Puglia Road Trip Diaries: 12 Days of Sun, Gelato, and Slightly Unhinged Family Adventures
- Little Luxe Family Travel
- Dec 28, 2024
- 7 min read
Let me paint the picture: we arrive in Italy’s heel—Puglia—ready to dive into culture, food, and maybe a minor espresso addiction. Armed with rental car keys, an overstuffed itinerary, and a very unhinged enthusiasm, we landed at Bari airport and got set for a journey through beautiful beaches, dreamy towns, and more pasta than our stomachs were prepared for. Here’s how it all went down!
Day 1: Arrival in Bari – Polignano a Mare
We landed in Bari and got our rental car from Budget, which became our trusty sidekick for this adventure. First stop? Polignano a Mare, the cliffside town that’s just as breathtaking in real life as in the Instagram videos. We kicked off our Italian journey in style by checking into 🔗Borgobianco Resort & Spa, a luxury hotel with endless countryside views.
For our first excursion, we hopped into a tuktuk—a three-wheeled mini taxi that let us zip through Polignano’s narrow streets, admire the town’s cliffs, and soak in every postcard-worthy view. Dinner was back at Borgo Bianco, where we opted for the hotel’s half-board option. It was a five-course culinary extravaganza, the kind that fills you up and makes you feel fancy.
Explore the enchanting coastline of Polignano a Mare on this boat cruise. Experience stunning views, discover hidden coves, go swimming in the serene waters, or sunbathe on the deck.
Day 2: Sun & Sand in Monopoli
After a leisurely breakfast, we packed up and drove to Lido Sabbiadoro in Monopoli. Imagine a beach with turquoise waves, soft sand, and enough sun to make you question if you actually live in paradise. We swam, sunbathed, and inhaled seafood pasta on the beach—a must in Italy, right?
In the afternoon, we explored Monopoli’s old town, making sure to stop at the Cathedral of Maria Santissima della Madia. This 12th-century gem is stunning inside and out. After a solid round of sightseeing, we headed back to the hotel for a late swim and dinner on the property.
Day 3: Exploring Monopoli
We started the day with breakfast and then pampered ourselves at the hotel’s spa—a must-do for weary travelers. Refreshed and ready for more adventures, we drove into Monopoli for lunch at Chine. We tasted their famed spaghetti all’assassina, which was as spicy and delicious as advertised.
After lunch, we wandered through Monopoli’s charming streets, stopped by the old port, and visited the Castle of Carlo V. Gelato at Bella Blu was a perfect end to the day’s explorations. For our last night at Borgo Bianco, we enjoyed the hotel’s traditional Apulian night in the courtyard with music, dances, and flavors from the region—a beautiful experience.
The Street Food Tour of Monopoli is the best tour if you love to get to know the places you visit through the eyes of those who live there every day.
Day 4: Goodbye, Polignano—Hello, Locorotondo!
With breakfast behind us, we checked out of Borgo Bianco and made one last stop at Lido Sabbiadoro before heading inland. Our next stop: 🔗Trulli Angela in Locorotondo. Yes, this was our chance to live in a real trulli, those famous white, cone-roofed houses unique to Puglia. It was everything we’d imagined—charming, unique, and, honestly, a little surreal. Exhausted from the beach, we kept things simple with a quick dinner and crashed early.
🔗Visit a winery and an oil mill in Cisternino Discover the Itria Valley by e-bike. Get lost in the narrow streets of Cisternino. Visit a winery, see an olive oil mill and then enjoy an Apulian aperitif in good company.
Day 5: Trulli Adventures in Alberobello & Ostuni
After breakfast, we took a scenic drive to Alberobello, where we strolled through rows and rows of trulli. Even though we were already staying in a trulli, we had to check out one of the town’s oldest ones. From there, we continued to Ostuni, the “White City.” For lunch, we stopped at Bosco Verde in Torre Canne, where we had the best orecchiette of the trip.
After lunch, we popped over to Spiaggia del Pilone for another beach stop before heading back to Locorotondo. Dinner that night was at Kiata, which boasts stunning views of the hill town. We finished the night a little envious of the locals lounging in the Sirose Winery vineyards, glass in hand, while we wrangled our kids.
Discover the wonders of the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Alberobello with a local guide. Marvel at the famous Trulli buildings, then stroll the city’s picturesque streets as you visit iconic landmarks and learn about Alberobello’s unique history.
Walk among ancient olive trees at a farm and pay a visit to the hypogeum and epigean oil mill on this oil tasting tour in Ostuni. Learn about the evolution of the countryside over the last century.
Day 6: From Trulli to Otranto
Leaving Trulli Angela, we made a pit stop at the ultimate Italian McDonald's. Three stories high, and actually beautiful. The kids were thrilled, and we were re-caffeinated. Then we were off to Otranto, our home base for the next few days.
We checked into 🔗Masseria Mangio dell’Elefante, then took a short walk down to our beach, where we spent a few hours letting the Mediterranean work its magic. Dinner that night was at Patronele in the city center, where we enjoyed authentic Puglian dishes in the open air, wrapping up the night with the best gelato at Gelateria del Rico.
🔗Otranto: 2-Hour Guided Walking Tour Explore the Greek, Roman, and Byzantine history of Otranto on a 2-hour walking tour, and see the major attractions of the “Gateway to the East.” Marvel at the Norman cathedral with its mosaic floor, see the bones of the Martyrs of Otranto, and more.
Day 7: Otranto & Lecce
Bad news: our much-anticipated boat tour was canceled due to high winds. Good news: beach time! After breakfast, we relaxed by the hotel pool before heading to Lecce. Known as the “Florence of the South,” Lecce is all cobblestone streets and baroque architecture. We indulged in another gelato at Tentazioni Gelateria and wandered around town before heading back to Otranto for dinner.
Enjoy Lecce landmarks and flavors on a guided walking tour. Try local specialties while discovering the highlights of the old town like Piazza Duomo, Piazza Sant'Oronzo, and the Church of St. Matthew.
🔗Private Cooking Class in Lecce (Corigliano): Handmade pasta Together with Enza you will discover the pleasure of making homemade orecchiette and macaroni with simple ingredients. The courses are accompanied by a tasting of fine "Salento wines".
Day 8: Caves & Castro
We finally got our chance to get on the water with a boat trip to Castro. We explored the beautiful blue caves and snorkeled in water so clear it felt like swimming in liquid sapphire. Back at the hotel, we spent the afternoon lounging on the beach and enjoying a low-key pizza night in Otranto.
Day 9: Gallipoli & Tenuta Mose
In the morning, we drove to Gallipoli and checked into 🔗Tenuta Mose. This place felt like stepping into an Italian movie set—think luxe decor, perfectly manicured gardens, and a vibe that says, “Yes, you’re on vacation.” The kids loved Dante, the hotel’s resident dog, and we capped off the day with a 5-star meal, complete with wine pairings. Italian vacation level = unlocked.
Enjoy the crystal clear waters of the Salento sea with a boat tour to Gallipoli. Visit the most suggestive points of the coast and take advantage of swimming and snorkeling.
Day 10: Pool Day at Tenuta Mose
Our beach plans got thwarted by an algae outbreak, so we went back to Tenuta Mose’s pool and made the best of it. After a quick drive through Gallipoli, which was packed with tourists, we decided a quieter pool day was the way to go. Dinner that night at the hotel was just as spectacular as the night before.
Day 11: Spontaneous Stay in Lizzano
With no plans for the night, we decided to drive up to Punta Prosciutto for one last beach experience, then landed at 🔗Masseria Bagnara in Lizzano. From poolside lounging to exploring the hotel’s art collection, this masseria turned out to be a hidden gem. Dinner was wonderful, and we were ready for our last day of sightseeing.
Day 12: Grottaglie & Matera’s Magic
After breakfast, we drove to Grottaglie, where we met Francesco Fasano, a master ceramist who took us through his studio and wowed us with his artistry. Then, we continued to Matera, a city that took our breath away. Matera’s stone-carved architecture is like stepping into another world. We stayed in a cave hotel, Sant’Angelo, with a room that felt like a cozy cavern. Dinner at Al Casale featured truffle ravioli and steak that will haunt my dreams in the best way.
On our way back, a lightning storm lit up the sky, casting Matera in an eerie, beautiful glow. It was truly a magical night.
The UNESCO World Heritage-listed rock city of Matera stretches over a steep cliff, so exploring it on foot can be tiring. Explore as much as possible without getting tired with this tour aboard an authentic Italian Ape Calessino (Tuk Tuk). Zip through the streets of the historic Sasso Caveoso neighborhood to admire the main churches and squares and snap photos of the famous cave houses and views of the surrounding valley.
Day 13: Montescaglioso & Bari
Our last day brought us to Montescaglioso to learn more about my great-grandfather’s roots. We visited the town’s monastery and soaked up the local hospitality, ending with a quiet lunch at a small café. Then, it was time to make our way back to Bari.
We checked into 🔗Hotel Parco dei Principi near the airport. By the end of this trip, we were exhausted, full of gelato, and brimming with memories. Our 6:30 a.m. flight loomed, and we were more than ready for an early night.
Tours to check out in Bari:
Explore Bari Old Town and taste focaccia, panzerotto, octopus panini, paired with a local wine, visiting iconic landmarks like Basilica di San Nicola & Castello Svevo, lead by an expert local guide.
Final Thoughts Puglia was everything we dreamed of and more. From trulli houses and turquoise waters to ancient cities and enough gelato to last a lifetime, every day was an adventure. If you’re dreaming of an Italian road trip, Puglia should be at the top of your list—just pack extra sunscreen, a loose waistband, and a readiness to be wowed.
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