Deciding on places to visit in 5 days in Puglia was a bit of a challenge. I chose to explore Puglia without a car, but even if I had taken a road trip, narrowing down the bucket list for this region felt impossible.
Italy’s heel is packed with dreamy beaches, natural scenery, sun-drenched villages, and imposing historical landmarks, and you can’t experience it all in less than a week.
I was more than happy with my final choices, so if you need help planning a Puglia itinerary that doesn’t require driving (and car rental expenses), you’re welcome to draw inspiration from this post.
*I try to keep the information on this blog as updated as possible, but I still recommend consulting the latest prices, opening hours, and other details on the official website of each site, hotel, and tour, as well as checking the updated public transport routes and timetables. I share my personal experience and cannot guarantee yours.
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5-Day Puglia Itinerary Without a Car – Summary and Map
Click here to access the MyMaps interactive map of this trip itinerary.
In 5 days, I could only focus on a specific area of Puglia, and here’s a quick summary of my trip (based in the city of Bari):
Days 1: Bari, Puglia’s capital and an underrated Italian city.
Day 2: Alberobello, known for its unique Trulli houses (optional: Locorotondo).
Day 3: Polignano a Mare + Monopoli, two magnificent coastal towns.
Days 4+5: Pick 2 of 3 optional day trips – Lecce, Ostuni, and Trani + Giovinazzo. Lecce is a gorgeous Baroque city, Ostuni is the “The White City”, and the last ones are two adorable and lesser-known coastal towns.
Tip: If you want to adjust it to 7 days, you can spend two seperate days in Polignano and Monopoli and take all 3 day trips of Lecce, Ostuni, and Trani + Giovinazzo. And if you don’t want to travel all the way to Lecce, take a day trip to Martina Franca + Locorotondo instead.
I traveled to all of these places independently so I could enjoy them at my own pace, but you could explore some of them with a guide with these highly-rated day tours from Bari to:
1. Alberobello, Polignano a Mare, and Monopoli, gorgeous coastal towns
2. Alberobello, Martina Franca, and Locorotondo
3. Alberobello and Matera, one of the oldest cities in the world
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Where to Stay in Puglia Without a Car?
My Choice – Bari
Bari is a great choice if you prefer basing yourself in one main place and taking day trips (like I did) instead of staying each night in another town.
The two best districts to stay in Bari are Murat, the more modern part of the city, and Bari Vecchia, the enchanting old town.
I chose to book my accommodation in Murat as it is conveniently located between Bari Vecchia and the train station.
On one trip, I stayed in various places, but my favorite was the “standard apartment” at Melo 48. I felt at home in this spacious, fully-equipped, ideally-located, modern yet cozy apartment, and I cannot recommend it enough.
On my solo trip, I stayed at B&B Alighieri 97 in the single room, which was a relatively budget-friendly option. Like many guesthouses in Europe, it is housed in a residential building. It’s a super simple B&B, yet it’s clean, comfy, and with an ideal location near many restaurants, cafes, and shopping streets.
Another higher-rated accommodation in Murat is BARI 102: Rated 9.9 and located near the shopping street near Via Sparano, this B&B offers modern rooms and suites for 2-5 people (with a small balcony) and a highly-rated breakfast buffet.
If you want to stay in Bari Vecchia, check out Gesuiti 25, a fully-equipped rural-like apartment for up to 4 people.
I would have loved to stay in a Masseria, a traditional estate-like farmhouse from the 16th century, or a trullo, Puglia’s renowned stone hut, but these are not suitable for a car-free trip.
What to Expect & Are 5 Days in Puglia Enough?
To me, it felt like five days were only enough to see a very small part of Puglia.
Being ruled by the Greeks, Romans, and Normans (to name a few), it’s a historically and culturally fascinating Italian region.
While its pristine beaches make it a beloved summer destination, it has so much more to offer, from whitewashed towns, medieval castles, and archeological sites, to olive groves, vineyards, and national parks.
It’s worth knowing that Puglia is the birthplace of my beloved burrata cheese, the largest producer of olive oil in Italy, and a surprising destination for wine lovers.
You can take quite a lot of day trips from Bari and still only scratch the surface of this intriguing region, and if you want to explore it from north to south, you’ll need a lot more time than just 5 days.
If you’re a first-time visitor, I’d suggest spending at least 7-10 days in Puglia. If you spend 10-14 days there, I’d add Lecce as one more base for day trips, like the Cave of Poetry (Grotta della Poesia) and Gallipoli.
Getting Around Puglia By Train and Bus
Yes, taking a Puglia road trip will give you much more flexibility, but it’s also fairly easy to use public transportation in this region.
From Bari Centrale train station (and the streets around it), it’s easy to catch buses and regional trains to many destinations across Puglia. I love saving time and booking my tickets on Omio, which compares bus and train prices in one place.
Otherwise, get your intercity bus tickets at Dea Cafe and train tickets at the machines or office inside the station. Train tickets need to be validated using one of the machines on the platform (e-tickets are automatically validated).
Days 1
Bari
Even though it’s Puglia’s capital city, it seems like Bari isn’t seen as a highlight of such a picturesque region, which I can understand, but I still think it’s worth spending some time here. You can adjust this itinerary by spending two days in Bari.
From Ancient Greece to the Norman conquest to the Napoleonic Kingdom of Naples, it’s safe to say that Bari is steeped in history, yet, it also caters to those seeking cultural activities, delicious food, and relaxing beaches.
Some highly-rated activities you can book:
- Street food tour of Bari
- Dining experience at a local’s home in Bari
Explore the charming maze of narrow streets of the old town – Bari Vecchia, where you can immerse yourself in the traditional side of Bari.
Admire the medieval Basilica San Nicola and Bari Cathedral (Cattedrale di San Sabino), people-watch at Piazza Mercantile, and walk on Via Venezia all the way to the gorgeous Teatro Margherita and the old port.
When it comes to food, Bari Vecchia’s alleys are lined with an abundance of Apulian restaurants, bakeries, and cafes, so you’re in for a treat.
Nearby, you’ll find an unmissable place to visit in Bari – Arco Basso Street – also known as “Strada delle Orecchiette” (Street of the Orecchiette).
Here, you’ll see the nonnas sitting and making the most notorious Apulian pasta shape, orecchiette, translating to “little ears”.
Since watching the nonnas has become a popular tourist attraction, be sure to buy some pasta if you’re going to take pictures and videos.
In the second half of the day, head to the vibrant Murat, the newer part of the city. It’s definitely not as picture-perfect as the old town, but it’s home to several photogenic buildings like Palazzo Mincuzzi and the opera house Teatro Petruzzelli.
Murat is packed with trendy cafes and international cuisine restaurants, and it’s an ideal place to shop till you drop (on Via Sparano and around it) and have an aperitivo.
If you have time, tou can also stroll along the best and liveliest promenade in Bari – Lungomare Nazario Sauro – all the way to Bari’s beach.
Day 2
Alberobello
The first image that usually pops up when you search for info on Puglia depicts the quirky storybook-like Trulli houses of Alberobello.
Although you can see them sprinkled throughout the Itria Valley, this town is home to more than 1,500 Trulli, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The origins of these traditional dry-stone huts with cone-shaped roofs trace back to prehistoric times, but Alberobello and its Trulli date back to the 14th-17th centuries, when the area was ruled by the Kingdom of Naples and controlled by the Counts of Conversano.
The Count ordered his residents to build houses without using mortar, which meant they could be easily dismantled, and the town wouldn’t have to pay taxes to the Kingdom.
Intriguingly, many Trulli are still used as homes (so it’s important to be respectful when wandering around), while others function as accommodations, souvenir shops, and restaurants. Most are built on a slope, so bring comfortable shoes/sandals.
Be sure to explore both Trulli districts – Rione Monti and Rione Aia Piccola. To learn more about the local history, you can also take a guided walking tour of Alberobello.
Visiting in the shoulder season allowed me to relish one of the most popular Apulian towns without being surrounded by many people, while on another trip, at the beginning of the tourist season, it was already getting crowded.
Getting from Bari to Alberobello: You can catch a direct bus several times a day, and it’s best to purchase your ticket in advance online.
The bus stop in Bari is located behind Bari Centrale on Via Giuseppe Capruzzi (pass through the station to get there), and the bus stop in Alberobello is right outside its train station.
When the season starts, there’s a long line for getting on this bus, so be patient.
Alternatively, book a combined day tour of:
- Alberobello, Polignano a Mare, and Monopoli
- Alberobello and Matera
- Alberobello, Martina Franca, and Locorotondo
Optional: Locorotondo
There’s a chance you won’t spend the entire day in Alberobello, so you can continue by bus to Locorotondo, considered one of the prettiest towns in Puglia.
To get back to Bari, take the bus, though note that the last direct one leaves at approximately 5:25 PM. Otherwise, you’ll have to take the train, which includes one switch. Instead of Locorotondo, you can also visit the nearby Martina Franca, a beautiful Baroque town I also loved.
Day 3
You can visit these two towns on your own or book a tour of Alberobello, Polignano a Mare, and Monopoli.
Polignano a Mare
Considering it’s one of the busiest towns in Puglia in the summer months, I’m glad one of my visits to Polignano a Mare was in the shoulder season when I had it almost completely to myself.
Overlooking the Adriatic Sea, the charming coastal town is thought to be the Ancient Greek city of Neapolis.
It is known for its scenic viewpoints, whitewashed historic center that’s just a delight to explore, and rugged cliffs, which make it a popular cliff diving destination.
One of its main focal points is the adorable beach of Lama Monachile, of which you’ve probably seen a million photos on Instagram.
It’s not sandy, it’s very small, and it gets crowded in the peak season, so if you’re after the ideal Apulian beach, this is not it. However, I loved seeing people taking a dip. In the off season, I loved sitting there without doing anything special, listening to the subtle sound of the waves, and enjoying some serenity.
You can capture the views and beauty of its glistening crystal-clear waters at various lookout points.
Another famous spot is the Grotta Palazzese, a stunning cave that has become the location of a 5-star hotel’s restaurant. You can book a stay at Hotel Grotta Palazzese or just make a reservation for lunch or dinner.
If that’s not enough, the surrounding area is packed with more hidden sea caves, which you can get to with a boat tour.
Getting from Bari to Polignano a Mare: There are direct trains to Polignano from Bari Centrale.
Monopoli
Ruled by the Messapians, Romans, Normans, and Venetians (to name a few), Monopoli has always been one of the most important port towns in the region.
I almost made the mistake of comparing it to Polignano a Mare, but I’m glad I came to my senses because they’re not as similar as you might think.
Sure, they’re proximate to one another, and both are seaside towns with a whitewashed old town, but each has its own charm and rhythm.
While Polignano won me over with its coastal scenery, Monopoli enticed me with its picture-perfect historic city center (Centro Storico). On the map, it doesn’t look that big, yet somehow, it seems to consist of hundreds of little flower-adorned alleys.
If you’re up for some sightseeing, you’ll love the colorful boats of the old port (Porto Antico), the imposing 16th-century Castle of Charles V, and the Monopoli Cathedral (Basilica Cattedrale di Maria Santissima della Madia).
Getting from Polignano a Mare to Monopoli: The train ride only takes 5 minutes, but there’s some walking to do from Monopoli’s train station to the historic center, which is more than 1 km away.
Getting back from Monopoli to Bari: Depending on the train, it’ll take you 30-50 minutes to get back to Bari.
Days 4+5 – Option 1
If you don’t mind skipping a couple of highlights to visit underrated towns instead, go for this option.
Trani
Unlike the other towns I mentioned, Trani is not as known (and if it is, it doesn’t always make the cut into people’s itineraries), which is one of the reasons I loved it so much.
Picture this: a beautiful port, the sound of seagulls, a striking medieval castle and cathedral overlooking the Adriatic Sea, and an adorable historic center. If you love quaint coastal towns, Trani will win you over.
But the thing that makes Trani even more unique is its Jewish heritage, as it was home to one of the largest Jewish communities in Puglia until the 16th century.
Not much has remained from the Jewish quarter, but fortunately, you can visit the Scolanova Synagogue and Synagogue Museum of Sant’Anna. Touring the Scolanova Synagogue requires a reservation in advance.
Getting from Bari to Trani: There are direct trains from Bari to Trani.
Giovinazzo
Giovinazzo is a lesser-known port town and a picturesque hidden gem in Puglia. Small but utterly charming, this is a wonderful spot to soak in the authentic atmosphere, exploring the port area and tiny historic center.
It is reachable by train from Trani and Bari. You can also visit Giovinazzo in the morning and then continue to Trani.
Days 4+5 – Option 2
Lecce
While Lecce, located in the Salento Peninsula, is 1 hours and 40 minutes from Bari by train I fell in love with it so much that I think it’s worth the day trip, especially if you don’t have more time in Puglia to actually spend a few days in Lecce and its surroundings.
This Baroque city is nicknamed The Florence of the South, and it really is full of stunning architecture, much from the 16th-18th centuries, and boasts rich culture.
Its historic center made me emotional, with every corner being so awe-inspiring, from its Duomo and the famous Roman amphitheatre to its city gates and enchanting streets.
Also, be sure to try some local food like Rustico and Ciceri e Tria.
Days 4+5 – Option 3
Ostuni
Known as The White City, Ostuni has a small but adorable whitewashed historic center you can explore, enclosed by Aragonese defensive walls with beautiful surrounding countryside and sea views. It’s also a famous area of olive oil production!
I admit I wish there were fewer people, as well as fewer touristic shops that cover the white alleys, and the city center was also smaller than I had expected, but I can’t say Ostuni wasn’t worth visiting. It’s just a matter of expectations and personal experience.
Getting there: There’s a train from Bari to Ostuni, but its station is a bit far from the center, so you need to take the shuttle/bus from there.
Puglia in 5 Days – Other Travel Tips and Notes
When to Visit
It’s well-known that Puglia is a favored summer destination, so if you want to avoid the crowds and the overly hot & humid weather, July and August might not be the best time to visit.
On one occasion, I traveled to Puglia in March because I was looking for an off-season trip.
The temperatures can be unpredictable, providing cloudy and rainy days alongside warm days, but I was lucky to enjoy perfect weather 95% of the time and relish Puglia’s popular towns with barely any tourists wandering around.
That said, it wasn’t warm enough to go for a swim, though some locals did.
On another trip, I was in Puglia in May. The weather was a mix of very warm days and slightly cloudy and chilly days, but overall, it was ideal. In terms of crowds, you can already tell the famous towns are getting more packed, while others are still tranquil because it’s not the peak summer season.
If soaking up the sun is not necessarily on your Puglia bucket list, it seems like this region is also an extremely surprising and underrated Christmas destination in Europe.
How to Get to Puglia
International flights arrive daily at Bari’s Karol Wojtyla Airport, but you can also catch a bus from Naples or a train from Rome.
What to Eat
Food in Italy never disappoints me, but since my other trips took place in the central and northern regions, I was excited to immerse myself in Puglia’s culinary scene.
Here are some local dishes I’d gladly go back to devour – Spaghetti all’Assassina (The Assassin’s Spaghetti), riso patate e cozze (Tiella), orecchiette with cime di rapa, Focaccia Barese, Panzerotto, Sgagliozze, Fave e Cicoria, Ciceri e Tria, Pasticciotto, and Taralli. You also need to try Caffe Leccese, and that’s just a little taste of what you can gorge on in this region.
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