Puglia 4-Day Road Trip Itinerary

Discover Puglia’s whitewashed hill towns, Adriatic coastline, ancient olive groves, and unforgettable food on this compact four-day road trip.

Day 1: Bari and Polignano a Mare

Start in Bari and explore Bari Vecchia, the Basilica of Saint Nicholas, and the lively waterfront. Pick up your rental car and drive south to Polignano a Mare, where you can wander the cliff-top lanes and enjoy the views from Lama Monachile beach.

Overnight: Polignano a Mare or Monopoli.

Day 2: Alberobello, Locorotondo, and Ostuni

Visit Alberobello early to see its famous trulli houses before the busiest hours. Continue to Locorotondo for a relaxed lunch and panoramic views across the Valle d’Itria. End the day in Ostuni, the “White City,” and enjoy dinner in its atmospheric old town.

Overnight: Ostuni.

Day 3: Ostuni, Lecce, and the Salento Coast

Drive to Lecce and spend the morning admiring its ornate Baroque architecture, including Piazza del Duomo and the Basilica of Santa Croce. In the afternoon, head toward the Salento coast for a swim or a sunset walk. Otranto is a beautiful optional stop if time allows.

Overnight: Lecce or Otranto.

Day 4: Matera or the Adriatic Coast and Return

For a memorable final day, choose between a coastal morning around Otranto and Torre dell’Orso or a detour to Matera, just beyond Puglia, to see its ancient cave dwellings. Return to Bari or your departure point, allowing extra time for traffic and rental-car drop-off.

Practical Tips

• Book a compact car, especially for historic centers and narrow country roads.
• Check limited-traffic zones (ZTLs) before driving into old towns.
• Allow more time than GPS estimates for coastal roads and photo stops.
• Try local specialties such as orecchiette, burrata, focaccia barese, and pasticciotto.
• Reserve accommodations with parking whenever possible.

Suggested Route

Bari → Polignano a Mare → Alberobello → Locorotondo → Ostuni → Lecce → Otranto or Matera → Bari.