“Lu sule, lu mare, lu ientu” — the sun, the sea, and the wind — are just the beginning of the charm that Puglia has to offer, and given the tourism boom this region has experienced in recent years, many seem to share this sentiment.
From the dream beaches of Salento to the unspoiled nature of Gargano, passing through iconic white stone cities to the hills of Valle d’Itria dotted with trulli, every corner of Puglia is a marvel to explore. Visiting Italy without stopping in this region would truly be a shame.
But what to see in Puglia in 7 days? Here’s a guide designed to help you discover the most beautiful places in this extraordinary land.
7-Day Itinerary in Puglia: The Most Beautiful Places to Visit
As we mentioned earlier, there are numerous places to visit, and those who have the opportunity to take a 7-day tour of Puglia can certainly follow the itinerary we will show below.
Day 1: Gargano and Tremiti Islands
On the first day in Puglia, start by exploring the Gargano Park and the Tremiti Islands, two places that encapsulate all the wild and authentic beauty of the region.
The Gargano, also known as the “spur of Italy”, is one of the most fascinating areas of the region. It encompasses an extraordinary variety of landscapes: lakes, long white beaches, villages perched on the sea, and imposing mountains. If you love outdoor life, you’ll find numerous trekking trails here that will allow you to immerse yourself in unspoiled nature and discover breathtaking panoramas.
Among the gems of the park are Vieste and Peschici. The former is a picturesque coastal city characterized by white houses overlooking the sea and postcard-like views, famous especially for the Swabian Castle and the Cathedral. Peschici, on the other hand, is a medieval village perched on a cliff with a sea view and is one of those cities in Puglia that absolutely deserves to be visited.
After visiting these two enchanting locations, head to the Tremiti Islands, the only Italian islands in the Adriatic. Here, crystal-clear waters and seabeds rich in marine life will give you unforgettable moments, especially if you love snorkeling or diving.
Among the most beautiful beaches are Cala Matano and Cala dei Benedettini on San Domino, while the other islands, like San Nicola and Capraia, are perfect to explore by boat or rubber dinghy.
Day 2: Castel del Monte and Trani
The second day of your Puglia itinerary takes you to discover Trani and the evocative Castel del Monte.
Trani is a city rich in history, culture, and picturesque views. Its port, once the pulsating heart of local trade, is now a vibrant meeting point for residents and tourists. Here you can walk among the locals and enjoy the romantic atmosphere, especially at sunset. Nearby, the Municipal Villa and the Fortino offer one of the best panoramic views of the city.
Trani’s historic center is a fascinating labyrinth of alleys and squares, with the Cathedral of San Nicola Pellegrino as the absolute protagonist. This Romanesque masterpiece, with its position by the sea and the whiteness of the local stone, is one of the most iconic symbols of the city.
There are also curious places like the Scolanova Synagogue and the Typewriter Museum, perfect for those who want to discover the most original side of the city.
After visiting Trani, continue your journey towards Castel del Monte, in the Alta Murgia National Park. This imposing castle catches your attention from afar, emerging on a hill without moats or defensive walls.
Its octagonal shape dominates every aspect of the construction: eight towers, eight rooms on the ground floor and eight on the first floor, creating a harmony that makes it a true “stone crown”.
Every detail of Castel del Monte is steeped in mystery. The spiral staircases, unusually arranged counterclockwise, break the defensive rules of the time, and the narrow arrow slits and lack of a strategic positioning suggest it was not intended for war. Scholars still wonder about its function: a temple, a place of study and relaxation, or perhaps an astronomical observatory?
Day 3: Bari and Polignano a Mare
The third day of your week in Puglia is dedicated to two great jewels of the region: Bari and Polignano a Mare.
The first, capital of Puglia, welcomes you with the timeless charm of Bari Vecchia, where the Basilica of San Nicola stands out as the symbol of the city. This Romanesque masterpiece, dedicated to the saint venerated by both Catholics and Orthodox, hosts services for both cults, making it a unique place.
Continue your visit by getting lost in the alleys of the historic center, where you can watch the traditional preparation of orecchiette on Via Arcobasso. Then reach the Fort of Sant’Antonio Abate for a panoramic view of the wall and end the day with a walk along the seafront, framed by elegant Liberty-style palaces, which will give you one of the most beautiful memories of the city.
In the afternoon, head to Polignano a Mare, a village that seems to have come out of a postcard, perched on a cliff overlooking the sea. Walk through the historic center, where poets’ verses decorate the walls, turning every corner into a work of art.
Explore the evocative marine caves, including the famous Grotta Palazzese, which hosts one of the most exclusive restaurants in the world. Don’t miss the Lama Monachile, a picturesque inlet perfect for capturing the beauty of the landscape. Finally, pay homage to Domenico Modugno, author of “Nel blu dipinto di blu”, in front of the statue that celebrates him, with his arms open towards the sea.
Day 4: Alberobello, Locorotondo, and Martina Franca
The fourth day is entirely dedicated to the wonderful Valle d’Itria.
Start your day by visiting Alberobello, the famous village dotted with trulli. Most of these ancient constructions, with a cylindrical base, whitewashed and topped by a conical roof, are found in the Monti District. Imagine that there are more than 1,000 of them, of every type. Many of these trulli are now restaurants or typical product shops.
After visiting this characteristic town, continue towards Locorotondo, one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, located 410 meters above sea level. Its historic center, perfectly circular, offers truly fascinating romantic glimpses. Start your visit from Piazza Vittorio Emanuele, the beating heart of the city, and continue towards the Mother Church of San Giorgio, the Church of San Nicola with its precious frescoes, and the Madonna della Greca Church, the oldest in the village.
End the day in Martina Franca, another pearl of the Valle d’Itria famous for its white houses and cobbled streets. The city is also famous for its capocollo, a delicacy to be tasted in the many typical restaurants or to take home as a gastronomic souvenir. For an even more authentic experience, stop at one of the numerous masserie in the area, ancient fortified farms now transformed into restaurants immersed among olive trees, fig trees, and cacti, which will give you an unforgettable dinner in contact with nature.
Day 5: Castellana Caves and Monopoli
The fifth day of your trip to Puglia will take you to discover two unique wonders: the Castellana Caves and the city of Monopoli.
Start the day with a visit to the Castellana Caves, one of the most spectacular speleological complexes in Italy, located in the Murge. The entrance, called Grave, leads to a cavern 60 meters deep and about a hundred million years old. From here, you can choose between two routes: a short one of about 1.5 km, or a long one of 3 km. Both will allow you to admire stalactites, stalagmites, and caves with unique and fascinating shapes.
In the afternoon, continue towards Monopoli and visit the Old Port, with the typical blue boats of fishermen, the Cathedral of Santa Maria della Madia, and the Charles V Castle, which directly overlooks the sea.
Monopoli will not disappoint you even if you are a sea lover: its beaches, like Cala Porta Vecchia or Porto Ghiacciolo, offer crystal-clear waters and perfect little coves for relaxing. Additionally, in the surrounding area, you can also visit the rock churches, small jewels carved into the rock that tell the religious history of the region.
Day 6: Ostuni and Lecce
The sixth day of your trip to Puglia will lead you to discover two of the most fascinating cities in the region: Ostuni and Lecce.
The first, known as the “White City”, is characterized by houses covered in white lime, which have become a true symbol of the area.
Walking through the historic center, enclosed by a city wall with two suggestive access gates — Porta Nova and Porta San Demetrio — you can come across small squares and charming churches. However, the true protagonist of the city is the majestic Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, which dominates the panorama with its grandeur.
In the afternoon, continue towards Lecce, an authentic open-air work of art. Here you’ll find monuments from Roman, Medieval, and Renaissance periods and the celebrated Lecce Baroque, which finds its highest expression in the Basilica of Santa Croce. The facade of this building, with its central rose window framed by elegant laurel leaves and berries, looks like a refined lace, so rich is it in details and decorations.
Continuing your walk, reach Piazza Duomo, where you can admire extraordinary examples of Baroque and Roman art. In Piazza Sant’Oronzo, on the other hand, you’ll find both the Roman amphitheater and the cathedral, elements that together create a suggestive combination of history and architectural styles. But in this city, buildings from different eras and influences also coexist, such as the Palazzo del Seggio and the Churches of San Marco and Santa Maria delle Grazie, which further enrich the atmosphere of the place.
Day 7: Gallipoli and Otranto
The last day of your trip to Puglia is dedicated to two jewels of Salento: Gallipoli and Otranto.
Gallipoli, known as the “Beautiful City”, is one of the most beautiful places in Puglia and Salento, capable of enchanting visitors in every season. This gem on the Ionian Sea, with its historic center located on an island, is a maze of alleys, panoramic bastions, and architectural wonders like the Cathedral of Sant’Agata and the ancient underground oil mills.
The city is famous especially for its traditions linked to the sea. At the port, in fact, you can experience the emotion of seeing fishermen at work, busy repairing nets or selling fresh catch.
But it’s the breathtaking views that steal the scene here: from the suggestive Purità beach, set like a jewel at the foot of the bastions, to the Punta Pizzo Natural Park, where dunes, Mediterranean scrub, and sea merge into an ideal oasis for trekking and relaxation.
After visiting here, continue towards Otranto, a charming seaside village. Here you can visit the majestic Aragonese Castle, with its imposing defensive walls and watchtowers that once protected the city. Get lost among the alleys of the historic center, characterized by white houses and cobbled streets, and treat yourself to some relaxation on the nearby beaches. Among the most famous is the Bay of Turks, so named because it was once the site of Turkish invaders’ landing.
Visiting Puglia in a Week: Tips for a Perfect Stay
As you could read above, in a week in Puglia you can see many wonderful places. To best explore this varied region, you need accommodation that allows you to move easily between the many attractions. Choosing a villa as a base for your stay is undoubtedly one of the most strategic and practical options.
Villas offer everything you need for a perfect vacation: flexibility in schedules, absolute privacy, and exclusive spaces like pools, gardens, and spacious relaxation areas. They are ideal for both a romantic getaway and a vacation with friends or family, guaranteeing comfort and tranquility after intense days exploring Puglia.
With Anita Villas you can find the ideal accommodation near the most beautiful places in the region. Whether you want to visit the beaches of Salento, the trulli of Alberobello, or immerse yourself in the authentic flavors of this land, our villas in Puglia will allow you to live a unique experience.
Take a look at our proposals and book your stay: Puglia awaits you with all its charm!