Puglia, also called Apulia, is a region in southern Italy that sits in Italy’s heel alongside the Adriatic Sea. Whether you’re visiting Italy for the first time or you’re a regular visitor, you may have noticed Puglia is having its moment in the sun. Before you begin planning your journey to this delightful region of Italy, get some inspiration from some of the gorgeous Puglia towns that you can visit.
From Puglia’s capital city, Bari, to Alberobello and Polignano a Mare, each town is extraordinary in its own right, offering unique experiences, cuisine and architecture – you’ll definitely struggle to pick a favorite. Whitewashed buildings, winding streets, Baroque buildings, and delicious food are just some of our favorite things you can encounter in Puglia’s beautiful towns.
TIP: Here are some places to stay in Puglia to check out when planning your trip.
Major Towns in Puglia, Italy
There is no denying that Puglia is a treasure trove of fantastic towns and cities. Bari and Lecce are two of the most populated cities and popular with visitors, boasting iconic sites you won’t want to miss.
Bari
When you visit Puglia, you can’t skip the region’s capital city. Bari has been occupied since approximately 1500 BC and has since blossomed into the largest port city on the Adriatic coast. Puglia cities like this are filled with rich history and culture, mouth-watering food, and plenty to see and do within the town’s walls.
Bari Old Town is one of our favorite places to visit, thanks to its labyrinth of narrow alleyways, historical buildings, and impressive cathedrals. The Basilica Cattedrale Metropolitana Primaziale (Bari Cathedral) and Basilica San Nicola are two of the most notable sites.
READ: Our guide to find the Best Things to do in Bari.
The Piazza Mercantile has been a central location since the 14th century and is surrounded by impressive residences, including the Palazzo del Sedile. Then there is also the Medieval castle, Castello Svevo di Bari, just a short walk from Bari Cathedral.
The old town is the perfect place to experience local cuisine and learn from the women along the streets of Bari Vecchia who make the region’s popular orecchiette pasta.
Where to Stay
Enjoy a wonderful blend of modern luxury and comfort at The Nicolaus Hotel in Bari’s residential area of Poggiofranco.
Lecce
This city in Puglia is nothing short of breathtaking. Often called the “Florence of the South”, Lecce is deemed one of the most romantic places in Italy. Experience the culture of southern Puglia, exceptional views, superb wine and food, and unique local crafts, including stone carving and papier-mâché.
DISCOVER: The tastes of the region in our Puglia Food Guide.
Lecce is home to several unique architectural features, including many Baroque churches scattered across the city. The most impressive are the Basilica di Santa Croce and the Catedral de la Asunción de Santa Maria (Lecce Cathedral).
The Centro Storico (historic center) sports many buildings in the classic Baroque architectural style that the city is known for and has fantastic restaurants, like Osteria degli Spiriti and Nonna Tetti. You’ll also find some lovely piazzas, including central Piazza del Duomo. Lecce also holds the remnants of a Roman Amphitheater that seated an estimated 15,000 people in its heyday.
Where to Stay
Palazzo San Lazzaro is a comfy and attractive accommodation ideally located just a few minutes from local hotspots, like Piazza Sant’Oronzo, in the city center.
EXPLORE: The Florence of the South, with the Best things to do in Lecce.
Inland Towns in Puglia, Italy
Imagine sitting on a hill overlooking Valle d’Itria (Itria Valley) and the breathtaking surrounding countryside, taking in the views of olive groves and the distant Adriatic Sea. Well, that’s what these hilltop towns in Puglia have to offer.
Ostuni
Ostuni is nicknamed “the White City” for its stark white buildings clustered together on the hill. It is undoubtedly one of Puglia’s most beautiful towns. Centuries ago, the old city was built on a hill to protect its citizens from invasion. Nowadays, it’s easy to get lost amongst the narrow streets and whitewashed houses in Ostuni and its Centro Storico.
Ostuni isn’t quite as popular as more prominent cities in Puglia, but don’t let that deter you from visiting the picturesque destination. Along the town’s outskirts, you can look up the hill to see some of the most spectacular sunset views.
Duomo di Ostuni (Ostuni Cathedral) sits at the top of the hill and brilliantly showcases Romanesque and Gothic architecture, not to mention views of the countryside. There are also several small boutiques and restaurants dotted across the town to check out.
Listen to “Favorite towns in Puglia (by a local)” on Spreaker.
Where to Stay
Casa Sea la Vie is a fabulous holiday home in the white city of Ostuni that boasts a rustic and charming interior design with bright pops of color.
Alberobello
Your Puglia itinerary wouldn’t be complete without visiting Alberobello in Valle d’Itria (Itria Valley) named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996 for its Trulli dotted across the hillside.
The rounded white Trulli houses date back to the 14th century and were initially used as storage and living space for agricultural workers. Interestingly, the cheap materials used to build these homes meant they were easy to take down if needed and were intended to reduce dreaded taxation costs.
Besides the traditional dwellings, Alberobello is surrounded by lush olive groves, which make for some Instagram-worthy photos. The Rione Monti area has small souvenir shops that sell lovely handcrafted goods from the locals. Don’t forget to visit the Church of Saint Anthony of Padua and Alberobello in Miniature.
Where to Stay
Trullo Alfieri offers a quiet retreat within the traditional housing style of the town, where you can enjoy picturesque garden views that make for an enchanting visit.