Puglia is home to some of the most charming cities in the south of Italy if not the entire world. On this 10-day itinerary of Puglia, we will help you ride through the picturesque Monopoli, the beautiful Trulli village of Alberobello, the serene Matera, and the seaside town of Polignano A Mare.
The best way to explore the enchanting cities of Puglia is by traveling to Bari and renting a car, which allows you the freedom to discover smaller towns on the go and gives way for a little spontaneity.
MATERA
Usually, we leave the best for last, but in this guide, we are going to spoil the best place to visit in Southern Italy early on. Matera is hands down one of the most beautiful towns we’ve ever visited. This is not an overstatement; Matera’s slopped architecture and beige-scape will leave you constantly breathless. This is also partly due to the many stairs and steep hills, but alas, it’s stunning.
Wildly enough, until the 1950s Matera was known as the “shame of Italy”, with many homes without electricity or water, poor health conditions and primitive dwellings. Today, the cave-carved churches and the underground homes are highly revered. To truly understand the history of Matera you must visit Casa Noha as it will reframe your visit and will give you even deeper insight of the original ways of living.
Matera is the one of the oldest cities in the world, known as the Second Bethlehem, the town is made up of two Sassi, or quarters, Sassi Barisano and Sassi Caveosa.
Where to stay in Matera
The beautiful staggered homes of Matera are stunning places to stay and truly experience the magic of the town. Our favorite stays have been at the Cave hotel La Dimora di Metello. Other excellent options are Corte San Leonardo and Lo Splendore dei Sassi.
What to do in Matera
The Matera Cathedral
The cathedral is also known as the Cattedrale di Maria Santissima and sits in the middle of a massive square with spectacular views of Matera. It has been standing tall since the 13th century, and is the highest point in Matera and splits the sassi in two.
San Pietro Caveoso
There are at least two San Pietro churches in Matera, but the most stunning church in the town is the Caveoso location which is perched atop a cliff with a beautiful green valley below. Originally built in 1218, today’s façade is actually from renovations that were completed in 1706.
We can keep going with a list of churches in Matera, but there are truly tens of them in the sassi. We recommend visiting as many as possible, but also investing some time in just wandering around and enjoying the viewpoints. The viewpoint on Belvedere Luigi Gureicchio is arguably the most famous. It is tucked within the main square Piazza Vittorio Veneto and right next to Palombaro Lungo, Matera’s ancient cistern.
Cave Houses
As we mentioned above, the cave houses of Matera are inviting time-capsules of the past. While you must visit Casa Noha, also squeeze some time to check out La Casa Grotta del Casalnuovo. The casa is well preserved and is quite a short tour.
And finally, take a cooking class – seriously, does it get better than taking a pasta-making class in the heart of the caves of Matera? The answer is no. Make sure to book here ahead of your trip.
Where to eat in Matera
The hidden gems are endless but our favorite places to dine over the course of our stay were La Lopa, Acma Loca Social Club, Regiacorte – L’eccellenza Del Territorio, and Tierra Osteria Contemporanea.
ALBEROBELLO
The town of Alberobello seems like it leaped straight out of a fairytale storybook, its charm unmistakable and its allure hard to resist. What makes this town unique are its thousands of trulli—a style of white, conical-roofed houses. These ancient limestone dwellings, meticulously built without mortar, are decorated with mystic symbols and offer a rare glimpse into Italy’s architectural past.
Visit the Trullo Sovrano, the largest trullo in town and the only one with two floors. Now a museum, this grand trullo invites you to step into the past, offering glimpses into the town’s unique building techniques and daily life centuries ago.
Just a short walk away is the Basilica of Saints Cosma and Damiano, an ornate 18th-century church that contrasts strikingly with the surrounding sea of Trulli. Beyond the few attractions, the city is yours to get lost in.
For the best view of Alberobello’s trulli, head to Belvedere Santa Lucia. Directly next to the Church of Santa Lucia, this elevated viewpoint offers a sweeping panorama of the town. We suggest going early in the morning as swarms of tourists flock to this little square, but also try to make it again in the afternoon for a particularly magical sunset.
Where to stay in Alberobello
Well, a trullo of course! There are many great Trulli that have been renovated for quaint short stays around the historic town. Our favorite stays were at the Trulli Antichi Mesiteri and Villa di Zia Vittoria. Although many have also recommended a stay at the modern-styled Gatto Bianco Case d’Allora.
Where to eat in Alberobello
The local trattorias, sometimes underground, offer freshly made orecchiette pasta or ear-shaped pasta, coupled with fresh burrata and wine from Puglia’s vineyards. Honestly, you are in for a treat! The most memorable restaurants from our trip were La Cantina, Trattoria Casa Amatulli and Paco Wines Eno-Winery.
MONOPOLI
For a quintessential Southern Italian experience, the next stop on your Puglia road trip must be Monopoli. The white-washed town is the perfect combination of sea, sun and sightseeing. As you stroll through the historic center, the narrow cobblestone streets twist and turn, leading you to picturesque piazzas and pastel-hued buildings adorned with flowering balconies. The beauty of Monopoli is not the things to do or see, but yet the beauty of mindlessly getting lost in the pockets of the city. As the Italians would say, ‘dolce per niente,’ the sweetness of doing nothing.
What to do in Monopoli
Castle of Carlo V
The town’s ancient defensive walls and 16th-century castle stand as proud reminders of its rich history, while the scent of fresh seafood and espresso fills the air. Hugged within the fortified walls are streets full of boutiques, restaurants and little passages leading up stunning views of the Adriatic Sea.
The Beaches
Monopoli is a wonderful coastal town with a plethora of beach options. From public beach access in the heart of town to luxurious waterfront beach clubs, there is something for everyone. We enjoyed sun-bathing at beach clubs such as Macrame.
Where to stay in Monopoli
The little town has several enchanting bed and breakfasts and hotels with spectacular views. As the historic town is mostly a pedestrian area, we recommend central accommodations like Le Contrade di Salvatore, Casa Roberto, and Brunaldi Suites.
Where to eat in Monopoli
One of our most memorable dinners in Puglia was alongside the sea at Ristorante Lido Bianco. You can also indulge in a tasty food walking tour to get a sense of authentic Apulian flavors.
If you have an extra few days to explore, check out Polignano A Mare or Locorotondo. One of our favorite day trips in Polignano A Mare was a boat cruise, where we sailed through the coastal caves, sipped on local spirits and swam in crystal-clear water.
If you’re looking for an entirely different vibe, head to Locorotondo’s rolling hills, vineyards, and olive groves. At a distance, you can see the neighboring towns dotted with ancient trulli and farmhouses. Enjoy a charming afternoon at one of the many wineries which you can book here. If you prefer to dine in a restaurant overlooking the vineyards, Pavi Wine is also a good option.
That’s it folks! This wraps up the 10-day itinerary for visiting Southern Italy’s Puglia region covering most of its adorned towns. Arrivederci.
