Where to Go in Puglia
Your Essential Guide to the Most Captivating Towns and Regions
Puglia is a land where history, light, and landscape come together in perfect harmony.
From the rolling hills of Valle d’Itria to the sunlit shores of Salento and the wild cliffs of the Gargano Peninsula, each corner tells a different story.
If you are wondering where to go in Puglia, here are the places that reveal its true soul.
Discover the Heart of Puglia
Puglia, the sun-drenched heel of Italy’s boot, stretches across 19,000 km² and offers more than 800 kilometres of coastline kissed by both the Adriatic and Ionian seas.
Its beauty lies in contrast: whitewashed villages meet olive-green plains, while golden beaches fade into limestone cliffs.
Agriculture, craftsmanship, and hospitality remain its beating heart. The region leads Italy in olive-oil and wine production, while fishing traditions keep its coastal towns alive.
To the north, the Gargano Peninsula rises dramatically above the sea. Southward, the landscape softens into the Valle d’Itria and finally opens into Salento, where two seas meet at Santa Maria di Leuca.
This’s our guide to some of Puglia’s most captivating, historic, and picturesque towns, cities, and regions, including the distinctive Valle d’Itria and vibrant Salento.
If you are thinking WHERE TO GO IN PUGLIA:
- Alberobello
- Monopoli
- Polignano a Mare
- Ostuni
- Martina Franca
- Locorotondo
- Cisternino
- Conversano
- Castellana Grotte
- Carovigno
- Bari
- Brindisi
- Lecce
- Gallipoli
- Trani
- Taranto
- Matera
Valle d’Itria: The Essence of Authentic Puglia
The Valle d’Itria, framed by Bari, Brindisi, and Taranto, is the heart of rural elegance. Its rolling hills are dotted with vineyards, centuries-old olive trees, and the region’s signature trulli — conical white stone houses that embody Apulian tradition.
Must-see towns:
Alberobello – A UNESCO World Heritage site, world-famous for its fairytale trulli.
Locorotondo – A perfectly circular hilltop town of whitewashed lanes and local wine.
Martina Franca – A Baroque jewel blending culture, art, and relaxed sophistication.
Cisternino – Intimate, authentic, and beloved for its fornelli pronti, butcher-grill restaurants.
Carovigno – A hidden gem combining hills, coast, and one of Italy’s most scenic reserves.
The Valle d’Itria is ideal for slow exploration — cycling through olive groves, tasting local wines, or watching the sunset over dry-stone walls.
DISCOVER OUR LUXURY VILLAS IN PUGLIA
Salento: The Soul of the South
Stretching from Lecce to Santa Maria di Leuca, the Salento Peninsula is Puglia’s vibrant heart — a celebration of art, light, and Mediterranean rhythm.
Here, golden beaches meet ancient traditions, and every town pulses with life.
Highlights:
Lecce – The Florence of the South, adorned with intricate Baroque façades and lively piazzas.
Otranto – A seaside treasure with a medieval castle, mosaic-floored cathedral, and azure views.
Gallipoli – The “Beautiful City”, with its old town on an island surrounded by turquoise sea.
Along its coast, resorts like Baia dei Turchi and Porto Cesareo offer crystal-clear waters and vibrant beach life.
Moreover, Salento’s cuisine — from pasticciotti pastries to friselle and Negroamaro wines — reflects a proud, passionate identity.
DISCOVER OUR LUXURY VILLAS IN PUGLIA
Gargano Peninsula: The Wild North
Known as the Spur of Italy’s Boot, the Gargano Peninsula offers a striking contrast to the rest of Puglia — a blend of rugged cliffs, emerald forests, and hidden coves.
Top spots to explore:
Vieste – A charming coastal town famed for its white houses and the iconic Pizzomunno rock.
Peschici – A cliff-top labyrinth of alleys, balconies, and panoramic views.
Foresta Umbra – An ancient forest within the Gargano National Park, ideal for hiking and birdwatching.
The Gargano coast rewards explorers with sea caves and secret beaches best discovered by boat.
Nearby, the Tremiti Islands invite divers and snorkelers to explore their unspoiled marine paradise.
Why Puglia Captivates Every Traveler
Puglia’s magic lies in its diversity.
It’s a place where you can walk through centuries of history in the morning, enjoy seafood at a harbor restaurant at lunch, and watch the sun set behind ancient olive trees in the evening.
This region embodies Italian excellence with effortless comfort — a perfect balance of culture, nature, and heartfelt hospitality.
Plan your journey, explore with curiosity, and let Puglia’s timeless charm do the rest.
