Top 10 Things to Do in Puglia, Italy

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Have you ever been in the heel of an Italian boot? I love heels, but this is probably the best heel you can spend your money on.

We’ve all heard of Rome, the Duomo in Milan and Venice. But have you heard of Puglia?

Puglia is a wonderful Italian region. It is well known for its whitewashed hill towns. For example, Alberobello with its unique Trulli houses and Polignano a Mare, with magnificent cliffs overlooking the Adriatic Sea.

Also, you won’t go hungry in Italy, which is a huge plus. I can’t decide what Italians are more proud of: espresso, pizza, orecchiette pasta, tiramisu or olive oil. But I will tell you more about it later.

Let’s have a short look at geography now.

Italy is located in southern Europe, bordering France, Switzerland, Austria, the Vatican, San Marino, Slovenia and Croatia. The official language is Italian, yet we all speak English here in Europe.

Although Puglia has grown in popularity in recent years, I believe it is still an Italian hidden gem. It still provides a glimpse of true living in which tradition meets breathtaking beauty.

But enough chitchat. Let’s discover more in this travel guide.

Explore Alberobello

Can you believe this: charming white town Alberobello and its iconic trullis would not exist if not for the constant human need to escape taxes?

In the past, the residents of this UNESCO World Heritage Site could easily dismantle the conical roofs of their trulli houses.

This creative construction style allowed them to avoid taxes imposed by the Kingdom of Naples. By eliminating conical roofs, they could make the trullo appear uninhabited.

When the tax collector left, they would simply reassemble the roofs and continue to live in their unique trullis.

This funny game of hide-and-seek is only one of the many fascinating stories associated with Alberobello’s past.

Visit Matera

You have to see the amazing Matera, the “City of Stones,” situated on a rocky hilltop. It is like stepping into a living history book.

It is famous for its Sassi districts—ancient cave homes carved into limestone. I recommend seeing the prehistoric cave Grotta di Vico Solitario. It shows how families lived up to the 1950s.

Can you believe they didn’t have WiFi?

Joking aside, the entrance fee is 5 euros. I recommend it if you want to fully appreciate this rich history. That way, you can learn about Matera’s shift from poverty to cultural hotspot following its designation as the European Capital of Culture in 2019.

Also, while in Matera, try the city’s famous bread, “pane di Matera.” It’s created with locally sourced grains. It has a distinctive flavor and texture, and the best part is that it is frequently paired with local cheeses and cured meat.

Relax on the Beaches of Salento

Is it just me, or are beaches always a bonus? If you agree, include Salento in your travel itinerary.

Torre dell’Orso is my recommendation, with its sandy beach and crystal-clear waters. The coast is lined with hidden coves ideal for snorkeling.

As you soak up the sun, don’t miss the town of Lecce. It is often called the “Florence of the South.” You will love its Baroque architecture.

Consider Gallipoli and its charming old town as well.

By the way, did you know that Salento sits between the Ionian Sea and Adriatic Sea?

And if you want to see where, according to tradition, these two seas meet, visit Santa Maria di Leuca.

Discover Ostuni

I love towns like Ostuni. Ostuni is another beautiful Italian white city built on top of a hill. It is literally called the “White City” because of its impressive, whitewashed buildings.

Do you know how beautiful they look in the sun? The whitewashed buildings glow beautifully at golden hour.

Anyway, Ostuni is nestled on a hilltop. So, you can enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the Adriatic Sea.

Stroll through its old town, drink coffee in charming cafes, try fresh Mediterranean cuisine and enjoy the vistas. I also recommend a night walk, when Ostuni comes alive with music and chatter as locals and tourists alike gather for aperitivo.

Oh, yes, this area is also famous for its olive oil. So, while you’re there, give it a try. Or perhaps buy it for your loved ones as a souvenir?

Tour Castel del Monte

If you’re into fortresses, I recommend the most beautiful one in Puglia. If not, I still recommend it.

It’s the Castel del Monte, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

This octagonal fortress, perched majestically on a hill in Apulia, exudes mystery and architectural brilliance. It combines Gothic, Roman and Islamic influences.

Each of its eight sides has symmetrical towers, which form a silhouette against the surrounding environment. The entrance ticket costs €10 per person.

Given that it is located on a hill, expect an amazing panorama of the Apulian countryside. That might be the best part.

I also recommend taking a guided tour to learn some interesting things, such as how the Castel del Monte’s octagonal design may have cosmic importance. Or that it was once a popular site for medieval Instagrammers (ok, maybe not the last one, but you get the point; it’s photogenic).

Orecchiette: Sample Local Cuisine

In Italy, a meal isn’t just food; it’s an event. So, when in Puglia, don’t miss indulging in its local cuisine, especially the famous Orecchiette alle Cime di Rapa. You will pay about 15 euros for it.

It consists of ear-shaped pasta known as orecchiette tossed with turnip tops and drizzled with high-quality olive oil.

I recommend savoring each bite while the bustling streets of Bari provide a colorful backdrop. It’s just tastier that way.

I also recommend attending a cooking class in Otranto. You’ll learn to make homemade orecchiette and a delicious tiramisu from scratch.

After that, you’ll get to savor the results of your effort with other foodies. Or are you now chefs?

Visit Polignano a Mare

I believe this is the most lovely Puglian town.

Polignano a Mare is known for its impressive cliffs and picturesque coves.

The atmosphere is romantic: the old town has small alleyways surrounded with whitewashed buildings with colorful flowers. It’s ideal for leisurely strolls.

Go to the Ponte di Polignano, a beautiful bridge, for panoramic views of the cliffs and the Adriatic Sea. And if you want to relax on a sandy beach surrounded by cliffs, head to Lama Monachile.

Also, while in Polignano a Mare, consider the famed and iconic Grotta Palazzese. It is a restaurant situated in a stunning natural cave overlooking the Adriatic Sea.

It’s more than a restaurant; it’s an experience.

But what can you expect? Well, first of all, expect to pay 200 to 300 dollars per person for sure. I warn you that food-related opinions are divided.

I understand that not everyone enjoys the same things, so I’ll just say that they have a 3.5 rating on Tripadvisor. The complaints are primarily about the food because the location and atmosphere are really mesmerizing.

Anyway, Polignano a Mare is also Domenico Modugno’s birthplace.

He is well-known for his classic hit song “Volare.” Yes, that Volare. It received the Grammy Award for Record of the Year and has been covered by many artists, making it a timeless classic in Italian and global music.

Explore the Gargano National Park

Another wonderful masterpiece of nature is Gargano National Park. I recommend hiking through the lovely Umbra Forest.

This forest has been thriving for over a thousand years. Talk about history! You may also see unusual species, such as wild boars and elusive deer.

As you explore, you’ll see olive groves and olive trees stretching as far as the eye can reach.

Don’t forget to clear your memory, because the shoreline here is amazing. You’ll see beautiful sea caves formed by the relentless waves. You can kayak through some of them.

Also, entrance to the Gargano National Park is free, and additional activities such as horseback riding, kayaking and so on cost 20–50 euros per person.

After a day of exploration, I recommend going to Peschici. It is around 20-30 minutes from Gargano National Park.

With its whitewashed houses and bustling local markets, it’s a great place to end the day with delicious seafood and homemade pasta.

And if you want a little extra thrill, take a boat to the Tremiti Islands.

Explore the Valle d’Itria

Not enough white facades for you? No problem; I have more for you.

Visit Locorotondo in Valle d’Itria. It is known for its circular layout and local wines.

Another option is Cisternino. While there, try the famous bombette. Bombette are delicious, bite-sized meat rolls from Puglia.

They are typically made from thin slices of pork, stuffed with a mixture of cheese and herbs, then rolled up and grilled. It has a smoky flavor from the grill combined with the melted cheese and tender meat.

Don’t have time to eat at a local eatery? No worries; you may get them as street food as well.

Another white city I recommend is Martina Franca. While there, try the famous capocollo. It is a traditional Italian cured meat.

Other things to do in d’Itria Valley include sampling olive oil at a traditional masseria and admiring Alberobello’s renowned trulli.

Is that enough white facades for you?

Take a Day Trip

If you enjoy road trips, there is plenty to see in southern Italy.

Begin at Bari and then travel to Taranto, known for its vibrant festivals and rich history. Each town, such as Lecce with its baroque architecture and Basilica di Santa Croce, Monopoli with its lovely coastline and Otranto, noted for its breathtaking cathedral, reveals hidden gems.

Don’t miss the coastal splendor of Vieste and Brindisi, where the Adriatic Sea provides an idyllic setting.

Whether you’re wandering through olive trees, sunbathing on sun-kissed beaches, or enjoying the great food, Puglia guarantees a wonderful trip.

Because I think that this area encourages you to slow down, enjoy each moment, and make memories. 

Italy is gorgeous, but Puglia has a great chance to steal your heart.

Inspire your next adventure with our articles below:

• Two Weeks in Puglia, Italy: Exploring, Eating and Relaxing
• Puglia Is Italy at Its Best
• Trulli Scrumptious: A Guide to Family Travel in Puglia, Italy
• Guide to the Best Places to Visit in Puglia, Italy
• Matera: A Journey Through the Past and Present of Italy’s Stone City.