Puglia is long and narrow. Bari and nearby coastal towns form one useful rail route, the Valle d’Itria contains Alberobello, Locorotondo and Ostuni, and Lecce anchors the Salento peninsula.
A week works with two bases. Ten days allow Bari, the Valle d’Itria and Salento without crossing the region every day. Matera lies in Basilicata, even though it is often combined with a Puglia trip.
Begin around Bari
Bari provides the main air and rail gateway. Polignano a Mare and Monopoli fit the coastal rail corridor, while the old city deserves its own time.
Use a Valle d’Itria base
Alberobello, Locorotondo, Cisternino and Ostuni are close by road but less simple by public transport. A central base reduces repeated driving.
Continue into Salento
Lecce anchors the south, with Otranto, Gallipoli and smaller coast areas pointing in different directions. Choose one side for a short stay.
A practical itinerary
- Days 1 to 2: stay in Bari and visit one nearby coast town.
- Days 3 to 5: move to the Valle d’Itria for Alberobello, Ostuni and rural landscapes.
- Days 6 to 8: use Lecce or another Salento base.
- Days 9 to 10: add a coast day or finish through Matera with a separate Basilicata plan.
Getting there
Bari and Brindisi airports serve different parts of the region. Mainline trains run along the coast, while local operators serve inland routes. Check the station name and operator for each town.
Getting around
Rail works for Bari, Lecce and several coastal towns. A car is useful in the Valle d’Itria and rural Salento. Historic centres use restricted zones, and beach parking can fill early in summer.
Food to look for
Puglia is known for orecchiette, focaccia, burrata, bread, olive oil, vegetables and seafood. Dishes change between Bari, the Valle d’Itria and Salento, so local menus should guide the route.
When to visit
Late spring and early autumn suit towns and coast. Summer is hot and busy near beaches. Winter is quiet, with reduced resort services but active city life.
Accessible travel
Larger stations and city centres offer the strongest services. White towns often have slopes, polished stone and stairs. Confirm accommodation parking, drop-off and the exact route to the entrance.
Practical limits
Puglia’s length makes one-base touring inefficient. Do not describe Matera as part of Puglia. Rural restaurant and accommodation access may require a car or arranged transfer.
Nearby places
Matera in Basilicata is a common onward stop. Naples and Rome require longer rail journeys. Ferries from Bari and Brindisi connect internationally, but schedules are route-specific.
Places to add to your map
- Bari: Main northern gateway and rail hub.
- Alberobello: Trulli town in the Valle d’Itria area.
- Ostuni: White hill town above the Adriatic plain.
- Lecce: Baroque city and Salento base.
Open the route planner to place these stops in a wider Italy trip.
Continue planning
Questions about Puglia
How many days do I need in Puglia?
Seven days allow Bari, the Valle d’Itria and one Salento base. Ten days make room for slower coast and town days.
Do I need a car in Puglia?
Not for a Bari-Lecce coastal rail route. A car is very useful for the Valle d’Itria, rural stays and dispersed beaches.
Is Matera in Puglia?
No. Matera is in Basilicata, just west of the Puglia border. It combines well with a Puglia route but needs its own transport plan.
Sources and updates
This guide was last reviewed on 28 August 2026. Transport, access and opening arrangements can change, so check the official source before travel.
- Official Italian tourism information, Italian Ministry of Tourism
- Italian rail timetables and travel information, Trenitalia
- Official Puglia tourism information, Regione Puglia
- Official Basilicata visitor information, APT Basilicata