Where to Stay in Puglia, Italy – Best Areas & Accommodation Options

Looking for the best places to stay in Puglia? Look no further! In this guide I’ll share information about the best towns in Puglia to stay in, the best areas within these towns, and different accommodation options to suit different budgets.

Puglia, also known as Apulia, is a region located in the southern part of Italy. It’s a popular destination for its stunning coastline, diverse landscapes, beautiful architecture, and delicious food.

From the bustling streets of Bari to the quaint town of Ostuni, this guide will help you find the perfect place to stay to suit your needs and travel preferences.

Explore the best beaches in Puglia, visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Trulli of Alberobello, or simply relax and enjoy the slow pace of life in this stunning region.

These are my recommendations for where to stay in Puglia as a base, depending on the type of trip you’re interested in.

Where to Stay in Puglia

1. Bari

Bari is the capital of Puglia and a vibrant port city that offers you a taste of authentic Italian culture. 

The city can be a great base for exploring the Puglia region because of its central location and excellent transportation links.

Explore the old town, known as Bari Vecchia, which is full of narrow alleys, historic churches, and traditional shops and restaurants.

Visit the Basilica di San Nicola, a beautiful church that houses the relics of Saint Nicholas, who was the inspiration for Santa Claus.

Wander through the bustling Mercato del Pesce, a lively fish market that’s been operating for over a century.

Take a stroll along the seafront promenade, known as the Lungomare Nazario Sauro, which offers great views of the Adriatic Sea.

Enjoy a gelato or espresso at one of the many charming cafes in the city. And sample some local cuisine, such as orecchiette pasta, focaccia bread, and fresh seafood.

Note: unlike many smaller towns in Puglia, Bari also has a good selection of international restaurants, in case you like a change from Italian food. After spending a month in Puglia I have to admit I really enjoyed the great Asian restaurants in Bari.

Visit the Castello Svevo, a medieval fortress that offers a small museum.

Attend a performance at the Teatro Petruzzelli, a beautiful opera house that’s one of the largest in Italy.

What Makes Bari One of the Best Places to Stay in Puglia?

As you can see, Bari has a lot to offer and that makes it one of the best places to stay in Puglia.

More than any other destination in Puglia it has a real city feeling. Besides a rich history and good restaurants, you can also find good shopping, nightlife, and a wide range of entertainment.

But on top of that Bari is a good base to explore the rest of Puglia.

Bari is located near the center of the Puglia region, making it a convenient base for exploring the area. From Bari, you can easily reach many of Puglia’s top attractions, such as the Trulli houses of Alberobello, the white-washed hill town of Ostuni, and the stunning beaches of the Gargano Peninsula.

Bari has excellent transportation links. It has an international airport, a large train station, and a good network of buses. This makes it easy to get to Bari and to travel around the region by train, or bus.

Staying in Bari can also be more affordable than staying in some of the smaller towns and villages in Puglia, and you’ll have more options for dining, shopping, and entertainment.

Overall, Bari is a convenient place to stay in Puglia, it’s an affordable option and has plenty to offer in terms of culture, cuisine, and entertainment.

Where to Stay in Bari

If you choose to stay in Bari I’d recommend staying in the city center.

Stay in the old town, Bari Vecchia, for the cutest atmosphere, and easy access to the main sights.

Or stay in between the old town and the train station as a convenient location for exploring both Bari and the rest of Puglia.

Budget: Dimora Vittoria – this nicely renovated one-bedroom apartment is perfectly located in the old town of Bari.

Mid-Range: B&B Murex – this B&B has got lovely hosts, a perfect location, comfortable rooms, and a great breakfast served on the roof terrace.

High End: VIS Urban Suites & Spa – this stylishly decorated boutique hotel is conveniently located in between the old town and the train station. They offer a great breakfast and very good massages. And they have one room with its own small pool!

2. Polignano a Mare

This picturesque town is often listed as one of the most beautiful small towns in Italy.

Polignano a Mare is perched on a cliff overlooking the sea and has many charming narrow streets to explore. There are plenty of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly apartments.

Walk along the narrow streets in the historic center, lined with white-washed buildings and colorful flowers. Admire the stunning views of the sea and the cliffs from the many viewpoints around the old town.

And even though Polignano a Mare is a smaller town, there are plenty of shops, bars, and restaurants to choose from, including some spectacular restaurants perched on the cliffs.

For a great activity and to get a unique view of the town, take a boat tour of the sea caves and grottos, including the famous Grotta Palazzese.

What Makes Polignano a Mare One of the Best Places to Stay in Puglia?

Polignano a Mare is a great place to stay in Puglia if you love coastal towns with a lively vibe and plenty to do around it.

The town is located in a very central position within the region, which makes it easy to reach many of Puglia’s top attractions.

For example, it’s only a short drive away from the charming towns of Alberobello, Ostuni, and Martina Franca, and the beautiful beaches around Monopoli and Torre Canne.

The town itself is stunning with its unique cliff location and small beach in between the cliffs.

It also stays quite lively even off-season and is a great place to spend the evening admiring the view, and enjoying a drink in one of the many cliffside bars.

The town has a long and fascinating history and several historical landmarks including an impressive  Roman bridge and the Castle of Polignano a Mare.

Puglia is famous for its delicious food and wine, and Polignano a Mare is an excellent place to experience it. The town has plenty of restaurants serving local dishes, including fresh seafood, pasta, and pastries, and there are also several wineries in the surrounding countryside.

Although the best way to explore Puglia is by car, Polignano a Mare does have a train station which makes it also possible to see a lot of Puglia from here by train.

Where to Stay in Polignano a Mare

The most charming area of Polignano a Mare to stay in is the historic center (Centro Storico), but that’s also the more expensive area.

Budget: B&B A Pochi Passi – a nice, well-maintained place to stay within easy walking distance from both the historic center and the train station. If you prefer to cook some meals yourself you can book a room with a private kitchen.

Mid-Range: FONTEblu B&B – right in the historic center with a great rooftop terrace that offers a nice view of the area.

High End: There is a wide range of high end places to stay in and around Polignano a Mare. The most famous 5-star hotel in Polignano a Mare is Hotel Grotta Palazzese, set on a cliff with its unique restaurant inside a cave.

If you want something quieter just outside of town, with a great sea view plus spa and wellness facilities, then take a look at Le 3 di Tuccino.

Or, if you’d rather rent a villa in Puglia, then the area around Polignano a Mare is a good option for that as well. Check out Trulli Storie di Puglia for a really unique place to stay!

3. Ostuni

Ostuni is a beautiful hilltop town nicknamed the ”White City” because of its striking white-washed old town, which is a popular destination for tourists.

The historic center offers picturesque views of the surrounding olive groves and the Adriatic Sea.

Spend some time exploring the winding alleyways, charming squares, and impressive medieval architecture.

The city is also renowned for its gastronomy, featuring local specialties such as orecchiette pasta, fresh seafood, and the famous Primitivo wine.

In addition, Ostuni hosts several cultural events throughout the year, including music festivals and traditional celebrations.

What Makes Ostuni a Good Place to Stay in Puglia?

Ostuni is located in the heart of Puglia and is a great base for exploring the region.

If you don’t mind renting a car, Ostuni is a great location from where to explore the countryside, visit wineries, nearby beaches, and other popular towns in Puglia.

Ostuni does have a train station, but it’s located outside of the town center and the connections aren’t as good as from larger towns such as Bari and Lecce.

Ostuni is a beautiful town with a rich history and a unique charm. It is a perfect place to stay in Puglia if you love a slower pace of life and more of a small-town feeling.

Where to Stay in Ostuni

I highly recommend staying inside the old town, or in the countryside surrounding Ostuni.

The newer parts of Ostuni aren’t all that pretty so for that cute small-town experience the old town is a lot nicer.

Budget: Dimora Levante – this studio apartment is one of the more affordable places to stay inside the old town. And with its exposed stone walls it’s an adorable place.

If you’re looking for something even more budget-friendly then Ostuni Home Nature is a lovely house to stay in. But it’s outside of town so you will need a car.

Mid-Range: Caterina’s Apartament ‘Tredici’ – a bright, modern 1-bedroom apartment in the historic center of Ostuni. Or if you’d like a beautiful 2-bedroom apartment, check out Hostunia.

High End: Paragon 700 is a stunning boutique hotel with a spa and a swimming pool, set in an 18th-century building in the center of Ostuni.

4. Alberobello

Alberobello is a popular tourist destination and is often called one of the most beautiful villages in all of Italy.

The town is known for its unique trulli, which are white-washed cone-shaped houses made of limestone.

You can explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Rione Monti, the historic center filled with over 1,500 trulli.

The Trullo Sovrano, the only two-story trullo, is also a must-visit, which houses a heritage museum.

The small town is lovely to wander around in and offers a variety of shops and restaurants, serving traditional Puglian cuisine.

The countryside around Alberobello is also dotted with trulli, offering scenic hiking and cycling routes.

Overall, Alberobello is a unique and picturesque destination that offers a glimpse into a fascinating historic way of life.

What Makes Alberobello One of the Best Places to Stay in Puglia?

Alberobello is a great base for a trip to Puglia for several reasons.

Firstly, Alberobello is a charming and truly unique town.

Secondly, Alberobello is centrally located in Puglia, making it a convenient base for exploring the region.

The town is situated between the Adriatic and Ionian Seas and is close to many other interesting towns and attractions, including Martina Franca, Ostuni, and the Valle d’Itria.

Alberobello is a great place to stay if you want to rent a car and see more of Puglia’s countryside and other small towns.

The town itself also has a good selection of restaurants, bars, and accommodation options, which means you can find everything you need for a comfortable stay.

Where to Stay in Alberobello

I personally wouldn’t recommend staying right in the center of Alberobello. The town attracts a lot of tourists, also outside of high season. That makes it a crowded, and sometimes noisy, place to stay.

If you have a car then staying somewhere in the Valle D’Itria can be a great option.

And, for a truly unique experience, you should stay in a trullo!

Budget: if you’re on quite a tight budget or just like a quirky place to stay, camping could be an option. Check out Villaggio Camping Bosco Selva, where you can stay in a unique tent on stilts.

Otherwise, Il Sogno is a lovely country house to stay in, with a swimming pool.

If you want the experience of staying in a trullo, I Trulli di Dioniso is lovely and one of the most affordable trulli around Alberobello.

Mid-Range: Trulli Pietra Viva – an absolutely stunning trullo set in the countryside not far from Alberobello.

High End: Trulli e Puglia Luxury Suite – one of the most luxurious trulli that’s beautifully decorated and comes with a private pool and great breakfast.

5. Lecce

Nicknamed “Florence of the South,” Lecce is a beautiful baroque city with stunning architecture and a lively atmosphere.

The city’s historic center is home to several impressive landmarks, including the Basilica di Santa Croce, the Piazza del Duomo, the impressive Castle of Charles V., and the Roman Amphitheater.

Lecce is famous for its delicious street food, including the popular “rustico” pastry and “pasticciotto” custard-filled pastries.

Take a street food tour to explore Lecce with a local guide and taste the best street food. 

The city is also home to numerous art galleries and museums showcasing the region’s cultural heritage.

What Makes Lecce One of the Best Places to Stay in Puglia?

Lecce is a nice, small city in the southern part of Puglia with beautiful architecture, a vibrant cultural scene, and delicious cuisine.

It’s both a great base to explore the more southern areas of Puglia, or a nice destination on its own, with plenty to offer to keep you entertained for days.

Lecce is only a short drive from some of Puglia’s most popular destinations, such as Brindisi, Ostuni, and Otranto, and it’s also close to the beaches of the Salento Peninsula.

Lecce has a good train station making it easy to visit various nearby towns by train.

If you happen to visit Puglia in August, try to attend the Notte della Taranta, a music and dance festival held in the Salento region.

Overall, Lecce is a great place to stay in Puglia because it offers a central location, beautiful architecture, a vibrant cultural scene, and delicious and diverse food.

Where to Stay in Lecce

There are plenty of accommodation options in Lecce, ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly B&Bs.

Budget: B&B 95 – nice, clean rooms with antique floors and classic furnishings. Located in the center of Lecce.

Mid-Range: La Suite di Martina – a stunning one-bedroom apartment in the center of Lecce.

High End: La Fiermontina Urban Resort – a real oasis of luxury and tranquility inside the old town of Lecce. It’s a luxury hotel that has everything you need, including a swimming pool with a lovely garden area around it.

6. Gallipoli

The town of Gallipoli is a beautiful coastal destination with a charming historic center and stunning beaches.

The old town is a maze of narrow streets and alleys that lead to beautiful churches, historic palaces, and piazzas. Its setting is unique, located on a small island connected to the mainland by a 17th-century bridge.

Enjoy delicious seafood dishes and explore the local markets to discover traditional crafts and products.

Gallipoli is a charming and picturesque town that offers a great taste of southern Italian culture and lifestyle.

What Makes Gallipoli a Good Place to Stay in Puglia?

If you want to explore the southern part of Puglia and like to be on the coast, Gallipoli is a great place to stay.

It’s a beautiful town with a rich history and great restaurants.

Gallipoli is known for its beautiful beaches, which are among the best in Puglia. The beaches in and around Gallipoli are characterized by crystal-clear waters, white sands, and picturesque rocky coves.

This makes Gallipoli one of the best places to stay in Puglia for visiting beaches.

Plus, while many other towns in the south of Puglia can feel like ghost towns in winter, Gallipoli stays a bit more lively year-round.

Where to Stay in Gallipoli

I’d recommend staying either inside the historic center, which also has a beach, or as close as possible to one of the beaches south of Gallipoli.

Budget: B&B Palazzo Maestro & Corte Maestro – simple rooms with a great location right in the historic center of Gallipoli. Some rooms have a small kitchenette.

If you’d rather stay on the coast, check out M&F Hotel as a reasonably inexpensive place to stay only a short walk from the beach, and with a swimming pool.

Mid-Range: Grand Hotel Costa Brada – a great option if you want to stay by the beach. The resort has its own private beach and is only 4km from the center of Gallipoli. 

For a mid-range option inside the historic center, I highly recommend Pascaraymondo Suite Palace which is a beautiful, family-owned hotel set inside an old palace.

High End: Palazzo del Corso – a luxurious boutique hotel that combines modern rooms with 19th-century features and vaulted ceilings. The hotel is centrally located and has a lovely pool area on the roof.

Final Thoughts About Where to Stay in Puglia

Ultimately, the best place to stay in Puglia depends on your interests and preferences.

If you plan to explore the region by car, you may want to choose a central location such as Ostuni that allows easy access to all the major sights.

If you’re looking to spend most of your time in Puglia in one place, or don’t plan to rent a car, then Bari or Lecce might be better options.

But all of the above towns have something unique to offer and would make for a great place to stay to experience Puglia.

Before you go to Puglia, I want to share a few final tips and useful things to know:

1. The Best Time to Visit Puglia

The best time to visit Puglia is from April to June or from September to October when the weather is mild, and the crowds are smaller.

July and August are the peak tourist months, which means it gets crowded, prices for places to stay go up, and it can get quite hot.

In winter the smaller towns can get very quiet. A number of restaurants close in the off-season and the streets can feel very deserted, especially on weekdays.

2. Transportation in Puglia

Puglia is quite well-connected by trains and buses.

You can get to all cities and most towns by train or bus, making it very possible to explore the region without a car.

However, renting a car is the best way to see the many small towns and beaches that are scattered throughout the region.

Without a car you would miss out on exploring the countryside and the more hidden beaches. Therefore in my opinion, if you really want to explore Puglia renting a car is really worth it.

But, you can also book tours to explore the area, taking you to wineries, farms, etc.

3. Food and Wine in Puglia

Puglia is known for its delicious cuisine, which includes fresh seafood, handmade pasta, and local wines.

Be sure to try the famous orecchiette pasta and the local wines such as Primitivo and Negroamaro.

For vegetarians, there are plenty of choices, with many dishes made with fresh local vegetables and regional cheeses.

Vegans might find their options more limited, especially in smaller towns, although restaurants are generally happy to adjust a dish to make it vegan.

Bigger towns such as Bari and Lecce offer a range of international cuisine as well, but in smaller towns you will predominantly find restaurants offering Italian cuisine.

4. Festivals and Events in Puglia

Puglia is home to many cultural events and festivals throughout the year.

Some of the most popular events include the Notte della Taranta, a music festival in August, and the Festa di San Nicola in Bari, a religious festival in December.

It’s definitely worth checking if there are any festivals happening around where you are staying when you visit Puglia.

5. The Language in Puglia

While Italian is the official language, many locals also speak Puglian dialects.

Knowing some basic Italian phrases can be helpful, especially in smaller towns where English is not widely spoken.

Enjoy Your Stay in Puglia!

Puglia is a beautiful part of Italy. And no matter where you decide to stay in Puglia, I’m sure you’ll love it.

I’ve written a separate article about visiting Puglia, in which I answer several frequently asked questions about traveling to this region.

Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or simply relaxing on the beach, Puglia has something to offer everyone.

And in case you fall in love with Puglia and decide to move here, check out this interview with an expat about living in Puglia or read about what it’s like to work remotely from Puglia.

Also Read:

• What to Look Out For When Booking a Hotel Room
• The Best Small Towns in Italy to Visit
• The Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Sicily
• 24 Hours in Rome – What to See & Do
• What Not to Miss in Milan
• Things to Do in Pavia, Italy

 
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