10 Days in Puglia: Spectacular Spots That Can’t Be Missed

Planning a visit to Puglia might seem daunting as it is a less well-known region in Italy. I spent three weeks exploring Puglia in September 2022, which allowed me to deeply understand the area and return to key spots when friends visited.

Plus, I am a former luxury travel agent who created custom itineraries; therefore, I have planned every inch of these 10 days in Puglia.

In this travel guide, I will advise you on the best places to visit in Puglia and suggest how to combine different destinations to make a road trip itinerary. From Matera’s ancient caves to the picturesque beaches of Salento, this guide aims to provide all the information you need for an unforgettable visit to Puglia and beyond.

How Long to Spend in Puglia?

There is so much to see in Southern Italy. Ten days in Puglia would allow you to explore the region extensively and see the southern region of Salento, plus allow some time in nearby Matera. Additionally, the longer you stay, the more chances you have to eat at some of Puglia’s best restaurants.

It is possible to spend as little as four days in Puglia, but you would struggle to pick the best sites to prioritise as there are so many incredible things to do in Puglia.

A one-week itinerary would also work, but it will give you less relaxation time, or you will miss some destinations.

Detailed 10-Day Puglia Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Puglia and Matera

Begin your 10-day Puglia trip by flying into Bari, the main international airport in the region. Once you arrive, pick up your rental car at the airport.

From Bari, drive directly to Matera. The 50-minute drive brings you to Matera, a UNESCO Heritage Site famous for its ancient cave dwellings.

Depending on what time you arrive, you should have some time to explore Matera. Get your bearings as it can feel easy to get lost in Matera at first, but Matera is small, so you will quickly become familiar with the maze-like streets in the Sassi.

Walk through the narrow streets, admire the buildings, and take in the distinctive atmosphere of this ancient city.

This evening, go to Terrazza Cavaliere for a drink on their back terrace. It is a small area, so you may need to be willing to wait for a table – but it is worth the wait for the view. Order an Aperol Spritz as soon as you sit down because the service can be slower on the terrace.

For dinner, there are numerous options to choose from. You could try one of the Michelin Guide restaurants in Matera, or one of the restaurants I ate at Dedalo (for a true cave dining experience), Osteria MateraMì (excellent food), or Ristorante Francesca (great food in a traditional Matera-style restaurant).

Overnight in Matera

Tip: The mid-afternoon sun can be intense, so plan your sightseeing for the cooler hours or take a siesta back at your hotel.

When it has cooled down, head back out for some pre-dinner drinks at Area 8 (pronounced Otto). They have a cool outdoor seating area and a list of unique cocktails.

Try out another place for dinner from my list of restaurants on day one.  

Overnight in Matera

Day 3 – Gravina in Puglia and Ceglie Messapica

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and travel to your next destination—Ceglie Messapica. On the way, consider a stop at Gravina in Puglia, home to a famous viaduct seen in the James Bond movie, No Time to Die.

My biggest advice for visiting Gravina in Puglia is not to set your navigation to Ponte Acquedotto because the streets leading up the viaduct are extremely narrow and only large enough to fit mopeds and miniature vehicles.

We learnt this the hard way and nearly got our rental cars physically stuck in the streets. Instead, try parking on a street further away, such as via Casale, and walking over.

By parking a little further away and walking, you will get the chance to see more of the town. Your total visit time in Gravina in Puglia can be as little as 30 minutes if you want to see the viaduct quickly.

Although, it is worth noting that this detour adds an extra 45 minutes of driving to your itinerary going from Matera to Ceglie Messapica. So, it may only be worth the visit if you are eager to see this James Bond filming location.

Overnight at Trullo

Day 4 – Alberobello, Martina Franca, and Locorotondo

Start your day early by driving to Alberobello, one of the Itria Valley’s most iconic towns. The journey takes about 45 minutes, and it is best to arrive before 9:00 AM to beat the crowds. After 9:00 AM, busloads of tour groups flood in, so an early start is essential.

Parking is available at several paid lots around Alberobello. Be sure to have cash, although some parking areas may accept card payments.

Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for its picturesque streets lined with Trulli—distinctive white, dome-shaped buildings that house boutiques, residences, and restaurants. While it is a popular tourist spot, the town’s unique charm makes it a must-visit.

Although trulli can be found in other parts of Puglia, nowhere else offers such a concentration of these structures as Alberobello.

Be sure to explore both sides of the town. The Rione Aia Piccola area is quieter and more residential, yet still draws visitors. It offers numerous viewpoints and photo opportunities, often with fewer people around.

On the other hand, Zona Rione Monti is the famed trulli zone, bustling with shops and trulli open for visits. This area is also filled with scenic spots perfect for photos.

If you have not had breakfast or need a quick snack, stop by NeWynd for a pasticciotto. The café features a hidden terrace at the back if you prefer to dine in, or you can take your treat to go as you continue to explore Alberobello.

After soaking in Alberobello’s charm, drive to Martina Franca, about 20 minutes away. Parking is available on the outskirts of town, with a pleasant walk leading into the main centre.

Martina Franca is a treasure trove of charming streets and stunning architecture. Don’t miss the Basilica San Martina on Piazza Plebiscito—a short stroll will also bring you to Piazza Maria Immacolata, a lovely square worth visiting.

For lunch, head to Garibaldi Bistrot, a delightful restaurant where we experienced welcoming staff and excellent cuisine. Our group of six sampled various dishes, all of which were outstanding, so it was an ideal spot for a leisurely meal. Ristorante Garibaldi open from 11:30 – 3:00 PM.

If time permits, consider a quick detour to Locorotondo, just 15 minutes from Martina Franca. The approach to Locorotondo by car offers breathtaking views, which is more impressive than the view of other towns from the Belvedere di Locorotondo.

Spend about an hour wandering the quaint, peaceful streets of Locorotondo before returning to your accommodation.

Overnight at Trullo

Day 5 – Polignano a Mare, Monopoli and Cisternino

Start your afternoon by driving to Polignano a Mare, a stunning cliffside town.

As you explore, walk toward the coastline for some impressive scenery. Do not miss the iconic viewpoints that offer famous views of Lama Monachile and the pebbly beach below. You can also see a glimpse of Grotta Palazzese, the renowned restaurant built into the cliff, from a nearby vantage point.

For lunch, you have two options in Polignano a Mare: Olio Su Pane or Pescaria. Both are famous for their delicious sandwiches, though Pescaria often has long queues. We devoured the meatball sandwich at Olio Su Pane.

Afterward, head to Monopoli, a charming port town. Park in the free car park about a 15-minute walk from the town centre or find free street parking nearby.

Monopoli has a historic centre with a beautiful coastline. Stroll along the Lungomare (its coastal promenade) to enjoy the highlights and spend time weaving through the streets filled with shops, bars, and restaurants.

Consider a boat tour that takes you from Monopoli to the caves around Polignano a Mare.

This evening, drive to Cisternino, where you should arrange dinner at Vattelappesca. We just walked in, but you can make a reservation by phone call.

I had one of my favourite ever pasta dishes at Vattelappesca – it was a cacio e pepe with red wine and leek. Plus, they served one of our favourite local wines from l’archetipo.

Overnight at Trullo

Day 6 – Grottaglie and Ostuni

Today, you will have the opportunity to purchase unique souvenirs from your Italian adventure. Begin by driving to Grottaglie, a small town renowned for its ceramics.

Head straight to the Quartiere delle Ceramiche, known as the ceramic quarter, where you will see numerous workshops and storefronts with handcrafted goods.

Most ceramic shops open around 9:00 AM but tend to close in the mid-afternoon, so it is a good idea to check their opening hours before your visit.

One of my favourite spots is Bottega Vestita, where there is an impressive array of items, from mugs and bowls to plates and ornaments.

Many shops also offer international shipping, but if you prefer to carry your items home, the workshops can wrap them for you to travel with. I bought some stunning pasta bowls, which were carefully packed for me to bring home in my backpack.

While in Grottaglie, take some time to explore the town’s charming Centro Storico and visit the Ceramics Museum.

For lunch, you could try Osteria La Capasa. This afternoon, I recommend going to Ostuni. You should park at this paid car park in Ostuni and walk towards the old town.

Wander the winding streets and go in the small souvenir stores. My favourite spots for drinks in Ostuni are Bar Perso, Hanky Panky, and Borgo Antico Bistrot.

Reserve a table for dinner at Osteria Del Tempo Perso and dine in a stunning cave with exceptional food.

Overnight at Trullo

For lunch, you can grab a sandwich from Porcaria or pizza from La Succursale Pizza & Cucina.

Spend the rest of the day exploring Lecce. There are numerous buildings and structures with spectacular architecture, such as Basilica di Santa Croce, Porta Napoli, Cathedral of Lecce (Cattedrale Maria Santissima Assunta e S.Oronzo), Roman Amphitheater in Piazza Sant’Oronzo (Anfiteatro Romano di Lecce), and Church of Saint Clare (Chiesa di Santa Chiara).

Make sure you also stroll through Giardini Pubblici Giuseppe Garibaldi.

However, the main charm of Lecce is its meandering streets. If you dedicate some time to exploring the above locations, plus you allow time for lunch and or dinner in Lecce, you will walk amongst the streets.

Find my reviews of all the restaurants I tried in Lecce here to help you decide where to eat tonight.

Overnight in Lecce

Day 8 – Southern Salento Beaches

Start the day with breakfast in Lecce. If you want a traditional Italian breakfast of a pastry and a coffee, visit Caffe Alvino. If you fancy something bigger and more substantial, you can try 00 Doppiozero, but the service can be slow, so do not go there when you are in a rush.

Start your Salento beaches day trip by driving to Il Ciolo, which will take around 1 hour to get there from the car park in Lecce. Il Ciolo is a great place to start your day before exploring other beaches as you head north along the coast.

Il Ciolo is located near the southern tip of Salento and is a stunning rocky cove with a beautiful stone beach. The clear turquoise waters are perfect for swimming and the impressive bridge that spans the cove adds to the dramatic landscape.

There is free parking at Il Ciolo, but you may need to wait around if there is no spot immediately. People do not stay too long unless they are hiking the nearby trail.

This beach is rocky, so wear waterproof sandals to walk to the water’s edge. If you are feeling adventurous, you can go cliff jumping from a rock under the bridge – but bring your shoes for climbing, as the rock is sharp.

After swimming, grab a snack or drink from the small kiosk next door. There is a portable toilet available, but only customers can use it.

Next, drive to Porto Tricase Beach, a scenic port town with rocky shores and a charming swimming area. Place your towel on the pier and take a dip to cool down. Porto Tricase is a lido-style beach, making it more protected from wind and waves, so it is great for breezy days.

Parking is easy, with plenty of spaces available on the north side of the swimming area, though you need to wear sturdy shoes for the short rocky walk to the water.

When you get hungry, stop by one of the nearby restaurants like Menamè Tricase Porto or Taverna del Porto, where you can enjoy stunning views and access the restrooms.

We ate at Menamè Tricase Porto and it had lots of deep-fried seafood on the menu, which was delicious, but a challenge for one of the members of our group who is gluten-free.

For the final stop of the day, head to Cala dell’Acquaviva. It is a small and cozy rocky cove with crystal-clear water. There are spots to sit around on the rocks, but they are sharp and bumpy, so bring a towel for some padding. There was a bar selling drinks including, mojitos and beers, but no bathrooms that I could see.

There are several parking bays at the top of the steps leading to the beach but bring coins for the meter and type in your license plate (it is in Italian, so it was unclear initially). The steps are rocky and steep, so the beach is inaccessible for those with mobility concerns.

After a day of beach hopping along the southern coast, head back to Lecce for a relaxing evening.

Overnight in Lecce

Day 9 – Eastern Salento Beaches

Start your day with a leisurely morning in Lecce. Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at one of the city’s cafés.

Around midday, drive to Supersano (approximately 45 minutes from Lecce) for lunch at Bro’s Trattoria. Bro’s Trattoria was one of my favourite dining experiences of my entire trip to Puglia.

Your first stop is Torre Sant’Andrea, known for its dramatic coastline and natural rock formations. It is not ideal for swimming due to strong waves at spots like Faraglioni di Sant’Andrea, but the sea stacks make it a breathtaking location for walking or taking photos.

Next, head south to Torre dell’Orso, just a 10-minute drive away. This beach is known for its wide sandy shores and clear blue water. It can get crowded during peak season, especially in the public beach areas, but it is still a beautiful spot to visit.

There are free public sections and paid lidos where you can rent a sunbed and umbrella at Torre dell’Orso.

Do not miss the view of Le Due Sorelle—two large rock formations offshore.

Finish your afternoon by exploring Baia dei Turchi, a more secluded beach that requires a bit more effort to reach but is well worth the trip.

From the car park at Parcheggio “BAIA DEI TURCHI” Tenuta Schito, it’s only a 5- to 10-minute walk through a pine forest to reach the beach, which makes it less crowded compared to some of the other beaches along the coast.

Baia dei Turchi offers both free beach areas and spots to rent sunbeds and umbrellas, so it caters to both those wanting a simple beach day and those looking for more comfort. The setting here is idyllic, with soft sand and vibrant blue waters, making it a perfect way to end the day’s beach explorations.

You may notice that I omitted Grotta della Poesia from your 10 days in Puglia and that is because I do not believe it is worth a visit. You can learn more about why in my article on the best beaches in Puglia.

After a relaxing beach day, drive back to Lecce (about 40 minutes from Baia dei Turchi).

Overnight in Lecce

Day 10 – Departure

Depending on the time of your departing flight, you may need to head straight to the airport. When we visited Puglia, our flight from Brindisi was in the evening, so we had all day to occupy ourselves.

Whether you are flying out of Bari or Brindisi, you can visit some of the coastal areas you did not already cover. I would suggest visiting Savelletri for lunch because there are some outstanding restaurants.

I had an incredible meal at Serri Bistrot in Savelletri, but there is also the Michelin-starred Due Camini nearby.

If you still have more time to explore, check out Torre Guaceto before or after lunch (depending on what airport you have booked).

When is the Best Month to Go to Puglia?

The best time to visit Puglia is from June to early September when the weather is warm enough to enjoy the beaches, and restaurants and beach clubs are fully open.

What is the Prettiest Part of Puglia?

One of the most beautiful parts of Puglia is the Itria Valley, with its postcard-perfect towns like Alberobello, known for its iconic trulli houses, and Locorotondo, where winding streets and whitewashed buildings give it a timeless charm.

Ostuni, often called the “White City,” is another highlight, offering stunning hilltop views and magical sunsets.

For coastal beauty, Polignano a Mare and the beaches of Southern Salento are hard to beat, with dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and peaceful hidden coves.