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Puglia

Explore the sun-drenched 'heel' of Italy's 'boot' on a self-guided hiking or biking trip in Puglia. Stretched along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, it's famous for the Salento coast, ancient olive groves and historic whitewashed towns – and it's quieter than Italy's famous hotspots like Tuscany or Amalfi.

Walk from Alberobello's UNESCO-listed trulli houses via Ostuni, the 'white city', to Lecce and Otranto, or cycle the Highlights of Puglia through olive groves and along the Salento coast to Gallipoli, Santa Maria di Leuca and Otranto.

With no group or guide, travel at your own pace on our tried and tested routes, with the full support of our US and European team.

2 routes

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Routes in Puglia

  • Italy

    Walking in Puglia

    • Walking
    • 5–8 days
    • Easy - Moderate
    from$1,415CAD pp
    View Route
  • Italy

    Cycle the Highlights of Puglia

    • Cycling
    • 7–9 days
    • Easy - Moderate to Moderate
    from$2,490CAD pp
    View Route

Here's why Puglia is a favorite with self-guided travelers:

  • Alberobello's UNESCO-listed fairy-tale 'trulli' houses
  • Ostuni, the 'white city' rising from the Valle d'Itria
  • Cycling through olive groves, sleepy medieval hamlets and coastal landscapes
  • The view from Locorotondo's terrace, with a local Salento wine in hand
  • The historic cobbled streets of Otranto's old town

Puglia like a local

  • Where is Puglia?

    In southern Italy, forming the 'heel' of Italy's 'boot' between the Adriatic Sea, the Ionian Sea and the Strait of Otranto.

  • How do I get to Puglia?

    From North America, fly into Rome or Naples. From Rome, a high-speed train reaches Bari in about 3 hours. There are also smaller airports in Bari, Brindisi and Taranto.

  • When's the best time to visit Puglia?

    Spring (April–June) and fall (September–October), when it's warm but mild and the sea is still good for swimming. July and August can be very hot, and in August many shops and restaurants close for the Italian summer vacations.

  • Puglia or Amalfi?

    Puglia is more tranquil and less crowded than Amalfi, with equally stunning landscapes and a deep connection to Italian culture – ideal for a quieter, more immersive trip.

  • What should I eat in Puglia?

    Tiella (layered octopus or calamari with vegetables), panzerotti, bombette di Alberobello and pasticciotto – plus burrata, olive oil and Altamura bread for the perfect picnic.

  • What is Puglia known for?

    Italy's longest coastline, white hilltop towns, ancient olive groves, UNESCO-listed trulli houses and distinctive speckle-glazed ceramics.

More regions to explore

  • Italian Lakes

    Lake Como villas, Lake Garda shores and the islands of Lake Maggiore.

    View all 3 routes

  • Sicily

    Wild western coastline, the Egadi Islands and the Baroque towns of the south.

    View all 2 routes

  • Tuscany

    Chianti vineyards, hill towns and Renaissance Florence and Siena.

    View all 10 routes

  • Umbria

    Hill towns, Sagrantino vineyards and the footsteps of St Francis.

    View all 3 routes

Know before you go