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Travel Guides about Puglia

Puglia, where the sun-drenched landscapes whisper tales of olive groves and azure seas, painting a masterpiece of Mediterranean dreams.
 
When to Visit
When to visit
The best time to visit Puglia is during the spring, early summer and autumn.
Currency
Currency
The Currency of Puglia is Euro. 1 Euro is equivalent to 1,07 USD.
Puglia - Monopoli

Puglia - Monopoli

Polignano A Mare - Beach

Polignano A Mare - Beach

Rione Aia Piccola - Alberobello

Rione Aia Piccola - Alberobello

Ostuni

Ostuni

Amalfi Coast
Puglia
Tuscany
Umbria

Weather in Puglia

The warmest months in Puglia are July and August, the perfect time to enjoy its beaches, festivals, and long sunny days. If you want fewer crowds and mild weather, consider visiting in May, June, or September when the countryside is wonderful and the olive groves are lush. Autumn, particularly October, is nice for food and wine lovers.

9°C

🌦️

Jan

10°C

🌦️

Feb

12°C

🌥️

Mar

15°C

🌥️

Apr

19°C

☀️

May

24°C

☀️

Jun

27°C

☀️

Jul

27°C

☀️

Aug

23°C

☀️

Sep

19°C

🌥️

Oct

14°C

🌦️

Nov

10°C

🌦️

Dec

Best Activities in Winter
  • Try Puglian dishes like orecchiette with turnip tops or fava bean purée with chicory, often enjoyed at local trattorias.
  • Explore festive markets and nativity scenes in towns like Bari and Martina Franca, which come alive with holiday cheer.
Best Activities in Spring
  • Explore charming towns like Alberobello (famous for its trulli houses) and Ostuni (the “White City”).
  • Enjoy wildflowers and walks through the countryside. It is the perfect time for hiking or cycling along scenic routes like the Itria Valley.
Best Activities in Summer
  • Relax on the beaches and enjoy the crystal-clear waters of the Adriatic and Ionian Seas at beaches like Baia dei Turchi or Punta Prosciutto.
  • Attend traditional festivals and events such as the “Festa di San Rocco” in Locorotondo or outdoor concerts and events.
Best Activities in Autumn
  • Visit local vineyards and olive groves to participate in harvest activities and taste freshly pressed olive oil and wine.
  • Explore castles like Castel del Monte or Lecce’s baroque architecture.

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Travel Tips

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The must-see towns are Alberobello (famous for its trulli), Lecce (known for its baroque architecture), Polignano a Mare (a picturesque coastal town), and Ostuni (the “White City”). You should also definitely visit Matera (it is located in Basilicata region but it is near the Puglia region).

Puglia is known for its fresh seafood, handmade pasta (like orecchiette), and local specialties such as focaccia barese and burrata cheese. Don’t miss trying the region’s excellent wines.

You can enjoy hiking, biking, swimming in beautiful beaches, and exploring nature reserves like the Gargano National Park. Water sports such as diving and sailing are also popular.

Yes, it’s possible to explore some areas using public transport or guided tours, but having a car significantly enhances your ability to see more remote locations.

A popular route starts from Bari, visits Polignano a Mare, Monopoli, and then heads to Ostuni and Alberobello. On this route, you will visit coastal towns and picturesque villages.

Many cities have ZTL (Limited Traffic Zones) where access is restricted. It’s important to familiarize yourself with these zones to avoid fines, especially in larger cities like Bari.

How to Get There

By Airplane

Puglia is served by two main international airports: Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport (BRI) and Brindisi Salento Airport (BDS). These airports offer direct flights from major European cities, with budget airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air providing affordable connections.

By Train

Puglia is accessible via Italy’s extensive rail network. High-speed trains (Frecciarossa, Frecciargento) connect major cities like Rome, Milan, and Naples to Bari and Lecce. Regional trains provide access to smaller towns within the region.

By Car

Driving is a great option for reaching Puglia and exploring its countryside. The A14 highway (Autostrada Adriatica) links northern Italy to Bari, while other well-maintained roads connect coastal and inland destinations.

By Ferry

Ferries connect Puglia to other countries along the Adriatic Sea, such as Greece, Albania, and Croatia. Ports in Bari, Brindisi, and Taranto are key hubs for ferry travel.

 

How to Get Around

Trains

Trenitalia and Ferrovie del Sud Est operate train services across Puglia. Major towns like Bari, Lecce, and Taranto are well-connected, but train travel may be slower in rural areas.

Buses

Local and regional bus services, such as those by Ferrovie del Sud Est and MarinoBus, provide extensive coverage to towns and villages that are not accessible by train.

Driving

Renting a car is highly recommended for exploring Puglia’s scenic countryside, olive groves, and coastal areas. Roads are well-maintained, but parking can be limited in historic town centers.

Cycling

Puglia is popular for cycling, thanks to its flat terrain and scenic routes. Bike rentals are available in major towns, and cycling tours are a great way to explore areas like the Itria Valley.

Taxis

Taxis are available in cities and at airports, but they can be expensive. Ridesharing apps like Free Now and ItTaxi operate in some areas.

 

SIM Card Options

You can buy local SIM cards at airports, electronics shops, and mobile stores in Puglia. A valid ID may be required for purchase.

  • TIM: Excellent network coverage and competitive data plans.
  • Vodafone Italy: Great nationwide coverage with high-speed options.
  • WindTre: Affordable data plans, ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
  • Iliad: Low-cost SIMs with generous data allowances, popular among tourists.

eSIM Card Options

  • Airalo: eSIM plans for Italy with flexible data options.
  • Holafly: Unlimited data eSIMs, perfect for short-term trips.
  • Nomad: Customizable eSIM plans with regional or global coverage.
  • Local Network eSIMs: TIM and Vodafone offer eSIM options for compatible devices.

What to pack for Puglia

  • Lightweight clothing
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Sandals or flip-flops
  • Swimsuit
  • Sun hat
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Toiletries
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Power adapter
  • Camera
  • Lightweight jacket
  • Rain jacket
  • Backpack
  • Beach towel
  • Medications

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Puglia Suggested Daily Budget

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On Budget

€30 - €60 per day

On a backpacker’s budget, you can stay in hostel dorms or budget guesthouses, which typically cost around €25-€50 per night. You can eat inexpensive meals from local markets or street vendors, with snacks like panzerotti costing about €1.50 and casual meals starting at €6. Public transportation is affordable, with bus and train tickets ranging from €1 to €3. This budget allows you to enjoy free activities like wandering through charming towns, relaxing on public beaches, and exploring local markets.

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Mid-range

€70 - €120 per day

With a mid-range budget, you can enjoy private rooms in guesthouses or mid-range hotels that cost around €80-€100 per night. You can eat at local restaurants for most of your meals. You can also take occasional taxis for convenience. With this budget you can participate in activities like guided tours, cooking classes (around €40-€120), and visits to national parks. You can comfortably explore major cities and enjoy local wine tastings.

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Luxury

€250+ per day

On a luxury budget, you can stay in high-end hotels or resorts, where prices start at around €150 per night and can go much higher. You can eat at fine restaurants and engage in activities such as private tours, yacht rentals, or spa treatments. You can also rent a car for greater flexibility, which might cost around €40-€60 per day.