Lungomare. The views of the sea, palm trees lining the street, and fishermen looking for that catch of the day give this place a lovely and relaxing atmosphere.
Bari is the ideal place to start or end your trip. It is also full of good restaurants, where you can try the local specialities. Some of these include the orecchiette pasta and focaccia barese, a delicious bread topped with tomatoes, olives, and olive oil.
Lecce
Often referred to as the “Florence of the South”, Lecce is a beautiful city that is worth adding to your Puglia itinerary.
Walking through the old town of Lecce, you will notice a lot of buildings in Baroque architecture, built with golden stone, giving the city a warm, golden feel. Do not miss the Piazza del Duomo and the Lecce Cathedral.
It is also worth visiting The Roman Amphitheatre, dating back to the 2nd century and giving a very fascinating glance into the city’s Roman history.
Lecce is also notable for its food. A must try dish here is called the rustico leccese, a puff pastry filled with mozzarella, béchamel, and tomato. There are plenty of trattorias around where you can enjoy local dishes, and try some of the delicious local wine as well.
Locorotondo
Locorotondo is another beautiful town made with white stone, located in the heart of Valle d’Itria. It is often referred to as one of the most beautiful towns in the whole region.
The name Locorotondo means “round place, referring to the circular layout of the historic old town. The best thing to do in this town is to walk around, finding lots of hidden corners along the way. The churches, quiet courtyards, and balconies with flowers really give this town its charm.
Locorotondo is a very small town and you will only need a few hours here to see it all. Don’t forget to try the famous local wine, Locorotondo DOC, which pairs very well with the local seafood and pasta.
Martina Franca
Martina Franca is another charming town in Valle d’Itria, filled with narrow streets, ornate buildings with Baroque architecture, and lively piazzas.
Some of the things to do here include walking around and taking in the vibrant atmosphere of the town. The Piazza Roma and Piazza Plebiscito are the main squares where you can have a coffee and watch the locals go about their daily lives. Check out the Basilica di San Martino, the most impressive building in the town. Its ornate details and stunning interior make this building worth visiting particularly if you are a lover or art and architechture.
In terms of cuisine, the town is famous for its capocollo, a local cured meat with a unique flavour.
Sant’Andrea
If you are looking to go where the locals go to swim, then this is the place you should add to your Puglia itinerary. Located close to Lecce, Sant’Andrea is definitely one of the most beautiful beaches in the region.
This is a popular spot to go cliff jumping, so do make sure to bring your water shoes if you plan on exploring a little bit around.
Porto Selvaggio
Another hidden gem for swimming and snorkelling, Porto Selvaggio is simply breathtaking and very much still unknown to tourists.
To get to the beach, you will need to walk 10 minutes through a pine forest. You will then reach a beach with crystal clear water, ideal for spending the day relaxing.
If you do have some extra time and would prefer to relax by the beach rather than explore places, then make sure to add this one to your Puglia itinerary.
Where to stay in Puglia
Matera
We chose to base ourselves in Matera for the first few nights as this gave us the chance to explore the city in the best way and spend a whole day here. I would suggest spending at least 1-2 nights in Matera.
Residence Le Vie del Mosto
We stayed in this beautiful hotel which was only £100 per night and had the most central location in the Sassi district. We had our own terrace and spectacular views of the Sassi. The inside of the room was very spacious and included a unique cave shower also. Our stay included breakfast too. The owners were very friendly and polite, giving us a map with a breakdown of what there was to see and do in the area and ensuring that our stay was perfect.
I highly recommend this hotel as it offers as incredible value for money.
Alberobello
We did not stay in Alberobello, however, I would definitely suggest staying at least 1 night here. Alberobello is a very small town that can be seen in a day, however, it is always packed with tourists. If you fancy seeing the town empty and not filled with visitors, I highly suggest working a night here into your Puglia itinerary and getting up early to explore.
Romantic Trulli
If you want to be in the middle of the town and stay in the most instagrammable place in town, then I would suggest booking a stay at the Romantic Trulli. The hotel is exactly as it sounds – it is the cutest little trulli with the most beautiful courtyard, which also happens to be one of the most popular photo spots in the town…
Polignano a Mare
We also spent a couple nights in Polingnano a Mare. This town is great to base yourself in, as it feels a lot bigger than the other towns around and is very well connected if you do want to do a little bit of exploring.
San Michele Suite
If you are looking for a hotel with the most incredible view over the famous Lama Monachile beach as well as a high end feel and service, then look no further than the San Michele Suite.
Their suites feel incredibly luxurious and some also offer a huge terrace to enjoy your breakfast with a view for that dolce vita factor.
This property is a little more high end the prices start at around £500 per night.
POSEA – Polignano Sea Suites
If you are looking for a budget friendly alternative, however, the POSEA – Polignano Sea Suites also offers great views of the Lama Monachile beach but with a lot more laid back and simple rooms.
The sea view room starts at around £100 per night, but do make sure to book it in advance.
Masseria
Another option is to stay in a masseria. The reason we did not stay in a masseria during our trip is because we wanted to be as close as possible to the towns that we were visiting. The Masserias tend to be a little spread out, but you can still find one that is not too far away from the towns listed.
Masseria Borgo Ritella
This beauiful masseria perfectly combines the feeling of staying at someone’s home with a luxury boutique hotel.
Offering luxury suites, superior rooms, and family rooms, the masseria also offers incredible facilities, such as their stunning pool and their spa.
They also offer cooking classes, experiences such as olive oil tasting, yoga and pilates, and so much more.
Watch my Puglia vlog!
I hope you enjoyed my travel guide of the Puglia 5 day itinerary and it helps you to plan your trip. Please share if you enjoyed it and let me know your thoughts below!
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