Puglia Road Trip Itinerary | 10 Days in Puglia
Are you planning a Puglia Road trip? Italy’s southern location is perfect for a great experience on the road.
We didn’t fall for Puglia at first glance—we fell as we got lost, window down, on a slow country lane bordered by endless olive groves and stone walls. Each curve of the road revealed a new surprise: cliffside towns, secret beaches, aged masserias, and table after table of honest food.
Our road trip in Puglia was a melting pot of feeling through our senses and stories told by the old towns. We’ve packed this guide with candid moments, practical tips, and the kind of insight you only get from walking (and driving) the terrain yourself.
In this guide you will find fantastic destinations such as Alberobello, Polignano a Mare and Gallipoli. As we inspire you to travel more, off the beaten path, exploring hidden villages, the itinerary includes: Ostuni, Brindisi, Locorotondo and Monopoli.
How to Reach Puglia
You’ll find two main gateways—Bari and Brindisi airports—both offering efficient, direct flights from much of Europe. If you’re flying from North America or elsewhere, you’ll likely connect in Rome, Milan, or another European city before hopping on a short regional flight.
Trains run into key towns like Bari, Brindisi, and Lecce, and adventurous souls even come by ferry or car from further afield.
We started from Brindisi, loving how quickly we slipped from runway to seaside caffè.
How to get around Puglia
Puglia spreads wide—its magic hides in the spaces between. Renting a car is simply the smartest and most freeing way to explore. We picked up ours at the airport and spent the next ten days loving the freedom to detour for an impromptu bakery stop, or to track down that perfect olive grove for a golden-hour photo.
ZTL Zones: Beware! Many old towns strictly limit car traffic. Signs are clear, but fines are real—and they may follow you home months later. We always parked on the outskirts and enjoyed the cool stroll in.
Read our guide on how to rent a car in Puglia
Travelling in Puglia by public transport
Travelling through Puglia by train and bus is possible; however, compared to elsewhere in Italy, public transport can be a little limited and challenge you to manage time and connections.
Trains link key towns, but waiting for buses in the midday sun isn’t anyone’s idea of fun. Trust us, a car lets you truly lean into that Puglian sense of “slow travel.”
Our Ultimate 10-Day Puglia Road Trip Itinerary
Below you’ll also find a personalized map of our suggested itinerary, the easiest by car, which combines scenic rides and fastest routes.
Day 1 | Brindisi Airport
We landed early (Brindisi Airport has low cost flights from Europe), grabbed the keys to our rental, and checked into a quiet B&B. Our first Italian espresso and stroll through Brindisi’s walkable centre set the tone. We lucked into a city square concert—a perfect, unscripted start.
Take it slow on your first day, and prepare the route for the day after.
Rent a car in Brindisi
Overall, Puglia is one of the most affordable places in Europe for road trips. The prices for renting a car are cheap compared to other well-known destinations. We book our cars through two companies: Rental Cars and Discover Cars. Both services offer the opportunity to check the cheapest prices on the market and select our needs accurately to give the best options available.
Where to stay in Brindisi
You might know that during our one week in Puglia, we started our road trip from Brindisi. We stayed in a cosy and quiet B&B located in a noiseless area, easy to reach from the airport and nearby the city centre.
Comfortable and located within walking distance of the historic city centre and the port, this entire apartment can be another option if you are looking for places to stay in Brindisi. Cosy and fully equipped, Casa Rebecca can be another alternative place to stay in Puglia!
Day 2 | Drive from Brindisi to Lecce
On the very first day of the Puglia itinerary, you will drive from Brindisi to Lecce. There are two ways to get to the “Florence of South”; one is the easiest and quickest, taking just about 30 minutes for 39 Km (24 miles) on the SS613. We recommend the coastal route for the best view, dotted with rural cascine and the occasional sea breeze.
The landscape is unique, with greenery and fabulous “Cascine” rural houses. Otranto, just half an hour away, it’s one of the hidden gems of Puglia. The castle on the sea, and an afternoon walk on the walls by the harbour. The sunset spot, ideal for driving along the coast, is at Torre dell’Orso. Don’t miss it.
Things to Do in Lecce
Lecce is often referred to as the Florence of Southern Italy, for its architectural beauty. However, the Puglian city differs a lot from one of the most populous cities in Italy.
- Admiring the Barocco Leccese wandering around the old town
- Discover the Roman Amphitheatre
- Step into the Basilica di Santa Croce
- Indulge in local cuisine.
- Visit the Piazza del Duomo
Things to do in Otranto
While you don’t expect such a hidden gem in Italy, Otranto can keep you entertained for hours. Otranto is a pretty town, and the port is the central sightseeing spot. The historic city centre is iconic, like many other villages on the east coast of Puglia.
In addition, the city boasts a small beach, which is lovely if you decide to slow down on your Puglia Road trip and spend a few days off the beaten path.
Things to do in Otranto:
- Stroll around the old town.
- Visit the Cathedral – The Basilica of Santa Maria Annunziata
- Explore the city walls and discover the secrets of Otranto Castle.
- Get into the Salentino-Byzantine architecture in the San Pietro Church.
- Book a tour to explore Otranto
Day 4 and 5 | Gallipoli & Salento Beaches
The best Puglia Road trip continues rolling south through olive groves to Gallipoli. Expect to spend a lot of time outdoors, with beach hopping in some of the best shores in the region — each cove and bay feels different. Santa Maria di Leuca, where the Adriatic and Ionian Seas meet, is a scene-stealer.
Day 5 | Enjoy Gallipoli and surroundings
You are in Gallipoli, one of the best places for nightlife in Italy in summer. However, visiting Gallipoli off-season, you will see a completely different city than checking it in summer. Gallipoli’s old town is beautiful, like many others in Puglia, and ideal for a few days of relaxation with strolls by the sea sipping local wine and eating fresh seafood.
Besides the beaches, there are many things to do in Gallipoli:
- Step into the Cathedral of Sant’Agata
- Have a lazy day on Spiaggia della Purità.
- Visit the Angioino Castle of Gallipoli
- Walk around with a local private guide
Day 6: Martina Franca
Martina Franca surprised us with its bustling nightlife and affordable charm. The best part? Staying in a trullo house, embracing simple living, and just losing track of time as we wandered the streets at dusk.
Stay in a Trullo house in Martina Franca | Authentic Experiences in Puglia
Staying in a traditional Trullo house in Martina Franca was one of the highlights of our entire Puglia itinerary. We discovered the feels of living simple, in the best minimalist way. After all, exploring this part of Puglia means to disconnect entirely with the buzzing world. Especially if you, like us, are coming from a bustling city like London.
Day 7 | Explore Alberobello and Locorotondo
The three towns are about 10 Km from each other. You can easily use Martina Franca as base for your trip and travel around like we did. We left the car behind and took the train—relaxing compared to driving! Alberobello’s iconic trulli felt like stepping into another world (arrive early to skip the crowds), and Locorotondo’s whitewashed lanes made for a blissfully slow afternoon. We picked up a new phrase from a friendly local—these are the moments that stick. Check out our guide to Locorotondo.
Best tours to Alberobello and Locorotondo
Day 8 | Drive from Martina Franca to Ostuni
It’s time to leave Martina Franca to reach Ostuni. The white city on top of the hills of Puglia is the second largest attractor to the region. We love Ostuni and its picturesque corners. The gorgeous whitewashed city is seen by many as the door to the Salento Region, the dreamy seaside towns of Southern and Eastern Puglia.
The “White City” is perched on its hill like a crown. The way up to the old town is steep but gorgeous. Prepare for an intense workout and leave the heavy suitcase at home. We had two large backpacks, and struggled a bit. Reward yourself like we did in Piazza San Francesco. This is the main square, large one, with many bars open until late.
Ostuni is growing in popularity, in fact, is one of the most read blog posts here, you should book in advance if visiting Puglia in summer. Remember to read our guide to Ostuni.
Brief best things to do in Ostuni:
- Get lost in the maze of the old town.
- Snap a few photos at the door of Salento.
- Visit the impressive 15th Century Gothic Cathedral.
- Join a walking tour of Ostuni
- Spend a lazy day on a beach near Ostuni
- Sip an aperitief in Piazza San Francesco
Day 9: Polignano a Mare & Monopoli
The best part of your road trip in Puglia is yet to come. On day 9, you will drive to the scenic Adriatic side. Follow directions to Polignano a Mare and Bari. Polignano’s famous cliffside setting took our breath away, but the sea was brisk (and the rocky entry not for the faint of heart!).
Monopoli, a short hop away, felt more relaxed—think sunset strolls, fresh-caught dinners, and harbour chats with locals.
Polignano a Mare can be the most instagrammable place in Puglia, but we truly felt the atmosphere of Monopoli. We loved Monopoli more than Polignano; you can see our complete guide here. Also, consider staying in Monopoli if you have a thigh budget, as Polignano is definitely more expensive.
Where to stay in Polignano a Mare
Terrazza Sul Mare is a sea-view holiday home which is located in the middle of the historical city centre, nearby the famous sea-view balcony. Here, you will have your personal Terrazza to enjoy the beautiful landscape. Check here the availability and book in advance as this place is always full, especially in the summertime.
Where to stay in Monopoli
If you want a more authentic Puglian experience, we suggest you skip staying in Polignano and get just 10 minutes further in Monopoli. Cheaper compared to Polignano a Mare and more authentic with still whitewashed houses, lovely city walls to watch the sunset and a picturesque harbour.
Day 10 | Explore Bari
This is your last day in Puglia, and it is worth discovering Bari. We suggest to drop off your car a few days early, save money and enjoy Bari walking around. The centre, Via Sparano is pedestrian only, distances are fair, and where you don’t get by foot there is efficient public transport. We actually recently returned in Puglia, and used Bari for another road trip through more hidden gems (Castel del Monte, Altamura, Trani, Casamassima).
Bari’s energy is contagious. We explored busy markets, tried focaccia barese fresh from the oven, and soaked up the city’s seaside vibe. It’s a perfect last stop if you want big-city buzz before you leave.
These are some of the best things to do in Bari:
- Get lost in Bari Old Town.
- Step into Bari Cathedral
- Stroll around the Bari Promenade
- Sip a drink and eat delicious local Puglian Food in Largo Bicocca
READ ALSO | What to do in Bari, Puglia
Must-see attractions in Puglia, Italy
- Explore the unique 13th-century castle of Castel del Monte.
- Admire the beautiful Romanesque architecture of Trani Cathedral.
- Take a guided tour of the spectacular limestone caves of Grotte di Castellana.
- Soak up the sun on the white sandy beaches and rocky cliffs along the picturesque Salento coastline.
- Stroll through the narrow, winding streets of the charming hilltop town of Ostuni.
- Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Alberobello.
- Snap a few photos of the dramatic cliffs of Lama Monachile in Polignano a Mare.
- Explore the beautiful countryside and olive groves of the Valle d’Itria region.
- Indulge in the local cuisine, from fresh seafood to homemade pasta and local wines.
- Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the region by visiting ancient archaeological sites.
Puglia Road Trip Essentials
Here are 10 essential things to have for a road trip in Puglia:
- GPS or a good map of the region | Puglia has a lot of narrow streets and winding roads, so it’s important to have navigation to help you get around.
- A reliable car | Choose a car that is comfortable, reliable, and has good fuel efficiency. Stick shift (manual) transmission cars are common in Italy, so make sure you are comfortable driving one if you plan to rent a car.
- Sunscreen and sunglasses | Puglia gets a lot of sun, so protecting your skin and eyes from UV rays is essential.
- Your camera | Puglia is a beautiful region, so make sure to capture your road trip memories with a camera.
- Comfortable walking shoes | You’ll want to explore the charming towns and villages on foot, so bring comfortable shoes.
- Reusable Water bottle | Staying hydrated is important, especially if you travel to Puglia in the summer.
- Snacks and drinks | The best trips we have done involve having a lot of snacks. Jokes apart, some snacks and drinks keep you energised and hydrated during long drives.
- Cash | Many small towns in Puglia may not accept credit cards, so it’s a good idea to have some cash on hand. But only cash out a little; having a lot of money with you is not suggested, either.
- Read a lot of guides | We offer some of the best guides about Puglia. You can check each proposed location’s history, culture, and attractions HERE.
- Travel insurance | Consider purchasing travel insurance to protect yourself and your belongings in case of accidents or emergencies on your road trip. We suggest HeyMondo and Safety Wings as travel insurance.
How much cost a road trip in Puglia
We found that road trip costs in Puglia depend on your itinerary length, accommodation style, and appetite for dining out or guided excursions.
On average, a one-week road trip in Puglia runs between €700 and €1,200 per person, covering budget hotels, car hire, simple meals, and entry fees.
For a 10-day road trip in Puglia, expect to spend €1,000 to €1,800 per person if you enjoy some mid-range comforts and activities.
Stretching your trip to two weeks with more upscale stays or extra tours can bring costs up to €1,500–€2,500 per person.
Your expenses will flex according to how many meals you indulge in, which sights you choose, and whether you travel off-season or at summer’s peak. Ultimately, a road trip in Puglia can be both affordable and lavish—so set your budget early, prioritise what inspires you, and you’ll enjoy every moment without worry.
Safety while road-tripping in Puglia
Planning a trip to Puglia, Italy? Keep safety in mind for a smooth and pleasant experience. Follow these guidelines:
- Road Safety: Exploring Puglia’s breathtaking scenery through a road trip is a great idea. Nonetheless, following traffic regulations, driving reasonably, and wearing seat belts for a secure journey are crucial. Get to know the local driving rules and road signs to feel confident while driving.
- Personal Security: Although Puglia is generally safe, remaining cautious and protecting your belongings is wise. Keep your valuables secured, especially in busy areas, and be aware of your surroundings, particularly in tourist hotspots.
- Travel Insurance: We always suggest purchasing travel insurance that covers potential costs for unforeseen circumstances. A comprehensive policy can provide financial protection in case of trip interruptions, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.
For a worry-free road trip in Puglia, follow these safety tips and plan ahead. Then, enjoy the beauty without any concerns.
