Puglia Road Trip Itinerary: 4 Puglia Itinerary Samples I recommend (2024)

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Looking for the best itinerary for Puglia Italy? What about a perfect Puglia road trip? Stunning Puglia is best visited by car. My Puglia road trip exceeded all of my expectations! It was one of the best road trips I’ve ever taken! So if you are looking for a Puglia travel itinerary, check out my recommendations on how to have a perfect vacation in Puglia! Here are 4 sample itineraries for perfect Puglia vacations. If you are searching for the best Puglia itinerary, you will find it here!

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PUGLIA ROAD TRIP

Gorgeous Puglia in southern Italy is a perfect place for road-tripping.

The best way to explore Puglia is by renting a car as it gives you the freedom to see the main areas and the countryside at leisure with no stress and without depending on public transport.

I enjoyed my Puglia road trip immensely. Puglia is a such beautiful region for road-tripping! In my opinion, a Puglia road trip is a must in a lifetime!

According to my Puglia road trip, I tailored four itineraries for Puglia for people who wish to visit this incredible region.

1. How many days in Puglia

I would suggest spending on the Puglia road trip for at least 7 days. One week in Puglia is a minimum. 10 days in Puglia would be perfect, while 14 days in Puglia would allow you to see an abundance of gorgeous places in Puglia.
In case you have available only 5 days for visiting Puglia, I tailored the perfect 5-day Puglia road trip on which you can see the highlights of Puglia.

Here you will find itineraries for road trips in Puglia: the best 5-day Puglia road trip, the best 7-day Puglia road trip, the perfect 10-day Puglia road trip, and the ultimate 2-week Puglia road trip.

2. Where to start your Puglia road trip

Puglia has two international airports: Karol Wojtyla International Airport (BRI) in Bari and Salento International Airport (BDS) in Brindisi. 

The cities of Bari and Brindisi are within a 1 hour and 30 min drive from each other.

The city of Bari is the capital of Puglia. Bari is in the central part of Puglia. It means that the Gargano peninsula (the northern part of the region) and the Salento peninsula (the southern part of Puglia) are approximately at the same distance from Bari. 

The town of Brindisi is not far from Bari. Brindisi is about 113 km south of Bari.
Brindisi Airport is a good place for starting a trip to the Salento peninsula, the southern part of Puglia. The Gargano peninsula, the northern part of Puglia, is within a 3-hour drive from Brindisi. 

3. The best way to go around Puglia

The best way to go around Puglia is by car. Affordable car rentals are available at the Karol Wojtyla International Airport (BRI) in Bari and the Salento International Airport (BDS) in Brindisi.

DiscoverCarRentals is my favorite site for renting cars. The site provides rental cars from multiple companies. 
The offer of rental cars and their prices are great! You can easily check them from your home chair online in a few minutes only. Once you choose the car, it will wait for you at the airport (ready to be picked up upon your arrival). The process of renting a car via DiscoverCarRentals and picking it up at the airport is quick and smooth. 
For my road trip to Puglia, I flew to Brindisi International Airport. I rented a car at the Brindisi Airport online via DiscoverCarRentals before my flight to Puglia, landed at the airport, and took my rental car. Driving in Puglia was easy and with no stress. Puglia has a relaxed vibe overall. There is no rush in Puglia and the roads in Puglia are well-maintained. It was easy to find parking places in Puglia. If the parking didn’t come with the accommodation, I checked Google for parcheggio libero or parcheggio gratuito (free parking).

Check out the offer of rental cars at the airports in Puglia: 
Check out car rentals at Bari Airport.
Check out car rentals at Brindisi Airport.

4. The best time to visit Puglia and to take a Puglia road trip

The best time to travel to Puglia is spring, early summer, and autumn for sunny days, pleasant air temperatures, fewer crowds, and regular prices (not inflated prices like in the peak of summer). 

The best months to travel to Puglia are May, June, and September. October is also a good month for traveling to Puglia for lesser crowds, sunny weather, and pleasant temperatures for sightseeing, sunbathing, and even swimming.
I had my road trip to Puglia in October. I would recommend visiting Puglia in October for beautiful sunny days in autumn. On my road trip to Puglia in October, the seaside towns didn’t lack swimmers either. 

July and August are the peaks of the tourist season in Puglia.
Puglia in July and August sees high temperatures (the temperatures often go above 40°C/104°F). The high season in Puglia means high prices of accommodation too. Unless you are crazy about the summer heat, crowds, and inflated prices, I suggest skipping visiting Puglia in July and August.

5. Puglia road trip itinerary 

5.1 The perfect 5 days in Puglia itinerary: Puglia road trip 5 days

Puglia itinerary 5 days 

Day 1: Polignano a Mare & Monopoli 

Pick up the car at the airport and start your road trip to Puglia. 
On the first day of your road trip to Puglia, I suggest visiting two beautiful seaside towns in Puglia: Polignano a Mare and Monopoli. 
The towns are close and can be both visited in one day.

The distance between Polignano a Mare and Monopoli is only 6 mi (10 km). They are within 15 min drive.
You can choose to stay in Monopoli or Polignano a Mare. 
Polignano a Mare is a 40-minute drive south of Bari. It is also an hour’s drive north of Brindisi. 
Monopoli is a 40-minute drive south of Bari and a 50-minute drive north of Brindisi. 

Monopoli is a beautiful whitewashed town on the Adriatic coast in Puglia. It is one of the most popular coastal towns in Puglia. 
Whitewashed buildings (houses, restaurants, and shops) and cobbled narrow alleys and streets dominate the historic center.  
The sandy Cala Porta Vecchia beach in the heart of the Old Town of Monopoli is the most popular in Monopoli. 
Cala Paradiso Beach, on the outskirts of Monopoli, is one of the prettiest beaches in Italy. The Italian Environment Protection Association awarded it with a flag as one of the most beautiful beaches in Italy. The beach is only 5 5-minute drive from the Monopoli downtown. Cala Paradiso Beach has a private and a public swimming area. 

Polignano a Mare is a romantic cliffs-standing town on the Adriatic coast in Puglia. It is one of the most romantic and photographed seaside towns in Italy. The pebble Lama Monachile beach between two cliffs in the heart of the town is one of the most famous beaches in Italy. 
Couples and seafood gourmands love Polignano a Mare. Polignano a Mare is a must-see on a road trip to Puglia. 

Book your stay in Monopoli! Or, book your stay in Polignano a Mare!
I stayed in the spacious Vittorio Emanuele Apartment with a parking space in the center of Monopoli on my Puglia road trip. I stayed in Monopoli. But I have to admit, I enjoyed Poligano a Mare more. I am a romantic soul who prefers picturesque places. I would stay in Polignano a Mare on my next visit to Puglia.
If you are traveling with your loved ones and not on a budget, consider booking a room at the incredible Hotel Grotta Palazzese. Or, book a table for a romantic dinner there. The restaurant is set in a natural cave and is one of the most magical places in Italy.

Day 2: Matera (UNESCO)

On the second day of the Puglia road trip, head to Matera. 
The UNESCO city of Matera is in the Basilicata region. But it is just across the Puglia-Basilicata border. Thus, this unique town is one of the most popular places on any Puglia itinerary. 

Spectacular 9000-year-old Matera is the third oldest city in the world (after Jericho in Palestine and Aleppo in Syria).
The rock-cut Sassi di Matera with its cave homes, cave churches, and monasteries, is one of the most famous attractions in Italy. The unique city of Matera was a filming location of many popular films, among which Mel Gibson’s ‘Passion of Jesus Christ‘ and James Bond’s No Time to Die‘ movies are probably the most famous.

Sleeping in a cave in Matera is a must-do once in a lifetime! I slept in the cave of La Corte Dei Pastori Luxury in Matera on my Puglia road trip.
Matera is within an hour and 30-min drive from Monopoli and Polignano a Mare.

Day 3: Alberobello (UNESCO)

On the 3rd day in the morning, head to Alberobello and sleep in a trullo house in Alberobello that day. 

The UNESCO-protected Alberobello is one of the most charming places in Puglia. 
Alberobello is famous for the cone-shaped dry-stone huts called trulli. The town of Alberobello has about 1400 trulli houses that seem like hobbit homes, while Alberobello appears like a hobbit town. 
Undeniably, staying in a Trullo is one of the best things to do in Alberobello Italy. 

On my Puglia road trip, I slept in an elegant single Trullo of Trulli Soave in Alberobello. I enjoyed my stay and I recommend it highly. Book a trullo in Alberobello!
Alberobello is within an hour’s drive from Matera. The distance between Matera and Alberobello is 42 mi (68 km). 

Day 4-5: Ostuni, Lecce & drive back 

On the last two days of your Puglia road trip, visit two marvelous towns in Puglia: Ostuni and Lecce. 
I suggest visiting Ostuni as a stop on your drive from Alberobello to Lecce and booking a stay in Lecce.  

The whitewashed town of Ostuni is one of the prettiest towns in Puglia. 
Ostuni is a picturesque hilltop town called the White Town (or Citta Bianca in Italian) for its beautiful Gothic and medieval whitewashed buildings and white walls. A visit to the historic center of the town takes a few hours on average. Beautiful Ostuni is a must-see on any Puglia road trip. 

Ostuni is a 45 min drive from Alberobello. 
Ostuni is on the route from Alberobello to Lecce. The distance between Ostuni and Lecce is 60 mi (95 km). 

The City of Lecce is the main city of the Salento Peninsula in Puglia. Lecce is famous for its incredible Baroque architecture. It is called the ‘Florence of the South’ for its beauty. The City of Lecce is one of the most beautiful and most visited cities in Italy. 

Lecce has fantastic restaurants, bars, and shops, in addition to the spectacular Baroque churches, monasteries, and palaces built in the unique Barocco Leccese style.
I stayed in the exceptional A Class B&B within 15 min walking distance to the historic center of Lecce. Book two nights in Lecce!

On the 5th day, drive back and leave the rental car at the airport.

MAP OF THE 5-DAY PUGLIA ROAD TRIP

The Perfect 5-Day Puglia Road Trip

5.2 The perfect 7-day itinerary for Puglia: Puglia road trip 7 days

Puglia itinerary 7 days (Puglia one-week itinerary):

Day 1: Monopoli and Polignano a Mare

Pick up the rental car at the airport and head to the two beautiful seaside towns on the Adriatic Sea.
You can choose the sleep in either Polignano a Mare or Monopoli. The distance between the two towns is only 6 mi (10 km), or a 15 min drive. 
Both of the towns are beautiful in their way. Monopoli is a larger town than Polignano a Mare. 

Polignano a Mare is more romantic than Monopoli, in my opinion. Monopoli has more beautiful sandy beaches than Polignano a Mare, on the other hand. But then again, Polignano a Mare’s Lama Monachile Beach is one of the most photographed beaches in the world. It’s hard to say which town is more beautiful!  

On my Puglia road trip, I stayed in the gorgeous Vittorio Emanuele Apartment in Monopoli. 
Book your stay in Monopoli or stay in Polignano a Mare. 

Day 2: Gargano Peninsula & Vieste 

On the second day of your Puglia road trip, head to Vieste in the Gargano Peninsula. 
Vieste is a 3-hour drive north of Polignano a Mare.

Vieste is a popular resort destination on the Adriatic Sea in Puglia Italy. 
It is a jaw-dropping cliff-standing town with mesmerizing pale-golden beaches. The landscapes of Vieste are some of the most fascinating landscapes in Puglia. White rocks over the turquoise Adriatic Sea often leave the visitors of Vieste speechless. 

Vieste is a prime seaside destination in Puglia for its crystal clear sea, cliffs, bays, sandy beaches, sea caves, and islets. The fabulous coastline of Vieste covers 30 km. The Architiello, the Pugnochiuso Bay, the S. Felice Bay, the Zagare Bay with its sea stacks, Vignanotica, and the Campi Bay are globally famous bays on the Vieste coastline. Vieste is a kitesurfing Mecca in Puglia. So, if you enjoy kitesurfing, Vieste is the place to go in Italy!

Vieste is a part of the Gargano National Park, a paradise for trekkers, hikers, mountain bikers, and all kinds of outdoor lovers.
Book your stay in Vieste. 

Day 3: Sanctuary of St Michele (UNESCO) & San Giovanni Rotondo 

On the 3rd day of this Puglia itinerary, head to the Sanctuary of St Micheal on Monte Gargano and the Shrine of Padre Pio in San Giovanni Rotondo. 
The Sanctuary of St Michael is on the way from Vieste to San Giovanni Rotondo. So, make a stop at the Sanctuary. 
The Sanctuary of St Michele is only one hour and 20 min drive from Vieste.

The Sanctuary of St. Michele is one of the most unique places on earth. The Basilica of St. Michele is built over the cave where the Archangel Michel appeared in the 5th century. The Basilica is a part of the incredible Sacred Line of Saint Michael the Archangel that connects shrines dedicated to the Archangel Micheal from Ireland to Israel in one straight line. 

The Sacred Line of St Michael the Archangel is made of seven shrines from Ireland across Europe to Israel.
The straight line connects shrines from Ireland (Skellig Michael), and the UK (St Michael’s Mount in Cornwall), across France (Mont-Saint-Michel in Normandy), Italy (Sacra di San Michele near Turin, Chiesa di San Galgano near Sienna, Chiesa di San Michele Arcangelo in Perugia, and Sanctuary of Monte Sant’Angelo in Gargano), and Greece (Sacred Monastery of Saint Archangel Michael the Panormitis on Symi island) to Israel (Stella Maris Monastery on Mount Carmel) make one perfect line. 

The Sanctuary of Saint Michael the Archangel on Mount Gargano is one of the most famous pilgrimage sites in the world. Many royals, popes, and saints (including St Francis of Assisi and St Thomas Aquinski) visited it.
The Sanctuary of Monte Sant’ Angelo is a UNESCO Heritage Site. The site is a must-see on a Puligia road trip for spiritual seekers and UNESCO site admirers. 

The Sanctuary of Saint Mary Our Lady of Grace in the town of San Giovanni Rotondo is another famous pilgrimage site, and it is only a 25-minute drive from Monte Sant’Angelo.

The impressive Sanctuary of Saint Mary Our Lady of Grace is also called Padre Pio Pilgrimage Church and Padre Pio Shrine. The Sanctuary keeps the remains of Padre Pio, one of the most worshipped and beloved Catholic saints in Italy and afar. Padre Pio was a mystic and stigmata who had bleeding stigmata wounds for 50 years until the end of his life. Padre Pio is called ‘the greatest mystic of the 20th century.
Many miracles and mystical phenomena are attributed to the intercession of Padre Pio. 

You can read more about Padre Pio: Pray, Hope, and Don’t Worry: True Stories of Padre Pio Book 1 and Pray, Hope, and Don’t Worry: True Stories of Padre Pio Book II

Padre Pio Pilgrimage Church is the second largest church in Italy, after Milan Cathedral. It is the third most visited Catholic pilgrimage site, after Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City and Our Lady of Lourdes in France. The church gets about 6 million visitors a year.

The Crypt with the glass coffin of the intact body of Padre Pio is the most beautiful part of the church. The crypt chapel adorns timeless mosaics of Fr Ivan Marko Rupnik, a renowned artist whose extraordinary works adorn many churches around the world (including the Church of Our Lady in Fatima and the Church of Our Lady in Lourdes). 

On the 3rd day, sleep in San Giovanni Rotondo. 

Day 4: Matera (UNESCO)

On the 4th day, head from San Giovanni Rotondo to Matera. 
Matera is a 2-hour and 20-minute drive from San Giovani Rotondo. The distance between San Giovanni Rotondo and Matera is about 124 mi (200 km). 

Visit the sensational UNESCO town of Matera and sleep in a unique cave in Matera. Matera is one of the most spectacular places in Italy, and the world overall. This ancient cave town in Italy is a must-see!!

Day 5: Alberobello (UNESCO)

On the 5th day, after having breakfast in Matera, head to charming Alberobello. 
Alberobello is within a one-hour drive from Matera. The distance between Matera and Alberobello is 42 mi (68 km).
Book your stay in a trullo in Alberobello. UNESCO protected the trulli of Alberobello. They are so unique! Luckily, you can stay in them. Don’t miss out on an opportunity to sleep in one of the most unusual stays!

Day 6: Ostuni & Lecce

On the 6th day, head from Alberobello to Lecce. Make a stop in Ostuni on your route from Alberobello to Lecce. 
Ostuni is a 45 min drive from Alberobello. The distance between Alberobello and Ostuni is 22 mi (36 km). 

The White City of Ostubi is a popular destination in Puglia. It can be crowded. But, it is a must-visit in Puglia! After visiting the White City of Ostuni, continue driving to the Baroque City of Lecce. 
Lecce is a one-hour drive from Ostuni. The distance between Ostuni and Lecce is 60 mi (95 km). 

Enjoy sightseeing in Lecce for the rest of the day!
Book your stay in Lecce. 

Day 7: Lecce & drive back to the airport to leave the car 

On the last day of the Puglia road trip, head back to the airport and leave your car at the airport. 

MAP OF THE BEST 7-DAY PUGLIA ROAD TRIP

The Perfect 7-Day Puglia Road Trip

5.3 The perfect 10-day itinerary for Puglia: Puglia road trip 10 days 

Puglia itinerary 10 days

Day 1-2: Monopoli, Polignano a Mare & Grotte de Castellana

Rent a car online, fly to the airport, pick up your rental car, and start your Puglia road trip. 

If considering a 10-day trip to Puglia, I suggest going slowly for the first few days.
Book your stay in Monopoli or Polignano a Mare. Visit both of the towns, since they are close to each other (only 15 15-minute drive away from each other)
Enjoy the sea and beaches of Monopoli, have a romantic dinner in a cliff restaurant of Polignano a Mare, etc.

On the second day of your Puglia road trip, visit Grotte de Castellana. Grotte de Castellana caves are only a 25-minute drive from Monopoli and Polignano a Mare. 
Grotte de Castellana underground caves are a famous natural attraction in Italy. The underground cave system is about 2.2 mi (3.5 km) long and goes 393 ft (120 m) below the ground. Stalactites, stalagmites, and fossils of Grotte de Castellana are a must-see in Puglia. 

Day 3: Castel del Monte (UNESCO) & Trani 

On the 3rd day, head from Monopoli (or Polignano a Mare) to Castel del Monte and Trani.

Let Castel de Monte be your stop on the route from Monopoli/Polignano a Mare to Trani.  
Castel del Monte is a symbol of Puglia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is an hour and 20 min drive from Monopoli/Polignano a Mare. 

The 13th-century octagonal castle-fortress of the Holy Roman Emperor is one of the most unusual castles. It is a must-see and a famous attraction in Puglia. A visit to the castle takes an hour on average. 
After visiting Castle del Monte proceed to Trani. Trani is only a 40-minute drive from Castel del Monte.

‘The Pearl of Puglia’ is the famous nickname of gorgeous Trani.
Romantic Trani appears like an old-fashioned seaside Italian town from the classic 1950s movies. 
Elegant Trani is a chick seaside town that attracts stylish tourists, who often sail with their yachts into the beautiful marina.
Trani is only an hour and 10 minutes drive from Monopoli and one hour from Polignano a Mare.

The whitewashed seaport town of Trani sits in a small nature port on the azure Adriatic Sea. The historic center is rich with medieval churches and palaces made of local white limestone. The seafront 12th-century Cathedral (Cathedral of St Nicholas the Pilgrim) and the 13th-century Castle (Castle of the Holy Roman Emperor Frederic II) are the main sights in Trani. However, Trani promenade, lined with seafront bars and restaurants, is the most popular part of the town and the place where most of the visitors spend their time either zipping refreshing Aperol spritz or eating fresh seafood while enjoying ‘la dolce vita’) n a charming and quaint seaside town in Italy. 
Book your stay in Trani. 

Day 4: Gargano & Vieste 

On the 4th day, head to the Gargano peninsula and Vieste. 
Vieste is a 2 hour and 20 min drive from Trani. The distance between Trani and Vieste is 78 mi (125 km). 

The cliff-standing Vieste on the Gargano peninsula is a popular resort and kite-surfing destination on the Adriatic Sea. The crystal clear sea, cliffs, bays, sandy beaches, sea caves, and islets make Vieste one of the most famous beach destinations in Puglia and beyond.

Beautiful Vieste belongs to the Gargano National Park. The park is a paradise for nature lovers and active vacation fans (trekkers, hikers, mountain bikers…).
Book your stay in Vieste. 

Day 5: Matera (UNESCO)

No road trip to Puglia is complete without visiting Matera (which is actually in the Basilicata region. But it is on the Puglia-Basilicata border). 

Matera is one of the most breathtaking towns in Italy. Once ‘the Shame of Italy’, Matera is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see in Italy today.
Matera is a 3-hour drive from Vieste. The distance between Vieste and Matera is 133 mi (125 km).

Sleeping in a cave in Matera will make your trip unforgettable. Book your cave accommodation in Matera!

Day 6: Alberobello (UNESCO)

On the 6th day, head from Matera to Alberobello (another World Heritage Town in Italy). 

See the incredible trulli huts and sleep in a trullo in Alberobello! Sleeping in a trullo is a must-do on a Puglia road trip. Book your trullo in Alberobello!

Alberobello is within a one-hour drive from Matera. The distance between Matera and Alberobello is 42 mi (68 km).

Day 7: Locorotando, Martina Franca & Ostuni

On the 7th day, visit three picturesque small hilltop towns in Puglia: Locortando, Martina Franca, and Ostuni. 

The town of Locorotnado is a 10-ish min drive from Alberobello. The town of Martina Franca is also a 10-ish min drive from Locorotando and a 30 min drive from Ostuni. 

All three are gorgeous hilltop towns with panoramic views in the Itria Valley. Locortando, Martina Franca, and Ostuni belong to the list of the prettiest places in Puglia. 

Ostuni is the famous White City of Puglia. Most probably you will fall in love with it. Book a stay in Ostuni to enjoy a quiet night in the magical White City. 

Day 8: Lecce 

On the 8th day of your Puglia road trip, head from Ostuni to Lecce, a.k.a Florence of the South. 
Lecce is an hour and 20 minutes drive from Ostuni. The distance between Ostuni and Lecce is 60 mi (95 km). 

After spending a few days in the Puglia countryside, you will enjoy the city vibe of Lecce and the Salento peninsula.
The Baroque city of Lecce is elegant and timeless in southern Italy. It is a vibrant city with plenty of cozy bars, fantastic restaurants, and lovely shops amid Roman and Baroque buildings. 
Visitors of Lecce appreciate the delicious cuisine and marvelous architecture the most.

Lecce is a paradise for gourmands, city-life fans, architecture lovers, and history buffs. 
Book your stay in Lecce. 

Day 9-10: Gallipoli & drive back 

After visiting the seaside towns on the Adriatic Sea, spend the two of your last days on the Ionian Sea. 
Gallipoli is only a 30-ish min drive from Lecce. 

‘The Ibiza of Italy’, and ‘the Pearl of the Ionian Sea’ are popular nicknames of Gallipoli. The town of Gallipoli is a fashionable seaside town with a beautiful historic center (the Old Town), superb beaches, crystal clear sea, trendy bars, and restaurants. 
The sandy beaches of Gallipoli are in a small natural gulf and are among the most beautiful beaches of the Salento peninsula. 

You will enjoy relaxing on the Ionian coast on your last days in Puglia. Book your stay in Gallipoli. 

MAP OF THE PERFECT 10-DAY PUGLIA ROAD TRIP

The perfect 10-Day Puglia road trip

5.4 The ultimate 2-week itinerary for Puglia, Italy: Puglia road trip 2 weeks

PUGLIA ROAD TRIP 2 weeks

Two weeks in Puglia will allow you to see and truly enjoy everything that Puglia offers.

Day 1-2: Monopoli & Polignano a Mare 

Rent a car online, fly to Bari/Brindisi, pick up a rental car at the airport, and head to Monopoli and Polignano a Mare. 
You can choose to stay either in Monopoli or Polignano a Mare. They are within 15 min drive. Choose Monopoli for a more city ambiance, or choose to stay in Polignano a Mare for a more cozy vibe.

Monopoli and Polignano a Mare are within 50 50-minute drive from Bari and about one hour from Brindisi.
If you are struggling with jetlag after your international flight to Puglia, you will enjoy the first two days of relaxing in these two picturesque seaside towns.
Book your stay in Monopoli! Or book your stay in Polignano a Mare!

Day 3: Trani & Castel del Monte (UNESCO) 

On the 3rd day, head to Trani. But, on the way to Trani, make a quick stop visiting Castel del Monte. 

So, enter the coordinates of Castel del Monte first and then the coordinates of Trani on GPS navigation.
The captivating Castel del Monte is within one hour and 30 min drive from Monopoli / Polignano a Mare area. 

Castel del Monte is a unique and must-see fortress in Puglia. It is a symbol of Puglia.

Head to beautiful Trani after visiting the castle-fortress. Trani is a 40 min drive from Castel del Monte. 
Do some sightseeing in Trani, enjoy the seafood in the waterfront restaurants, and book a one-night stay in the romantic seaside town of Trani. 
Book your stay in Trani. 

Day 4: Monte San’t Angelo (UNESCO) & Vieste

On the 4th day, head from Trani to Vieste. Make a stop at the UNESCO site of Monte Sant’Angelo.
Monte Sant’Angelo is an hour and 30 minutes drive from Trani, and Vieste is another hour and 15 min from Monte Sant’Angelo.

Visiting Monte Sant’Angelo on the way from Trani to Vieste is a well-worth stop. Monte Sant’ Angelo is a unique place and a must-visit UNESCO World Heritage site on a Puglia road trip.  
Beautiful cliff-standing Vieste is a paradise for beach and water sports lovers, kitesurfers, and nature enthusiasts.  
Sleep in Vieste. Book one night in Vieste!

Day 5: San Giovanni Rotondo 

On the 5th day, head to San Giovanni Rotondo. 
San Giovanni Rotondo is an hour and 30 minutes drive from Vieste. 

Visit the famous Padre Pio Pilgrimage Church in San Giovanni Rotondo. Sleep in San Giovanni Rotondo. Book your stay in San Giovanni Rotondo! 

If you are not a religious or spiritual person, and you would prefer to have some more seaside time, consider spending two days in Vieste instead of going to San Giovanni Rotondo. In that case, head to Matera as the next stop after Vieste.

Day 6: Matera (UNESCO)

On the 6th day of your Puglia Italy itinerary, visit Matera.
Matera is a 2-hour and 20-minute drive from San Giovani Rotondo. Or in other words, Matera is about 124 mi (200 km) from San Giovanni Rotondo.

If you will be driving from Vieste, Matera is a 3-hour drive from Vieste. The distance between Vieste and Matera is 362 mi (225 km). 
Enjoy one day in breathtaking Matera!
Sleep in a cave in Matera. Book a cave accommodation in Matera!

Day 7: Alberobello (UNESCO)

Head to Alberobello. 
Alberobello is within a one-hour drive from Matera. The distance between Matera and Alberobello is 42 mi (68 km).
Enjoy one day in the fairytale-like Alberobello!
Book your stay in a trullo in Alberobello. 

Day 8: Locorotando, Martina Franca & Ostuni

On the next day, head from Alberobello to Ostuni. But make stops in Locorotando and Martina Franca.
Enjoy one day visiting the pretty whitewashed hilltop towns of Puglia!
Sleep in Ostuni. Book your stay in Ostuni!

Day 9: Lecce 

Head from Ostuni to Lecce. 
Lecce is an hour and 20 minutes drive from Ostuni.

Enjoy sightseeing at Baroque churches, monasteries, and palaces in Lecce and sampling the delicious local cuisine of Lecce!
Sleep in Lecce. Book a one-night stay in Lecce!

Day 10-11: Gallipoli 

Head from Lecce to Gallipoli and enjoy the next two days in Gallipoli.

Gallipoli is a renowned beach destination on the Ionian Sea in Puglia, called ’The Ibiza of Italy’, and ‘the Pearl of the Ionian Sea’. 
Sandy Beach of Purity (Spiaggia della Purita), Spiaggia di Baia Verde, rocky Spiaggia di Punta della Suina and Punta Pizzo Beach are known as some of the most beautiful beaches in the Salento Peninsula. 
Book two nights in Gallipoli.

Day 12-13: Otranto

Head from Gallipoli to Otranto on your Puglia Italy road trip. 
After the Ionian coast, head to the Adriatic coast. Enjoy the next two days in the town of Otranto and its area.

Beautiful Otranto is a coastal town on the Adriatic Sea in the Salento peninsula. Several sandy beaches in the Otranto area make it a perfect beach paradise. Baia dei Turchi, Spiaggia Alimini, Spiaggia Porto Badisco, Lido Acqua Chiara, and Balnearea Beach are the top beaches in Otranto. 
Book two nights in Otranto. 

Day 14: back to Bari /Brindisi  

Drive back to the airport.
Brindisi is one hour drive from Otranto. And Bari is a 2 hour and 20 min drive from Otranto.

MAP OF THE 2-WEEK PUGLIA ROAD TRIP

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Milijana

Author at World Travel Connector

Milijana is an independent female solo traveler from Croatia. She enjoys nature, history, art, culture, and spiritual pursuits. Milijana is a foodie who enjoys sampling cultural food around the world, and a hiking enthusiast who did numerous trail around the globe. She greeted sunrise from the top of Mount Sinai in Egypt after a night hike and said hello to the Atlantic Ocean from Finisterre in Spain on one-month-long hike. However, she is not reluctant to rent a car and embark on a spectacular road trip. She believes that some scenic destinations like Tuscany in Italy and Andalucia in Spain are best enjoyed by car.

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