We’ve highlighted the best places to stay in Puglia, each location perfectly positioned to help you explore nearby towns and beaches without spending hours on the road. And to make things even easier, we’ve handpicked some stylish beachfront or historic retreats that’ll have you questioning why you ever booked a basic hotel.
Deciding where to stay in Puglia is all about setting the vibe for your trip. This sun-soaked region of southern Italy serves up everything from jaw-dropping beaches to ancient towns that look like movie sets. But let’s face it, picking the perfect base can make all the difference between a good trip and a legendary one.
Moreover, Puglia stretches over 400 km (or 250 miles) from the Gargano Peninsula in the north to Santa Maria di Leuca at its southern tip. Driving from one end to the other can take around five hours, and that’s without pit stops for all the must-see spots along the way. So, trying to see it all from one base? Not the best idea.
In this guide, we’ll break down five of the best places to stay in Puglia, each with its own personality. Whether you want to explore the dramatic cliffs of Polignano a Mare, get lost in Lecce’s Baroque beauty, or soak up the southern charm of Gallipoli, we’ve got options. And because where you stay matters, we’ve included some top-tier hotels for those who want to splurge, plus gorgeous mid-range spots that won’t drain your bank account but still bring the style.
Let’s dive in and map out the best areas to stay in Puglia for an unforgettable escape.
Best Places to Stay in Puglia
Here’s a handy map to help you visualize Puglia’s top spots and plan your perfect stay. Keep scrolling to learn how each location offers a unique vibe, so you can pick the ones that match your style.
1. Monopoli
2. Lecce
3. Santa Maria di Leuca
4. Vieste
5. Gallipoli
1. Monopoli: Exploring Polignano, Ostuni & More
Monopoli is perfectly positioned for travellers who want to experience Puglia’s highlights without too much driving. Located roughly midway along the region’s Adriatic coast, it’s the ideal blend of small-town charm and seaside vibes. With its historic old town, lively harbour, and stunning beaches, Monopoli offers a little bit of everything. You’ll love wandering its streets, lined with whitewashed buildings and colourful shutters, before heading out to explore nearby gems.
What’s Nearby Monopoli?
You’re within easy reach of some of Puglia’s biggest attractions. Polignano a Mare, famous for its dramatic cliffs and clear waters, is just a 15-minute drive away. Want to dive deeper inland? Head to Ostuni, the dazzling White City, or Locorotondo, a hilltop town known for its circular old town and excellent wine. Both are under 30 minutes away. For a bit of history, the UNESCO-listed Alberobello, home to the iconic trulli houses, is less than an hour from Monopoli. And finally, if you’re craving some beach time, the beautiful shores and turquoise waters of Torre Guaceto are just 40 minutes away.
Where to Stay
Luxury Options: Don Ferrante is a chic boutique hotel built into Monopoli’s ancient walls, offering stunning sea views and elegant rooms. La Peschiera is a waterfront luxury hotel with private pools and direct beach access. Borgo Egnazia is a world-renowned resort that blends luxury with traditional Apulian design.
Mid-Range Options: Palazzo Indelli is located in the heart of Monopoli’s old town and offers comfort and charm without breaking the bank. Hotel Vecchio Mulino is a cozy, modern stay with great service and easy access to the beach. Masseria Il Melograno is a historic masseria offering rustic elegance, with a gorgeous pool and peaceful surroundings just outside Monopoli.
2. Lecce: Baroque Beauty and Beach Bliss
Lecce is a city bursting with personality. Located in the heart of Puglia’s Salento region, this Baroque masterpiece is an ideal base for travellers who want a mix of history, culture, and easy access to some of the region’s best southern beaches. Lecce’s golden-hued buildings, elaborate churches, and lively piazzas will draw you in, but it’s the city’s street life that makes it hard to leave.
What’s Nearby Lecce?
From Lecce, you can easily explore the best of southern Puglia. Torre dell’Orso, with its stunning beach and the iconic sea stacks of the Due Sorelle, is just a 30-minute drive. Head a bit further and you’ll reach Otranto, a charming coastal town known for its historic cathedral and turquoise waters. Don’t miss Santa Cesarea Terme, famous for its thermal baths and Moorish architecture, or Porto Badisco, where legend has it, Aeneas landed. All these destinations are under an hour from Lecce.
Where to Stay
Luxury Options: La Fiermontina Urban Resort is a luxurious retreat blending modern design with historic charm, offering a tranquil garden and pool. Patria Palace Hotel is located in the heart of Lecce’s old town and features stunning Baroque architecture and stylish rooms. Masseria Trapanà, just a short drive from Lecce, is an upscale masseria offers lush gardens, chic rooms, and a serene atmosphere.
Mid-Range Gems: Dimora Storica Muratore is a boutique hotel in a historic building, with beautifully designed rooms and excellent service. Masseria & Spa LuciaGiovanni is a unique stay with North African-inspired decor, a large pool, and relaxing spa facilities. Palazzo Persone Dimora is a charming, centrally located guesthouse that combines historic architecture with modern comforts.
3. Santa Maria di Leuca: Gateway to the Best Beaches
Santa Maria di Leuca sits at the very tip of Puglia, where the Adriatic and Ionian Seas meet. This small coastal town has a unique, end-of-the-world vibe, offering panoramic sea views and a peaceful atmosphere. Its iconic lighthouse and the nearby Basilica of Santa Maria de Finibus Terrae give the town a sense of quiet grandeur, making it an ideal base for exploring Puglia’s stunning southern coastline.
What’s Nearby Santa Maria di Leuca?
From Santa Maria di Leuca, you’ll have easy access to some of the most beautiful beaches in Puglia. Marina di Pescoluse, often called the “Maldives of Salento,” is a must-visit for its powdery white sand and shallow, crystal-clear waters. A short drive north takes you to Torre Vado and Felloniche, two quieter beaches perfect for a relaxing day. For something more dramatic, head east to Grotta del Diavolo or take a boat tour to explore sea caves like Grotta delle Tre Porte.
Where to Stay
Luxury Options: Villa La Meridiana is a stunning seafront villa offering luxurious rooms and unparalleled views of the Ionian Sea. Masseria Ruri Pulcra is a serene masseria just outside of town, featuring elegant rooms and a beautiful garden. Borgo Cardigliano Resort is located in the countryside near Leuca and combines modern comfort with traditional charm.
Mid-Range Gems: Messapia Hotel & Resort is a stylish hotel with spacious rooms, a pool, and panoramic sea views. Hotel Terminal is centrally located along the promenade and offers great amenities and easy beach access. Masseria Montelauro is a chic yet affordable masseria with rustic decor and a peaceful setting, just a short drive from Leuca.
4. Vieste: Forests Meet the Sea in Gargano
Vieste, perched on the edge of the Gargano Peninsula, feels like a world apart from the rest of Puglia. This picturesque town offers a mix of dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and a charming historic centre, making it the perfect base for exploring the wild beauty of Gargano. Vieste’s old town is a maze of narrow alleys, whitewashed houses, and panoramic viewpoints, all leading to the impressive Vieste Cathedral and the towering Pizzomunno Rock, an iconic limestone monolith standing guard over the coastline.
What’s Nearby Vieste?
Gargano is a treasure trove of natural wonders. Just a short drive from Vieste, you’ll find the enchanting Foresta Umbra, a lush forest filled with ancient trees and hiking trails that seem to go on forever. For beach lovers, Baia delle Zagare and Spiaggia di Vignanotica are must-visits, offering clear waters framed by dramatic cliffs. If you’re up for a boat ride, explore the many sea caves along the coast, including the famous Grotta Sfondata and Grotta dei Due Occhi. Don’t miss a day trip to the Tremiti Islands, a hidden paradise just off the Gargano coast.
Where to Stay
Luxury Options: Pizzomunno Vieste Palace Hotel is a beachfront hotel offering elegant rooms, a private beach, and top-tier amenities. Palace Hotel Vieste is located in the heart of the town, and blends modern comfort with historic charm. Masseria La Chiusa delle More is a luxurious countryside retreat just outside Vieste, known for its beautiful setting and gourmet dining.
Mid-Range Gems: Hotel Scialara is a stylish hotel with stunning sea views, located right next to Pizzomunno Rock. Albergo Torrente is an affordable yet charming option close to the beach, offering great service and cozy rooms. Masseria San Salvatore is a rustic yet refined masseria with a tranquil atmosphere and easy access to both town and nature.
5. Gallipoli: Easy Access to Porto Cesareo
Gallipoli, sitting pretty on the Ionian coast, offers the perfect mix of history, nightlife, and beach bliss. Its old town, perched on an island connected to the mainland by a 17th-century bridge, is a charming labyrinth of narrow streets, ancient churches, and lively piazzas. The town’s name comes from the Greek “Kallipolis”, which means beautiful city and it delivers—whether you’re soaking up the vibe in the bustling harbour or catching golden hour on Spiaggia della Purità, one of the most scenic beaches in the region.
What’s Nearby Gallipoli?
Gallipoli makes an excellent base for exploring the surrounding area. Just a short drive away, you’ll find Porto Cesareo, a stretch of coastline known for its stunning white-sand beaches and shallow, turquoise waters. Highlights include Torre Lapillo and Punta Prosciutto, both of which could rival some Caribbean destinations. For something a little different, visit Nardò, a lesser-known town with impressive Baroque architecture and a relaxed vibe. If you’re up for a day trip, Santa Caterina and Porto Selvaggio offer rugged beauty and quiet coves perfect for snorkelling.
Where to Stay
Luxury Options: Palazzo del Corso is a stylish boutique hotel with a rooftop pool offering panoramic views of Gallipoli and the Ionian Sea. Masseria Li Foggi is a luxurious countryside retreat blending rustic charm with modern elegance, just a short drive from town. Relais Corte Palmieri is nestled in Gallipoli’s old town, and features stunning terraces and cozy, design-forward rooms.
Mid-Range Gems: Masseria Le Dimore Baia Verde is a beautiful masseria near Baia Verde beach, offering stylish rooms and a peaceful atmosphere. Palazzo Mosco Inn is a historic building turned boutique hotel with elegant rooms and a rooftop terrace. Hotel 33 Baroni is a modern, comfortable hotel just a short walk from the old town and harbor.
Best Places to Stay in Puglia for A Week
Let’s be real—a week isn’t much for a region as spread out as Puglia. That’s why it’s smart to stick to one, max two, home bases.
If you want to keep things simple, Monopoli is a solid all-in-one choice. It’s got easy access to everything: Polignano a Mare’s cliffs, Ostuni’s whitewashed beauty, Alberobello’s trulli, and plenty of beautiful beaches. Plus, Monopoli itself is ridiculously charming, so even on lazy days, you’re covered.
If you’re up for splitting your time, do the first 3 days in Monopoli and then head south to Lecce. This way, you’ll get the best of both worlds—northern Puglia’s iconic towns and Lecce’s Baroque brilliance, with Salento’s beaches just a quick drive away. It’s the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation, with way less time spent in the car.
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