5 itineraries in Apulia for a perfect holiday

Sunny and welcoming, Apulia is one of the most sought-after destinations for both Italian and international tourists. Its lush natural beauty, centuries-old history, and excellent cuisine make it one of the most beautiful regions in Italy.

From couples, families with children, groups of friends, or even adventurous solo travelers, this region is a well-rounded destination that can satisfy every kind of traveler. Stunning beaches, trulli and centuries-old olive trees, ancient villages, and breathtaking natural parks will surely amaze with their beauty. Let’s discover the 5 itineraries to explore in Apulia to uncover the wonders this lively region has to offer.

The trulli are undoubtedly one of the most characteristic elements of the Apulian landscape. These rural stone constructions dating back to the 14th–15th centuries are spread across almost all of Apulia. If you want to discover their beauty and timeless charm, visit the Itria Valley, the southern portion of the Murgia Plateau, also called the “Valley of the Trulli” due to the high concentration of these unique structures.

The main points of interest in the Itria Valley are the towns of Alberobello, Locorotondo, Cisternino, Ceglie Messapica, and Martina Franca. Discovering them will take a couple of days, especially by staying overnight in a charming and strategic location such as the trulli of Martina Franca. From here, it is possible to reach all the most interesting locations in less than 20 minutes by car.

A must-visit is certainly Alberobello, the “Capital of the Trullo”. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996, it is the village with the most numerous and best-preserved trulli in all of Apulia. To discover what to visit in Alberobello, start by strolling through the alleys of Rione Aia Piccola and reach the Belvedere of Terrazza Santa Lucia: from here, you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of Rione Monti, with its expanse of stone trulli and the two marvelous structures of the Trullo Sovrano and the Trullo Church.

Few know that the oldest trullo in the Itria Valley is in Locorotondo. The Trullo Marziolla in Locorotondo is in fact the oldest of all constructions of its kind. Visit the ancestor of the trulli immersed in a lush Mediterranean scrub after exploring the characteristic historic center of Locorotondo.

A few kilometers from Locorotondo, the historic centers of the villages of Martina Franca, Cisternino, and Ceglie Messapica are also of particular interest. Surrounded by olive groves of the Apulian hinterland, these small gems will surely offer unforgettable views and memories.

Turquoise and crystalline waters, soft golden sand, and the passage of fresh breeze through green foliage are some of the first images that come to mind when thinking of Apulia. What better way to take advantage of the natural beauties this land offers than discovering the most beautiful beaches along the Apulian coast?

If you want to spend 3–4 days relaxing and immersed in the scent of the sea, you cannot miss the beauty of places like Gallipoli and Porto Cesareo.

Gallipoli, also known as the “Jewel of the Ionian Sea,” overlooks a clear blue sea for about twenty kilometers, and its beaches are framed by lush Mediterranean scrub. Rich in both famous and lesser-known beaches, such as Baia Verde or the historic Lido di San Giovanni, the true gem of the area is Punta Pizzo Beach, located within the 700-hectare protected area of the Sant’Andrea Island Regional Natural Park along the Punta Pizzo coastline.

Just about thirty minutes by car from Gallipoli is nestled the village of Porto Cesareo along the Apulian coast. If you are wondering what to see in Porto Cesareo, its beach and the small archipelago of islets and rocks adjacent to its coast are definitely two must-see spots. In particular, Isola Grande and Isola della Malva, both part of the Porto Cesareo Marine Protected Area, will amaze you with their unspoiled beauty.

Apulia, one of the most beautiful regions in Italy, will not only surprise you with its natural beauty. This enchanting region also boasts a rich history, reflected in its numerous fascinating monuments.

Starting from Locorotondo, head to Cisternino, a charming village in the Apulian hinterland. Then stop in Ostuni, the famous “White City,” perched on the southeastern hills of the Murgia. If you are unsure what to see in Ostuni, wander through the streets of the historic center lined with whitewashed houses, and visit Piazza della Libertà with its famous Column of Sant’Oronzo.

Also stop in Lecce, a Baroque jewel and an unmissable destination to soak in the historical atmosphere of Apulia. Don’t miss the majestic Roman Amphitheater, the imposing Castle of Charles V, and the fascinating Basilica of Santa Croce. If you have more days, discover what to see in Lecce by strolling through the wonderful streets of this open-air museum city.

Finally, visit Gallipoli, the “Beautiful City,” a gem of ancient origins with timeless beauty. Regarding what to see in Gallipoli, do not miss the splendor of the Angevin Castle, the magnificent Greek Fountain, and the Baroque Church of Santa Maria della Purità.

To fully experience these historical and cultural centers, plan at least 4 days: one day for Locorotondo and Cisternino, and three days for Ostuni, Lecce, and Gallipoli. If you do not want to change cities every night, a good compromise is to stay in Locorotondo to visit Cisternino and Ostuni, then move to Lecce or Gallipoli, which are only about forty minutes apart by car.

Breathtaking landscapes, centuries-old olive trees, trulli, and historically rich cities are the “hallmarks” of Apulia. But the delicious cuisine typical of this region should not be underestimated. The blend of cultures that have passed through this land has produced a unique and exciting culinary tradition.

Savor authentic Apulian gastronomy starting from the Itria Valley, a place with unforgettable flavors and aromas. Staying in Martina Franca or Locorotondo, in a couple of days you can taste top-quality extra virgin olive oil, burrata and mozzarella, gnummareddi, bombette, pasticciotti, grilled meats, and excellent fresh pasta. Take the opportunity to enjoy a vineyard tour in Alberobello followed by a delightful and charming dinner in the vineyard. Don’t miss the chance to taste the exquisite wines of the trulli with vineyards, such as those in Martina Franca.

Also, a day trip to the Baroque city of Lecce is a must: rustico leccese, municeddhe, turcineddhi, orecchiette, ciceri e tria are just some of the Apulian culinary specialties you will find in this magnificent city.

For nature and trekking lovers, Apulia offers countless natural reserves to explore while surrounded by stunning landscapes. This exceptional region boasts 245,154.33 hectares of protected natural areas waiting to be discovered.

Starting from Gallipoli, explore the Regional Natural Park of Sant’Andrea Island and Punta Pizzo Coast: surrounded by crystal-clear waters along its 20 km coastline and covered by a vast pine forest across 700 hectares, this park is one of Salento’s main green lungs. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore its amazing trails on foot, by bike, or, for the brave, even on horseback.

Continuing along the coast for about thirty minutes by car, you will reach the Regional Natural Park Porto Selvaggio and Palude del Capitano: a rocky and jagged coast overlooking the blue sea, with rich pine forests and Mediterranean scrub that will take your breath away. In the park, also visit the Grotta del Cavallo, a natural limestone coastal cave where the oldest remains of Homo sapiens in Europe were found.

Following the Apulian coast for another forty minutes, you will reach the Palude del Conte and Coastal Dune Regional Nature Reserve of Porto Cesareo. With an area of 898 hectares, it is contiguous with the Eastern Taranto Coast Regional Nature Reserve and the Marine Protected Area of Porto Cesareo. Beaches, islet archipelagos, wooded areas, and rocky coasts will surely amaze you.

Considering the pristine beauty of these natural areas and the nearby must-see beaches, we recommend taking 3 days to explore these paradisiacal corners, perhaps staying in lively Gallipoli. Walk immersed in the enchantment of these places and then dive into one of the most beautiful seas in Italy at the end of the day.