What to do in Puglia: Discover the Magic of Southern Italy with this 6 Gems

Welcome to the captivating region of Puglia in southern Italy! A hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. Here, you can escape the hustle and bustle of the busiest cities and enjoy the beauty that Italy has to offer. If you’re wondering what to do in Puglia, you’re in the right place!

In southern Italy, history, culture, and natural beauty come together to offer an unforgettable experience. This region shines with a unique beauty and always captivates those lucky enough to explore it. There are so many things to do in Puglia, but in this article, I’ll take you through five charming towns to visit in Puglia: Bari, Monopoli, Locorotondo, Martina Franca, and Alberobello (the most beautiful!). Get ready to explore the best that Puglia has to offer. Here are the must-visit places, dining recommendations, and transportation tips. I hope you enjoy the fascinating region of Puglia as much as I do!

Bari: A Must-Visit in Southern Italy

Bari, the capital of the Puglia region, serves as the perfect gateway to Southern Italy. You can reach it from Rome by plane, train with TrenItalia, or bus with Itabus. It’s a port city steeped in history and culture, offering visitors a perfect blend of ancient and modern architecture. As you wander through the narrow streets of the old town, known as Bari Vecchia, you’ll encounter charming Romanesque churches, lively squares, and authentic trattorias where you can taste delicious local cuisine.

In this city, I recommend staying for at least 3 nights; you can use it as a base to explore nearby villages. If you’re wondering what to do in Bari, here’s a detailed article with the most important places to visit, where to eat, and how to get around.

If you want a quick summary, I’d say don’t miss the historic center of Bari, Via delle Orecchiette where the nonnas make Orecchiette (typical pasta from Southern Italy), the Basilica of San Nicola, the city’s patron saint. Also, be sure to take a stroll along the Lungomare at sunset; here you can enjoy stunning views of the Adriatic Sea while immersing yourself in the relaxed atmosphere of the coast. If you’re visiting in summer, you can take a dip at the Pane e Pomodoro beach. If you’re short on time, I highly recommend taking a bike tour where they’ll take you to the most beautiful and iconic places, as well as share all the local secrets. Here you can find my favorite.

If you’re planning to base yourself in Bari and don’t want to deal with the hassle of organizing visits to the cities I’ll mention below, on this website, you can find several day tours to the most beautiful villages to do in Puglia.

Monopoli: Enjoy a Day at the Beach on the Adriatic Coast

Located on the Adriatic coast, Monopoli combines rich history with the natural beauty of its beaches. It’s very close to Bari, and there are several trains that can take you there, although ideally, going by car would be best, since trains in Southern Italy are not the most reliable (I once waited for a train for nearly two hours).

I absolutely loved Monopoli; it’s one of the must-do things in Puglia if you’re a beach lover like me :). It’s a small fishing village with narrow streets and picturesque alleys. The best thing you can do is get lost in the old town and discover places of interest like the Cathedral of Maria Santissima della Madia and the Castle of Charles V.

Afterward, relax on one of the charming beaches in the area and enjoy the sun and crystal-clear sea. There are several beaches nearby, each more beautiful than the last; my favorites are the ones to the south. There’s also a lovely bike path you can take (you can rent bikes in the center) and explore the nearby beaches. At the end of the day, I recommend going for an Aperol at the Porto Rosso restaurant, which has a beautiful view of the sea!

Polignano a Mare: Beautiful Coastal Town

Polignano a Mare is a unique coastal city that captivates visitors with its natural beauty and picturesque charm. Perched atop limestone cliffs, this quaint town offers stunning views of the Adriatic Sea and beaches with crystal-clear waters. Moreover, its old town, with narrow streets and whitewashed houses, evokes a sense of authenticity and Italian tradition that will transport you back in time. With its rich history, delicious cuisine, and relaxed atmosphere, there’s much to explore in Polignano a Mare. You can visit the famous hotel/restaurant Grotta Palazzese, well-known on social media for its breathtaking views. Personally, I found it truly overrated. While the view is indeed spectacular, the food isn’t particularly special, and you’re required to spend €195 per person. In my opinion, it’s not worth it, but don’t miss the chance to go and judge the experience for yourself! 🙂

For nature lovers, the beaches of Polignano a Mare are a true gem. You can relax on the golden sand, swim in crystal-clear waters, or indulge in water sports like snorkeling or kayaking. Moreover, the cliffs surrounding the town offer unique opportunities for hiking and enjoying spectacular panoramic views.

Alberobello: The Charm of the Trullos (the Most Beautiful Village to Visit in Puglia)

Without a doubt, my favorite place is Alberobello! If there’s one thing to do in Puglia, it’s definitely this! I would recommend staying here for a couple of nights and visiting Locorotondo and Martina Franca from here. And, don’t miss out the dedicated article : What to see in Alberobello: 6 Charming Stops on Your Trip to the Land of Trulli!

Alberobello it’s famous worldwide for its unique constructions known as trullos, which are stone houses with conical roofs. The trullos represent one of the most extraordinary examples of Italian folk architecture. During a period in history when the construction of fixed houses was prohibited (or heavily taxed), these makeshift houses were built without the use of plaster so they could be easily dismantled. Thus, when the king’s delegate was about to arrive to collect taxes, it was enough to remove the cornerstone, and voilà! the houses transformed into piles of stones.

Some must-sees in Alberobello: Take a stroll through the Rione Monti neighborhood, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and admire the picturesque streets filled with white trullos. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Museum of the Territory and the Trullo Soberano to learn more about the history and tradition of this charming city.

Also, visit the Rione Aia Piccola area, a more “residential” area where about 400 trullos are still inhabited. Some of them you can visit to understand how life is in these small constructions. This area is less known and much less commercial, so here you can admire the beauty of Alberobello without the tourist hustle and bustle.

For dining, I recommend Ristorante Il Pinnacolo, the food is excellent, and it has a patio with a beautiful view! For a quicker and more economical meal, don’t miss Coppino, which is delicious!

Locorotondo: The White Village in the Hills of Puglia

Located at the top of a hill in the Valle d’Itria, Locorotondo is a charming white village that seems straight out of a fairy tale. With its cobblestone streets, white houses, and panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards and olive groves, this picturesque village is the perfect destination for those looking to immerse themselves in authentic Italian rural life.

From Alberobello, there are trains and buses available, but I always recommend using buses whenever possible! They are always on time, unlike the trains 🙁. If you’re in a hurry, you can visit Locorotondo and Martina Franca in a single day. However, if you have more time, you can spend a day in each and enjoy them leisurely.

Once in Locorotondo, wander around the maze of narrow, steep streets. The white houses adorned with flowers seem like something out of a dream! If you’re looking for beautiful photo spots, you’ll find plenty here! Be sure to visit the beautiful Church of San Giorgio, located in the heart of the village. Stop by a local winery to taste wines produced in the nearby vineyards. Additionally, indulge in the local cuisine and try traditional dishes like orecchiette con cime di rapa (pasta with broccoli). There are many small shops in the center with true gems! Take advantage of buying your souvenirs from Puglia and southern Italy.

Martina Franca: Baroque Elegance in the Heart of Puglia

Martina Franca is a Baroque gem nestled in the heart of Puglia, and it’s a destination you can’t afford to miss on your trip to southern Italy. Completely different from Locorotondo, it will amaze you with its stunning architecture, lively squares, and festive atmosphere.

Let yourself be enchanted by the magnificent Basilica of San Martino, a masterpiece of Puglian Baroque architecture. Explore the historic center of the city, where you’ll find elegant palaces, picturesque churches, and charming boutiques. Also, make sure to visit Piazza Maria Immacolata, the heart of Martina Franca, where you can enjoy an Italian espresso while watching life go by and take several photos in its mirrors like I did 🙂

Discover the Beauty of Puglia

In summary, these five cities in southern Italy are just a small sample of the beauty and charm that the region of Puglia offers. From the authenticity of Bari to the charm of the trullos in Alberobello, each city has its own history and character that invites you to explore and discover. So get ready to immerse yourself in the magic of southern Italy and uncover all that Puglia has to offer. Buon viaggio!

If you want to discover other dreamy places to visit, check out my blog – you’re sure to find inspiration there!