Puglia has been Italy's own favorite summer destination for years, mine included. The rest of the world is only catching up now, and it's earned every bit of the attention. Here's the best things to do while you're visiting.
Like most Italians, I've been coming to Puglia my whole life, long before it showed up on any international radar. Watching the rest of the world catch on to it over the past few years has been strange in a good way: people are finally getting that this is one of Italy's best regions for actually being on holiday instead of just sightseeing through it. Nowadays, Puglia, or Apulia, has become one of the most targeted destinations for European summer holidays all over the world.
That said, the attention hasn't landed evenly everywhere. Some towns still feel like they mostly belong to the people who live there, with the original aesthetic and energy still preserved. Others, like Alberobello, have leaned hard enough into tourism that some of the charm now feels packaged, at least it did when I was there. Both are 100% worth seeing, just go in with the right expectations, and expect real crowds if you're visiting in peak summer.
Here's the full list of the best things to do in Puglia, starting in Ostuni. And by the way: you can cover nearly everything you see below across a two-week roadtrip, if you wish.
Best Things To Do in Puglia
1. Stroll Ostuni’s Whitewashed Maze
Ostuni is a stunner, plain and simple. Perched on a hill and shining bright with its whitewashed walls, it’s earned its nickname as the “White City” for good reason. As you approach, especially at sunset, the town practically glows against the backdrop of olive groves and the Adriatic Sea.
Once you’re in, the real charm of Ostuni is in the wandering. Forget maps. Just get lost in its labyrinth of narrow alleys, where every turn leads to something worth seeing: a charming piazza, a sunlit balcony overflowing with flowers, or a hidden café with espresso that hits just right.
And when talking about food, Ostuni delivers big. Start with an aperitif at Borgo Antico Bistrot, where you can sip a perfectly crafted Negroni while soaking in views of the whitewashed old town. Then, grab dinner at Osteria del Tempo Perso, where you’ll dine in a centuries-old cave and savor dishes like handmade pasta and fresh seafood crafted with local ingredients that bring Puglia’s flavors to life.
2. Cliff Dive and Swim in Polignano
Polignano a Mare was carved straight out of the cliffs just to mess with your sense of reality. One minute, you’re navigating its cobbled streets, and the next, you’re standing on the edge of a cliff, staring out at an endless expanse of Mediterranean blue. This town is all about dramatic views and heart-stopping drops, and honestly, it works.
The main event? Lama Monachile, a postcard-perfect cove where the water is so clear you can see straight to the bottom. Join the local crowds and find your spot for a few hours of sunbathing, swimming, and people watching.
For a different perspective, hop on a boat and explore the caves that dot the coastline. Grotta Palazzese, with its jaw-dropping restaurant inside a sea cave, is a must if you’re feeling extra fancy. Meanwhile, back in town, life slows down. Grab a gelato, sit by the sea, and let Polignano’s charm do the rest.
3. Explore Alberobello’s Trulli
Alberobello is famous for its trulli, those quirky, cone-roofed houses that look like they’ve been plucked from a fantasy storybook. It's a bit commercial nowadays due to over-tourism, and most of the trulli have been turned into shops, b&b or restaurants, but I believe it's still worth a stop.
Start your visit in the Rione Monti district, where hundreds of trulli line the streets. Pop into a few trulli-turned-shops and learn about the history behind these unique structures. Fun fact: they were originally built without mortar so they could be easily dismantled to avoid taxes.
If you’re up for a bit of history, check out the Trullo Sovrano, the only two-story trullo in town, now a museum. And when you’re done exploring, find a cosy spot to enjoy some panzerotti (fried dough stuffed with cheese and tomato) or sip on local wine while taking in the view.
4. Discover Monopoli’s Coastal Charm
Monopoli is a lovely port town that combines a laid-back vibe with just the right amount of hustle.
Start at the old harbor, where colorful fishing boats bob gently on the water, and locals go about their day like it’s still 1950. The medieval Castello di Carlo V looms over the waterfront, reminding you that this place has stories involving pirates and sieges. Wander into the old town, a maze of narrow streets and alleys lined with limestone buildings. It’s a bit chaotic, yes, but in the best way.
Monopoli also knows how to do beaches right. Cala Porta Vecchia, just a short walk from the old town, has white sand and ridiculously clear water. If you want something more secluded, hop on a bike and explore the coastline to find hidden coves.
And then there’s the food. Monopoli’s seafood game is strong, with restaurants serving up fresh catches daily. Order a plate of spaghetti alle vongole at La Marea Restaurant and watch the world drift by.
5. Swim at Torre dell’Orso
Torre dell’Orso is where you go when you want to see just how good a beach can get. The sand is impossibly fine, the water shifts between every shade of blue you’ve ever imagined, and there’s always a gentle buzz of people soaking it all in. And no matter how many beach chairs or umbrellas dot the shoreline, Torre dell’Orso never loses its wild edge.
The real draw? The Due Sorelle sea stacks, rising out of the water like ancient sentinels. Locals will tell you the legend—two sisters who turned to stone after an ill-fated swim.
Another real kicker is the Grotta della Poesia (Cave of Poetry), located just a walk away. This natural swimming hole, carved into the limestone, feels like nature’s version of an infinity pool. Unfortunately, as of 2026, swimming and jumping here are no longer allowed here, after years of erosion from overtourism, so plan on admiring it rather than diving in. There's a €3 entry fee to the site itself between May and September.
6. Marvel at Lecce’s Baroque Beauty
Lecce draws you in with its quiet confidence. The streets, bathed in the soft glow of its signature limestone, seem to carry a sense of timelessness. Every building tells a story, from the intricate carvings on the Basilica di Santa Croce to the commanding presence of the Roman amphitheater, casually nestled into the city center like it’s been waiting for you to notice.
In Piazza del Duomo, locals gather in the golden hour, sharing conversations as the cathedral catches the fading light. Wander a bit, and you’ll stumble upon hidden courtyards or artisan workshops where everything from hand-stitched leather to delicate ceramics comes to life.
The air smells like fresh pastries and espresso, and if you follow your nose, you’ll soon end up with a warm pasticciotto in hand.
7. Explore Torre Guaceto’s Coastline
Torre Guaceto is a protected marine reserve thatfeels like a world apart, with sprawling beaches, unspoiled dunes, and a calm, crystal-clear sea that stretches endlessly. This is where I go when I want to avoid the crowds as much as possible, even during the month of August.
Start your visit with a walk along the reserve’s trails. You’ll pass ancient olive groves, wetlands teeming with birdlife, and stretches of wild, peaceful coastline that feel untouched. For those who love the water, Torre Guaceto offers some of the best snorkelling and diving in Puglia. The marine reserve is home to vibrant sea life, from colourful fish to seagrass meadows swaying gently beneath the waves.
This spot is also about sustainability, as local initiatives focus on preserving the area’s natural and cultural heritage, making every visit feel meaningful.
8. Roam Gargano’s Wild Scenery
If you're looking to see the wilder side of Puglia, you must visit the Gargano region. This mountainous promontory that gives the name to the entire area juts out into the Adriatic with a rugged mix of dense forests, dramatic cliffs, and secluded beaches.
Start with the Foresta Umbra, a sprawling forest where the ancient trees create a cool, almost mystical atmosphere, perfect for hiking or escaping the summer heat. From there, make your way to Vieste, a postcard-perfect coastal town with whitewashed buildings and a labyrinth of narrow streets. Its main beach, Spiaggia di Pizzomunno, is known for its towering limestone monolith that seems to rise straight out of the sea.
For those who crave solitude, the hidden coves along the coastline are unbeatable. Many are only accessible by boat, so hop on a tour to explore sea caves like Grotta Sfondata or Grotta dei Due Occhi.
9. Lounge on Gallipoli’s Beaches
Gallipoli and Porto Cesareo Bay are where Puglia’s coastline hits its stride. On one side, you’ve got Gallipoli, a lively town that does nightlife like a pro, more than any other destination in Puglia. On the other, Porto Cesareo Bay offers endless stretches of pristine beaches and calm, aquamarine waters.
Porto Cesareo beaches have shallow, clear waters that are perfect for snorkelling or just floating lazily. For a real treat, visit Isola dei Conigli (Rabbit Island), a short boat ride away, where untouched beaches meet vibrant marine life.
In Gallipoli, start with the old town, perched on a tiny island connected to the mainland by a 16th-century bridge. Its labyrinth of streets leads to stunning sea views, quirky shops, and the imposing Castello Angioino. As the sun sets, the town transforms into a hotspot for aperitivo and late-night fun, with bars spilling out onto the streets.
10. Walk Matera’s Ancient Sassi (Basilicata)
Just a couple of hours from Puglia, there's an ancient city where caves serve as homes, churches, and even entire neighbourhoods. The Sassi di Matera, a sprawling network of cave dwellings, is the city’s main attraction and is nothing short of breathtaking.
Walking through the Sassi is an experience in itself. The uneven cobblestone streets wind past homes carved into the rock, with terraces offering sweeping views of the rugged canyon below. Stop by Santa Maria de Idris, a church built into a cave, its frescoes a reminder of Matera’s history. For a deeper dive, visit the Casa Grotta di Vico Solitario, a restored cave dwelling showing how people lived here for centuries.
The city’s culinary scene has exploded recently, blending traditions with modern flair. Grab lunch at a cave restaurant and enjoy dishes like cavatelli pasta, all while soaking in the surreal surroundings.
