7 Day Puglia Itinerary
Puglia, the sun-drenched heel of Italy's boot, is where dramatic coastlines meet ancient towns, olive groves stretch endlessly, and meals are unforgettable from the very first bite. If you're planning a trip here, this itinerary combines seaside charm, luxury stays, and cultural exploration-perfect for a few days in one of Italy's most enchanting regions.
This Puglia itinerary combines the coastal beauty of Polignano a Mare, the charm of Monopoli, the relaxation of a masseria stay, and the cultural richness of Lecce. Whether you're looking for breathtaking views, history, or unforgettable cuisine, Puglia promises an authentic slice of Italy that feels worlds away from the crowds of Rome or Florence.
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Getting to Puglia
The easiest way to reach Puglia is either by:
- Train: Take the high-speed train
- Flight: Fly directly into Bari Airport, which is well-connected to other major European hubs
Once you arrive in Bari, you can rent a car, take a regional train or arrange a private transfer to get around the region.
For our trip, we took a train from Rome directly to Bari (it took around 4 hours).
Stop 1: Polignano a Mare
Once we arrived in Bari, we took a private transfers to our first stop: Polignano a Mare, just 45 minutes away.
Polignano a Mare is a postcard-perfect town perched on limestone cliffs above the Adriatic Sea famous for its stunning views and its iconic cove beach.
- What We Did:
- Visited Lama Monachile Beach, the most photographed beach in Puglia, tucked between cliffs.
- Wandered the whitewashed old town with its balconies overlooking the turquoise water.
- Strolled along the seafront promenade at sunset.
- Where We Ate:
- Grotta Palazzese - A once-in-a-lifetime dining experience inside a natural cave overlooking the sea.
- Where We Stayed:
- Sei Stelle Mama - If you want to be right in the middle of Polignano a Mare, Sei Stelle Mama is such a good pick. It's modern and stylish without being over the top, and the rooms feel super calming with their soft colors and clean design. The best part is the rooftop terrace where you can have breakfast or an aperitivo while looking out over the Adriatic. Plus, you're literally steps from the old town streets, cliffside viewpoints, and that famous beach.
Suggested Stay: 1 Night
Stop 2: Monopoli
We then took a private transfer from Polignano a Mare to Monopoli - it is only a 15 minute drive.
Monopoli is a charming fishing town with a lively port, beautiful churches, and a maze of old-town streets perfect for wandering.
- What We Did:
- Explored the historic old town with its whitewashed alleys and hidden courtyards.
- Relaxed at Cala Porta Vecchia, Monopoli's town beach.
- Visited Castello Carlo V, the 16th-century castle guarding the harbor.
- Enjoyed an aperitivo at one of the seaside bars.
- Where We Ate:
- La Pescheria - A must for fresh seafood.
- Osteria Perricci - A family-run trattoria serving local favorites.
- La Locanda Sul Porto - Waterfront dining with a modern twist.
- Where We Stayed:
- Don Ferrante - This hotel feels like staying inside a piece of history. It used to be part of Monopoli's old fortress, and now it's been turned into this really charming boutique hotel right on the sea. The rooms have stone walls and vaulted ceilings that give it so much character, but everything is still really elegant. There's even a rooftop pool with incredible views over the Adriatic. I love that you can just walk outside and immediately be in Monopoli's old town or down at the harbor.
Suggested Stay: 2 Nights
Stop 3: Puglia Countryside
From Monopoli, we headed inland (about a 40-minute drive) to experience the charm of a traditional masseria, which is a restored farmhouse estate that blends rustic authenticity with modern luxury.
- What We Did:
- Relaxed by the pool surrounded by centuries-old olive groves.
- Joined a cooking class to savor authentic Puglian flavors.
- Took a bike ride through the countryside to discover hidden chapels and quiet villages.
- Enjoyed spa treatments inspired by Mediterranean traditions.
- Where We Ate:
- On-site dining at Masseria Santo Scalone, featuring local produce and olive oil from the estate.
- Osteria del Tempo Perso - A magical cave-like setting in Ostuni.
- Masseria Il Frantoio - A farm-to-table dining experience in another beautiful masseria.
- Where We Stayed:
- Masseria Santo Scalone - If you want the full countryside experience, Masseria Santo Scalone is the dream. It's an old farmhouse surrounded by olive groves, but inside it's been redone beautifully with big, airy rooms and antique details. The vibe is super relaxing-you can lounge by the pool, take a bike ride through the countryside, or do one of their cooking classes or wine tastings. The food is amazing too, since so much of it is grown right on the property. It's the kind of place where you just slow down and soak it all in.
Stop 4: Lecce
Next, we took a private transfer 1 hour to Lecce.
Known as the "Florence of the South," Lecce is a city rich in Baroque architecture, history, and vibrant culture. It's a perfect final stop on your Puglia journey.
- What We Did:
- Admired the stunning Basilica di Santa Croce, a masterpiece of Baroque architecture.
- Wandered Piazza del Duomo and the historic center filled with ornate churches and palazzi.
- Explored the Roman Amphitheatre, right in the heart of the city.
- Browsed artisan workshops for papier-mâché crafts unique to Lecce.
- Where We Ate:
- Mamma Elvira Enoteca - A cozy wine bar offering an extensive selection of over 250 Puglian wines. Also, perfect for a light meal or apertivo.
- Dall'Antiquario - Known for its regional specialties and wine list.
- Duo - A Michelin-starred modern dining experience.
- Where We Stayed:
- Patria Palace Lecce - A five-star hotel in a beautifully restored Baroque palace, steps from Santa Croce. Right in the heart of Lecce, across from the Basilica di Santa Croce, is Patria Palace is this gorgeous Baroque palace from the 1700s, and it feels really grand but still comfortable. Some rooms even have little balconies that look out over the city's ornate streets. There's a rooftop terrace where you can see Lecce's skyline, and the restaurant is perfect for trying local dishes with a more modern twist. The best part is you can walk everywhere-piazzas, the Roman amphitheater, cafés, and artisan shops are all just around the corner.
Suggested Stay: 2 Nights
Getting Back to Bari
After your time in Lecce, it's easy to make your way back to Bari for your flight or train home.
- By Train: Lecce to Bari is about 1 hour 40 minutes on the regional or high-speed train, with frequent daily departures.
- By Car/Transfer: A private transfer or rental car will take about 2 hours.
From Bari, you can either:
- Fly home directly from Bari Airport (served by many European airlines).
- Take the train back to Rome (around 4 hours) if you're connecting through the capital.
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