Puglia, Italy – A 7 Day Itinerary Including Bari, Polignano A Mare, Alberobello and Matera

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The Puglia region is located in the southeastern “heel” of the boot shape that is Italy. Highlights of this region are the stunning coast with its cliffs and picturesque beaches, and the “Trulli” houses in Alberobello.

Bari is the main city that you can fly into or take a ferry to. When Mark and I visited Puglia we stayed in Bari. But we fell in love with nearby Polignano A Mare, and that’s where I recommend to stay. This hidden gem is more picturesque than Bari, and is a quintessential Italian seaside village.

Of course you can switch around these days however you desire, but this at least gives you an idea of how much you can fit into each day.

  • DAY 1 – POLIGNANO A MARE
    • Explore Polignano A Mare Old Town with lots of shops, cafes, etc.
    • Have dinner at Anticha Mura, a great seafood and classic Italian restaurant
  • DAY 2 – ALBEROBELLO
    • Take a day trip to Alberobello with the Trulli huts, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • DAY 3 – POLIGNANO A MARE
    • Have breakfast at Joya Canti di Stagione
    • Take a boat tour (private or group excursion) to visit some secluded coves and caves, and to see the stunning coast from the Adriatic Sea
    • Visit the quaint church of Saint Vito
    • Have Dinner at Mint Cucina Fresca, with lots of vegan options and other items too; make reservation via WhatsApp
  • DAY 4 – BARI
    • Take the train (20 min. ride) to Bari, and explore Old Town
    • Visit the Swabian Castle
    • Go to Areco Basso and San Sebastiano streets to watch the Orecchiette ladies make pasta just outside their homes
    • Walk on a portion of the old city wall – it’s free!
  • DAY 5 – POLIGNANO A MARE
    • Go to Monachile Beach, a small pebble beach tucked between cliffs
    • Take photos of beach from viewpoint “Belvedere su Lama Monachile” from the East side
    • Have a gelato at Bella Blu Gelateria
    • Visit the monument of Domenico Modugno, who wrote the song “Volare”
    • Take photos from the Pietra Piatta overlook, just West of the beach
    • Have dinner at Terrazzo Monachile with a view of the beach
  • DAY 6 – MATERA
    • Take a private day trip tour to Matera, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ancient city has been carved out of the rocky cliff.
    • Stay long enough to stroll around town and enjoy sitting at a sidewalk cafe or restaurant
  • DAY 7 – OSTUNI AND POLIGNANO A MARE
    • Visit the white city of Ostuni, about 30 mins southeast
    • Have dinner at famous Grotto Palazzese; make a reservation

The train between Bari and Polignano A Mare was super nice and easy to use, so I recommend that if you don’t have a car. For the other destinations I would book an excursion.

Enjoy!

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