Road Trip Puglia: A Series of Planned Itineraries for South Italy

On this page you will find a series of road trip Puglia itineraries for a memorable trip to south Italy. Each itinerary is fully planned and done-for-you, complete with driving instructions, maps and suggestions for where to stay.

A series of photos from the Road Trip Puglia article

PLANNED ROAD TRIP ITINERARIES IN PUGLIA

The Puglia (or Apulia) region is one of my favourite regions of Italy, and I last visited in April 2023. I have travelled extensively in this region, so I am well-placed to advise you on which Puglia towns are best to visit. Check out my other Puglia posts for more inspiration.

Further reading: Ultimate Puglia Travel Guide.

I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through my affiliate links

An introduction to this Road Trip Puglia itinerary series.

Each one of these Puglia itineraries starts and finishes in the City of Bari. I recommend hiring a car from Discover Cars and picking your car up from Bari airport when you arrive.

There are 2-week Puglia itineraries, 10-day Puglia itineraries and 7-day Puglia itineraries on this page. Each duration has two road trips to choose from: a fast-paced option allowing you to see more towns, and a chilled version, allowing you to take your time and see more of each town.

You will also find a map, hotel suggestions and a summary of Puglia towns at the bottom of the page.

Your Puglia road trip itineraries.

Read on for your two week, 10 day and 7 day itineraries for Puglia road trips.

14 day road trip Puglia itineraries.

I have published two 14 day Puglia road trip itineraries:

1. Itinerary for Puglia: Two Week Road Trip in Italy

On this whistlestop itinerary you will see 12 towns, plus Castle del Monte.
Two nights in Bari and Lecce.
One night in Trani, Alberobello, Ostuni, Otranto, Gallipoli, Santa Maria di Leuca, Polignano, Matera and Martina Franca.
Day visits to Castel del Monte and Taranto.

2. Puglia Road Trip: A Relaxed Two Week Itinerary

This itinerary is a relaxed 14 day tour which takes you to six towns.
Three nights in Bari.
Two nights in Alberobello, Ostuni, Lecce, Otranto and Gallipoli.

10 day road trip Puglia itineraries.

I have published two 10 day Puglia road trip itineraries:

3. 10 Day Puglia Itinerary: A Road Trip in South Italy.

On this itinerary you will visit nine towns.
Fast paced itinerary
One night each in Bari, Alberobello, Ostuni, Lecce, Otranto, Gallipoli, Santa Maria di Leuca, Polignano a Mare and Matera.

4. Puglia Itinerary 10 Days: A Relaxed Road Trip.

On this itinerary you will visit six towns.
Two nights in Bari, Ostuni and Lecce
One night in Alberobello, Otranto and Polignano a Mare

7 day road trip Puglia itineraries.

I have published two 7 day Puglia road trip itineraries:

5. Puglia Itinerary 7 Days: A Fast Paced Road Trip

On this itinerary you will visit eight towns plus Castel del Monte.
Fast paced itinerary.
One night each in Bari, Ostuni, Lecce, Gallipoli, Matera and Trani.
Day visits to Alberobello, Otranto and Castle del Monte.

6. Seven Day Puglia Trip: An Itinerary for Southern Italy

On this itinerary you will visit seven towns.
Still quite fast paced, to maximise time.
One night each in Bari, Alberobello, Ostuni, Lecce, Otranto and Gallipoli.
Day visit to Locorotondo.

Road trip Puglia: driving tips.

See my post A Guide to Driving in Puglia for full driving tips.

In the meantime here is a quick summary of things you need to know about driving in Puglia:

Drive on the right side of the road and overtake from the left.

Be aware that some roads in Puglia, especially in rural areas , can be narrow and winding. Take extra caution when driving through these routes.

Always follow posted speed limits, which are typically indicated by a circular sign with a red border and black numbers. Speed limits vary depending on the type of road: urban streets (50 km/h), secondary roads (90 km/h), main highways (110 km/h) and motorways (130 km/h).

Parking spaces can be limited in Alberobello’s town centre due to its UNESCO World Heritage status. Look for designated parking lots or street parking spots marked with blue lines, where you’ll need to purchase a ticket from nearby machines.

Keep an eye out for Zona Traffico Limitato signs – these indicate restricted traffic zones where only authorised vehicles are allowed during specific hours. Avoid entering these zones without proper authorisation to avoid fines.

a car driving down a road next to a lush green hillside. — Roads in Puglia, Italy.

Further reading: Hazel’s Guide to Driving in Puglia, Italy.

Renting a car in Puglia

I have written an ultimate guide to renting a car in Puglia, but in the meantime here are some tips:

1.Research and Compare: Use the Discover Cars website to compare rental options, rates, and vehicle types available in Puglia. Look for the best deals that suit your travel needs.

2. Book in Advance: Secure your preferred car and rental dates by booking in advance. This helps ensure availability and may lead to better rates.

3. Check Reviews: Read customer reviews and ratings for the rental companies available through Discover Cars. Choose reputable providers with positive feedback.

4. Check Pickup Location: Verify the pickup location in Puglia. Often, airport pickups are convenient, but you can also find rental options in city centres.

5. Verify Driver Requirements: Ensure all drivers meet the age and licence requirements specified by the rental company.

6. Inspect the Car: Upon pickup, inspect the rental car for any existing damages and report them to the rental company to avoid being held responsible later.

7. Understand Cancellation Policy: Familiarise yourself with the cancellation policy in case your travel plans change.

8. Keep Rental Documents: Carry your reservation confirmation, driver’s licence, and credit card used for the booking when picking up the rental car.

Further reading: Ultimate Guide to Renting a Car in Puglia, Italy.

Summary of Puglia towns

See my full post 14 best towns in Puglia for more details.

Collage of photos of a road trip to Puglia, Italy — Collage of photos of Puglia

Here is a summary of all of the towns you can see on these road trip Puglia itineraries.

Bari: a vibrant coastal city with a charming old town, bustling streets, and a rich cultural heritage. Read more about Bari.
Trani: a seaside town known for its beautiful cathedral, mediaeval castle, and scenic harbour.
Castel del Monte: a mysterious octagonal castle with stunning views.
Alberobello: famous for its unique trulli houses and whimsical atmosphere. Guide to Alberobello.
Locorotondo: a charming small town known for its whitewashed houses and picturesque historic centre.
Ostuni: the ‘White City’, with its dazzling white buildings, winding streets, and views over the Adriatic Sea.
Lecce: ‘Florence of the South’, a treasure trove of Baroque architecture, with elegant squares and impressive churches.
Otranto: a coastal gem with a charming old town, magnificent cathedral with intricate mosaics, and stunning beaches.
Gallipoli: a picturesque town located on a small island, with historic streets, a beautiful seaside promenade and a rich maritime heritage.
Santa Maria di Leuca: a coastal town nestled at the southern tip of the Salento Peninsula, with breathtaking views and a famous lighthouse.
Polignano a mare: a stunning cliff top town with coastal scenery, charming old town, and the famous Grotta Palazzese restaurant.
Matera: a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its ancient cave dwellings in Basilicata (just over the border from Puglia).
Taranto: an ancient city with a rich heritage, archaeological treasures, a beautiful old town, and a vibrant seaside atmosphere.
Martina Franca: a pretty town in the Itria Valley, with elegant baroque architecture, narrow streets, and lively local culture.

Further reading from Hazel’s Travels about the Puglia region:

Map of Puglia

This Google map is from my post about the best towns to visit in Puglia. The map shows 14 of the main towns in Puglia (and one in Basilicata – Matera). Click the blue icons to see more information about each place, or click the star to add to your own Google Maps. I will also include a map showing hotels in Puglia further down.

Road trip Puglia itinerary series: a recap.

Here is a quick recap of all of my Puglia road trip itineraries in one place:

1. Itinerary for Puglia: Two Week Road Trip in Italy.

On this itinerary you will see Bari, Lecce, Trani, Alberobello, Ostuni, Otranto, Gallipoli, Santa Maria di Leuca, Polignano, Matera, Martina Franca, Castel del Monte and Taranto.

2. Puglia Road Trip: A Relaxed Two Week Itinerary.

On this itinerary you will see Bari, Alberobello, Ostuni, Lecce, Otranto and Gallipoli.

3. 10 Day Puglia Itinerary: A Road Trip in South Italy.

On this itinerary you will see Bari, Alberobello, Ostuni, Lecce, Otranto, Gallipoli, Santa Maria di Leuca, Polignano a Mare and Matera.

4. Puglia Itinerary 10 Days: A Relaxed Road Trip.

On this itinerary you will see Bari, Ostuni, Lecce, Alberobello, Ostuni, Otranto and Polignano a Mare

5. Puglia Itinerary 7 Days: A Fast Paced Road Trip.

On this itinerary you will see Bari, Ostuni, Lecce, Gallipoli, Matera, Trani, Alberobello, Otranto and Castle del Monte.

6. Seven Day Puglia Trip: an Itinerary for Southern Italy

On this itinerary you will see Bari, Alberobello, Ostuni, Lecce, Otranto, Locorotondo and Gallipoli.

a beach with a body of water and buildings in the background. — Otranto

a light house on a hill next to the ocean. — Otranto

FAQs for this Road Trip Puglia Series

Q: How many days should I plan for a road trip in Puglia?

A: The suggested itineraries range from 7 to 14 days, allowing you to explore the highlights of Puglia at a comfortable pace. Choose the itinerary that best suits your time and interests.

Q: What are the must-visit destinations in Puglia?

A: Puglia is known for its charming towns, beautiful beaches, and unique cultural sites. Key destinations include Bari, Alberobello, Ostuni, Lecce, Otranto, Gallipoli, Martina Franca, Santa Maria di Leuce and Matera. Each town offers its own distinct charm and attractions.

In terms of tourist attractions, the most popular ones include Castel del Monte, Gargano National Park, Grotta della Poesia, Spiaggia della Purita and Monte Sant Angelo. There are several UNESCO world heritage sites in Puglia.

Further reading: Must See Sights: The 30 Best Places to Visit in Puglia.

a road with a hill in the background. — Road to Castel del Monte

a light house sitting on top of a cliff next to the ocean. — Road to Castel del Monte

Further reading: Must See Sights: The 30 Best Places to Visit in Puglia.

Q: Do I need a car for a trip in Puglia?

A: Renting a car is highly recommended for a Puglia Italy trip, as it provides the flexibility to explore the region at your own pace and reach the more remote areas. It allows you to add multiple destinations to your Puglia trip itinerary and access the beautiful countryside and coastal areas with ease. I always use Discover Cars, which is a brilliant car comparison site.

It is possible to travel in Puglia using public transport, but it would take a lot longer.

Further reading: Ultimate Guide to Renting a Car in Puglia, Italy.

Q: Are the driving distances long in Puglia?

A: The driving distances in Puglia Italy are relatively short compared to other regions in Italy. Most drives between towns range from 30 minutes to 2 hours, making it convenient to explore multiple destinations in a single day.

Further reading: Hazel’s Guide to Driving in Puglia, Italy.

Q: What is the best time of year to visit Puglia?

A: Puglia is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) when the weather is pleasant, and the tourist crowds are smaller. Summers can be hot and busy, while winters are milder but may have more rainfall.

Related reading: The Best Time to Visit Alberobello.

Q: Can I modify the suggested itineraries?

A: Absolutely! The suggested itineraries serve as a starting point, but feel free to modify them based on your preferences and available time. You can add or remove destinations from your road trip itinerary, adjust the number of nights, or explore additional towns along the way.

Q: Are there accommodations available in the suggested towns?

A: Yes, all the towns mentioned in the Road trip Pugia itineraries offer a range of accommodations, including hotels, guesthouses, and vacation rentals. It is recommended to book in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your preferred accommodation. You can also stay in trulli houses in the Itria valley. Most of the towns are within one hour’s drive of each other. See hotels in Puglia.

Q: Are there any specific driving rules or restrictions in Puglia?

A: It is important to follow the general driving rules in Italy, including carrying your driver’s licence, using seat belts, and adhering to speed limits. Be aware of limited traffic zones (ZTLs) in some town centres, where access may be restricted or require special permits.

Q: Can I rely on GPS for navigation in Puglia?

A: GPS navigation is generally reliable in Puglia, but it is a good idea to have a physical map or directions as a backup. Some smaller towns or rural areas may have limited GPS coverage, so it’s always good to be prepared. 

Q: What are some local specialities or dishes to try in Puglia?

A: Puglia is famous for its delicious cuisine. Don’t miss the opportunity to try local specialties such as orecchiette pasta, burrata cheese, friselle (toasted bread), taralli (savoury snacks), and the region’s excellent wines, including Primitivo and Negroamaro. Puglia is also known for its wonderful olive oil.

Further reading on food and drink in Puglia:

Puglia travel advice

For general travel advice for your trip to the Puglia region of Italy, please see my main Puglia Travel Guide. This guide contains information on things like currency, weather, best time to visit Puglia, tourist seasons, safety and general travel advice for the region.

It also contains a list of every Puglia post I have published, all in one place.

Remember to check the latest travel advisories and regulations before embarking on your road trip, and enjoy exploring the beautiful region of Puglia!

Further reading: Ultimate Puglia Travel Guide.

Quick hotel links for Puglia

Here are your hotel booking links again, all in one place for convenience. These links will get you the best rate on Booking.com today. Feel free to use them just to check prices, without booking.

Hotels by map.

If you prefer to see hotels by location, use this map to see where the hotels are in each region. If you click the map, it will take you to Booking.com where you can check availability.

Booking.com

Tours in Puglia.

I always use Viator for my tour bookings, but you can probably find the same tours on Get Your Guide too. Some of the tours offer local pickup, which would give you a break from driving, or you can meet at the designated meeting point.

1.Street food tour of Bari with Do Eat Better. Hands down my favourite food tour in Puglia. Read my full review first and make sure you arrive hungry!

2. Boat tour of the Polignano a Mare caves – if you have the opportunity, you must see the caves of Polignano. This is a small group tour with a badge of excellence.

3. The Best of Lecce Walking Tour and Pasticciotto Tasting – Lecce is known as the Florence of the South and it is truly beautiful. See all the sights and try the local pastries!

4. Private walking tour of Bari with a professional guide – There is so much more to Bari than people think. Using a professional guide means you don’t miss anything.

5. Day tour of Bari, Alberobello and Matera – three towns in one day, which would be very difficult to do on public transport. Private tour with hotel pickup.

6. Ostuni, Alberobello and Polignano a Mare Independent Tour – Departing from Lecce, this tour provides transport to three towns and allows free time in each one. Perfect for those not renting a car but wanting to explore on their own.

Further reading: 10 excellent day trips to take from Bari.

Tours for solo travellers

For solo travellers, be aware that many tours in Puglia seem to have a minimum two-person rule, which can be frustrating. However I find that by contacting tour operators directly, it is often possible to arrange bookings for one person, so always email them and check.

Puglia recommendations.

Product recommendations from me to you.

Reserve your Puglia Hotel early, before they sell out.
Remember to pack decent sunscreen and a packable sun hat.
There are many Puglia tours you can book (no payment required up front).
This is the best quick-dry sand-repellent beach towel.
Packing cubes are a traveller’s best friend. I recommend these ones.
Going hiking? These are the best hiking socks.
If you need a rental car, book one at Discover Cars and pick it up at the airport.
Need something to read on the beach? 10 Books and novels set in Puglia.

Road trip Puglia series: pin for later

If you have enjoyed this Puglia road trip series, please feel free to use the below images to save the post to your Pinterest account for reading later.

4 photos with text which reads Road Trip Puglia - 6 great itineraries.

a row of houses with text overlay that reads 6 amazing road trip Puglia itineraries.

Thank you for reading this post on my road trip Puglia series. Puglia is an excellent road trip destination, and I hope you love it as much as I do!

Travelling soon? Check my 20 Must-Have Travel Essentials post before you go.

Found this post helpful? Buy Me a Coffee!

You are reading Hazel’s Travels – an online publication and travel blog which aims to provide advice and inspiration for travel in Europe, the UK and USA.

Tags: Europe, Italy, Itineraries, Road trips