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A week in Puglia
Scenario:
👫 couple trip
⌛️ around a week
✈️ flying into Bari and out of Naples
🚗 plans to rent a car
㋉ traveling in October
Question: where should I go?
Stubborn Travel answer:
Firstly, congratulations! Traveling in October means you’ll avoid a lot of the crazy over tourism that takes place in the south of Italy in August. This means fewer people in the super touristy places, and some nice quiet zones.
Depending on your personal tolerance, you may be able to swim, although you should be confident and knowledgeable — it’s likely they’ll be no lifeguards in the off season. The water is actually relatively warm at this time of year, the hard part is getting out.
A lot of the beach facilities like bathrooms, lounge chairs and restaurants may be closed, although in touristy areas you should still be able to at least eat by the seaside.
Where you stay and what you do will depend on your interests, but from architecture and beaches to oil and wine tastings, you’ll have plenty of ways to relax, eat and enjoy a lovely holiday.
Now in Puglia, I normally like to go down south to Salento, but with a flight out of Naples I fear that’s too out of your way. Here are some places that don’t get you too far off your route.
Polignano a Mare
Nestled along the rugged coastline of Puglia around 40 minutes from Bari, Polignano a Mare has incredibly dramatic scenery and that old town Italian charm. While it can get quite touristy, the views are pretty breathtaking.
Bari
The capital of Puglia, Bari is a vibrant and historic city that’s well worth a visit. On offer: labyrinthine streets, ancient architecture, and bustling markets. Be sure to explore the historic Old Town (Bari Vecchia) with its narrow alleys, enjoy fresh seafood at the markets, and savor traditional Apulian cuisine at local trattorias.
Alberobello
Just a short drive from Bari, Alberobello is a charming and unique town known for its trulli, traditional dry stone huts with conical roofs. These distinctive buildings make Alberobello a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a fascinating place to explore. Even if you just go for a couple of hours, it’s worth stopping by.
Castel del Monte
In the middle of the Puglian countryside, you can find a medieval castle in excellent condition: Castel del Monte. Dating back to the 1100s, its unique octagonal design and excellent state make it worth visiting, although make sure you check the hours in advance.
Matera
Although touristy, Matera is a remarkable place to visit. Famous for its ancient cave dwellings and stone-carved architecture, you can wander through the unique town and the Sassi di Matera, a historic district carved into the rock. In October, you might even get lucky with the crowds.
Trani
Located along the coast and not far from Bari is Trani, a charming town known for its iconic Cathedral (San Nicola Pellegrino). While it may not be a primary destination, it’s worth a visit if it’s en route. You can take in the waterfront, explore the historic center, and soak its picturesque atmosphere.
Pompeii
Pompeii is the infamous Roman city buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. If you haven’t been, it’s a must on your way to Naples. You can do it in a morning or an afternoon, and going in October should hopefully help with the tourists (and the heat). Make sure you get tickets in advance, and go with a guide to get insights on its fascinating history.
Sorrento
Also close to your final stop in Naples is Sorrento, a touristy town known for its position overlooking the Bay of Naples. You’ll find stunning views, quaint streets lined with shops and cafes, and a taste of the Amalfi Coast.
If you had more time, I’d recommend Salento, areas like Porto Cesareo and Gallipoli. But if you need to fly out of Naples, I wouldn’t go that far to avoid too much driving.
Finally, some general tips for the south of Italy:
🚗 Depending on where you go, roads can be tricky, including completely unlit, narrow, and with very tight garage spaces. Pick your rental car carefully and get insurance.
💧 Don’t assume you can drink water from the faucet – always ask. If you’re struggling to communicate, point at the faucet and ask ‘potabile (poh-tah-bee-leh)?’ which means ‘drinkable’? in Italian. People should understand what you mean. If they say no, you should buy bottled water.
👩🍳 Across Italy, restaurants are usually closed one day a week. If there’s somewhere you really want to go to for food, look up its opening days and hours in advance.
What tips would you give to someone spending a week in Puglia? Have you visited any of the places listed? What did you think?
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