Ultimate Puglia Itinerary 7 Days – Best Things To Do in Puglia, Italy

Are you looking for the best Puglia itinerary with the best things to do in Puglia, Italy? Then read this detailed guide on places to visit in Puglia Italy with day wise Puglia itinerary 7 days. Puglia, the sun-drenched heel of Italy’s boot, is one of the country’s best-kept secrets. It is known for its whitewashed villages, crystal-clear waters, rich history, and mouthwatering cuisine.

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Puglia Itinerary 7 Days – Things To Do In Puglia Italy – Places To Visit In Puglia Italy

This 7-day Puglia itinerary takes you through the best of the region, with day-by-day details on what to see, why it’s worth visiting, how to get around, and where to stay for a mid-budget traveler. Unlike the crowded tourist hotspots of Rome and Venice, Puglia provides a more authentic and laid-back Italian experience.

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Day 1: Arrival in Bari – Gateway to Puglia

Bari is Puglia’s capital and is the perfect introduction to the region. The city blends old-world charm with a lively waterfront, bustling streets, and excellent food.

It is home to one of Italy’s most important religious sites, the Basilica di San Nicola, which attracts thousands of pilgrims annually. The historic center, Bari Vecchia, feels like a step back in time, with medieval architecture, ancient churches, and hidden courtyards.

Things to Do in Bari:

• Explore Bari Vecchia (Old Town): A maze of narrow alleys where local women still hand-make orecchiette pasta on the streets.
• Visit the Basilica di San Nicola, A stunning 11th-century church housing the remains of Saint Nicholas, a significant pilgrimage site.
• Walk Along Lungomare: Bari’s scenic promenade offers breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea.
• Try the Famous Focaccia Barese: The best place to taste it is at Panificio Fiore, a local bakery loved by tourists and locals.

Hotel Stay – Hotel Adria Bari – A mid-budget hotel close to the train station, perfect for exploring the city.

How to Travel:

Bari has an international airport (Karol Wojtyła Airport). From the airport, take a 20-minute shuttle train (€5) to Bari Centrale. You can also reach Bari from Rome by train (4 hours) or from Naples (3 hours).

Unlike some Italian cities, Bari remains vibrant and full of life, offering an authentic Southern Italian atmosphere.

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Day 2: Alberobello & Locorotondo – Trulli and Timeless Charm

Alberobello is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its Trulli houses – unique, whitewashed, conical-roofed homes that look straight out of a fairytale. The architecture is unlike anything else in Italy, making it one of the most photogenic towns in the country.

Alberobello is not just visually stunning but also historically significant, with origins dating back to the 14th century when settlers built these dry-stone houses to evade taxes.

Things to Do in Alberobello

• Stroll Through Rione Monti & Aia Piccola: These districts house hundreds of Trulli homes, many of which have been converted into shops and cafes.
• Visit Trullo Sovrano: The only two-story Trullo is now a museum.
• Enjoy Traditional Puglian Food: Try a plate of orecchiette with cime di rapa (a local pasta dish) at Trattoria Terra Madre.

The town’s charming and whimsical appearance makes it a must-visit for architecture lovers, history enthusiasts, and travelers seeking something truly unique.

Just 10 minutes from Alberobello, Locorotondo is one of Italy’s prettiest villages, known for its whitewashed buildings and panoramic views of the Itria Valley. In comparison to tourist-heavy spots, Locorotondo offers a peaceful and authentic Italian experience. The town’s name means “round place,” referring to its circular layout, and it has been named one of Italy’s “Borghi più belli d’Italia” (Most Beautiful Villages in Italy).

Things to Do in Locorotondo

• Wander the Historic Center: Enjoy picturesque alleys filled with flowers and quaint houses.
• Sip Local White Wine: Locorotondo is famous for its dry white wine, which pairs perfectly with fresh seafood.

Hotel Stay – Le Alcove – Alberobello (Charming Trulli-style hotel with a mid-budget price tag.)

How to Travel:

Take a 1-hour train from Bari to Alberobello (€5-7). Locorotondo is a 10-minute drive, or a short train ride away.

Its quiet charm, incredible views, and reputation for producing excellent local white wine make it a perfect stop on your Puglia adventure.

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Day 3: Matera – The Ancient City of Stone

Although not technically in Puglia (neighboring Basilicata), Matera is too incredible to miss. It’s one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities and is famous for its Sassi cave dwellings.

Things to Do in Matera:

• Explore the Sassi di Matera: Wander through ancient cave dwellings and rock-hewn churches.
• Visit Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario: A restored cave home offering insights into historic Matera life.
• Hike to the Belvedere di Murgia Timone: A stunning view across the canyon offers breathtaking panoramas.

Hotel Stay – Basiliani Hotel Matera – A mid-budget hotel built into the caves, offering an authentic Matera experience.

How to Travel:

From Alberobello, take a train to Bari (1 hour) and then a direct bus to Matera (1.5 hours, €5-7).

Day 4: Polignano a Mare – Clifftop Beauty

This coastal town is one of the most stunning places in Puglia, famous for its dramatic cliffs and turquoise waters.

Things to Do in Polignano a Mare

• Swim at Lama Monachile Beach, A picturesque cove surrounded by high cliffs.
• Walk to Terrazza Santo Stefano: A breathtaking viewpoint overlooking the Adriatic.
• Enjoy Gelato at Super Mago del Gelo, A legendary gelateria serving the best coffee granita.

Hotel Stay – San Michele Suite – A mid-budget hotel with sea-view rooms.

How to Travel – Take a 40-minute train ride from Bari (€3-5).

Day 5: Ostuni – The White City

Ostuni is a dazzling whitewashed city perched on a hill, offering stunning sea views and medieval charm.

Things to Do in Ostuni

• Get Lost in the Historic Center: A labyrinth of whitewashed streets, perfect for wandering.
• Visit the Ostuni Cathedral: A beautiful Gothic-style church.
• Dine at Osteria del Tempo Perso: A fantastic place for traditional Puglian food.

Hotel Stay – Palazzo Stunis Charme B&B – Mid-budget accommodation in a historic building.

How to Travel – Catch a 1-hour train from Polignano a Mare (€5-7).

Day 6: Lecce – The Florence of the South

Lecce is famous for its stunning Baroque architecture, often called the “Florence of the South.”

Things to Do in Lecce

• Visit Piazza del Duomo, Home to the stunning Lecce Cathedral.
• Explore the Roman Amphitheater: A well-preserved ancient theater in the city’s heart.
• Try Pasticciotto: A delicious custard-filled pastry.

Hotel Stay for Day 6 & Day 7 – Palazzo Rollo Lecce – A charming mid-budget stay in the city center.

How to Travel:

Lecce is 1-hour train from Ostuni (€7-10).

Day 7: Salento’s Beaches – Relaxing by the Ionian Sea

The southern tip of Puglia is home to some of Italy’s most pristine beaches.

Best Beaches to Visit

• Torre dell’Orso: Soft sand and crystal-clear waters.
• Porto Selvaggio: A natural paradise with hiking trails leading to the beach.

How to Travel – From Lecce, rent a car to explore the beaches (30-60 minutes drive).

Helpful Tips to Plan Trip To Puglia Italy:

• Best Time to Visit: Puglia is best for pleasant weather in late spring and early autumn.
• Getting Around: Trains connect major towns, but renting a car is best for flexibility.
• Budget: Expect to spend around €80-120 per day on accommodation, food, and transport.

Puglia is a dream destination to explore history, culture, and breathtaking scenery. After reading this Puglia itinerary 7 days you will surely plan your trip to Puglia, Italy.

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