Travano

Over the past few years, we had the pleasure of exploring one of Italy’s most enchanting regions: Puglia, which we visited twice. Each trip revealed more of the area’s charm, stunning coastal towns, rich history, and mouthwatering cuisine. In this post, I want to share the perfect itinerary blending our experiences in both Polignano a Mare and Bari. With this information, you can plan your own unforgettable getaway.

June Trip: The Charm of Polignano a Mare, Lecce, Monopoli & Matera

Our first trip took place in June. It was during the early summer season when Puglia starts to come alive. We based ourselves in Polignano a Mare, staying at the cozy and perfectly located Casa della Nonna. From here, we were able to walk easily into town and enjoy the gorgeous Adriatic views that Polignano is famous for.

Polignano a Mare truly stole our hearts with its dramatic cliffs, picturesque balconies, and maze-like old town. As we strolled through the whitewashed streets, we stumbled upon incredible sea views and charming little shops. One of the highlights was dining at Ristorante La Balconata. It is perched high above the sea, offering breathtaking views to accompany an authentic, flavorful meal.

During this trip, we were delighted to explore:

• Lecce: Often called the “Florence of the South,” it is rich with Baroque architecture, grand piazzas, and a lively local vibe. We didn’t find it that interesting compared to the other towns, but it is worth a visit even though it is roughly 150km far from Bari.
• Monopoli: A quaint fishing town with a beautiful historic center, quiet beaches, and excellent cafes for enjoying coffee and gelato.
• Matera: Just over the border in Basilicata, the ancient city of Matera with its Sassi cave dwellings left us in awe. It was extremely hot when we arrived (37 degrees), so after walking and exploring half the city, we stopped at Ristorante Pizzeria Van Gogh where it was really nice to cool off, rest and eat some delicious Italian food.
  After our break, we cruised through the streets and explored the rest of the city.

June in Puglia offered us perfect weather, long days for exploring, and fewer crowds than the peak summer months.

September Trip: Exploring Bari, Alberobello & Ostuni

Our second visit came in September, a fantastic time to visit as the summer heat softens, but the sea is still warm enough for a swim. This time we stayed at Hotel La Baia in Bari Palese. This location provided easy access to both Bari and the wider Puglia region as the train station was near our hotel.

Wandering through Bari Vecchia (the old town) felt very relaxing. Narrow winding streets greeted us, along with the aroma of fresh orecchiette being made by local women. The area has a vibrant mix of daily life and history. One memorable meal was at Orecchietteria San Nicola.

We were also lucky to experience a music festival held right near the Old Town, which added to the electric atmosphere of the evening. Bari has lots of restaurants, clothing shops and many more.

Our September adventure also included day trips to:

• Alberobello: Famous for its UNESCO-listed trulli houses, Alberobello felt like a fairytale town, almost like a scene you might see in Polignano a Mare. It has unique cone-shaped roofs. We ate at a place called – La Lira Focacceria.
  You can get a bit lost while sightseeing, so make sure your phone battery is always charged because it is a must-see!
• Ostuni: The “White City” perched on a hill, offering panoramic views of olive groves stretching to the sea. Overall, not as interesting as the other places but you should definitely not skip it.

Final Thoughts

Visiting Puglia twice allowed us to experience both the laid-back coastal beauty of Polignano a Mare and the vibrant, historical charm of Bari and its surroundings. June offered the perfect early-summer vibe. In contrast, September provided ideal weather for sightseeing without the intense summer crowds.

Puglia remains one of our favorite destinations in Italy, especially the lovely Polignano a Mare. With every visit, we fall more in love with its stunning coastline, warm people, and unforgettable food.

Tips for Your Own Trip

• Travel light! You won’t need to rent a car as you can reach almost all the locations mentioned via train.
• Don’t skip Matera and Alberobello — both are absolutely worth the drive and will remind you of the ocean view from Polignano.
• Try as many local dishes as you can; orecchiette with turnip tops (cime di rapa) is a must!
• Early June and September are both excellent times to visit for great weather and fewer crowds.
• The best sandy beaches are in Monopoli or right near a local Aquapark called Egnazia.

If you’re planning a trip to Puglia and want more specific recommendations about Polignano a Mare, feel free to leave a comment below!