Puglia

Start with the essentials: the region reads as a string of compact towns and vivid coastline, each worth a day or a long afternoon. Get a sense of the whole by visiting Puglia, sunlit heel and towns , then move between sea and hilltop life at the clifftop old town of Polignano a Mare and the narrow lanes of the whitewashed hill town of Ostuni . For an unmistakable local scene step into the conical trulli houses at Alberobello , savour baroque streets and piazzas with baroque churches and piazzas of Lecce , then finish with the markets and harbour life around the bustling port and old town Bari . These stops are compact, well connected, and easy to chain together over a long weekend.

Start with the terrain that defines Puglia, then pick activities that match your pace. Walkers will find scenic coastal walks along limestone cliffs and hidden coves, while swimmers should head straight to the best beaches for swimming for clear shallow water and sunlit sand. Use Puglia as a base for easy day trips nearby to hilltop towns and sea caves, or plan active days around popular outdoor activities from snorkelling to cycling through olive country. Practical notes are included along the way, from timings to transport options, so you can match one great coastal day with a quieter inland afternoon.

Begin with Puglia’s story, then choose the era or art form that interests you most. Visit ancient sites and landmarks where stone churches and Roman ruins meet baroque town squares. Combine those visits with essential regional attractions for a compact first day, then follow local calendars for local art and festivals that amplify the region’s living culture. For quieter discoveries, seek out secluded village discoveries to see craftsmen at work and viewpoints most visitors miss. Each suggestion includes practical timing and transport notes so you can shape a culturally rich itinerary without guesswork.

Taste your way through Puglia, focusing on where flavours come from as much as how they are served. Start mornings at markets and try markets and street food for quick, authentic bites. For sit-down meals, prioritise traditional regional dishes that highlight local produce, then book a regional wine tasting to pair food with complementary varietals. If you want a deeper connection to place, pursue authentic local experiences such as family kitchens or small producers. Each recommendation notes the best time to go and how to reserve, so you can taste with confidence.