10 Best Things To Do in Puglia, Italy: Top Beaches & Towns

Lounge on beaches that belong inside a desktop wallpaper, get lost in ancient towns that don’t need Google Maps, and eat like carbs were never invented. Here’s our guide to the best things to do in Puglia. 

Nestled in Italy’s heel, Puglia may not be considered a hidden gem anymore, but it’s still the spot for anyone craving authentic Italian character with a side of seaside adventure.
Some come for the food, to taste decadent plates of handmade orecchiette and fresh burrata that make Michelin stars feel irrelevant. Others are drawn to the landscape, where cliffs, coves, and centuries-old olive trees stretch as far as the eye can see. And then there are the towns, each with its personality, where history is alive, and locals can school you in the art of slow living.
If you’re craving to see a side of Italy that thrives on simplicity and substance, and where beauty feels unintentional, then Puglia deserves a top spot on your bucket list. This guide? It’s your backstage pass to the region’s greatest hits. We’re diving into the best things to do in Puglia that’ll have you booking your return trip before you even leave.

Read More About Puglia:

• • • 5 Best Places To Stay in Puglia (coming soon!)
    • Matera, Italy: A Quick Guide to Visiting ‘The Stone City’

Here’s a convenient map to help you picture Puglia’s top spots. Keep reading to learn more about each location.

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. It’s a view that’ll stop you in your tracks, and it’s absolutely worth the hype.

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 seems like it 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 doesn’t do subtle—it’s all 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. It’s the kind of spot that makes you forget what day it is.

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. By the time you leave, you’ll wonder why you ever considered going anywhere else.

3. Explore Alberobello’s Trulli

Alberobello is straight out of a fairy tale, and no, that’s not even an exaggeration. The town is famous for its trulli—those quirky, cone-roofed houses that look like they’ve been plucked from a storybook.

Start your visit in the Rione Monti district, where hundreds of trulli line the streets. It’s a photographer’s dream, but even if you’re not snapping pics, the vibe is worth soaking in. 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 the kind of place that feels like it’s been living its best life for centuries, completely unbothered by the outside world. This historic port town combines a laid-back vibe with just the right amount of hustle. It’s not trying to impress you, but somehow, it does.

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, 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. Simple, stylish, perfect.

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—but honestly, you don’t need a backstory to appreciate the view.

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. If you’re up for it, the 15-foot jump into the cave is practically a rite of passage around here. They say poets once gathered here for inspiration, but even if poetry isn’t your thing, you’ll leave with plenty of new verses about how perfect that dive was.

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—a bite of perfection.

7. Explore Torre Guaceto’s Coastline

Torre Guaceto is where nature takes centre stage. This protected marine reserve on the Adriatic coast feels like a world apart, with sprawling beaches, unspoiled dunes, and a calm, crystal-clear sea that stretches endlessly. It’s not your typical crowded beach destination, and that’s exactly what makes it special.

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. Each stop will feel like a secret shared just with you.

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 balances history and nightlife like a pro. On the other, Porto Cesareo Bay offers endless stretches of pristine beaches and calm, aquamarine waters. Together, they’re a beach lover’s dream with a little extra flair.

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.

If you’re chasing adventure but still want to unwind with a seaside spritz, this duo delivers.

10. Walk Matera’s Ancient Sassi (Basilicata)

Matera is the kind of place that makes you question everything you know about time. Just a couple of hours from Puglia, this ancient city feels like stepping into another era where caves served 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.

Matera isn’t just about history and architecture, though. The city’s culinary scene has exploded, blending traditions with modern flair. Grab lunch at a cave restaurant and enjoy dishes like cavatelli pasta, all while soaking in the surreal surroundings. 

Read more about Matera here.

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