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

This 10-day Puglia road trip starts with two nights in Matera, continues through the Itria Valley and finishes in Lecce with time to explore the Salento coast.

Fly into Bari and out of Brindisi to reduce backtracking, and hire a car because several stops on this route are difficult to reach efficiently by public transport.

This itinerary is best for first-time visitors who want to combine historic towns, beaches, food and distinctive accommodation without changing hotels every night.

I developed it after spending three weeks exploring Puglia in September 2022 and returning to the region in June 2025, September 2025, and March 2026.

As a former luxury travel agent who created custom itineraries, I have also considered the route order, driving time and practicalities of moving between each destination.

10-Day Puglia Itinerary at a Glance

This route is easiest with a rental car. You can compare car-hire prices at Bari and Brindisi airports before deciding which direction to follow the itinerary.

How to Get to Puglia?

Which airport should you use for this itinerary?

Bari and Brindisi are Puglia’s two main airports. Bari is the better starting point for Matera and central Puglia, while Brindisi is more convenient for Lecce and the Salento coast.

For this itinerary, flying into Bari and out of Brindisi reduces backtracking, although you can reverse the route if the flights are cheaper or more convenient.

I have flown through both airports and found their car-hire facilities broadly similar. Bari is also the more useful rail hub if you are not planning to drive.

Do you need a car for this Puglia itinerary?

A rental car is the most practical way to follow this 10-day itinerary because several beaches, countryside stays and smaller towns are difficult to combine efficiently by public transport. One-way rentals are available, so you can collect the car at one airport and return it at the other.

I prefer an airport-based rental desk so I do not need to take a shuttle to an off-site office.

For local taxis or airport transfers, arrange a company in advance through your accommodation rather than relying on ride-hailing apps.

Check car-hire prices for your Puglia dates

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.

Upon arrival in Matera, check in to your hotel.

Matera is famously unfriendly to cars because it is a pedestrian town. So there is a good chance that you will need to park your car on the outskirts of the city and walk to your hotel with your suitcases.

Make sure you ask your hotel for advice on where to park your car. Otherwise, you can read my Matera guide and see my tips on where to park in Matera.

Accommodation in Matera

• Sant’Angelo Luxury Resort
• Palazzo Gattini Luxury Hotel
• Palazzo Del Duca Luxury Hotel
• Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita
• Sunset Over Sassi 2-Person Apartment

I stayed at the Palazzo Del Duca Luxury Hotel and recommend it because of its central location and for the opportunity to stay in a cave hotel at a great price. However, there was no door to the bathroom in our bedroom, which is not good for friends or couples who need more privacy.

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).

Make your dinner reservations in advance for Matera, especially if you have a bigger group. We spent one evening walking around for an hour trying to find a restaurant that would take our group of 6 people because we hadn’t booked ahead.

Overnight in Matera

Day 2 – Matera

Start the morning with breakfast at your hotel.

I highly suggest learning some history about Matera during your full day exploring the town. It will give you a new perspective and the history is truly fascinating.

Therefore, you should book tickets to Casa Noha where you will go on a journey through different rooms and watch informative videos about the history of Matera. I suggest pre-booking your ticket ahead of time because if you show up, you will have to wait for a time slot to return and it can waste time.

I am not much of a history buff, but I found Casa Noha to be interesting.

Another must-see in Matera is Casa Grotta nei Sassi, where you can go into a preserved cave that gives you a good impression of the living standards in Matera.

Casa Grotta is a small cave so it can get busy, hence I would suggest arriving at the first time slot. You are given an audio guide that tells you about the different features of the cave. You can book online, or buy your tickets at the ticket office.

Again, I really enjoyed visiting Casa Grotta and it was so unique to experience what living in a cave house would have been like.

You can also book a guided tour of the Sassi which includes a visit to Casa Grotta.

After learning all the history of Matera, you are free to roam the streets. Some areas are must-see, so you can use these spots as a rough point to guide you through the city.

• Chiesa Rupestre di Santa Maria di Idris (Church of Saint Mary of Idris)
• Belvedere – Raffaele Giura Longo – storico
• Piazza Duomo
• Pathway between Palazzo Gattini and Palazzo Del Duca (via Muro)
• Chiesa Rupestre di San Giuliano o Madonna delle Grazie (viewpoint)
• Piazza San Giovanni (for James Bond fans)

Tip: The mid-afternoon sun in summer 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. We loved it here so much we visited twice.

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 (the main view point) 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, which was very stressful. 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.

Drive to the Ceglie Messapica area. Depending on your timings, you may want to head straight to your accommodation to check in.

If you are in time for lunch, you can detour to the main town for lunch at Osteria da Guiseppe, which is open from 12 – 3:00 PM. We ate here and loved how authentic it was.

I suggest booking a trullo on VRBO for your accommodation for the next few days. They are authentic to the region and unique places to stay. Many trulli have pools, so spend the afternoon at your pool relaxing after a long drive.

Trullo Accommodation

• Romeo and Trulliet 2-Bedroom Apartment in Ceglie
• Olives and Honey 2-Person Apartment in Ceglie
• Trullo Canopo in Ceglie
• Trullo San Giovanni in Ceglie
• Trulli Foggie di Sauro near to Martina Franca and Ceglie
• Villa d’Itria with Trullo near to Ostuni and Cisternino

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. Some only accept cash, although some 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. It is a popular tourist spot, but the town’s unique charm makes it still a must-visit.

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

Explore both sides of the town. The Rione Aia Piccola area is quieter and more residential, but we still took some cool photos and enjoyed the streets and views. The benefit is that there are fewer people around.

On the other hand, Zona Rione Monti is the famous 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. We bought a pasticciotto and ate it while we walked around.

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 is open for lunch from 11:30 – 3:00 PM.

If time permits, consider a quick detour to Locorotondo, just 15 minutes from Martina Franca. On the approach to Locorotondo by car, you will get a breathtaking view. I personally found the view from this direction 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.

We usually park at Via Arcangelo Lisi, 6-7 or 24 Via Don Lino Palmisano when visiting Locorotondo as it is within easy walking distance of the town.

If you are in Locorotondo for dinner, eat at U Curdunn. We had a great dinner here during our recent visit in March. The restaurant’s interior is so classically Puglia and we tried many local delicacies.

Overnight at Trullo

Day 5 – Polignano a Mare, Monopoli and Cisternino

Start your day 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.

Make sure you walk past Basilica Cattedrale Maria Santissima della Madia. It is beautiful inside and outside.

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.

Another place you need to visit is Ceramiche Nicola Fasano on via F. Crispi, 6. This shop runs an excellent Instagram page too, so you can see what products are on offer before you go.

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 in Grottaglie.

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. This was one of my most memorable dining experiences because I enjoyed it so much.

Overnight at Trullo

Day 7 – Lecce

Check out of your accommodation in Ceglie Messapica and drive to Lecce, which will take a little over an hour.

Parking in Lecce can be a challenge, but we managed to have luck with a particular car park in Lecce town centre. You can also park at Parkejoo, which is a huge car park with lots of spots, but it is a little further outside the city and more expensive.

You will likely have to park at a carpark like the one above and walk to your accommodation – particularly if you are staying in an Airbnb. Therefore, do not bring more luggage than you can easily carry.

We had packed our belongings in duffle bags, which made life so much easier as we did not have to lug any baggage over the cobblestones.

Accommodation in Lecce

• Palazzo Dei Dondoli
• Elena Suites
• La Fiermontina Palazzo Bozzi Corso (Michelin Guide review)
• Il Palazzotto di Luca Luxury Suites
• Chiostro dei Domenicani – Dimora Storica
• Patria Palace Lecce

Or check out Plum Guide for some carefully curated apartments and houses in Lecce.

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 fairly 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. The octopus sandwich is worth trying too.

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.

There is no bathroom at Cala dell’Acquaviva, which is a pain. So I had to drive to the next town over to use the Bagni Pubblici (paid).

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. *Note: this restaurant changed locations and is now near to Martina Franca.*

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 this article 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.

I have been to Puglia in June and September. In June the weather was scorching hot, so it was great for coastal trips. In September, we experienced warmer weather at the start of the month, and it gradually got cooler later in the month.

I have also visited Puglia in March, but the weather was not great – it was cold and rained most days, so we had cloudy skies. Therefore, I would not recommend visiting in March.

Plan Your Trip To Puglia

Ten days in Puglia gives you enough time to see the region’s prettiest towns, spend a few days by the sea, enjoy some incredible food, and add on a visit to Matera without feeling too rushed.

For this itinerary, I would recommend flying into Bari and out of Brindisi, or the other way around, depending on flight prices. This saves you from having to loop all the way back to your starting point. You will also want to book a rental car, as many of the best places in Puglia are much easier to reach by road.

If you are still planning your trip, these are the main things I would book first:

• Flights to Bari or Brindisi – they can get expensive, so look ahead if you want to book a points flight on British Airways (direct flights from London)
• Car rental for the full itinerary – I suggest any car rental companies with a score over 8/10 and that are in terminal
• A cave hotel in Matera
• A trullo in the Itria Valley
• Any popular restaurants, especially in Matera, Ostuni and Lecce

For more help planning your route, you can also read my other Puglia and Matera guides below.

More Puglia Travel Guides

If you are still working out the details of your trip, these guides will help you plan the rest of your itinerary:

• Best Beaches in Salento – for choosing which beaches to visit from Lecce
• Best Restaurants in Puglia – for planning where to eat across the region
• 4 Day Itinerary in Puglia – if you have less time and need a shorter itinerary
• Visiting Matera – tips on parking, where to stay and what to see
• 3 Day Matera Itinerary – if you want to know exactly how to explore Matera properly

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