We picked up our rental car in Bari and immediately headed towards Ostuni. It marked the beginning of ten days in Southern Italy, a journey I'd happily repeat. The route: Bari as the starting point, then Ostuni, Lecce, Otranto, Castro, and finally Alberobello, before flying back from Bari. Along the way, we also visited Fasano, Savelletri, Monopoli, and Polignano a Mare. This is the route I drove myself, complete with hotels, restaurants, and my honest reviews.
10-Day Puglia Road Trip: A Quick Overview
Why Rent a Car in Puglia?
For this itinerary, I would absolutely recommend renting a car. Many of the masserias and hotels we stayed at are outside the cities, and having a car makes it easier to explore smaller towns, beaches, and restaurants. It gives you much more freedom.
We picked up the car at Bari Airport and returned it to the same location at the end of our trip. The roads are easy to drive, and traffic outside the cities was manageable. Inside the historic city centers, cars are prohibited, so you always park outside and walk into the town.
One tip that served us well: try to find parking in Ostuni or Otranto by 5:30 PM during the high season. Finding a spot for the evening will be easier that way.
Rent your car for Bari Airport →
Stop 1: Ostuni 2 Nights
Ostuni is the white city on the hill that you can see from afar. A beautiful place to wander, dine well, and enjoy the evenings. We parked the car at the bottom and took a tuk-tuk through the narrow streets to the top. That experience alone made Ostuni worthwhile.
For something fun: a orecchiette-making class at a masseria with a wine tasting is highly recommended. Check out the cooking class in Ostuni.
Stay in Ostuni: Masseria il Frantoio
We stayed just outside Ostuni at Masseria il Frantoio. Staying outside the city is one of the best parts of a road trip through Puglia: waking up at a masseria, having breakfast, and then heading to the city. Learn more about masserias in Puglia here.
Check prices at Masseria Il Frantoio for your dates →
Dining in Ostuni
Ristorante La Vecchia Terrazza, for the village view and delightful cuisine. Ask for the table at the edge.
Borgo Antico Bistrot, no reservations, perfect for a cheese plate and a spontaneous glass of wine.
On the Road: Fasano, Savelletri, Monopoli and Polignano a Mare
We also visited Fasano, Savelletri, Monopoli, and Polignano a Mare. These are places you don't necessarily need to unpack your suitcase for each time, but they are certainly worth a visit.
Lido Bizzarro near Fasano/Savelletri was our beach stop with great sunbeds and a delicious lunch. The tastiest pasta with fish and shellfish. A typical Italian beach club, nothing fancy.
Monopoli is charming for an evening meal. It has a character of its own that's quieter than Ostuni, perfect for strolling and exploring.
Polignano a Mare is beautiful, but quite touristy. Next time, I'd spend two hours there in the early morning, between 9:00 and 11:00, before moving on. It's a stunning piece of coastline, widely recognized now.
Stop 2: Lecce, 2 Nights
Lecce is bigger than Ostuni, but perfect for a day's exploration. The baroque architecture is everywhere: no museum needed, just walk the streets.
A street food tour with a local was a fantastic addition. Check out the street food tour in Lecce we took →
Stay in Lecce: La Fiermontina Luxury Home
La Fiermontina Luxury Home is located just inside the historic city walls of Lecce, everything is within walking distance. The hotel has a unique story: the owner brought Parisian style to his Pugliese roots, visible in the artworks, interior, and ambiance. The garden with orange trees and the pool give you a sense of space in the heart of the city. It also has a restaurant, so dining in is easy.
Dining in Lecce
Pescheria con Cottura, a charming little spot with the freshest fish in the heart of Lecce. Easy online reservations.
Pietrabianca Vino e Cucina, a delightful small restaurant. The tuna tartare is a must-order!
Stop 3: Otranto, 2 Nights
Otranto and Ostuni should be approached similarly: two nights, spend a day or two in town, enjoy a good meal in the evening, and sleep just outside the center. Otranto boasts a charming old town with a must-see cathedral, and the surrounding coastline is a great reason to venture outdoors during the day.
Stay in Otranto: Masseria Mongio Dell'Elefante
Masseria Mongio Dell'Elefante is located outside Otranto and follows the same logic as Ostuni: the masseria as a base, the town for the evening. This seaside resort offers plenty of hiking and cycling opportunities. But the pool, restaurant, and terrace make it hard to leave. Prices start at 245 euros in the low season.
For more options on masserias to stay in Puglia, read here.
Dining in Otranto
L'Ortale Ristoro Salentissimo, a wine bar in the old streets of Otranto, we found by chance. It has a secret garden at the back. Wonderful kitchen.
Viapunta7, Italian antipasti with a stunning view of the beach. Highly recommended.
Stop 4: Castro, 2 Nights
Castro itself is not much, and in August it's warm due to its southern location. That's precisely why to be here: relaxing, renting a boat, hitting the beach. No urban program, just vacation.
We rented a boat and headed to the Grotta Zinzulusa, a sea cave perfect for swimming or diving.
Bagno Marino Archi is a good alternative for those who prefer the beach over being on the water.
Stay in Castro: Palazzo Guglielmo
Palazzo Guglielmo is located in nearby Vignacastrisi, just three kilometers from the coast at Castro Marina. The hotel is housed in the former village mayor's residence, featuring a large garden full of orange trees, an outdoor pool, and a small rooftop terrace. Owner Mauro creates a warm, personal atmosphere. They host a pizza night once a week during the high season. Prices start at 160 euros per night in the low season.
Stop 5: Alberobello, 1 Night
Alberobello is a sight to behold. Nowhere else are the trulli as densely concentrated. However, it is quite touristy. My advice: go early, around 9:00 AM, explore for two hours, and leave before it gets crowded. I wouldn't dedicate more than a morning to it next time.
We spent one night at Trulli del Bosco in the area, a lovely spot on the way back to Bari. For dinner, we headed to La Nicchia, a beautiful restaurant inside a trulli.
Check prices for Trulli del Bosco for your dates →
Have Two Extra Days? Visit Matera
Matera is not in Puglia but in Basilicata, the neighboring province. I visited it during another trip, but would add it to this itinerary with two extra nights.
Why two nights? Many day-trippers leave by late afternoon. It's in the evening when Matera becomes quieter, offering its best side. Matera is also a city to explore on foot with many stairs, so don't plan it as a quick stop.
I stayed at L'Hotel in Pietra, a place that literally reflects the city: built into the tufaceous rock. Beautiful rooms that transport you back in time. Prices start at 165 euros per night.
How Many Days Do You Need for a Puglia Road Trip?
8 days: possible, but I would cut one or more stops from this itinerary.
10 days: a comfortable base to see different sides of Puglia without repacking every day.
12 days: add two nights in Matera after Alberobello before flying back from Bari.
14–15 days: with 14 or 15 days, I'd spend more time by the sea in places like Otranto or Ostuni, rather than adding more stops to the itinerary.
What Would I Do Differently on This Road Trip?
Honestly: not much.
I'd keep Polignano a Mare shorter. Next time, I wouldn't spend more than a morning there.
I'd visit Alberobello earlier and not plan for the entire day. Two hours early in the morning are worth more than a midday tour in the crowd.
If I had more time, I would have added two nights in Matera. That's the only addition I'd retrospectively want.
Traveling Through Puglia in High Season
We drove this route in high season. The cities were busier, and parking required more patience. The roads themselves were fine to drive.
What worked well: heading out early in the cities and spending afternoons at the masseria or the beach.
Bari or Brindisi as a Starting Point?
For our route, Bari worked perfectly as both the start and end point. We flew in, picked up the rental car, and flew out of Bari Airport again. If you're starting further south, Brindisi could also make sense.
Frequently Asked Questions About a Road Trip Through Puglia
What is a good itinerary for 10 days in Puglia?
Bari → Ostuni (2 nights) → Lecce (2 nights) → Otranto (2 nights) → Castro (2 nights) → Alberobello (1 night) → Bari. Stops in Monopoli and Polignano a Mare along the way.
How many days do you need for a road trip through Puglia?
10 days is a good base for the route I took. With two extra nights, you can add Matera. If you have less time, I'd cut one or more stops.
Do you need a rental car for a road trip through Puglia?
For this route, I would definitely rent a car. Many of the most beautiful accommodations are outside the cities, and having a car allowed us to easily combine city visits with countryside stays.
Where is the best place to stay during a Puglia road trip?
I often stayed just outside the city, in a masseria or unique hotel. This gives you peace, space, and a completely different experience from staying in a busy town.
Can you combine Matera with a Puglia road trip?
Yes. Matera is in Basilicata, not Puglia, but it can be easily combined. I'd spend two nights there: one night is too short to properly experience the city in the evening.
Is Alberobello worth a visit?
Yes, for its unique trulli. But go early, between 9:00 and 11:00 AM, and keep the visit short. It's very crowded later in the day.
Is Polignano a Mare worth a visit?
It's beautiful but very touristy. A two-hour morning visit is enough for me. I wouldn't plan for more than that next time.
