20 Best places to visit in Puglia, Italy

Puglia, located in the heel of Italy, is a region known for its olive oil production, long coastline, and stunning UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Trulli of Alberobello.

Bari, the capital of Puglia, features a mesmerizing old town with narrow streets, historic churches like the Basilica di San Nicola, and a castle.

Gallipoli is a historic seaside town in southern Puglia, uniquely divided into a modern section and an old town on a limestone island, featuring a castle and beaches.

Ginosa is a historic town situated on a ravine, known for its ancient rock-cut caves, cave churches with Byzantine frescoes, and a Norman Castle.

Brindisi is a quiet seaside city in Puglia known for its amazing coastline, warm weather, stunning architecture, and lively nightlife around the harbour.

Cisternino is a less-known but delightful town in the heart of Puglia, featuring a historical city center with stunning views over the Itria Valley.

Vieste, the 'Pearl of the Gargano Peninsula', is a gorgeous town with a narrow-street old town (Vieste Vecchia), a castle, and impressive sea views.

Alberobello is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its unique 'Trulli' houses with distinctive cone-shaped roofs, offering charming streets and panoramic viewpoints.

Locorotondo is a charming town near Alberobello, known for its unique circular city center and inspiring architectural details.

Ostuni, often called the 'White City', is a stunningly beautiful town in Puglia with characteristic narrow streets and gorgeous landscapes.

Otranto, located on the easternmost point of Italy, offers spectacular day and night views, blending culture with nature, and is close to beautiful beaches.

Martina Franca is an off-the-beaten-path gem in Puglia, known for its narrow streets, local food, and impressive basilica, making it an ideal base for exploring the region.

Polignano a Mare is a stunning town perched on cliffs overlooking the sea, famous for its picturesque views, charming old town, and inspiring landscapes.

Monopoli is a beautiful coastal town in Puglia with a breathtaking coastline, often considered even more charming than Polignano a Mare.

San Vito Dei Normanni is a small, charming town worth visiting for its historical city center, narrow streets, and iconic buildings with a unique blend of local architecture.

Trani is an underrated gem with a beautiful port, a stunning 13th-century cathedral, a fort, and a museum, offering a relaxed coastal experience north of Bari.

Lecce, known as the 'Florence of the South', is an architectural gem celebrated for its Baroque style, rich history, traditions, and gastronomy.

Minervino di Lecce is notable for the Dolmen Li Scusi, an ancient megalithic archaeological site, and offers cultural experiences during local festivals.

Santa Maria di Leuca, at the southernmost tip of Puglia, is an upmarket beach destination with a beautiful promenade, historic villas, and the Basilica Sanctuary.

The Amalfi Coast is a renowned stretch of coastline known for its dramatic cliffs, picturesque towns, and stunning Mediterranean scenery.

Torre dell’ Orso is a beach near Otranto, famous for its striking sea stacks known as the 'Two Sisters'.

Porto Badisco is a picturesque bay near Otranto, characterized by cliffs, caves, and wild nature, considered one of Puglia's best beaches.

Santa Cesarea Terme is a coastal location known for its cliffs, caves, and wild natural surroundings, situated south of Otranto.

Matera is a unique city known for its ancient cave dwellings (Sassi), which have been inhabited for thousands of years and offer a glimpse into prehistoric life.

Grotta Palazzese is a unique restaurant located inside a natural sea cave in Polignano a Mare, offering a dining experience with stunning sea views.

The Basilica di San Nicola in Bari is an 11th-century church built in the Puglian-Romanesque style, originally constructed to house the relics of St. Nicholas.

The Cathedral of Bari is a historic church located in Bari's old town, worth visiting alongside the more famous Basilica di San Nicola.

Bari Castle, also known as Castello Svevo, was built in the 1100s by King Roger II and is a significant historical landmark in the city.

Arco Basso is a specific area within Bari's old town where local women, known as 'nonne', are often seen making fresh orecchiette pasta by hand.

El Chiringuito is a restaurant located on the port in Bari, popular for serving fresh raw fish and local seafood dishes.

La Bul is a restaurant in Bari recommended for traditional Puglian food, perfect for a romantic evening dinner.

The Chiesa Madre Della Vergine Des Rosario is the Mother Church of Ginosa, built in 1554 in the Italian Baroque style and situated atop the ravine.

Svevo Castle in Vieste is located on a cliff, offering stunning views over the sea and the town.

The Cathedral of Vieste is a notable religious building located in the old town of Vieste, contributing to the town's historical atmosphere.

Trullo Sovrano is a unique church in Alberobello with a characteristic cone-shaped roof, representing the distinctive Trulli architecture.

Pietra Piatta is a viewpoint in Polignano a Mare offering panoramic views of the town and the surrounding sea.

The Fondazione Museo Pino Pascale is a museum located in Polignano a Mare, dedicated to the work of artist Pino Pascale.

Lido Colonna Beach is a beach located near Trani, offering a place to relax by the sun and enjoy cocktails.

The Palazzo Delle Art Beltrani Museum is an art museum located in Trani, offering cultural insights.

Villa Comunale di Trani is a park located near the main harbour in Trani, offering a pleasant green space.

The Angevin-Aragonese Castle in Gallipoli was built in the 13th century by the Byzantines and is situated between the new and old towns.

The Basilica Cattedrale di Sant’Agata is a notable cathedral located in the old town of Gallipoli.

The Fontana Greca, or Greek Fountain, is an ancient fountain in Gallipoli that was once believed to be the oldest in Italy.

The Church of St. Francis of Assisi in Gallipoli is notable for housing a nativity scene that dates back to the 26th century.

Spiaggia la Puritate is a beach located under the city walls of Gallipoli's old town.

The Galilei promenade in the new town of Gallipoli is lined with beaches, beach clubs, DJs, and restaurants.

Dolmen Li Scusi is an archaeological site near Minervino di Lecce featuring ancient megalithic structures dating back to the 5th-3rd Millennium B.C.

Chiesa Della Madonna Delle Grazie is an atmospheric underground church located in Minervino di Lecce.

Marina Serra is a natural swimming pool on Puglia's Adriatic Coast, known for its clear blue waters.

Palazzo Ducale Venturi is a boutique hotel in Minervino di Lecce, set within a 16th-century fortified palace with a lemon-scented garden and spa.

The Basilica Sanctuary of Santa Maria de Finibus Terrae is a landmark church located at the southernmost point of Puglia, commemorating St. Peter's passage.

Castel Del Monte is a unique 13th-century citadel and UNESCO World Heritage Site in Puglia, known for its distinctive octagonal shape and mysterious design.