Recommendation: The best towns to visit in Puglia, Italy
I have been to Puglia, Italy, three times now, and I have a fourth visit coming up in 2023.
We have friends who grew up in this area and love to spend a couple of weeks enjoying the long summer days, the beautiful beaches, the unique towns and the delicious food.
Unlike the Amalfi Coast, Puglia attracts fewer international tourists, so fewer crowds - and is a lot more affordable.
We try to see a couple of new places each visit, but we also have some areas we return to every year because we love them so much.
If you’re planning a trip to Puglia, Italy, and want to know the best towns, check out my recommendations below. Each city is unique with something different to offer - history, beach, beauty - or all three!
Polignano a mare
Ostuni
Matera
Alberobello
Lecce
San Foca / Torre Del’Orso
Otranto
Polignano a Mare
Polignano a Mare is probably one of the more well-known seaside towns in Puglia, Italy. It is most famous for:
Red Bull cliff diving
The cave restaurant, Grotta Palazzese
The small pebbled beach with the arched bridge
The town has an excellent culinary scene, from casual pizzas and burgers to Michelin-star restaurants. It’s a great town to base yourself in to explore some of the surrounding towns in Puglia.
Best budget-friendly meal: Our top pick for a budget-friendly meal is Pescaria - try one of their seafood paninis.
Best fine dining: If you’re after a fine dining option, check out L’Osteria di Chichibio. The tiramisu is superb!
Best aperitivo: If you want aperitivo with a superb sunset view, visit Aquamarea.
Ostuni
Ostuni in Puglia, Italy.
Ostuni is synonymous with white-washed buildings and twisting laneways. It is a charming small town about 40 minutes drive from Polignano a Mare. Perched on top of a hill, the town has sweeping views of the olive and fruit groves out to the sea. Our favourite time to visit Ostuni is in the late afternoon. It is lovely to wander around in the afternoon light, before finding a comfortable spot for aperitivo and watching the town come alive with the summer tourist crowds.
The picturesque white streets of Ostuni, in Puglia, Italy.
Best aperitivo: It has become our tradition to sit on the beanbags arranged on the steps at Riccardo Caffe to enjoy a cocktail and some savoury snacks as the sunlight fades and the cobblestone laneways light up with fairy lights.
Hot tip: There are parking lots outside the city centre, as the town itself is limited to pedestrians. Bring some coins to pay for parking!
Matera
The ancient town of Matera in Puglia, Italy.
We ventured to the inland town of Matera for a day trip in 2019 (pre-Bond movie release!). It is known for its unique and ancient Sassi district, a neighbourhood carved into the rock and consisting of cave dwellings that date back to prehistoric times. Matera has been inhabited continuously for over 9,000 years and is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. In 1993, the Sassi district of Matera was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its historical significance and unique architectural style. Today, Matera is a thriving city with a rich cultural heritage, offering visitors a glimpse into the past while offering modern amenities and attractions such as hotels, museums, cafes and restaurants.
The town of Matera, Puglia, is full of history.
Hot tip: Wear comfortable shoes - the town features a lot of stairs and cobble-stone streets.
Alberobello
The pretty trulli houses in Alberobello, Italy.
Alberobello is a charming inland town located in the southern region of Italy. It is most famous for its unique style of architecture known as the trulli houses. These houses are made of limestone and have conical roofs, similar to a witch's hat. The trulli houses are a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors worldwide to admire their timeless beauty. The town of Alberobello has been well-preserved and retains its traditional charm, with narrow cobblestone streets and friendly locals. Visitors can explore the historic centre, shop for local crafts, sample the delicious local cuisine, and admire the stunning views from the surrounding hills. Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or just looking for a charming Italian town to explore, Alberobello is worth dropping by for a visit.
The winding streets of Alberobello.
Lecce
Lecce is a beautiful town to wander around during a balmy summer evening.
Lecce is a beautiful inland city in Puglia, Italy. Known as “Florence of the South”, the city is renowned for its stunning baroque architecture and rich cultural heritage. Admire the stunning architecture as you stroll through the narrow, winding streets of the old town, or visit one of the many museums or galleries to learn more about the city’s cultural heritage. Lecce is also known for its delicious cuisine - and the old town comes alive during the summer evenings (our favourite time to visit!). Similar to other Italian towns, visitors park on the outskirts of the old town and explore the city centre by foot.
The city is full of restaurants, bars and cafes.
Best aperitivo: Quanto Basta is a cool bar with creative cocktails and savoury snacks.
Best budget-friendly meal: Il Pizzicotto is a casual takeaway restaurant serving up delicious pizza slices and cold beers. Seating is limited so be mindful that you may need to hover near tables and nab them when they become free - or wander around the city until you find another spot to sit.
San Foca/Torre dell’Orso
We love to stay in either one of these small towns for a few days. They are both laid-back, easy going places and make a great base for exploring different beaches. The water in this area is crystal-clear - perfect for lazing on hot, summer days. Take your pick from one of the many beach clubs, where you pay for a sun bed and umbrella, or get in the car and explore one of the many popular rock formations such as Torre Sant’Andrea.
Must try: Breakfast or gelato at Dentoni in Torre dell’Orso. Their array of sweet pastries are simply divine!
Best beach club: Mora Mora Beach Club in San Foca is our favourite beach club in this area. After a few hours of swimming and reading a book, wander up to the restaurant for a nice cool glass of rosé and a delicious snack.
Otranto
Otranto is a beautiful coastal town located in the southern region of Puglia, Italy, about 30 minutes drive south from Torre dell’Orso. It is situated on the Adriatic Sea and is known for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters. Otranto is also renowned for its rich cultural heritage and history, as it was once an important port town and played a significant role in the region's development. Explore the historic centre and admire the well-preserved medieval castle, the impressive cathedral, and the many other historic buildings that dot the town. In addition to its rich history, Otranto is also known for its delicious cuisine and local wine, making it a popular destination for foodies and wine lovers. Similar to Lecce, we like to visit Otranto in the evenings, when the historical centre comes to life with the summer crowds.
Restaurant recommendation: Ristorante Nettuno offers elevated cuisine with a modern and very approachable twist. It’s housed inside a hotel with a beautiful marine museum.
Puglia, in southern Italy, offers a unique blend of stunning coastlines, rich cultural heritage, and delicious cuisine. With its historic towns, such as Alberobello and Lecce, charming villages, and nature reserves, Puglia is a popular destination for beach-goers, history buffs, foodies, and outdoor enthusiasts. This must-visit region promises a memorable and unforgettable experience.