Lecce is a historic city in the Puglia region known as "the Florence of the South" for its magnificent Baroque architecture. Popular sights are the Piazza del Duomo and Basilica di Santa Croce with a unique mix of Roman, Greek, and modern history.
Alberobello is famous for its unique trulli houses with conical roofs made of limestone. Visit the only Trullo Church in the world, Trullo Sovrano, and explore the historic Rione Monti district.
Polignano a Mare is a beautiful seaside town with stunning views of the Adriatic Sea. Stroll through the narrow white-washed streets and visit the ancient cave-dwellings in the historic center. Don't miss the stunning view from balconies overlooking the azure waters of the ocean.
Castel del Monte is a distinctive medieval fortress built by the Emperor Frederick II in the 13th century. It's also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of the most important medieval castles in Europe.
Matera is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sassi di Matera is the ancient city of caves with cliffside dwellings stacked atop each other, and a must-visit site for architecture buffs.
Gallipoli is a beautiful historic fishing town with historical palaces, Baroque churches, and turquoise crystalline waters. Walk around the charming old town streets and harbor, and discover its picturesque Gulf of Taranto beach.
Bari with the most cosmopolitan city in Puglia, is an excellent mix of old and new, with narrow alleys, seafront promenades, and excellent shopping options. The Basilica di San Nicola, the Swabian Castle and the Petruzzelli Theatre are some monuments that are not to be missed.
Consider renting a car to travel Puglia comfortably. A car rental for 7 days costs around €180-€300. If you want a cheap alternative, you can take advantage of the local train network, Ferrovie Sud Est, which connects most of the major towns, with prices starting from €2-€7. However, it must be noted that traveling by train may not be the fastest mode of transportation but they offer beautiful scenic paths.
If you have more time, you can explore Taranto or Ostuni. If you like beaches, visit Salento with its beautiful white sand beaches, turquoise sea and palm trees. If you have less time, cut your trip to six days by skipping Bari. Also note that during summers, the beach towns can get crowded, and during winters, certain monument and churches take a siesta and have shorter opening hours.
Brindisi Airport (BDS) is the primary airport serving Puglia. It's located about twenty minutes from both Lecce and Brindisi.