📍 Italy

PUGLIA: COASTAL CLIFFS, TRULLI AND THE VALLE D'ITRIA

White towns crowning hills, baroque stone radiating light. Puglia, architectural treasures and coastline of Italy's heel.

≈ 7
Days
208
Km
6
Stops
📖 4 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Admire Otranto standing against azure waters, then explore Lecce and its luminous baroque. Climb Ostuni's white lanes, observe Alberobello's trulli and follow the coast to Monopoli. Polignano a Mare suspends its houses above the sea, revealing Puglia's spectacular soul.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Otranto

clifftop fortress guards turquoise strait

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6 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of the historic center of Otranto: Aragonese castle, cathedral and whitewashed alleys
2
Walk along the Otranto seafront to admire the view over the Adriatic
🎯

Activities

→
Visit to Torre Pinta and its medieval hypogeum
→
Walk to the Cava di Bauxite, former mine with red cliffs and turquoise lake
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 12 km
Travel time: 20min
2
Day

Lecce

baroque jewel glows ornate glory

Lecce - Photo 1Lecce - Photo 2Lecce - Photo 3Lecce - Photo 4Lecce - Photo 5Lecce - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Excursion to Sant'Andrea to admire the iconic rocks and walk to the Torre dell'Orro
2
Visit to the Grotte della Poesia at Roca Vecchia
🎯

Activities

→
Kayak or paddle around the coastal caves (5h, 9 stops)
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 28 km
Travel time: 40min
3
Day

Lecce

baroque jewel glows ornate glory

Lecce - Photo 1Lecce - Photo 2Lecce - Photo 3Lecce - Photo 4Lecce - Photo 5Lecce - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Exploration of Lecce's historic center: Basilica Santa Croce, Piazza del Duomo and Roman amphitheater
2
Discovery of the baroque churches Santa Chiara and del Rosario
🎯

Activities

→
2h30 cooking class to learn how to make Italian pasta
→
2h walking food tour or 3h cycling food tour
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 38 km
Travel time: 45min
4
Day

Ostuni

whitewashed town crowns coastal hill

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9 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Visit to the port of Brindisi: Castello Svevo, Terminal Columns of Via Appia and Chiesa di Santa Maria del Casale
2
Stroll along Lungomare Regina Margherita and at the covered market
🎯

Activities

→
Discovery of Ostuni's historic center and Cathedral, walk on the ramparts and panorama
→
Local cooking class at a local's home
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 75 km
Travel time: 1h20
5
Day

Alberobello

trulli homes dot limestone plateau

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6 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Exploration of Alberobello and its UNESCO-listed trulli, visit to Trullo Sovrano
2
Walk in the Itria Valley between Alberobello, Locorotondo and Martina Franca
🎯

Activities

→
2-hour guided walking tour with local tastings
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Bike ride between villages and olive groves
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 20 km
Travel time: 25min
6
Day

Monopoli

seaside port glimmers mediterranean beauty

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9 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of the castle and cathedral of Conversano
2
Guided visit to the Grotte di Castellana (2h)
🎯

Activities

→
Walk through the old town of Monopoli, cathedral and ramparts
→
2h30 cruise to the caves or 1h30 on private boat
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 35 km
Travel time: 40min
7
Day

Polignano A Mare

cliff village clings dramatic coastline

Polignano A Mare - Photo 1Polignano A Mare - Photo 2Polignano A Mare - Photo 3Polignano A Mare - Photo 4Polignano A Mare - Photo 5Polignano A Mare - Photo 6
6 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Discovery of Polignano a Mare: historic center, cliffs and beaches of Lama Monachile
2
Sunset observation over the Adriatic Sea
🎯

Activities

→
Boat cruise to the caves with aperitif

🗺️ Itinerary map

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🛡️ Travel advice - Italy

Check official recommendations

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❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Spring (April-June): Perfect weather, blooming landscapes, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, excellent value, Easter celebrations, ideal touring conditions.

Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, peak tourist season, highest prices, crowded attractions, vibrant atmosphere, beach season, festival time.

Fall (September-October): Excellent weather, harvest season, wine tourism, comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, beautiful colors, culinary focus.

Winter (November-March): Mild southern weather, Christmas markets, lowest prices, minimal crowds, cultural focus, cozy atmosphere, indoor attractions.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 6 and 8 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in Italy?

Cultural masterpiece with incredible art, cuisine, and historical heritage from Rome to Venice. Experience Renaissance treasures, regional diversity, and authentic Italian lifestyle. The country offers cultural immersion with culinary excellence and artistic heritage. Italy provides complete cultural experiences with historical significance and natural beauty.