Explore the Region
Puglia is full of places to explore, from breathtaking coastlines to historic towns. Here are some of our favorite spots you should check out on your way to and from Lecce.
Exploring the Region
Bari
Polignagno a Mare
Monopoli
Alberobello
Ostuni
Brindisi
Lecce
Santa Maria di Leuca
Matera
See all recommendations in google maps:
BARI
Bari has an international airport and a port, connecting it to cities across Europe. Its a great starting point for exploring Puglia’s gems like Alberobello, Polignano a Mare, and Ostuni.
While Bari has its charms, we recommend heading south to experience Puglia’s more scenic landscapes, pristine beaches, and historic towns.
Stop at Mastro Ciccio for a sandwich topped with fresh burrata and octopus before you hit the road.
2. POLIGNANO A MARE
A 30 minute drive south of Bari, this cliffside gem is famous it’s Lama Monachile beach, and dramatic Adriatic views.
Highlights
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LAMA MONACHILE BEACH
Head to the famous Lama Monachile beach. Enjoy swimming and cliff jumping, don’t forget your watershoes. As a word of caution, this beach can get crowded.
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GROTTA PALAZZESE
Grotta Palazzese is a unique restaurant in Polignano a Mare, set inside a natural sea cave with breathtaking views of the Adriatic.
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MINT CUCINA FRESCA
Restaurant with dishes and cocktails, in a rustic-chic venue with an arched stone ceiling.
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RESTAURANT ANTICHE MURA
Romantic, rustic space with rough-hewn whitewashed walls, serving seafood & classic Apulian dishes.
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MASSERIA TORRE MAIZZA
Check out restaurant Carosello at Masseria Torre Maizza, just a 20 mins drive from Polignano. More of an upscale vibe.
3. MONOPOLI
Just 15 minutes south of Polignano a Mare, pop over to Monopoli.
It’s a great spot for a leisurely lunch or a beach day, and a short visit is plenty to take in its highlights.
Highlights
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RADIMARE RISTORANTE
Michelin guide recommended restaurant — just a 5 minute drive north of Monopoli. Link
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LA LOCANDA SUL PORTO
Enjoy lunch here! Regional seafood & classic Italian plates served in a relaxed spot with outdoor tables & port views. Link
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GELATERIA GASPERINI DAL 1936
Stop by for ice cream and sweet treats. Link
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CALA VERDE
Just a 15 minute drive south of Monopoli, explore an intimate cove featuring a sandy beach & a bay with shallow, turquoise water enclosed by low cliffs. Link.
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CALETTE DI TORRE CINTOLA
A few minutes south of Cala Verde you’ll find these ruins of a 16th-century coastal watchtower, which create unique waterways. We loved this spot.
4. ALBEROBELLO & 5. OSTUNI
Another 30 minutes south from Monopoli, stop at Alberobello, famous for its trulli—whitewashed stone houses with conical roofs. It’s the perfect place to spend a morning or afternoon wandering its unique streets.
About another 40 minutes further south, Ostuni, known as the "White City," sits perched on a hill with breathtaking views of olive groves and the Adriatic Sea.
Highlights
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ORTO RISTORANTE NATURALE
Nestled between Monopoli and Alberobello, this farm-to-table restaurant offers a beautiful setting to eat lunch or dinner just 15 minutes from each. Link
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TRULLO SOVRANO (ALBEROBELLO)
For a bit of culture, check out the unique 18th-century conical hut housing a heritage museum with original furnishings & artifacts. Link
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BURRO CAFE (OSTUNI)
No photo can truly capture its charm—this café is a perfect stop for breakfast or a coffee break as you head south. Link
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DISH RESTAURANT (OSTUNI)
Rooftop restaurant and bar with views over Ostuni. Link
6. BRINDISI
Brindisi has an international airport and port, making it a convenient entry point to the region.
While it’s a great city, we recommend spending more time exploring other nearby towns.
7. LECCE
Lecce is a historic gem in Puglia, celebrated for its ornate baroque buildings, lively squares, and exceptional food. We can’t wait to meet you there!
Highlights
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QUANTO BASTA
Located in the historical part of lecce, this bar offers creative cocktails and local classics. Link
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LA SCARPETTA HOSTARIA
Delicious restaurant with a lovely garden. Recommend making a reservation ahead. of time! Link
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FOLIA BAR & LAB
Another favorite bar, with incredible cocktails and food, with fantastic views from the terrace. Link
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TABISCA "IL VICO DEI TAGLIATI"
Lively steakhouse with outdoor seating. Link
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BLU NOTTE
Come here for the seafood! Link
8. SOUTH OF LECCE
This is our favorite part of the region, on the east side of the coast, you have rocky beaches with dramatic cliffs. On the west side of the coast, explore beaches with fine sand.
We recommend exploring the coast, stopping along the way in Otranto, Castro, Marina di Novaglie, and Gallipoli.
Highlights
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GROTTA DELLA POESIA
Just 30 minutes south of Lecce and 20 minutes north of Otranto, explore a natural pool surrounded by rugged limestone cliffs. It’s popular for diving and cliff jumping. Link
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SPIAGGIA DI PORTO MIGGIANO
South of Otranto, explore a large free beach with crystal clear water and diving spots. Link
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BAGNO MARINO ARCHI
Beach club with restaurant. ~35 euros for 2 chairs and an umbrella. Get there early. Link
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CALA DELL'ACQUAVIVA
A bit further south, located near Castro, check out a free beach with chairs available for rent. Link
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CASTEL DI SALVE
Continue a bit further south of Castro - Pop in for a wine tasting, lite bites and locally produced liquors. Link
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TAVERNA DEL PORTO
Swim at the beach and port nearby, then pop in for lunch of dinner for fresh seafood. This place is so good. Link
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IL CIOLO
One of our favorite stops - Nestled between two hills, find amazing swimming, snorkeling, and cliff jumping. Link
9. MATERA
Matera feels like stepping into another world -explore ancient cave dwellings and cinematic landscapes (featured in James Bond - No Time to Die).
It’s worth a stop on your way down to Lecce or as a final adventure before heading home if flying out of Bari.