6 day Puglia Itinerary
We had such an amazing 6 days in Puglia exploring different areas and would 100% return to travel around further. The weather in October was still mid 20s, flights were only £28 one way (no luggage included) and accommodation was reasonably priced with good availability as it was out of season. Our 6 day itinerary is below:
Day One: Polignano a Mare
Polignano a Mare is one of Puglia’s most picturesque towns, perched on limestone cliffs overlooking the Adriatic Sea. Known for its dramatic landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and charming historic centre, Polignano is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Italy. We based ourselves here for half of our stay and details of our accommodation are here.
Highlights of Polignano a Mare include:
Lama Monachile (Cala Porto)
This iconic cove is surrounded by high cliffs and has a pebble beach with turquoise waters. The bridge above, part of the ancient Via Traiana, offers stunning views of the cove.
Old Town (Centro Storico)
- Wander through the narrow, whitewashed alleys adorned with flowers and poetry written on walls.
- Pop into artisan shops, gelaterias, and local restaurants.
- Visit the Balconies of Polignano which offer breathtaking views of the sea.
- Visit Piazza Vittorio Emanuele main square with clock tower and church
Statua di Domenico Modugno
- Polignano is the birthplace of Domenico Modugno, the singer of the classic “Volare.”
- A statue of him stands near the Lungomare – it is worth visiting for the amazing panoramic views of the Adriatic.
Grotto Boat Tour
- Polignano is famous for its sea caves carved into the cliffs.
- Take a boat tour with Viator to explore the town from the sea and visit Grotta Azzurra and Grotta della Foca Monaca. Our captain who was fun and informative and a glass of prosecco and snacks were included at the end too.
The tours started from San Vito which is located just outside the town, featuring a large stretch of sand and clear waters
After the tour visit I Benedettini for al fresco dining with gorgeous views and affordable pizzetta’s.
Where to eat and drink in Polignano a Mare
Polignano is renowned for its fresh seafood like octopus, sea urchins, and grilled fish as well as orecchiette pasta with vegetables. Restaurants and bars we visited were:
- Bella ‘Mbriana – pizza & pasta plus grilled meat and seafood with a terrace area overlooking the piazza. Reasonably priced with pasta starting from €9.
- Il Grottino – traditional Italian food served in this authentic trattoria with outside seating. Pasta dishes starting from €11.
Other restaurants which looked great and seemed very popular were:
- MINT Cucina Fresca offering vegetarian and seafood dishes in an intimate setting within an arched stone ceiling.
- Grotta Palazzese – a world-famous restaurant set inside a natural candle lit sea cave. We admired its beauty from a boat tour. Prices are close to €200 so certainly a special occasion restaurant.
Bars we visited for drinks were:
- Aquamare – The rooftop bar offers a chic, elevated escape with stunning panoramic views of Polignano a Mare. It’s the perfect spot to sip on expertly crafted cocktails while watching the sunset.
- Diplomatico – the cocktails are amazing, with a mix of local flavours and creative twists making an exciting menu
Caffe Serafini offers playful cocktails and local cuisine in a central piazza in Polignano a Mare.
We also visited La Casa Sel Mojito for all different types of mojitos and laid back Cactus Book Art for a wine. You also must get your gelato fix from Lucarelli Gelateria situated right by the main bridge.
Day 2: Visit Monopoli
Monopoli is a picturesque seaside town in Puglia, located around 15 minutes from Polignano a Mare. It’s known for its stunning historic centre, golden beaches, and lively fishing port offering a blend of culture, relaxation, and authentic Southern Italian cuisine. Highlights of Monopoli included:
Centro Storico (Historic Center)
Similar to many of Puglia’s cities and towns, the maze of narrow alleys, whitewashed houses, and hidden courtyards makes simply wandering around a pleasure. Look for the roads with the colourful hats above (pictured below).
Walk past ancient churches, small artisan shops, and charming piazzas like Piazza Garibaldi, lined with cafés and restaurants.
Cattedrale Maria Santissima della Madia
A stunning Baroque cathedral dedicated to the Madonna della Madia, the patron saint of Monopoli.
Castello Carlo V
Wander around the 16th-century fortress located on the seafront that once defended Monopoli from pirate attacks.
The Port (Porto Vecchio)
A must visit is the bustling fishing harbour filled with traditional blue fishing boats called gozzi. Watch fishermen unloading their catches in the early morning.
Seafront Promenade (Lungomare)
Walk along Monopoli’s beautiful promenade, lined with palm trees and offering stunning sea views. Stop at Cala Porta Vecchia, Cala Porto Rosso or Cala Paradiso for a sunbathe or paddle.
Where to eat and drink in Monopoli:
- Trattoria San Domenico – offering authentic Puglian cuisine with good service. Traditional trattoria décor inside (with lots of wine) and a small terrace area. Pasta dishes start from €11.
- Osteria San Giovani – Hidden gem tucked away from the main street with excellent food and service.
- Gasperini dal 1936 – Indulge in gelato and / or traditional Puglian pastries at this gelataria. Two scoops was only €3!
- Vini e Panini – Perfect spot for an Aperol Spritz and people watching.
- La Locanda sul Porto: I haven’t visited this restaurant but spotted its waterfront dining spot just outside the centre with a focus on fresh fish. Reviews are excellent.
Day 3: Visit Alberobello
Alberobello is an unique UNESCO World Heritage Site offering unique architecture and cultural heritage. It is well known for its distinctive trulli which are traditional dry stone huts with conical roofs.
The main tourist strip is the Rione Monti District where there are over 1,000 trulli lining narrow, winding streets. There are a variety of shops, cafes and artisan workshops along the strip offering affordable products despite how touristy the area is. Even in October this area was busy – it is worth visiting for the experience but the quieter area of the Rione Aia Piccola District is much more relaxing.
Around half way down the winding streets is a souvenir shop with a sign above stating “Visita Al Trullo Con Vista Panoramica“. There is a door at the back leading up to a rooftop terrace which was surprisingly quite empty. It was great to see views of the Trulli’s from above.
Rione Aia Piccola District is a must visit in Alberobello. It offers a much more tranquil atmosphere with approximately 400 residential trulli to admire in the winding streets.
Belvedere Santa Lucia is near this area offering panaromic views of the trulli making them look like a fairy tale!
Day 4: Visit Ostuni
Ostuni is known as the “White City” captivating visitors with its stunning beauty, history, and authenticity. Its whitewashed streets, charming buildings, and breathtaking views make it a popular city to visit in Puglia.
Visit Ostuni Cathedral located at the highest point of the Centro Storico (historical centre). This Romanesque-Gothic cathedral, built in the 15th century, has an impressive façade and an intricate interior with stunning artwork.
The arch near Ostuni Cathedral is 16th century Arco Scoppa serving as one of the notable architectural features of the town’s historic centre which was built as part of the town’s defensive walls.
The winding streets of Ostuni are one of the town’s most enchanting features. The narrow, cobbled lanes twist and turn through the historic centre where you can uncover hidden squares, quiet courtyards, and charming little shops.
Amidst the sea of whitewashed walls, there are various vibrant doors adding a splash of colour and personality to the narrow streets. The bright colours are often symbolic—blue doors might evoke the calming shades of the sea, while green doors reflect the lush, natural surroundings of olive groves and rolling hills.
Where to eat in Ostuni
Antico Bistrot is located in the heart of Ostuni’s historic centre near these coloured doors. It boasts stunning views of the countryside from its multiple layer venue. The Puglian food was impressive and remained at affordable prices even with the amazing terrace view. Service was lacking but we still loved the venue.
Around a 15 minute walk from the main centre is an amazing view looking back at the White City of Ostuni. From the centre, head towards Piazza della Libertà, one of the main squares in Ostuni. Follow the road leading out of town, which takes you towards the rolling hills and olive groves. As you walk along the road, you’ll gradually begin to gain elevation, which will offer increasingly spectacular and unobstructed views of the whitewashed town below, Look for the “Belvedere” or viewpoints – one particularly scenic area is near Contrada Santa Lucia.
Day 5: Visit Lecce
Lecce is most famous for its Baroque architecture, which adorns many of the city’s churches, palaces, and buildings. It is often referred to as the “Florence of the South” due to its historical and architectural significance.
The Piazza del Duomo and the Basilica di Santa Croce are prime examples of Lecce’s magnificent Baroque architecture, with their intricate facades and elaborate sculptures. You can climb to the top of the Bell Tower for sweeping views of Lecce – we decided not to given it was over €30 for the three of us.
Lecce City Centre is around 2-3km to walk around so if you need a rest break, or want to hear more about the City, then the local train is a great way to navigate around the city (€10 per person for around 1 hour). It departs on the hour from the Piazza Duomo Square – it is not widely advertised in Lecce (or on the internet). We just stumbled upon it and our daughter wanted to ride it.
Situated a short distance from the city centre, is Giardini Public Lecce. The green space features beautiful fountains, well-maintained gardens, and play areas, making it a perfect spot for a relaxing stroll.
Bars and Restaurants in Lecce
Lecce is not short of excellent local restaurants to dine at with plenty of choice in the city centre. Storico Pizzeria and Cucina is a cozy, charming spot known for its delicious, wood-fired pizzas and traditional Italian dishes. With a lovely terrace area at the rear and affordable prices, it’s definitely worth a visit.
Flow Bar and Bistrot offers a chic and relaxed vibe serving hearty focaccia’s and healthier salads. The small outdoor terrace is perfect for sipping on an Aperol Spritz and people watching.
Terra Lecce is a stylish, contemporary restaurant offering a menu that celebrates the rich flavours of Puglia with a modern twist. We indulged in the delicious Cacio e Pepe served in a pecorino wheel in their rear terrace area.
Quanto Basse Cocktail Bar in Lecce is a stylish spot with creative cocktails and a relaxed ambiance. There are plenty of spots on the main streets to pop into for an aperitivo before dinner.
Cucina Mamma Elvira is renowned for its authentic, home-style Italian dishes meaning it’s advisable to book in advance.
Day 6: Visit Grotto della Poesia and Torre Del’Orso
Around a 40 minute trip from Lecce, is the stunning Grotta della Poesia (Grotto of Poetry). It is a natural sea cave situated along the coast, famous for its crystal-clear water and its striking beauty. Swimming is no longer allowed in the grotto due to safety issues.
The surrounding area also features beautiful cliffs and a scenic beach, making it an attractive destination in the South East of Puglia.
Various websites indicate that is is €4 to enter but when we visited in October there was no way to pay. We spent around a hour walking around and taking in the beautiful grotto and exploring the caves.
Only a 5 minute drive from Grotto della Poseia is Torre dell’Orso, a beautiful coastal town. It’s renowned for its picturesque beaches, clear turquoise waters, and scenic cliffs, making it a popular destination for beachgoers and nature lovers.
Visit La Puccia Paccia where their speciality is Puccia, a traditional Puglian bread stuffed with a variety of fillings. Local, no frills and delicious. Less than a 5 minute walk away Pasticerria Dentori for gelato and canoli with views of the sea from their covered terrace.
East London Girl: 6 days in Puglia
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