Can we all just agree that Italy is one of the best countries in the world?
From Cinque Terre, to Venice to the romantic streets of Florence, it is a country that offers so much. I have visited so many times and want to continue to explore. When I started seeing photos of Puglia, I became obsessed with this lesser known region situated at the very south of the country.
Puglia was a region that was often ( and still is) visited by locals and other Europeans. There wasn’t a ton of tourists coming from North America- until recently that is. Puglia is on the map and for good reason- it is one of the most stunning areas in the country offering wineries, stunning beaches, unique architecture and home to some of the best cuisine. This guide is going to breakdown the best one week in Puglia itinerary so you can get to know this region if you are quick on time ( and before everyone and their mother starts to visit!)
Quick Recap: Overview of 1 Week in Puglia
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1 Day in Alberobello
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1 Day in Matera
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2 Days in Ostuini
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1 Days in Polimare a Mare
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2 Days between Martina Franca and Locorotondo
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1/2 Day in Bari
How Many Days in Puglia?
Most people would recommend that you spend a minimum of one week in Puglia. The region is seriously large and to really see it you need a lot of time. One week will definitely give you the perfect amount of time to see the most popular towns in Puglia but if you want to explore it inside and out, I would recommend 2 weeks
Where should I base myself in Puglia?
There are two ways to see Puglia: stay in a few hotels for a few nights at a time or base yourself in one town and do day trips to each of the areas.
If you are visiting Puglia for 2 weeks, I would recommend a stay in the North and then a stay in the South
Since this is a focus on a one week in Puglia guide, I would recommend basing yourself in one town and doing day trips.
We chose to stay in Martina Franca (which we LOVED) but it’s quiet. If you want a busier scene, I would recommend Ostuni.
Picking a base is the way to go with only one week in Puglia as you have the freedom to still see all the towns without packing up each time. Most of the trips in this list are anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour – so it’s not long!
What is the best time to visit Puglia?
The best time to visit Puglia is in June or September/Early October. The weather is just perfect, the sun doesn’t set too early and you avoid a lot of the crowds. I would recommend visiting at the start of June and at the end of September if you want to get specific. July and August are also very popular times to go because it is hot and peak summer but Europe during the summer is another level of crowded.
If you like sweater weather and aren’t super keen on the beach scene, I would explore a visit in April/May or late October. Prices are way cheaper and accommodations are more readily available and open
Day 1- Arrive via Bari: Head to Martina Franca
From the Bari airport, you are going to pick up your Rental Car and drive to Martina Franca. The drive from Bari to Martina Franca is about 1 hour total. It is an easy drive on mainly highways for the majority of it.
If you want to make a stop in Bari to see any of the sites, you can do a half day here but with it being a travel day we passed on this and instead saw it on our way out
Basing yourself any further down the Puglia region ( Ostuni or Lecce for example) would add another hour or so onto the trip so be mindful of that when planning your trip if you choose to stay elsewhere!
Check out these other posts you might like:
- 7 of the Best Towns in Puglia
- Boutique Hotel in the Algarve, Portgual
- Travel Guide to Santorini, Greece
- Luxury Hotel in Lisbon, Portugal
Day 2- Day trip to Alberobello
I suggest doing your first Puglia day trip to Alberbello. It is the most “Puglia looking town” out of all of them and gives you a real history to the famous “trulli” homes that make up the region
From Martina Franca, it is only a 20 minute drive. I recommend going there very early ( around 9AM) so that you avoid the crowds for a little. You really only need a half day there if I’m being honest as it is pretty touristy and not that big. Cap off your time in the area with a beautiful lunch!
Best viewpoint in Alberbello
Belvedere Santa Lucia
For incredible view of all the Trulli home, heads to the Rione Aia Piccola hill opposite the Monti neighborhood (the best, but heavy tourist part)
Casolare Panoramica
Outside of some of the traditional trullis, you will spot a little sign that says ” casolare panoramica” which translates to if you purchase something from us, you get view! You can head to the top of their trulli for rooftop view point of the town ( and get a souvenir in the process!)
Best Restaurants in Alberobello
- Trullo Wine Bar
- Trattoria Terra Madre
- Bespoke Puglia Risto Bistro ( in Locorotondo )
- Ristorante L’Aratro ( food is pictured above!)
Day 3- Day in Martina Franca
Spend the day at your home base today and relax around the pool. Sip on Spritzs and casually wander into the piazza square which is SO clean and charming. The main square has a gigantic church in the center of it that is so beautiful it made me want to attend a service. Martina Franca allows you to get a glimpse into the authentic Puglia lifestyle and is a lot less commercialized.
Best Restaurants in Martina Franca
- Bar Adua ( breakfast pastries and coffee)
- Origini ( One of the best ranked restaurant in the area)
- Trattoria Delle Route ( Traditional mom and pop spot on the outskirts of town)
- Osteria Del Coco Pazzo
Day 4- Day in Ostuni
Visiting Ostuni should be on everyone’s Puglia list. It was my favourite town ( besides Martina Franca) with it’s white washed alley ways and sweeping views of the Puglia region. If I didn’t stay in Martina Franca I would recommend staying here.
I would spend a full day in Ostuni so you can really get a feel for the spot. It is also home to SO many good restaurants that you can quite literally spend the day grabbing a nibble from each place.
Best Restaurants in Ostuni, Puglia
Day 5- Day in Polignano a Mare
Visiting Puglia without visiting one of it’s famous beaches is like visiting Italy without having pizza. It’s a must!
You are going to want to dedicate a full beach day in Polignano a Mare. We visited in early October and it was still bustling, the sea was warm and it felt like summer.
This town is made up of pedestrian only streets in many of the areas and you can find seafood restaurants every 10 feet.
The beach itself is rocky but we set up shop on the right hand side of the cliffs for a bit more of a sturdy and private beach hang. We brought sandwiches and beer with us and it was perfect. You can rent beach chairs from the Beach attendant there which are $25 euros each but we felt it was a rip off and definitely didn’t give off “beach vibes”.
Best Restaurants in Polignano a Mare
- Pescheria Da Pasqualino (famous fish restaurant)
- Olio su pane ( Sandwich shop!)
- La Casa Del Mojito ( Mojito bar)
If you want a more sandy beach in Puglia, head to…
Lido Bambu Beach Club: We were travelling with our kids so we wanted a place we could relax more at. This beach club is located just 20 minutes from the main town and you can rent beach chairs, get lunch, drinks etc.
Day 6- Day in Matera
Matera, one of the oldest cities in the world, is like stepping back in time and visiting a whole another country. The entire town is made up of cave dwellings that have been carved out into the mountainous stone. It has lots of steps and alleyways that are matrix like in a good way. Get lost wandering around this one of a kind place.
Parking in Matera is a bit annoying and can be difficult. Go early, find a spot outside of the town ( you can’t park within it) and get ready to clock a lot of steps that day.
I would definitely say this is a can’t miss spot even though it’s a bit out of the way.
Best Restaurants in Matera
- La Lopa ( restaurant nestled in a cave)
- Il Rusticone ( the Calzones from here are insane)
- La Nicchia Nel Sasso Osteria Contemporanea ( get the bruschetta, a glass of vino and take in the insane VIEWS)
Day 7- Day in Martina Franca and go to Ostuni for Dinner
On this last day you are going to want to just take in your beautiful villa and enjoy that calm and easy going Puglia lifestyle.
If you feel like you do want to check one more new spot out, I would visit the near by town of Locorotondo. It is only 15 minutes from Martina Franca and offers the same authentic kind of town experience that you get from Martina Franca.
FINAL DINNER: There is one last thing you have to do while in Puglia and that is having dinner at Masseria Morroseta.
Masseria’s are renovated farm houses that all have a certain aesthetic. They are very popular in this region and most of them have been turned into hotels or restaurants. The dinner we had at Morroseta will be one I will remember forever. While it is $$$ and done as a fixed cost per person with various courses, it was worth every penny. If you are looking for a splurge meal, please go here. Seeing the the hotel as well is so lovely.
I hope you are now going to plan one week in Puglia yourself and have the trip of a life time! This place is magical and we simply cannot wait to return!
Arrivederci
Tips for your Puglia Trip
Book Flights🛫
We always use Cheapoair.com when we travel so we can compare the best routes and times to book our flights
Travel Insurance🗺️
We always travel with insurance- we learned the hard way that it is one thing you cannot leave home without!!
Hotels Under One Roof 🏨
We use Booking.com to look at all the different accommodation options available. We love the various filter ( 5 star, kid friendly etc) that help us find the best places to hang our hat!
Book The Best Tours⛵
Nothing beats Viator when it comes to tours. I love seeing the real photos from other travellers and the up to date reviews. It also shows which ones are the most popular and often booked which is a great way to help you decide!
Easy, Breezy Car Bookings🚗
You need a car in Puglia so I recommend booking with Discover Cars for fast, easy and reliable quotes!
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