A quick overview of each town

The entire region of Puglia is such a fascinating destination. Historically, different areas of it were ruled by the Greeks, Romans, Messapians, Normans, and Aragonese (to name a few), which is very much reflected in the landmarks and overall architecture of its cities and towns.

Then you have its amazing coastline and port towns, picturesque countryside (with agricultural fields, olive groves, and vineyards), vibrant food and wine scene, and even a few national parks.

Many towns are actually not packed with landmarks but are still worth visiting because their highlight is the atmosphere you get to soak in, the historic center you roam freely in, or the coastal scenery that allows you to unwind.

Bari, the Capital of Puglia

Except for its old town and a handful of landmarks and avenues, when you look at Bari as a whole, it isn't an elegant or classically beautiful Italian city, but it's certainly a vibrant one.

Between the maze of alleys of its old town, the shopping streets and cafes of Murat and Quartiere Umbertino, and the port and promenades, you'll see that it is full of life, is both traditional and modern, and has something to offer every traveler.

Polignano a Mare

At first sight, I think it's easy to label Polignano as just a summer hotspot, but this coastal town on the Adriatic Sea has a rich history, as it is thought to be the ancient Greek city of Neapolis and was also ruled by the Normans, Venetians, and Aragonese, amongst others.

It is especially known for its beach, Lama Monachile, scenic viewpoints that make your heart jump, a charming historic center, rugged cliffs, and natural sea caves.

Monopoli

Another coastal town (just a few minutes from Polignano) with ancient history and a plethora of rulers, Monopoli has always been an important port town in Puglia.

Even without too many landmarks and sights, its historic center was still one of my favorites in the region, and its overall atmosphere is super enchanting.

Ostuni

The hilltop Ostuni is known as "The White City", and indeed, its defensive walls and historic center are almost completely whitewashed.

Amongst its rulers were the Romans, Normans, Isabella of Aragon, and her daughter Bona Sforza.

This area is also famous for its olive oil production, so make sure to buy some as a souvenir in Ostuni (the ceramic bottles it comes in are gorgeous too!).

Alberobello

Probably the most photographed town in Puglia, Alberobello and its centuries-old Trulli houses are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

These traditional dry-stone huts were first comissioned by the Counts of Conversano when the area was ruled by the Kingdom of Naples, as they were built in a way that allowed them to be dismantled easily to avoid paying taxes to the kingdom.

They are found throughout this area in the region, the Itria Valley, but in Alberobello, you'll find 1500+ of them, so this place is truly one of a kind.

It also means it tends to be crowded, so even though I know it's not possible for everyone, I highly recommend visiting off-season or as early or as late during the tourist season as possible.

Martina Franca

Baroque landmarks with whitewashed streets and alleys? Yes, please! Founded in the 10th century, the city of Martina Franca was one of my favorites, with its super elegant yet enchanting, cozy, and inviting vibe.

Fun fact: The "Franca" part of its name comes from the word "franchigia", tax exemption, which refers to the tax privileges granted to the city by Philip I of Taranto.

Locorotondo

Although it's small, this is a town I wish I had more time to explore, famous for its round-shaped whitewashed historic center.

Giovinazzo

It's easy to overlook Giovinazzo because it's a tiny town and much less famous than others in Puglia, but I don't think you should.

There's something different about the views and atmosphere of the coastal towns located west of Bari, and it seems like they're still quite underrated.

Giovinazzo may be small, but it has a rich Roman, Norman, and Aragonese history, and it was an important port town.

Trani

Another coastal town located west of Bari, Trani, is not to be missed with its impressive harbor and imposing cathedral by the sea. It had many rulers throughout the centuries and was once a rich city with a special significance as a port town during the Crusades.

It was also home to a flourishing Jewish community, of which you can learn when visiting Trani.

Lecce

If you don't fall in love with Lecce, I don't know what to tell you. I can gush over this city for hours because it is truly beautiful and majestic, and I couldn't get enough of roaming its historic center.

It's known as the Florence of the South thanks to its rich culture and awe-inspiring architecture, a celebration of Baroque and local Lecce stone with landmarks mostly dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries.

Gallipoli

Debatable whether it was founded by the Messapians or the Greeks, Gallipoli's name comes from the Greek name ‘Kallipolis’, meaning ‘beautiful city’. This famous port city has an adorable old town that sits on a little island connected to the mainland and is also known as the Pearl of the Ionian Sea.

And while there's no shortage of places to eat fish and seafood in Puglia (well, it has the longest coastline in mainland Italy), Gallipoli is considered one of the best!

Salento Coast

With so many amazing beaches with turquoise waters and little coastal towns, I would gladly spend several months here just hopping from beach to beach. In May, at the beginning of the tourist season, these are still tranquil with few people but get busier as you reach the peak of the summer months.

When I explain how to reach each place, you'll see that I'm dividing the spots I liked into two area "groups":

1. Cave of Poetry, Torre dell'Orso Beach, and Faraglioni di Sant'Andrea: Three coastal beauties - a famous natural pool, a stunning beach, and a natural wonder with unique rock formations.

2. Santa Cesarea Terme, Castro, and Cala dell'Acquaviva: Two lovely coastal towns and a small but beautiful beach.

There's much more to see here, but considering you're limited on time and dependant on seasonal buses unless you're opting for a tour or a private driver, you need to prioritize and narrow down the bucket list.

A Note on Matera

Usually, people who visit Puglia also head to the city of Matera, which is in the Basilicata region. This is one of the oldest cities in the world, especially famous for its ancient cave dwellings you can explore throughout two districts.

You can get there by bus from Bari, but here's the thing - the direct bus from/back to Bari's city center can be manageable but limiting, with only one leaving early in the morning and only one coming back in the evening. The other option is to take a direct bus from the airport, and trains aren't always available either. If you find the bus too inconvenient, you can book a day tour.