Puglia, Italy: The Ultimate Travel Guide to Italy’s Sun-Soaked Southern Gem

From ancient villages to crystal-clear coastlines, this Puglia Italy Travel Guide reveals the best towns, beaches, and bites across the heel of Italy—plus where to stay and how to explore nearby Matera.

Puglia Travel Guide: A Journey Through Italy’s Best-Kept Secret

There’s something undeniably magical about Puglia—a sun-drenched region in southern Italy where time seems to slow down, and life unfolds beautifully between olive groves, Puglia Travel Guide, seaside cliffs, and whitewashed towns. If you’ve been dreaming of the dolce vita, this Puglia Italy Travel Guide will show you exactly how to experience it.

At Bohemian Bela, we spent three immersive weeks exploring Puglia’s charming corners and hidden gems—from the Adriatic coastline to the iconic stone city of Matera. This in-depth Puglia and Matera Travel Guide brings together everything you need to plan your dream Italian escape.

Why Puglia Should Be Your Next Italian Destination

Unlike the tourist-packed streets of Rome or Florence, Puglia offers a quieter, more authentic slice of Italy. Think sun-kissed vineyards, winding coastal roads, sleepy villages, and meals made from scratch. Here, you’ll swap crowds for cobblestones and swap cappuccinos with a view for aperitivos under ancient olive trees.

From the white cliffs of Polignano a Mare to the hilltop beauty of Ostuni and the Baroque charm of Lecce, this region truly has it all—without the high price tag of Italy’s more famous hotspots.

Where to Stay in Puglia: Handpicked Towns and Boutique Stays

Deciding where to stay in Puglia is all about balancing charm, convenience, and location. The region is vast, and while the train system covers a few major towns, renting a car opens up a world of tucked-away treasures and coastal drives.

Here are our top recommendations:

🏖️ Polignano a Mare

Famous for its dramatic seaside cliffs and hidden coves, Polignano a Mare is a postcard-perfect base. Wander its narrow alleyways, enjoy cliffside dinners, and don’t miss a swim at Lama Monachile beach. Tip: It's a great place to begin your adventure before heading south.

🌿 Ostuni

Known as La Città Bianca (The White City), Ostuni is perched on a hill with sweeping views of olive groves and the Adriatic. Stay in a boutique masseria (a traditional farmhouse), and enjoy leisurely day trips to nearby towns like Alberobello and Locorotondo.

🍷 Lecce

Often referred to as the “Florence of the South,” Lecce is a must for lovers of art, food, and architecture. It’s a cultural gem and a perfect base for exploring southern Puglia’s beaches and wine country.

You can learn more and plan your stay with our complete Puglia Italy Travel Guide.

The Best Beaches in Puglia, Italy

The coastline of Puglia stretches for nearly 500 miles, and it's nothing short of spectacular. Whether you’re seeking rugged coves or soft sandy shores, here are the best beaches in Puglia, Italy:

Lama Monachile (Polignano a Mare): Iconic, pebbled, and flanked by cliffs. A must-see.

Torre dell'Orso: Soft sand and crystal-clear water, perfect for families.

Punta Prosciutto: Located in the Salento area, this is Puglia’s answer to the Caribbean.

Baia dei Turchi: A natural cove near Otranto, ideal for quiet swims and nature lovers.

Spiaggia di Pescoluse (The Maldives of Salento): Need we say more?

To explore more stunning seaside spots, click here and let our Puglia Travel Guide lead the way.

Exploring Matera: A Stone City Lost in Time

Though technically in Basilicata, Matera is often combined with a trip to Puglia—and for good reason. Just a 90-minute drive from Bari, Matera feels like stepping into another world with its ancient cave dwellings (sassi), carved from limestone.

This Puglia and Matera Travel Guide wouldn’t be complete without recommending a few unforgettable things to do in Matera:

Walk through the Sassi di Matera at sunrise

Stay in a cave hotel for a night

Visit the Rupestrian churches carved into cliffs

If you're short on time, a day trip is possible, but we highly recommend an overnight stay to soak in the city’s surreal beauty.

Getting Around: Do You Really Need a Car in Puglia?

This is one of the most asked questions—and the answer is a firm YES.

While it’s possible to travel between a few major cities by train (like Bari, Polignano, and Monopoli), many of the best beaches, countryside stays, and small villages are not accessible without a car. Renting a car gives you the flexibility to discover hidden beaches and wander off the beaten path.

We picked up our rental car from Avis in Monopoli after a few days on the train—and it made all the difference. If you want to explore more, this is the way to go.

Travel Tips: Making the Most of Your Trip to Puglia

Best time to go: May–June or September–October for fewer crowds and ideal weather.

Local cuisine: Don’t miss orecchiette pasta, fresh burrata, and rustic Pugliese bread.

Pace yourself: Puglia is meant to be savored slowly. Embrace the siesta culture.

Currency: Euro (€), and most places accept credit cards—but keep some cash handy for small towns.

Language: Italian is spoken widely. English is common in tourist hubs but less so in rural areas—learn a few basics!

Ready to Fall in Love with Puglia?

Whether you're a first-time visitor or planning your return, this sun-soaked region will steal your heart. Use our Puglia Travel Guide to plan a trip full of unforgettable moments—from cliff diving in Polignano to sipping local wine in a quiet masseria.