The 9 Best Things to Do in Puglia: Our Perfect Puglia Guide (2026)

Puglia, the sun-soaked heel of Italy’s boot, is one of Italy’s most authentic regions. Between the Adriatic and Ionian seas, you’ll find whitewashed towns, olive groves, turquoise waters, and a food culture rooted in tradition. From silky burrata and handmade orecchiette to sunsets glowing over the olive fields, Puglia is a feast for the senses.

In this guide, we’ll show you our 9 best things to do in Puglia. From cooking classes and olive oil tastings to clear beaches and the must-visit towns that sharp this region.

We explored Puglia at the end of August and beginning of September and quickly fell in love with its mix of coastal life, charming villages, and rich traditions.

Puglia: Wrap up

• Where? // Puglia is the heel of Italy’s boot, stretching between the Adriatic and Ionian seas.
  
• When? // The best months are May to June and September to October. You’ll get warm weather, fewer crowds, and cheaper prices than in the peak summer months.
  
• Why? // With whitewashed towns, olive groves, beaches, and traditional cuisine, Puglia is one of Italy’s most authentic regions.
  
• Sleep? // Split your stay: one base near Ostuni in the Itria Valley (we stayed at Trullo Picchiagiuda), and another around Lecce, (ours: Empireo Riad). This way you can explore both northern and southern Puglia without long drives.

Why Puglia Should Be on Your List

• Small villages that feel timeless
  
• Warm southern hospitality and family-run trattorias everywhere
  
• Some of Italy’s clearest waters and hidden coves
  
• Food culture rooted in tradition: pasta, olive oil, and cheese straight from the farm
  
• A slower pace of life, perfect for disconnecting and truly relaxing

The Best Things to Do in Puglia

1. Join a cooking class

No. 1 is a must! One of the most authentic things to do in Puglia is how to cook like a local.

Traditional recipes are simple, yet full of character – handmade orecchiette pasta, hearty focaccia from Bari, or fresh seafood from the Adriatic coast. Many cooking classes are held in masserie (traditional farmhouses) or family homes, where you can learn directly from locals who pass recipes down through generations. Beyond just cooking, it’s an experience that brings people together.

We booked our tour through GetYourGuide and during the class we made three types of typical pugliese pasta: orecchiette, minchiareddhi, and sagne ‘ncannulate.

The crazy part? Our recipe was as simple as it gets – just three ingredients: flour, oil, and water.

The fun part? You actually learn how to hand-shape dozens of little orecchiette (some turn out better than others haha) and by the end you’ll know three different techniques to recreate all three pasta shapes at home.

Definitely an experience worth trying, and honestly, we aim to take a cooking class on every trip we go on – and in Italy, it’s simply a must.

Book your cooking class here, depending on where you are:

2. Visit the Florence of Puglia: Lecce

Lecce is the beating cultural heart of southern Puglia, and stepping into its historic center feels like entering a golden Baroque dream. The intricate facades of churches like the Basilica di Santa Croce or the Duomo leave visitors in awe, while narrow cobblestone streets open up into lively piazzas filled with cafés and wine bars.

Lecce is also a student city, giving it a vibrant and youthful energy that perfectly mixes with its historical backdrop. Don’t miss trying a “pasticciotto leccese,” a small custard-filled pastry that pairs beautifully with a morning coffee.

What we loved most about Lecce was its size. It felt big enough to explore but not overwhelming, and unlike places such as Ostuni, it wasn’t overcrowded during our visit. Wandering the streets felt relaxed and authentic, and the city surprised us with its mix of stunning Baroque churches and impressive historical landmarks, including a Roman amphitheater right in the heart of town.

3. Visit a cheese farm

Foodies searching for unique things to see in Puglia should not miss visiting a traditional farm that is specialized in cheese-making. We went to Masseria Fragnite Azienda Agricola – here, you’ll witness the entire process of turning fresh milk into mozzarella, burrata, and other dairy products. The experience often includes a guided tour of the masseria, an introduction to the history of cheese-making in the region, and of course, yummy tastings. What makes this so special is the authenticity – you’re tasting cheese that was made just hours before, with milk from cows grazing nearby. It’s a delicious way to understand how food in Puglia is deeply connected to its land.

And if you’re still undecided, let these photos do the talking:

4. Take a dip at Cala dell’Acquaviva in the South

If you’re dreaming of a swim in an unbearable natural setting, Cala dell’Acquaviva near Marittima is a hidden treasure when searching for the best things to do in Puglia by the sea. Unlike the wide sandy beaches in other parts of Puglia, this small cove is framed by cliffs and lush greenery, giving it a secluded, intimate feel. The water here is refreshingly cool, making it perfect on hot summer days.

Locals love this spot, so it’s best to go early in the morning to avoid crowds. Bring your snorkel gear to explore the clear waters, or simply float and let the beauty of southern Puglia wash over you. A highlight for any Puglia itinerary.

5. Beyond the tourist hotspots: Explore the Itria Valley

Perched dramatically on a hilltop, Ostuni is known as the “White City” for its gleaming whitewashed houses that glow in the sunlight. While Ostuni (and also Alberobello with its famous trulli) often top many travel guides, they’re also among the most touristy places in Puglia. Our tip? Don’t just stick to the obvious highlights – explore the surrounding towns of the Itria Valley.

We found Cisternino and Locorotondo even more authentic and atmospheric:

• Cisternino: with its lively butcher shops where you can have fresh meat grilled on the spot
• Locorotondo: with its circular layout, flower-filled balconies, and peaceful streets

Add Martina Franca, with its elegant Baroque palaces, for a touch of grandeur.

These towns in the Itria Valley are less crowded, full of character, and perfect for slow wandering, café hopping, and soaking up local life. For us, they captured the true essence of the region more than the big-name tourist hubs.

6. Join an oil tasting

Puglia is home to some of the oldest olive groves in the world, with trees that are hundreds – sometimes thousands – of years old. An olive oil tasting in Puglia is not just about sampling flavors, but about learning the deep cultural significance of olive cultivation in this region. At a local masseria, you’ll walk among the ancient groves, hear stories about traditional harvesting methods, and taste different varieties of olive oil while learning to identify their different notes.

Sadly, especially in the Salento area, many groves have been devastated by the Xylella fastidiosa bacterium, which has killed millions of olive trees over the past years. Driving through the region, you can clearly see the impact: whole stretches of once-verdant groves now stand dry and lifeless. This makes visiting an olive oil tasting even more meaningful, as it’s not only about enjoying “liquid gold,” but also about understanding the challenges local farmers face in preserving this centuries-old tradition.

It’s absolutely awesome to realize how different a fresh, high-quality olive oil tastes compared to supermarket versions. Many tastings also include small bites, like fresh bread, tomatoes, or cheeses, making it a sensory journey and definitely one of the best things to do in Puglia.

We can recommend this tour

7. Rent a boat in Puglia and enjoy beaches like Porto Miggiano

The Adriatic coastline around Castro is one of the most beautiful stretches of southern Puglia. While you can admire the views from land, nothing beats renting a small boat and heading out onto the turquoise waters.

We rented our boat through Durlindana Noleggio*, who offer everything from pedal boats to sailing tours and guided excursions to sea caves that can only be reached by boat. We chose a 40-horsepower motorboat for half a day and cruised along the coast to the nearest beach, Porto Miggiano, where we directly dropped our anchor.

Unfortunately, the wind picked up a lot after a while, and we couldn’t fully relax – we felt the boat moving a lot and worried the anchor might not hold. Still it held and we enjoyed taking turns jumping into the water (even Ani, who usually avoids swimming because she’s a little scared of fish touching her haha).

On calmer days, the water here is crystal-clear and perfect for reading a book on deck, sunbathing, or simply jumping into the sea over and over again. It’s an incredible way to explore hidden corners of the coast that you’d never see otherwise.

• Where? // Durlindana Noleggio
• How much? // depending on the season, around 130–170 EUR for half a day and 250–300 EUR for a full day, with fuel costs extra (approx. 2 EUR per liter)

8. Go on a trip to Matera

Though Matera lies just outside Puglia in the region of Basilicata, it’s close enough to be an easy day trip – and absolutely worth it.

The town is famous for its “Sassi,” ancient cave dwellings carved directly into the rock, which were inhabited for thousands of years. Today, many caves have been transformed into boutique hotels, restaurants, and museums, but the city has preserved its unique, almost otherworldly atmosphere.

Walking through Matera is like traveling back in time, with winding stone paths, hidden staircases, and breathtaking viewpoints. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been a backdrop for films like the James Bond movie No Time to Die.

9. Spend a few hours in Bari

Bari, the capital of Puglia, is often just a transit hub for travelers – but it’s worth more than just a quick stop.

Bari Vecchia, the old town, is full of character with its narrow streets, lively squares, and the smell of fresh pasta being made by local women right outside their homes. It’s the perfect place to try orecchiette with fresh tomato sauce, stroll along the seafront promenade, and visit the Basilica di San Nicola, an important pilgrimage site.

In the evenings, Bari comes alive with buzzing bars and restaurants, making it a fun city to spend a night. It’s the perfect combination of authentic, slightly gritty southern charm and modern Italian energy.

Our Top 3 in Bari

Other top things to do in Puglia

If you have a bit more time, there are plenty of day trips and nearby destinations worth adding to your Puglia itinerary. Alberobello, with its iconic trulli houses, is perhaps the most famous, and while extremely touristy, it’s kind of magical.

Especially when you get your photo taken with a technique that’s hundreds of years old and now hold this unique keepsake in your hands. The two lovely people who capture these moments can be found here.

Polignano a Mare is home to one of the most famous and picturesque beaches in all of Puglia – the dramatic cove framed by high cliffs has become an icon of the region. As stunning as it looks, we personally found the crowds and the very touristy vibe of the town a bit off-putting, and ended up enjoying other beaches far more. For the sake of completeness, Polignano deserves a mention but our tip is to head to nearby Monopoli instead. The town feels much sweeter and more authentic, with charming streets and small local beaches where you can slip into the water without the masses.

Gargano National Park in northern Puglia is another highlight, offering hiking trails, dramatic cliffs, and hidden beaches. For those who love the sea, the Tremiti Islands off the Gargano coast provide crystal-clear waters, excellent snorkeling, and laid-back island vibes. These excursions allow you to see the diversity of the region beyond its main towns.

More Activities in Puglia

• Book a Trulli tour in Alberobello
  
• Join a guided street food tour in Bari
  
• Explore the caves of Polignano a Mare by boat

To our favorite activities

How to Get to Puglia

From Europe to Puglia

Reaching Puglia from Europe is easy thanks to two international airports: Bari and Brindisi.

Low-cost carriers like Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air operate direct flights from cities such as London, Berlin, Paris, and Barcelona.

If you’re coming from elsewhere in Italy, you can also take high-speed trains to Bari from Rome or Naples, though renting a car once you arrive is highly recommended when you want to be flexible when enjoying all the things to do in Puglia.

From outside Europe to Puglia

If you’re traveling to Puglia from outside Europe, the easiest option is to fly into a major international hub such as Rome, Milan, or Naples, and then connect onward to Bari or Brindisi by domestic flight. Another option is to rent a car right after landing in Rome or Naples and make it part of your Italian road trip – it’s a scenic landscape and lets you explore more of the country on the way south.

How to get around for the best things to do in Puglia

Public transport in Puglia is limited to trains and buses connecting larger towns, but many of the region’s highlights are tucked away in the countryside or along small coastal roads.

Renting a car is the most practical way to get around, and it gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Driving here is relatively easy compared to other parts of Italy – roads are in good condition, and traffic outside cities is light. Just be prepared for narrow streets in historic centers, where parking can be tricky.

Make sure you know the rules. Always buy a ticket for the full time you plan to stay – we forgot the time and overstayed by just 30 minutes and immediately got a €76 fine.

The markings on the ground tell you where (and if) you can park: white lines mean free parking, blue lines are paid parking (ticket required), and yellow lines are reserved spaces (e.g. for residents, deliveries, or disabled parking).

For updated transport information, maps, and regional events, visit the official Puglia Tourism Website.

Accommodation in Puglia

Accommodation in Puglia ranges from boutique hotels in historic town centers to agriturismi (farm stays) in the countryside and beautifully renovated trulli houses in the Itria Valley. Staying in a masseria is a particularly unique experience, often combining rustic charm with modern comforts like pools, spa facilities, and excellent on-site restaurants.

Whatever your budget, you’ll find something authentic while exploring the best things to do in Puglia, from discovering charming villages to relaxing in luxurious countryside retreats.

Where to Sleep in Puglia

• Luxury Masserie: Perfect for couples looking for relaxation and indulgence
  
• Budget B&Bs: Great for solo travelers and budget-conscious explorers
  
• Historic Trulli Stays: A bucket-list accommodation experience unique to this region

Our favorite Accommodation in Puglia

Trullo Picchiagiuda // near Ostuni

Trullo Picchiagiuda is a beautifully restored trullo just 10 min outside of Ostuni. Surrounded by olive groves and Mediterranean countryside, the accommodation combines rustic charm with modern comfort. You can enjoy peaceful mornings by the infinity pool, relax on the terrace, and experience the authentic atmosphere of staying in one of Puglia’s iconic stone houses.

Its location near the “White City” makes it the perfect base for exploring Ostuni and the surrounding Itria Valley.

We stayed here for 4 nights during our Puglia road trip and don’t regret it. :) 

Empireo Riad // near Poggiardo

If you’re looking for a boutique escape in southern Puglia, Empireo Riad near Poggiardo is a wonderful choice. We stayed 4 nights in the Moroccan style inspired accommodation, blends Mediterranean charm with exotic details.

Guests can chill by the pool and soak in the relaxed atmosphere. Its location makes it easy to explore the Salento region, with nearby beaches like Baia Turchi and towns like Castro and Otranto just a short drive away.

Find all your accommodation options here.

Best Restaurants in Puglia

• Bari // Pizza at Pizzeria de Michele and Spaghetti all’assassina at Urban l’ assassineria urbana
• Locorotondo // Vinifera vini & affini 
• Cisternino // Ristorante Mezzofanti 
• Ostuni // Crumb35 & La Gilda (Espressobar) 
• Lecce // Il Pizzicotto 
• Poggiardo // Takos (!!) 
• Otranto // Vicolo Matto fishbar 

Security in Puglia

Puglia is considered very safe for travelers. Violent crime is rare, and locals are known for being welcoming and helpful. The main things to watch out for are petty theft in crowded tourist spots and careful driving on narrow roads.

As long as you take normal travel precautions, you’ll find Puglia to be a relaxed and secure destination, whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or as a couple. That said, we never felt unsafe or uncomfortable at any point.

FAQ | Best things to do in Puglia

Got more tips about the best things to do in Puglia or any questions? Drop us a comment below — we’d love to hear from you! :)

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*collaboration with Durlindana Noleggio. But as always: everything we share is based on our honest opinions and personal experiences. We only recommend places and experiences we genuinely love – whether there’s a partnership or not.

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