Looking for the best Puglia itinerary? This guide’s got you.
I’ve always wanted to go to Puglia – it’s been on my radar forever. Finally getting there, it didn’t disappoint.
The villages are charming, the houses painted in soft colours and the streets feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Cafes pop up around every corner and somehow, you just want to sit for hours, sipping coffee and watching life go by.
The coastline is stunning, sure, but the hidden spots inland are where the magic happens. Family-run bakeries, vineyards you accidentally stumble across and towns that feel like they haven’t changed in decades.
And then there’s the food. Fresh pasta, creamy burrata, sweet pastries you’ll want to eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And don’t get me started on the wine. The kind that makes you want to pour another glass before the first one’s even finished!
Over seven days, this Puglia itinerary takes you from Bari’s bustling old streets to Trani’s quiet harbour, the dreamy ‘blue village’ of Casamassima and off-the-beaten-track seaside towns you’ll wish you could keep to yourself.
It’s a mix of history, culture and local flavours – and it will have you thinking like it did me: how is this one of Italy’s most underrated regions?
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| Booked It, Loved It: My Puglia Picks Where To Stay: VIS Urban Suites & Spa & Dimore Marinare Highlights: Trani Wine Tour, Nonna’s Cooking Class in Bari and Altamura Walking Tour Explore More: Full day tour from Bari to Polignano and Alberobello Travel Insurance: Safety Wing Stay Connected: Airalo Esim |
Puglia At A Glance
| Fact | Info |
|---|---|
| Region | Puglia (Apulia) |
| Country | Italy |
| Language | Italian |
| Currency | Euro (€) |
| Population | ~4 million |
| Main Airports | Bari (BRI), Brindisi (BDS) |
| Time Zone | CET (GMT+1) / CEST (GMT+2 in summer) |
| Famous for | Trulli houses, stunning coastline, olive oil, orecchiette pasta |
| Best Travel Months | April–June, September–October |
| Driving | Highly recommended to explore villages and coastline |
Overview – 7-Day Puglia Itinerary
▶ Click to View: 7-Day Puglia Itinerary
Day 1 – Bari: Heart of the Heel
- Wander Bari Vecchia’s narrow streets and lively piazzas.
- Visit Bari Cathedral and Piazza del Ferrarese.
- Watch nonnas making pasta on Orecchiette Street.
- Evening stroll along the harbour and gelato stop.
Day 2 – Altamura & Casamassima
- Taste freshly baked Altamura bread at a historic bakery.
- Explore Casamassima’s charming blue-painted streets and cafés.
- Optional detour: panoramic views in Locorotondo.
Day 3 – Alberobello & Trulli Towns
- Wander the iconic trulli streets of Alberobello.
- Visit shops for local crafts and souvenirs.
- Continue to Locorotondo or Martina Franca for more villages.
Day 4 – San Severo & Rutigliano
- Explore San Severo’s quiet historic centre and piazzas.
- Browse Rutigliano’s artisan ceramic shops and markets.
- Sample regional treats like taralli.
Day 5 – Trani & Puglia Coast
- Walk along Trani’s picturesque harbour and visit the cathedral.
- Lunch at a seaside trattoria.
- Optional stop: Polignano a Mare for cliffside views.
Day 6 – Andria & Castel del Monte
- Visit Castel del Monte and admire its unique octagonal architecture.
- Drive through countryside dotted with vineyards and olive groves.
- Enjoy a local food tour for cheeses, pasta, pastries, and wine.
Day 7 – Leisure & Departure
- Revisit favourite spots in Bari or relax by the coast.
- Pick up souvenirs at local markets.
- Optional short detour to a trulli town before heading home.
Ready to explore Puglia? Here’s a detailed 7-day itinerary covering highlights, hidden gems, and local flavours so you won’t miss a thing.
Getting to Puglia
Flying is the easiest way. Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport (BRI) is the main hub. Brindisi (BDS) is another option.
| From UK | Flight Time | Airlines |
|---|---|---|
| London | 2h 45m | Ryanair, British Airways, easyJet |
| Manchester | 3h | Ryanair, Jet2 |
| Edinburgh | 3h 15m | easyJet, Ryanair |
From the airport, you can rent a car (highly recommended), or take a bus/train to Bari or Brindisi city centre.
If you’re not planning to drive immediately, there are buses and trains that connect the airports to Bari and Brindisi city centres. From there, you can pick up your car or continue by train, but having your own wheels from the start saves time and hassle.
Pro tip: Try to arrive early in the day if possible. It gives you time to collect your car, pick up maps or snacks – and maybe even squeeze in a first wander around Bari or Brindisi before heading further afield.
Getting Around Puglia
If you want to see the real Puglia, a car is a must. Sure, buses and trains exist, but they’re slow, infrequent, and won’t take you to the hidden gems you’ll stumble across with your own wheels.
Car Hire Tips
- Book early – prices can jump last minute, especially in peak season.
- Manual vs automatic – manuals are cheaper and more widely available. Automatics exist but are limited, so book well in advance if you prefer one.
- Size matters – streets in old towns are narrow and winding. Small cars are your friend. A big SUV? Not so much.
- Fuel – petrol stations can be sparse in rural areas. Fill up before heading off the beaten track.
Driving Tips
- ZTL zones – many towns have restricted traffic areas. Driving into one by accident can mean fines. Look for signs or park outside and walk in.
- Parking – ‘Parcheggio’ signs mark parking areas. Paid parking is common; some towns have free spots near the outskirts.
- Scenic routes – take the smaller roads whenever you can. You’ll pass olive groves, vineyards, and villages that aren’t on any map.
Alternative Options
- Buses and trains – good for Bari, Lecce, or Brindisi if you’re city-hopping, but not practical for small towns.
- Taxis or private drivers – handy for short trips or one-way journeys if you don’t want to drive, but they add up fast.
- Bikes – perfect for flat towns like Ostuni or Polignano a Mare, and they let you explore at your own pace.
Bottom line: with a car, you can really make Puglia your own. Stop wherever you fancy, take your time in quiet villages and discover places that aren’t in any guidebook. Without one, you’ll miss half the fun.
Best Time to Visit
- Winter (Nov–Mar): Off-season, many hotels closed, but great for local life and lower prices.
- Spring (Apr–Jun): Mild weather, fewer tourists, ideal for sightseeing.
- Summer (Jul–Aug): Hot, busy coastal towns, perfect for beach days.
- Autumn (Sep–Oct): Warm, quieter, harvest season for food and wine.
Budget Tips for Your Puglia Itinerary
Puglia can be surprisingly affordable, especially compared to Amalfi or Tuscany.
| Category | Cost | Notes / Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | €60–€120/night | Mid-range hotels or guesthouses. Trulli stays can be pricier but are worth it. |
| Food | €12–€20 per meal | Trattorias; seafood restaurants €25–€35 per person. Street food and bakeries €3–€6. |
| Transport (Car Hire) | €25–€40/day | Small cars recommended. Fuel extra. Book early for best rates. |
| Parking | €1–€3/hour | Usually in town centres; check signs to avoid fines. |
| Activities & Tours | €5–€50 | Museums and historic sites €5–€10. Vineyard visits or guided tours €20–€50. |
7 Day Puglia Itinerary
Now that you’re equipped with all the information you need to know before you go, let’s get into the 7 day Puglia itinerary.
Bari Old Town
Start your trip in Bari, the region’s bustling capital. First, wander through Bari Vecchia – narrow streets, pastel buildings, and lively piazzas make it feel alive. Don’t miss Piazza del Ferrarese or Bari Cathedral, both rich in history.
Next, pop along Orecchiette Street to watch local nonnas making pasta by hand. For a deeper look at local traditions, check out Stories from Puglia: Why You Need to Meet Lina.
Then, enjoy lunch at a family-run trattoria – focaccia Barese or fresh seafood is a must. Later, take an evening stroll along Bari harbour and savor a gelato while watching the sunset.
Altamura & Casamassima
Drive to Altamura, home of the famous Altamura bread. Stop by a historic bakery like Santa Caterina, which has been running since 1391!
It’s tucked down a quiet street in the heart of the old town. This historic forno still uses its original wood-fired oven. And the smell alone is worth the trip!
Thick crust, soft centre and a flavour that shows why this bread has DOP status.
Next, head to Casamassima, the dreamy blue village.’ Softly painted houses and narrow streets make it feel like stepping into a storybook. Grab a coffee or pastry at a local café and linger while people-watching.
Optional detour: take a short drive to Locorotondo for panoramic views over the Itria Valley.
Alberobello & Trulli Towns
No Puglia trip is complete without seeing the trulli in Alberobello.
Wander through streets lined with iconic conical-roofed houses and soak in the fairytale vibes. Take plenty of photos, but also peek inside a few trulli shops for handmade crafts and local souvenirs.
After Alberobello, continue to nearby Locorotondo or Martina Franca if you want to explore more charming villages.
San Severo & Rutigliano
San Severo’s historic centre is quiet but full of charm. Wander its piazzas, admire churches and take in the local atmosphere.
Later, drive to Rutigliano, famous for its ceramics and weekly markets.
Spend time browsing artisan shops for handcrafted pieces and sample regional treats like taralli. This is a hidden gem off the usual tourist track.
Trani & Puglia Coast
Trani’s harbour is postcard-perfect, with the Romanesque cathedral sitting right on the waterfront. Grab a seaside lunch at a trattoria, then wander the marina.
If you have time, swing by Polignano a Mare for its dramatic cliffs and turquoise waters. Even a short stop offers some of the most iconic coastal views in Puglia.
Andria & Castel del Monte
Start at Andria and visit Castel del Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its unique octagonal shape is unlike anything else in Italy.
Afterward, enjoy a leisurely drive through Puglia’s countryside, with vineyards, olive groves and small villages dotting the landscape.
A Puglian food and olive oil pairing tour is highly recommended – enjoy local olive oils, regional wines, cheeses, fresh pasta and pastries.
For more ideas on must-visit foodie spots, check out The Ultimate Puglia Food Tour You Need to Do.
Leisure & Departure
Use your last day to revisit your favourite spots.
First, walk through Bari’s old streets, then pick up souvenirs at local markets, or enjoy a final espresso while watching the city wake up.
Alternatively, if time allows, take a short detour to a trulli town you missed earlier, or simply relax by the coast before heading home.
Top Tips for your Puglia Itinerary
- Pack light shoes: Many towns have cobbled streets.
- Book trulli stays early: They fill up fast in peak season.
- Try local wines: Primitivo and Negroamaro are regional favourites.
- Cash matters: Small towns may not accept cards.
- Arrive early at beaches: The best spots get crowded quickly.
Puglia Itinerary FAQs
How many days do I need in Puglia?
Seven days is ideal to see both coast and inland towns without rushing.
Do you need a car in Puglia?
Yes. Driving gives flexibility and access to smaller villages. Public transport is slow and limited.
Is Puglia or the Amalfi Coast better?
Puglia feels more authentic and less crowded. Amalfi has dramatic cliffs, but Puglia offers charming towns and local experiences.
What is the prettiest part of Puglia?
Alberobello for trulli, Ostuni for whitewashed streets, and Polignano a Mare for cliffs and coastline.
Which town is best to stay in Puglia?
Bari is good for arrival and nightlife; Ostuni or Polignano for charm; Martina Franca for baroque elegance.
What is so special about Puglia, Italy?
It blends history, food, coast, and offbeat charm. Locals are warm, cuisine is incredible, and towns feel timeless.
What is the prettiest seaside town in Puglia?
Polignano a Mare and Monopoli take the crown for coastal beauty.
Seven days in Puglia, and it’s easy to see why it’s so special. You’ve wandered Bari’s streets, strolled Casamassima, savoured local food and discovered quiet towns like Rutigliano and San Severo.
Puglia isn’t just about trulli and beaches – it’s full of life, flavour and hidden corners waiting to be explored.
Pack your bags, hire a car and get ready to fall in love with one of the most underrated regions of Italy.
