Puglia Itinerary (5 Days): Our ExactRoute + Honest Experience
We flew into Bari expecting sunshine, aperol and lively streets.
What we got… was a bit different.
Some places were incredible (looking at you Matera), others looked amazing but felt empty and closed.
Perks of traveling in off-season.
So here’s our exact 5-day Puglia itinerary, including what we’d do again… and what we
probably wouldn’t.
This Puglia itinerary covers the best places to visit in 5 days, including Alberobello, Ostuni and Matera.
DAY 1 — BARI → ALBEROBELLO
We landed in Bari, picked up our rental car and went straight to Bari Vecchio (old town).
Quick lunch, windy weather didn’t really excite us to explore.
So we moved on quickly towards Alberobello, where we had our first accomodation in a trullo house.
What is a trullo?
A trullo is a traditional stone house with a cone-shaped roof – the one you see in all the pictures from Alberobello and staying in one is a must in Puglia.
We spent 2 nights in a trullo, which made the whole experience much more special.
In the evening, we walked around (bit of rain), it was very quiet, aperitivo-style dinner.
First impression: beautiful… but calmer than expected.
DAY 2 — ALBEROBELLO → LOCOROTONDO → MARTINA FRANCA
Weather improved a bit.
Started the day in Alberobello again, explored main viewpoints and got lost between many streets. It really is a beautiful little town.
Tip: weather makes a huge difference.
Around noon, we drove off towards Locorotondo.
Very pretty town on a hill, but empty and mostly closed.
Done in about 1 hour.
We had drinks with a nice valley view.
Honest take: really beautiful and picturesque but gets boring fast.
We were already on the way to our final stop of the day, Martina Franca.
We had a late lunch on the main square (very good traditional pasta – orecchiete).
Quick walk around, done in under an hour – chruch, main square, some buildings.
Nice stop, not a highlight.
DAY 3 — MONOPOLI → MASSERIA → OSTUNI
Time to switch accomodation. We moved towards Monopoli, where we stayed in a Masseria.
What is a masseria?
A masseria is a traditional countryside farmhouse, often turned into a hotel.
We stayed at Masseria Torrepietra: peaceful, authentic, surrounded by nature.
But before we could check in, we went to Monopoli.
Walked around, it was very windy, nice seaside town (city?) but again, closed and empty.
In the afternoon, we took a ride to Ostuni.
Ostuni, known as the “white city”, is one of the most iconic stops on any Puglia itinerary, with great views over adriatic sea and lots of stairs.
Had aperitivo and cocktails.
But again quite empty and many places closed.
Dinner plan failed, even Masseria restaurant was closed until mid-April…
DAY 4 — MATERA
Highlight of the trip, but the drive there not so much – road was not great.
Once there, we found a Tuk-tuk tour in Italian language: 45 minutes, about 50€, local Italian guide.
Explained a lot and took photos. We understand a bit, but got some cool pics.
Matera was absolutely unreal sight.
Cave city, amazing viewpoints.
Went on to explore on foot after the tour.
Had lunch in a cave restaurant.
We also visited cisterns – for 3€, cool spot.
Still some places closed.
In the evening, drove back to Monopoli for dinner (aperitivo again).
DAY 5 — POLIGNANO A MARE → BARI
Time to pack up and go. Still had time to stop at Polignano a Mare.
It was cloudy, but we managed to see everything just before the rain came.
Views and cliffs are incredible.
Had lunch while it was raining.
Drove to Bari afterwards, had quick walk and early dinner.
Windy and rainy.
Returned car and flew home.
WHAT WE’D DO DIFFERENTLY
Spend more time in Matera.
Spend less time in Locorotondo, Martina Franca, Monopoli.
Plan restaurants better (off-season issue).
FINAL THOUGHT
Puglia is beautiful.
But off-season Puglia feels very different from what you see online.
Not worse — just quieter and slower.
Check out 5 things nobody tells you about Puglia in off-season here.
FAQ
How many days do you need in Puglia?
4–5 days is perfect.
Is Puglia worth visiting off-season?
Yes, but expect fewer open places.
What is the best place?
Matera, followed closely by Alberobello.
