The top 8 destinations to explore in Puglia

It's hard to believe that Puglia once played a supporting role to regions like Tuscany.

Stretching along Italy’s unique heel, this vibrant southern region boasts some of the country’s most charming villages, eccentric architecture, and stunning beaches. From rugged, forested cliffs to baroque cities and intriguing Hellenic towns, the following locations deserve a spot on any Puglian must-visit list.

1. Bari

Forget the North Pole: the true Santa resides in Bari. This lively port city is home to the impressive Basilica di San Nicola, which houses the relics of St. Nicholas, the inspiration behind the modern sleigh-riding legend. But Bari offers more than just its 12th-century Norman cathedral and handy ferry links to Greece, Albania, Montenegro, and Croatia.

The charming, winding old town of Bari Vecchia also houses an impressive archaeological museum, not to mention the famous pasta-making ladies of Arco Basso. Each morning, they set up their spianatoie (wooden boards) along the narrow alleyways and get to work, kneading, rolling, and expertly shaping Puglia’s iconic orecchiette. Besides the ear-shaped pasta, the city tempts food lovers with focaccia barese (Bari-style focaccia), sgagliozze (fried polenta), and panzerotti (fried calzones) – satisfying street snacks perfect for any Bari bar crawl.

2. Promontorio del Gargano

A picturesque blend of charming paesi (towns) and breathtaking natural landscapes, the Gargano Promontory is a complete delight in Puglia’s northeast. Cliffside towns like Vieste and Peschici serve as perfect bases, with their vibrant, Arabesque streets adorned with colorful laundry, blooming geraniums, and seafood trattorias. During the summer months, boat tours depart from their ports, exploring Gargano’s stunning sea caves, secluded coves, and dramatic stacks.

Both towns also serve as summer gateways to the nearby Tremiti Islands, where fragrant hiking trails, crystal-clear waters, and a medieval abbey offer a captivating offshore retreat. Behind Vieste and Peschici, winding backroads and hiking paths weave through the rugged landscape of the Parco Nazionale del Gargano, which boasts ancient forests and quaint mountain villages. The most picturesque is Monte Sant’Angelo, famed for the apparitions of the Archangel Michael in the fifth century, according to local lore.

3. Polignano a Mare

Flat-roofed, cube-shaped buildings jut directly from the cliffs in Polignano a Mare, dramatically overlooking the turquoise Adriatic. Its breathtaking location and weathered charm attract thousands of visitors who flock to its centro storico (historic center) each summer. Many aim for a swim at the Instagram-famous Cala Porto beach, while others seek a table at Grotta Palazzese, a renowned fine-dining restaurant known more for its stunning cave setting above the sea than its price point.

For a quieter experience, consider visiting outside of July and August to escape the largest crowds, and be sure to check out the exceptional Museo Pino Pascali, a contemporary art gallery housed in a former abattoir dedicated to the late Puglian artist Pino Pascali.

Local tip: Don’t miss the town’s caffè speciale, a unique coffee blend with sugar, cream, lemon zest, and Amaretto. Legend has it that this delightful drink was created by Mario Campanella at his bar-gelateria, Mario Campanella Il Super Mago Del Gelo.

4. Valle d’Itria

If Snow White and her seven dwarfs were to relocate to Italy, they would surely choose World Heritage-listed Alberobello as their home. This most popular town in the picturesque, vine-covered Valle d’Itria boasts its iconic trulli (limestone houses topped with conical roofs), resembling whimsical beehives straight out of a fairy tale. Many of these charming structures house restaurants, shops, and museums, including Trullo Sovrano, a 'living' museum that offers a glimpse into trullo life in the 19th century.

Although you can find accommodations in several of Alberobello’s trulli, consider visiting the town as a day trip while staying in one of the valley’s hidden gem towns. Notable options include the stylish, whitewashed Ostuni, the rustic Cisternino, and the baroque beauty of Martina Franca. The latter is particularly famous among food enthusiasts for its capocollo, a delicately sweet cured meat celebrated as the king of Puglia’s salami.

Tip for planning: From mid-July to early August, Martina Franca hosts the famous Festa della Valle d’Itria, a celebrated music festival dedicated to opera.

5. Grecìa Salentina

From Campania to Sicily, ancient Hellenic ruins reveal a time when much of southern Italy belonged to Magna Graecia. However, the influence of the Byzantine-era Greeks is less recognized but still evident in Puglia’s Grecìa Salentina (Greek Salentine). This region includes 12 charming low-rise towns (Calimera, Carpignano Salentino, Castrignano de' Greci, Corigliano d'Otranto, Cutrofiano, Martano, Martignano, Melpignano, Sogliano Cavour, Soleto, Sternatia, and Zollino) located south of Lecce. Here, Griko, a neo-Greek dialect, is still spoken, and it's common to see signs in Griko or Greek. If you're short on time, prioritize visits to Corigliano d’Otranto (home to one of Puglia’s grandest castles), Melpignano, and Martano, both of which are recognized on the Borghi Autentici d’Italia (Authentic Hamlets of Italy) list.

Tip for planning: During Cortili Aperti (Open Courtyards), a three-night event in late July, several of Martano’s lovely private courtyards are accessible to the public. In August, Grecìa Salentina comes alive with the Notte della Taranta festival, celebrating its vibrant pizzica folk dance.

6. Lecce

Cultured Lecce is often referred to as the 'Florence of the South.' However, while Tuscany embraces Renaissance elegance, Puglia's architectural gem opts for a bold baroque style – barocco leccesse. For the 17th- and 18th-century architects of this city, excess was the goal, resulting in stunningly dramatic structures like the Duomo, Palazzo Vescovile, and the Basilica di Santa Croce. The latter boasts an intricately detailed facade, recognized as one of Italy's architectural treasures.

Yet, Lecce’s history extends far beyond its Counter-Reformation masterpieces. At Piazzetta Castromediano Sigismondo, transparent floor panels reveal remnants of a Renaissance oil store. Nearby, the Museo Faggiano houses an unexpected find: during a routine search for a sewage pipe, excavators uncovered ancient subterranean artifacts, including a pre-Christian Messapian tomb and a Roman granary.

7. Otranto

In 1480, over 800 locals were massacred during the Ottoman invasion of Otranto. Today, their skulls serve as a striking welcome at the city’s Romanesque cathedral. What truly sets this impressive landmark apart, however, is its vibrant mosaic floor, one of the largest and most fascinating examples from medieval Europe. Situated just 72 km (45 miles) from the Balkan coast, Otranto's history is marked by a tapestry of occupations and liberations. Explore its compact old quarter to uncover layers of history – Greek, Roman, Turkish, and Napoleonic. In summer, dive into the refreshing waters; Otranto boasts some of the most inviting beaches in Puglia.

8. Gallipoli

Gallipoli embodies the charm of southern Italy: crystal-clear seas, friendly locals, and a picturesque Old Town filled with the aroma of freshly fried seafood. The Old Town is a cozy maze of intimate squares and lively alleyways, situated on a small island linked to the mainland by a causeway. During July and August, the trendy and glamorous flock to Gallipoli’s stunning beaches, vibrant atmosphere, and exciting nightlife. But it’s not just about beach clubs and sunbathers. Gallipoli also features the Cattedrale di Sant’Agata, a prime example of barocco leccese architecture, and the remarkable Frantoio Ipogeo, a subterranean olive press dating back to the 17th century. Additionally, visitors can admire the enigmatic Fontana Greca (Greek Fountain), a beautifully carved monument whose origins remain uncertain.

Planning tip: For a more tranquil experience, consider visiting Gallipoli in June or September to enjoy the beaches, clubs, and warm weather without the peak-season crowds.