Puglia has become one of our most popular regional holiday destinations, and after visiting for myself in late April 2026, it's easy to understand why. Apart from one rainy day on arrival, I experienced six days of uninterrupted blue skies, warm sunshine and landscapes bursting with olive groves and vineyards.
Tucked away in the country's south-east, this captivating region blends culture and beauty in a way that feels both undiscovered and deeply enriching. From baroque masterpieces and whitewashed hill towns to exceptional cuisine and sun-drenched scenery, Puglia offers one of Italy's most rewarding and authentic travel experiences.
During my trip, I explored many of the highlights featured across Great Rail Journey's carefully curated tours through Puglia, including Lecce, Alberobello and Matera, discovering firsthand why so many of our guests return completely captivated by this region.
Exploring Lecce: The Florence of the South
Often described as the 'Florence of the South', Lecce is a masterpiece of baroque architecture. Built from the region's distinctive honey-coloured stone, the city is filled with ornate churches, grand piazzas and intricate facades that reflect centuries of artistry and devotion. From the Piazza del Duomo to the Basilica di Santa Croce, there is history and beauty around almost every corner. I loved wandering through the old town within its ancient walls, constantly turning corners to discover hidden squares and beautiful buildings. Despite its historic grandeur, Lecce feels wonderfully flat and accessible, with plenty of bars, restaurants and places to grab a coffee and watch the world go by.
Alberobello and the famous trulli houses
A visit to Alberobello feels like stepping into another world. My wife and I both thought that we'd entered a theme park on arrival, given the almost surreal perfection of the town's famous trulli houses. With their distinctive cone-shaped roofs, these unique limestone dwellings create an enchanting, almost storybook setting that has become one of Puglia's most iconic and instantly recognisable scenes.
Now protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this town showcases an architectural style found nowhere else. I was particularly intrigued to learn more about how these distinctive houses came to be. Their design is partly practical - helping regulate temperature while making the use of the local limestone - but there is also a long-standing theory that it was a way of evading tax in the 18th century, as the homes could supposedly be dismantled quickly to appear temporary. Standing among these incredible and intricate buildings today, it's difficult to imagine them ever being considered anything other than permanent homes.
Matera: Italy's ancient cave city
Matera offers a striking contrast to the whitewashed towns of Puglia, famous for its extraordinary cave dwellings, known as the Sassi. Carved directly into the limestone ravine, these ancient homes date back thousands of years and today form a UNESCO-listed cultural treasure that feels both timeless and remarkably alive.
I had first seen Matera featured in the James Bond film No Time to Die, but nothing quite compares to experiencing this remarkable city in person. Wandering through its ancient stone streets and past the honey-coloured buildings felt like stepping back in time, with history woven into every corner. One of my favourite moments was simply sitting and soaking up the atmosphere while enjoying a local pistachio pasta dish.
Monopoli: Coastal charm and Adriatic views
For a taste of seaside Puglia, Monopoli delivers with its picturesque harbour, whitewashed old town and sparkling Adriatic coastline. Colourful fishing boats bob gently in the port, while narrow alleyways open onto hidden piazzas and inviting local trattorias that perfectly capture the relaxed charm of southern Italy.
During our visit, we stopped to enjoy a refreshing drink and a light snack while watching the world go by. One local speciality I would highly recommend trying is a panzerotto - a traditional Puglian street food made from soft dough and typically filled with tomato and mozzarella before being folded and cooked.
Martina Franca: Baroque elegance in the Itria Valley
Martina Franca was a real surprise for me. Before visiting, I had never heard of it before and from the approach it looked like just another hilltop town. However, once we arrived, it quickly revealed itself as a must-see town nestled in the heart of the Itria Valley.
Known for its refined Baroque architecture and understated sophistication, its historic centre is a delight to explore, with graceful palazzi, ornate churches and a distinctly authentic local atmosphere. We wandered into the open buildings and churches, taking the time to light a candle for my mum.
Beyond the town itself, the surrounding countryside is everything you might imagine from rural Puglia, with ancient olive groves, trulli-dotted landscapes and sweeping valley views stretching into the distance.
Grottaglie: A tradition of ceramics
Known as Italy's ceramic capital, Grottaglie is a town where craft is woven into everyday life. A visit here offers a fascinating glimpse into local craftmanship, with workshops and studios lining the historic quarter, every one open and producing something by hand, using techniques that have been passed down for more than seven hundred years. It's an ideal visit for those interested in authentic cultural experiences and artisanal heritage.
Across Puglia, you will notice Pumi, the iconic ceramic buds that sit on balcony's, garden walls and gateposts throughout the region. They represent a new bud opening, symbolising new beginnings, prosperity and good luck. In Grottaglie, you can pick up very simple or ornate versions to carry the positive energy back home.
Ostuni: The White City
Perched on a hilltop overlooking the Adriatic, Ostuni dazzles with its blend of whitewashed buildings, medieval charm and sweeping sea views. Known as La Città Bianca - the White City - its sunlit maze of narrow alleyways and arches make it one of the most captivating towns in Puglia and a highlight of any itinerary through the region.
At the heart of Ostuni lies a beautifully preserved old town where life unfolds at an unhurried pace. Whether wandering through the winding streets or stopping for an aperitivo as the sun sets, Ostuni has an effortless elegance that feels timeless and distinctly Italian.
Gallipoli: Seaside charm and unforgettable ice cream
An enchanting destination sitting on Puglia's Ionian coast, Gallipoli's old town rises out of the sea like an island fortress and is connected to the mainland by a 17th-century bridge. This fortified fishing port boasts a blend of whitewashed alleyways, tiny churches and lively harbourside tavernas serving the day's freshest catch.
One of my favourite memories, though, came from something much simpler: ice cream. Whenever I travel, I usually do a bit of online research beforehand to point me towards the best ice cream shops. During siesta, when almost everywhere has shut for the afternoon, we came across Martinucci Laboratory Gallipoli, one of the few places still open. I tried chocolate hazelnut and cheesecake, both of which were excellent, but the surprise was another flavour entirely - the signature Gallipoli flavour, which was saffron infused white chocolate, finely crushed almonds and organic lemon zest. Maybe it was the sunshine, maybe the setting, but it was the best ice cream flavour I have ever had... at least until the next holiday.
The flavours of Puglia
Puglia's cuisine is deeply authentic, shaped by its fertile farmland, a spectacular coastline and heartfelt traditions, making every meal a highlight of any holiday. Expect hearty pastas, fresh seafood and bold flavours paired perfectly with the region's renowned wines.
Known as Italy's breadbasket, Puglia's cuisine celebrates local ingredients at their best: sun-ripened tomatoes, artichokes, fava beans, rocket and the region's famously bitter turnip tops. Orecchiette, the iconic "little ear" pasta appears everywhere, alongside burrata, the rich, creamy cheese that originated here and oozes with mozzarella and cream when sliced open.
No meal in Puglia is complete without a local wine. My favourite was a glass of Primitivo, a bold red Zinfandel from the Manduria and Gioia del Colle areas. It paired seamlessly with grilled meats and bombette, but saying that, an un-labelled house wine in a tucked-away trattoria always seemed to hit the spot too.
Discover Puglia with Great Rail Journeys
Whether you're drawn to coastlines, historic towns, renowned food and wine or the warmth of southern Italian life, there are countless ways to experience Puglia's character and charm.
You can discover the region on a range of holidays with Great Rail Journeys. Simply Puglia offers a wonderful introduction to the region from a base in coastal Polignano a Mare, with visits to Lecce, Bari and UNESCO-listed Alberobello. For those wanting to delve deeper, Explore Puglia stays in scenic Torre Canne alongside visits to the remarkable cave city of Matera, as well as Locorotondo, Martina Franca and more.
If you're looking to uncover a quieter side of the region, Hidden gems of Southern Puglia explores the coastline and baroque towns of the south from a Masseria near Vernole, including Gallipoli, Otranto and Santa Maria di Leuca. Or combine the ancient wonders of Rome with the beauty of southern Italy on our Best of Puglia & Eternal Rome, a journey that pairs iconic history with relaxed coastal and countryside stays.
