Where to Go in Puglia – The Best Towns to Visit in Puglia – The Heel of Italy

Bari

If you are flying into Puglia, Bari is often your first stop – but don’t treat it as just a transit city. Bari is vibrant, historic, and full of character, especially within the cobblestone alleys of the old town.

Also known as Bari Vecchia, the historic center of Bari feels like stepping into daily Southern Italian life: laundry hanging from balconies, women hand-rolling pasta at small tables, and children playing football in tiny passages that twist like a maze. The old stone walls and lively piazzas create an atmosphere that is both authentic and welcoming.

Visiting the Basilica di San Nicola is a must-see for architecture lovers, whereas strolling along the Lungomare is ideal for families, who prefer to slow down and take in every moment of their trip to Bari.

Bari makes a great base if you are planning to explore Puglia region without renting a car and want easy access to trains and buses connecting to the smaller towns of Puglia.

Alberobello

Alberobello is one of the most unique towns I have visited in Italy. Its cone-shaped trulli – white stone huts with pointed grey roofs – make the town look like something out of a storybook. It is a perfect destination for families with children looking for whimsical character and a touch of magic.

The Rione Monti district has the largest concentration of trulli and is the most popular area to explore. . With its charming craft shops, cafés, and rooftop viewpoints overlooking a sea of stone cones, it’s the more touristy part of town and can easily become crowded in peak season. I highly recommend visiting the quieter Aia Piccola district, which offers a more peaceful and authentic feel – perfect for slow wandering and photo taking.

The Trulli of Alberobello are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, due to their remarkable construction as traditional Apulian dry-stone dwellings. They all have a very interesting architectural style with a conical roof and intriguing religious and mythological symbols depicted on the exterior.

Plan a few hours to visit Alberobello – it is honestly all you need, since the town is pretty small. Head early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds.

Ostuni

Situated on top of a hill and surrounded by endless valleys of olive trees, the “White City” can easily become your favorite destination in Puglia.

The old town is a true joy to explore – winding stairways, arches leading to hidden corners, and views that open unexpectedly between buildings. Ostuni is best experienced slowly: stopping to admire a flower-filled balcony, peeking into a tiny artisan shop, or catching a glimpse of the sea framed between whitewashed walls.

Ostuni can serve as the ideal base if you want to explore Puglia. Just note that you would need to take a shuttle from the train station to the town. and unfortunately it is not always the most reliable. Parking in the old town, on the other hand, can be very tricky especially during the peak tourist season.

Despite the logistical quirks, Ostuni’s charm is undeniable. Its atmosphere, authenticity and views make it one of the best towns to visit in Puglia Italy.

Polignano a Mare

Widely considered the jewel of Adriatic coastline, Polignano a Mare is among the most popular and one of the best towns to visit in Puglia. It is well-known for its cliffside old town, dramatic sea views, and the world-famous Lama Monachile beach. The town has a long history dating back to ancient Greek and Roman times, and today it blends cultural heritage with a lively seaside atmosphere.

The heart of Polignano a Mare is at the historic center, which invites slow wandering through winding alleys, leading to balconies overlooking the dramatic cliffs underneath. Keep your eyes open as you stroll down the streets, short poems are hiding under stairways and tucked into corners, giving the town a touch of unexpected romance.

Everyone talks about how touristy and overcrowded it is, but we have visited in early spring and late fall and absolutely loved it each time. During one of our trips, we also picked it as our base location, and we got to fully experience its quiet and calm rhythm during the late afternoons after the day visitors have left. Polignano a Mare is one of the towns in Italy that I would want to return to again and again, always finding something new and beautiful to admire.

Locorotondo

Like many others, I read that Locorotondo has been recognized as one of “The Most Beautiful Villages of Italy”, so naturally we had to go and see for ourselves.

As you approach it by car, the town’s whitewashed rounded silhouette stands out against the blue sky, and you are immediately captivated and intrigued. It is one of those places, where you park your car, step inside the old town without a map and allow yourselves to get lost in between the winding alleys.

Everything feels impossible clean, polished, and peaceful. Whitewashed houses with pointed roofs line narrow lanes, and almost every balcony is draped in flowers -pinks, reds, and purples cascading over the crisp white walls. Locorotondo is definitely a lot less touristy that other towns in Puglia, so the pace is slower, quieter and more relaxed.

While I definitely enjoyed our time in Locorotondo, I found myself missing the presence of locals. What I particularly love about Puglia region is its authenticity – hearing nonnas rapidly chatting in Italian from their balconies, as tomatoes and garlic are simmering on pans behind them in the kitchen. Unfortunately, I did not experience much of that everyday life in Locorotondo. As stunning as the town is, it felt more like a picture-perfect magazine spread than a place that’s fully lived in.

By Car

Renting a car is the easiest way to explore the best towns in Puglia, since some of them are not easily accessible by public transport. Driving gives you flexibility to stop in the countryside, explore olive groves, or enjoy spontaneous coastal views. Just remember that parking in historic centers can be tricky, especially in peak season, so look for designated parking areas outside the old towns.

By Train

Italy has a pretty reliable train network connecting major towns such as Bari, Rome and Naples. Trains are generally comfortable and efficient, making them a good option for families who prefer to relax while traveling between towns. Keep in mind that Puglia towns have train stations, so you may need a combination of train and bus or taxi to reach places like Alberobello or Locorotondo.

Orecchiette Pasta

No trip to Puglia is complete without tasting orecchiette, the region’s signature pasta shaped like small ears. Traditionally served with broccoli rabe, tomato sauce, or local seafood, orecchiette can be found in nearly every trattoria and is a hit with kids and adults alike. In Bari, you might even spot local nonnas hand-rolling the pasta on the streets – a true cultural experience.

Burrata & Mozzarella di Bufala

Puglia is famous for its creamy, fresh cheeses. Burrata, a soft cheese with a rich, creamy center, is often paired with fresh tomatoes, olive oil, and crusty bread. Families will love the taste, and adults will appreciate the authenticity of trying it straight from local farms or artisan markets.

Olive Oil

Puglia produces some of Italy’s best olive oil, often labeled as extra virgin and cold-pressed. Many restaurants and local shops offer tastings. In a similar way as to other regions of Italy, being served bread with olive oil almost immediately as you sit on a table is common. It is honestly, such a hit when trying to have a meal with kids since they immediately jump on the yummy bread!

Seafood

Coastal towns like Polignano a Mare and Bari are renowned for fresh seafood. From grilled fish to shrimp and mussels, seafood here is caught daily and served simply to highlight natural flavors. Many restaurants also offer kid-friendly options like pasta with clams or fried calamari.

Pasticciotti

Pasticciotti are small, golden pastries that are a true Pugliese specialty. The outer shell is made of a delicate, buttery shortcrust pastry, while the inside is typically filled with creamy custard—though you can also find variations with chocolate, ricotta, or seasonal fruits like cherries or figs.

Vino

Puglia produces more wine than any other region in Italy, making it a must-try for adults traveling through the region. The hot Mediterranean climate and rich soil create perfect conditions for grapes, particularly indigenous varieties like Primitivo and Negroamaro. Wine tours are must-does for a complete Puglia travel guide.

Zoo-safari in Bari

A visit to the Zoo-safari is an absolute must for a family-friendly Puglia travel guide. The zoo is home to a variety of animals, from exotic birds to playful monkeys, and features shaded walking paths and picnic areas—ideal for a leisurely morning or afternoon. The highlight is the safari section, though, where you drive in your car and admire the animals from the comfort of your vehicle. You can bring extra carrots to feed the animals (you are only given a handful at the gate). Keep in mind, though, that some of the animals fully climbed on the side of our car causing a few scratches and dents – something to have in mind, especially if renting out a car.

Try a Cooking Class

A fun, hands-on cooking class in Bari where families can learn to make fresh pasta and traditional tiramisu together, then enjoy their creations with local wine or soft drinks. Approximately 3 hours long, it is easy to fit into a travel day, and definitely one of the best family experiences on a trip to Puglia Italy.

Boat Tours

A scenic boat tour along Polignano a Mare’s coastline, where families can admire towering limestone cliffs, and see the old town from the water. Many tours include a quick swim stop and light refreshments, making it a fun and easy activity to add to a Puglia travel guide. Approximately 2 hours long, it is perfect for a family-friendly morning activity.