A Travel Guide to Italy's Puglia Region

When you think of Italy, it’s often cities such as Rome, Venice and Florence that come to mind. But if you travel more to the south of the country, you’ll enter a region that’s one of Italy’s best-kept secrets: Puglia. Offering some of the finest wines, food and beaches, this region has seen a steady increase in travelers since 2019.

Puglia has historically been overlooked as a travel destination, but the region offers a unique history and allows clients to have one-of-a-kind experiences they won’t find anywhere else in Italy. From Instagrammable towns to seaside cities, here are the can’t-miss stops on a visit to Puglia.

Alberobello

Alberobello is the only city in Puglia that remains almost entirely composed of trulli, which are limestone dwellings made with a prehistoric building technique. Local residents have turned these buildings into award-winning shops, restaurants and bed-and-breakfasts. Trulli Resort Monte Pasubio and Hotel C’era una Volta are good options close to the historical city center.

Lecce

Lecce is known for its sandy beaches and relaxed lifestyle. In the city, clients can visit the ancient Roman amphitheater and the Lecce Cathedral. For a luxury stay with close proximity to bars and restaurants, try Palazzo Lecce. If clients are seeking to try an Apulian specialty, suggest they stop in at La Magiada for pizza topped with stracciatella. Mamma Elvira Enoteca, meanwhile, is a top wine bar, offering incredible bottles for under $20.

Locorotondo

Known for its winding alleyways and whitewashed buildings, Locorotondo is only about a 10-minute drive from Alberobello. A stay in an apartment-style B&B such as Domus San Giovanni offers a central location, while eateries such as U Curdunn or Pavi Wine Restaurant provide the opportunity to experience traditional Apulian dining and regional wines.

Minervino Murge

In northern Puglia, Minervino Murge is one of the region’s most well-known areas for masserias (farm-to-table establishments) and wines such as primitivo, aglianico and negroamaro. While in town, clients can visit award-winning wineries including Tenuta Bocca di Lupo and Rivera. Both offer winery tours, tastings and small meals on the estate grounds. An extremely popular masseria in this area is Masseria Barbera, known for its traditional white ragu. 

Ostuni

Nicknamed “the white city” for its white-washed walls and buildings, Ostuni is a must-visit for any trip to the Puglia region. Spend 15 minutes walking from the main square to reach the Corso Vittorio Emanuele II Viewpoint (the best for a skyline view), or take pictures at Porta del Paradiso — one of the most iconic doors in the city. 

For food, Borgo Antico Bistrot and Operaprima Restaurant & Pizzeria are two of the most-visited spots by travelers and locals alike. A stay at Casa d’Autore is a beautiful option for a slightly higher budget.

Polignano a Mare

Polignano a Mare is one of the most popular places in Puglia thanks to its rocky cliffs, cavern restaurants and grotto beaches. B&Bs such as Aquamarea and Dimora Anderi make for lovely stays in this seaside city. The most famous beach here is Lama Monachile — but be sure clients bring shoes, as it’s a rocky beach, not a sandy one.

If travelers want to explore the caves by sea, a boat tour is a great choice. There are plenty of great options for food — don't miss Vinaria and Pizza e Fichi — but if clients are after an unforgettable dining experience, recommend the Instagram-worthy Grotta Palazzese, which offers Italian food and incredible sea views from inside a natural cave.

How to Get There (and Get Around)

One of the easiest airports to fly in and out of in Puglia is Karol Wojtyla Airport in Bari. Delta Air Lines offers multiple routes via European partnerships, with layover options in Amsterdam, New York or Rome. 

Although clients can get around the region via bus and train (Trenitalia is a great option), recommend they rent a car for ease. (Pro tip: Rent a small car to get around more comfortably on the narrow roads.)