Travel Guide for
Puglia

Q: What is the best time to visit Puglia?

The best time to visit Puglia is late spring (May-June) or early autumn (September-October), when you’ll find warm weather, fewer tourists, and lower prices compared to the busy summer months.

Q: Are there any unique foods I should try in Puglia?

Yes! You should definitely try orecchiette pasta with turnip tops (orecchiette alle cime di rapa), fresh burrata cheese, and the local focaccia barese. Each town usually has its own local specialties.

Q: How can I get around Puglia without a car?

While having a car is most convenient, you can also use regional trains and buses to get between major towns like Bari, Lecce, and Alberobello. For smaller villages or beaches, consider renting a bike or arranging a local taxi.

Q: Which beaches do locals prefer in Puglia?

Locals love the beaches near Torre dell’Orso, Punta Prosciutto, and Porto Selvaggio. These spots are popular for their clear water and beautiful natural scenery. Try to visit on weekdays to avoid crowds.

Q: What is a lesser-known town worth visiting?

Locorotondo is a beautiful, lesser-known whitewashed town with winding alleys and panoramic views. It’s famous for its local wine and peaceful atmosphere, making it a perfect day trip away from the busier tourist spots.

Q: How can a 75-year-old senior enjoy Puglia, Italy?

Puglia is ideal for senior travelers due to its gentle pace, accessible attractions, and welcoming atmosphere. Seniors can explore flat, walkable historic towns such as [Bari Vecchia](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Bari+Vecchia+Bari+Italy), [Lecce](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Lecce+Italy), and [Ostuni](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Ostuni+Italy). Guided tours, including visits to the [Trulli in Alberobello](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Alberobello+Italy) and local olive groves, are available. Activities such as market tastings, cooking classes, and arts & crafts workshops are popular and accessible. Museums and churches, like the [Pinacoteca Provinciale di Bari](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Pinacoteca+Corrado+Giaquinto+Bari+Italy) and the [Basilica di Santa Croce in Lecce](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Basilica+di+Santa+Croce+Via+Umberto+I+Lecce+Italy), are accommodating and provide seating. Seniors can also enjoy local festivals, seafront cafes, and gentle strolls through scenic piazzas or olive groves. Accommodation in central locations, accessible transportation, and a relaxed itinerary will ensure a pleasant and memorable experience for senior visitors.

Q: Where can I find information on hotel recommendations and prices in Puglia, Italy?

Hotel recommendations for Puglia—including advice for senior-friendly accommodations—are available in the guide's accommodations section, which describes options in towns such as [Alberobello](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Alberobello+Italy), [Ostuni](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Ostuni+Italy), [Lecce](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Lecce+Italy), and coastal areas like [Polignano a Mare](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=Polignano+a+Mare+Italy). For current hotel prices, consult booking platforms such as Booking.com, Airbnb, Expedia, or Hotels.com. As of September, typical prices are: - Mid-range hotels: €85–€150 per night for a double room - Apartments or villas: €70–€130 per night depending on location and amenities - Resorts: €120–€220 per night for senior-friendly options with easy access Early booking is advised for better rates and to secure accessible rooms. Prices fluctuate by location, season, and comfort level.

Italy

Mediterranean; hot, dry summers, mild winters

Create Guide

Introduction Key Facts Map Logistics Weather Accommodation Itinerary Attractions FAQ Related Guides

Introduction

Puglia, Italy’s sun-drenched southeastern region, stretches along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. Known for its whitewashed hill towns, ancient olive groves, and the unique trulli houses of Alberobello, Puglia is steeped in history and tradition.

September brings mild, pleasant weather—ideal for leisurely strolls through charming villages or relaxed coastal visits without summer crowds. Savor regional cuisine, explore Roman ruins in Lecce, or enjoy slow-paced vineyard tours. Puglia offers a tranquil, affordable escape with easy access and warm southern hospitality, perfect for senior travelers.

Customized for these preferences:

Travel StyleSenior

Dates03-17 September 2025

BudgetAverage budget

AccommodationApartment or house, resort, hotel, villa

Interests and Activities:

gastronomynightlife and entertainmentfestivals and eventsarts and culturesightseeing and tours

Not what you're looking for? Create Your Own Guide!

Key Facts

Location

Southern Italy

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Religion

Roman Catholicism

Population

4,000,000

Language

Italian, Apulian dialects

Electricity

230V, 50Hz, Type F/L plugs

Time zone

UTCCET/CEST (UTC+1)

Country code

+39

Internet access

Widespread 4G/5G, broadband, moderate cost

Climate

Mediterranean; hot, dry summers, mild winters

See More Italy Facts

Language:

Italian

hello
ciao (chao)
goodbye
arrivederci (ah-ree-veh-dehr-chee)
yes
sì (see)
no
no (noh)
how much
quanto costa? (kwan-toh koh-sta)
please
per favore (pehr fah-voh-reh)
thank you
grazie (grah-tsee-eh)
excuse me
mi scusi (mee skoo-zee)

Map

Logistics

Getting to Puglia is easy and comfortable for seniors. The region has two main airports—Bari and Brindisi—both of which offer direct flights from several major European cities. Train travel is also a pleasant option: Italy’s efficient rail network links Puglia to Rome, Milan, and other main cities with frequent, relaxing journeys.

For local travel within Puglia, regional trains and buses connect towns and coastal villages affordably. Ferries run from Greece and Croatia to Brindisi or Bari if you wish to arrive by sea. September is typically mild, making travel pleasant, though it’s wise to book accommodations and tickets in advance as the area is a popular late-summer destination.

Weather

Puglia enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Sun is abundant from late spring through early autumn, making this region especially enticing for beach lovers and outdoor activities. Rain is infrequent in summer, though brief thunderstorms can occasionally roll in starting in September.

From September 3 to September 17, expect pleasantly warm temperatures—generally 23–29°C (73–84°F) during the day and comfortably cool evenings. Humidity is moderate, and rain showers are possible but usually short-lived. Extreme weather like storms or heatwaves is uncommon, so it's an ideal time for sightseeing, savoring local gastronomy, or enjoying open-air events and nightlife.

Food & Drink

Puglia’s cuisine is rustic and fresh, with favorites like orecchiette pasta, burrata cheese, fresh seafood, and taralli crackers. Local olive oil and robust Primitivo wines are a must-try. For dessert, sample pasticciotto or almond pastries with an espresso.

Great mid-range restaurants include Osteria del Tempo Perso in Ostuni and Trattoria Le Zie in Lecce, both offering local specialties with attentive service and accessible settings. For a leisurely afternoon, enjoy coffee or an aperitivo in Bari at Antico Caffè del Carmine.

Tipping isn’t obligatory—just rounding up the bill is enough. Menus often include vegetarian options, and autumn brings mushroom and truffle dishes. Many eateries close for a midday break, so plan your meals accordingly.

Pizza

Pizza is one of Italy's most famous and beloved foods. It features a thin, crispy crust topped with...

Lasagna

Lasagna is a classic Italian pasta dish consisting of layers of wide flat pasta, rich tomato sauce, creamy...

Risotto

Risotto is a creamy and comforting Italian rice dish cooked with broth until it reaches a velvety consistency....

Tiramisu

Tiramisu is a luscious and decadent Italian dessert made from layers of coffee-soaked ladyfingers, creamy mascarpone cheese, and...

Ossobuco

Ossobuco is a traditional Milanese dish featuring braised veal shanks cooked with white wine, broth, and aromatic vegetables....

Accommodation

In Puglia, charming towns like Alberobello, Ostuni, and Lecce offer beautiful apartments and historic villas, perfect for a relaxed senior trip. Resorts along the coast—such as those near Polignano a Mare or Otranto—provide great amenities and accessible comforts. Browse booking sites like Booking.com or Airbnb for apartments and villas in quiet neighborhoods.

Hotels in Bari and Matera make excellent bases, combining modern comforts with old-world atmosphere. For a local touch, “masseria” stays (country estates) near towns like Fasano and Monopoli can be both comfortable and unique. September is popular for late-summer travelers, so reserve early for more choices and better prices. Look for accommodation with elevators and minimal stairs.

Itinerary

Day 1

September 04 · Thursday

Ease into the rhythms of southern Italy, acclimating to the region's warm hospitality and lively ambiance.

Stroll through Bari Vecchia

Wander the labyrinthine streets of Bari Vecchia, the atmospheric old town, to soak up its lively ambiance and centuries-old history. Pause for a gelato in a shady square and watch locals chat and play cards.

Bari Vecchia, Bari, Italy

Evening Aperitivo by the Seafront

Enjoy a traditional Pugliese aperitivo at one of Bari’s seaside cafés. Savor local wines and small bites while you take in the Adriatic views and the gentle pace of life.

Lungomare Nazario Sauro, Bari, Italy

Visit the Basilica di San Nicola

Marvel at the Romanesque architecture and rich history of the Basilica di San Nicola, one of Bari's most important landmarks. It's a peaceful spot to reflect and appreciate the region’s spiritual heritage.

Basilica di San Nicola, Bari, Italy

Bari’s Ultimate Street Food Tour - Small Group by Do Eat Better

INSTANT

Free Cancellation

Bari is a fascinating city and is certainly one of the capitals of Italian street food: panzerotti, sgagliozze, focaccia barese and many other delicacies known and appreciated around the world are native of this land! Thanks to our Street Food Tour in Bari you can taste the most famous street food of the city, walking through the alleys of the old town and visiting the places really frequented by locals, you will immerse yourself in the scents and flavors of Bari together with a local friend who will tell you all the funny anecdotes and curiosities that distinguish them.Please, note that the tour is always run in English and Italian.

5.0 (1054 reviews)

From $76 USD

View Details

Day 2

September 05 · Friday

Day 3

September 06 · Saturday

Day 4

September 07 · Sunday

Day 5

September 08 · Monday

Day 6

September 09 · Tuesday

Day 7

September 10 · Wednesday

Day 8

September 11 · Thursday

Marvel at unique architecture, exploring UNESCO heritage sites and appreciating the region’s distinctive building traditions.

Trullo Sovrano Museum Visit

Tour the two-story Trullo Sovrano, the largest and most elaborate trulli in Alberobello. Learn about the ingenious construction methods and daily life of past residents through fascinating displays.

Trullo Sovrano, Piazza Sacramento, Alberobello, Italy

Rione Monti Trulli Walking Tour

Stroll through Alberobello’s iconic Rione Monti district, home to hundreds of whimsical trulli with conical roofs. Capture photos of picturesque lanes and learn the meaning of mysterious roof symbols.

Rione Monti, Alberobello, Italy

Guided Visit to Casa Pezzolla

Explore the Casa Pezzolla complex, a cluster of interconnected trulli now housing a museum on local traditions and architecture. Gain insight into the area’s unique community design.

Casa Pezzolla, Piazza XXVII Maggio, Alberobello, Italy

8-Day Five Senses of Puglia Tour in Italy

MANUAL

Why do we love Puglia? It’s both relaxed and wildly beautiful. White stone cities perched on the crystal-clear sea. Landscapes dotted with ancient olive groves and traditional whitewashed homes. History, tradition, and some of the best food in the world. Consider us like that in-the-know friend who is committed to you having the best Puglia trip ever and will take you to all the coolest places, introduce you to the best local guides, and make sure you eat and drink at the most delicious local eateries. Homebase is an authentic Masseria, which has been hand selected by us with care. Here you will find modern creature comforts, warm hospitality, and a lovely pool set amidst ancient olive groves. Daily you will be taken on guided adventures, explorations of the Itria and Alberobello Valleys, through Lecce with its astoundingly baroque architecture, and a multitude of other exciting landmarks that you’ll to enjoy first-hand, with many other experiences along the way.

5.0 (20 reviews)

From $2882 USD

View Details

Day 9

September 12 · Friday

Day 10

September 13 · Saturday

Day 11

September 14 · Sunday

Day 12

September 15 · Monday

Experience the excitement of daily markets, connecting with locals and sampling produce, crafts, and delicacies.

Mercato Coperto di Martina Franca

Explore the bustling indoor market of Martina Franca, where stalls overflow with fresh fruit, vegetables, cheese, and local meats. Chat with traders for cooking tips and sample regional cheeses and olives.

Mercato Coperto, Piazza Crispi, Martina Franca, Italy

Farmer’s Market in Noci

Visit Noci’s traditional farmer’s market to browse seasonal produce, artisan breads, and homemade preserves. Enjoy free tastings and pick up authentic Puglian treats to bring home or picnic with.

Piazza Garibaldi, Noci, Italy

Crafts and Antiques Market in Cisternino

Discover local crafts, antiques, and textiles at Cisternino’s open-air market. Talk with artisans about their handmade goods and enjoy the small-town ambiance and historic architecture lining the market square.

Centro Storico, Cisternino, Italy

Monte Sant Angelo tour: an amazing spiritual Sanctuary of Archangel St. Michael

INSTANT

Free Cancellation

The guided tour of Monte Sant'Angelo will concentrate mainly in the historic center, the castle and the sanctuary of Saint Michael the Archangel, which in 2011 became a UNESCO World Heritage Site with the Longobardian routes in Puglia. The visit starts from the castle, originally a Byzantine castle built before the year 1000, was later flanked by a tower, the so-called Tower of the Giants, characterized by a height of 18 meters and a wall thickness of 3 meters and expanded by the Normans, Swabians and Aragonese. After the castle you will come to the outside of the sanctuary of Saint Michael where you will admire the imposing octagonal tower built by Charles I of Anjou on the model of Castel del Monte. The visit will continue inside the cave where the Saint Michael the Archangel is venerated from the fifth century. The tour ends with a visit to the museum and to the lapidarium inside the basilica.

4.6 (25 reviews)

From $236 USD

View Details

Day 13

September 16 · Tuesday

Venture off the beaten path, uncovering lesser-known sites and delightful surprises throughout the region.

Santuario di San Michele Arcangelo Cave Shrine

Descend into the mystical grotto sanctuary of San Michele Arcangelo in Monte Sant’Angelo, a UNESCO site steeped in legend and spirituality. Its unique setting and peaceful aura make for a truly memorable visit.

Santuario di San Michele Arcangelo, Monte Sant’Angelo, Italy

Nature Walk in Bosco Incoronata Regional Park

Explore tranquil trails through oak and maple woods in the lesser-visited Bosco Incoronata outside Foggia. Don't miss the rustic chapel and bring binoculars for birdwatching amidst ancient trees.

Parco Regionale Bosco Incoronata, Foggia, Italy

Traditional Bakery Visit in Laterza

Stop in Laterza for a behind-the-scenes look at a historic bakery specializing in 'Pane di Laterza.' Taste their famed bread fresh from the wood-fired oven and learn about baking traditions that are disappearing elsewhere.

Laterza, Italy

8-Day Five Senses of Puglia Tour in Italy

MANUAL

5.0 (20 reviews)

From $2882 USD

View Details

Day 14

September 17 · Wednesday

Reflect on your journey through Puglia, cherishing newfound friends, memories, and the region’s vibrant spirit.

Farewell Brunch at a Historic Masseria

Savor a leisurely farewell brunch at a beautiful masseria, surrounded by olive groves. Relive highlights of your travels with new friends over Puglian pastries, cheeses, and coffee in an authentic rural setting.

Masseria Salinola, Contrada Salinola, Ostuni, Italy

Memory Sharing Circle in a Scenic Piazza

Gather with your group in a charming town piazza to share favorite memories, stories, and photos from your time in Puglia. It's a heartfelt way to connect and honor the friendships you’ve made on your journey.

Piazza della Libertà, Ostuni, Italy

Personalized Souvenir Shopping in Putignano

Wander the artisanal shops of Putignano to find meaningful souvenirs crafted by local artists. Choose handmade ceramics or textiles that capture the distinctiveness of Puglia for a lasting keepsake.

Centro Storico, Putignano, Italy

Cooking class, dinner and wine tasting in Lecce (Corigliano)

INSTANT

Free Cancellation

Join Enza and her family in their charming villa in Corigliano d’Otranto, a picturesque village just 15 minutes from Lecce and one of the most beautiful historic towns in Salento. Discover the joy of making orecchiette and macaroni using traditional Apulian techniques and fresh local ingredients. This immersive cooking class takes place in an authentic and welcoming Salento home, where simplicity meets tradition. Together, we'll prepare classic regional recipes using seasonal produce, handmade pasta, extra virgin olive oil, and vegetables grown in our garden or sourced from local farmers. You'll enjoy a rich table of traditional dishes passed down through generations, from orecchiette with tomato and basil to maccheroni with seafood or chickpea cream and walnut crumble – all paired with excellent local wines. We'll end the evening with a delicious jam tart, a sip of homemade limoncello, and a touch of traditional music – the true flavors and authentic spirit of Puglia.

5.0 (293 reviews)

From $94 USD

View Details

Attractions

4.8 (436 reviews)

Snorkelling-Tour in Porto Cesareo with typical aperitif

MANUAL

Snorkeling, aperi-lunch or dinner in the sea of the Porto Cesareo Marine Protected Area... But also snorkelling tours for exclusive use on a catamaran for birthday parties, graduations, stag and hen parties, ceremonies and anniversaries of various kinds, sports internships, tours for schools, organized and foreign groups, charity events. Disabled access. Pets welcome. Customizable according to your needs.

From $59 USD

View Details

4.9 (218 reviews)

Bari Rickshaw Tour

INSTANT

Free Cancellation

• Explore Bari for 1.30 hour comfortably seated on our modern and eco-friendly rickshaw-bike • Join a tour and discover picturesque and hidden corners with an expert local guide • Enjoy home made ice cream tasting • Immerse yourself in the real southern italian atmosphere, arts and culture

From $62 USD

View Details

5.0 (69 reviews)

Ebike tours: the villages of Valle d'Itria and tasting of typical products

MANUAL

Free Cancellation

A tour that can be easily done with the use of our pedal assisted bikes that will allow everyone to appreciate the beauties of the Valle d’Itria and the historic centers of Cisternino and Locorotondo, counted among the most beautiful villages in Italy. An authentic experience for everyone in contact with the nature of Puglia. It starts from Martina Franca and through panoramic paved roads with little traffic you reach the Ciclovia of the Pugliese Aqueduct at the Ashram Bole Baba. After a few kilometers of unpaved road we head towards Cisternino, a brief stop in the historic center, after which we head towards Locorotondo along the cycle route. Stop at a farm with a wide tasting of typical products. Return to the Puglia ebike site. The real and unique Puglia starts here.

From $101 USD

View Details

4.7 (34 reviews)

Ostuni, Locorotondo & Polignano: Private or Semi-Private Tour

INSTANT

Embark on the ultimate adventure from Bari to explore three beautiful towns in just one day: Ostuni, Locorotondo & Polignano. 09.00 Pick-up in Bari ° 1-hour drive ° First stop: Ostuni (2 hours) Ostuni is a delightful town built on three hills and known as "the white city" for the typical white lime walls of its houses. Ostuni stands on the headlands of the Adriatic coast and shines with its white houses a few steps from the sea. ° 30-min drive ° Second stop: Locorotondo (2 hours) One of the most beautiful villages in Italy, famous for its typical food, baroque palaces and artisan shops that help create breathtaking views worthy of ending up on a postcard or in your souvenir photos. Includes 1 hour of free-time to have lunch on your own. ° 30-min drive ° Third stop: Polignano a mare (1 hour) Have fun exploring the historic center and the "Lama Monachile" beach in complete freedom or enjoy a gelato on a terrace overlooking the sea. ° 45-min drive ° 17.00 Drop-off in Bari

From $196 USD

View Details

4.9 (8 reviews)

Ebike tours: Alberobello and the wines of Valle d'Itria

MANUAL

Free Cancellation

This tour allows you to admire the natural beauties of Puglia riding an assisted pedal bike with little effort and lots of fun. Discover what nature has to offer: a wonderful countryside full of colors and scents. You will cross a unique landscape like that of the Trulli of Alberobello and you will arrive in the cellar with a guided tour of the vineyards, visit of the traditional 18th century farm with an explanation of the vinification and final tasting phases. The real and unique Puglia starts here.

From $89 USD

View Details

4.8 (18 reviews)

4-Day Puglia Sightseeing Tour Including Cooking Class

INSTANT

Free Cancellation

Are you ready for a fantastic trip in Puglia? Join this amazing tour which includes 3 nights of accommodation, (one of our typical B&Bs in Bari), transportation, a cooking class, and tour guide services. Visit all the best places in Puglia and discover the traditional culinary art of this wonderful region. Hotel will be assigned after the booking. departure time each day 9,30 am ending 4 pm about NOTE: first day tour pick up customers from their established point (hotel, accomodation, airports etc./ first day tour time of departing TOUR can be customized by the customers)

From $1186 USD

View Details

4.2 (11 reviews)

WINES Tastings and Countryside! from Bari

INSTANT

Free Cancellation

this TOUR is a wonderful SPOT of Puglia's countrysides and an amazing visits into the hearth of the main WINES producers of Italy! the region of Puglia produces the biggest quantity of red wine of the whole ITALY, stop in a WINERIE and tasting wines INCLUDED!! (local snakes included) as like: taralli etc.

From $177 USD

View Details

5.0 (2 reviews)

Alberobello Locorotondo and Wine Tasting - Guided Tour From Bari

INSTANT

Free Cancellation

Immerse yourself in the beauty and flavors of Puglia with this unforgettable experience! Explore the charming whitewashed alleys of Locorotondo, one of Italy’s most beautiful villages, and be captivated by its breathtaking views over the Valle d'Itria. Then, step into the fairytale world of Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you'll discover the fascinating history behind its iconic trulli houses. After soaking in the region’s unique charm, indulge in a wine tasting at a local winery, where you’ll savor exquisite Apulian wines paired with traditional delicacies. This immersive tour is the perfect way to discover the culture, history, and flavors of Puglia in one unforgettable journey.

From $168 USD

View Details

FAQ

Find quick answers to your Puglia travel questions with our travel guide chatbot. Your questions will be added to this section to help other travellers.