White Towns & Turquoise Shores in Puglia
Bask in the sun-soaked charm of Puglia, where whitewashed towns, turquoise waters, and olive groves set the pace for a week of pure dolce vita. This itinerary blends slow travel, seaside bliss, and cultural gems.
White-washed houses line the crystal coasts of Puglia
Day 1 – Arrival in Bari or Brindisi
Fly from the UK into Bari (north) or Brindisi (south), both well connected. For this itinerary, we recommend a rental car — essential for exploring at your own pace. Drive into the countryside and check into a masseria (restored farmhouse hotel) or a charming trulli house near Alberobello. Spend your first evening unwinding with a traditional dinner of orecchiette pasta with tomato and burrata at a family-run trattoria.
Day 2 – Alberobello & Locorotondo
Wake up slowly with a countryside breakfast. Head into Alberobello, where the fairy-tale trulli houses (UNESCO site) line winding alleys. Wander, shop for handcrafts, and stop for a light lunch. In the afternoon, continue to Locorotondo, a hilltop village known for its whitewashed streets and wine culture. Enjoy a wine tasting at a local vineyard before heading back for a relaxed evening by the pool.
Day 3 – Polignano a Mare
Drive to the coast for a full day in Polignano a Mare, perched dramatically over turquoise waters. Spend the morning exploring the old town before finding a spot at a beach club on Cala Porto or Lama Monachile beach. Take time to swim, relax, and watch cliff divers plunge into the sea. For lunch, tuck into grilled fish or seafood pasta overlooking the Adriatic. Stay late enough to enjoy a magical sunset aperitivo before returning inland.
Basilica of the Holy Cross, in Lecce
Day 4 – Ostuni & Olive Groves
Spend the morning wandering the labyrinth of the “White City” of Ostuni, with its dazzling whitewashed houses and views stretching to the sea. Stop for a relaxed lunch in one of the town’s shaded squares. In the afternoon, visit a historic olive oil estate (some trees here are over 1,000 years old!) to learn about production and taste golden green oils. Evening free for a quiet dinner back at your accommodation.
Day 5 – Lecce: The Florence of the South
Drive south to Lecce, one of Italy’s Baroque treasures. Wander slowly through its golden-stone streets, visit ornate churches, and relax in sunny piazzas with a coffee. Don’t miss a long lunch with pasticciotto (custard-filled pastry) for dessert. Afternoon at leisure for shopping, or perhaps a casual cycling or walking tour. Return north for a quiet countryside evening with stargazing.
Coves and lagoons offer amazing places to swim in clear waters
Focaccia, local ham and burrata.
Day 6 – Beach Day in Salento
Dedicate the day to pure seaside relaxation in the Salento Peninsula. Choose between the Ionian coast (calm, crystal-clear waters around Porto Cesareo and Pescoluse, known as the “Maldives of Salento”) or the Adriatic side (more dramatic cliffs and coves like Torre dell’Orso). Rent a sunbed, sip chilled rosé, and take slow swims in warm turquoise seas. Enjoy a late seafood lunch by the beach before heading back.
Day 7 – Departure via Bari or Brindisi
Enjoy one last breakfast of local cheeses, meats, fresh figs or focaccia at your masseria. Depending on flight times, you could stop in Bari Vecchia to wander its old streets, watch women hand-roll orecchiette, or squeeze in a final espresso. Drop off the car and fly home, fully restored.
Cost Breakdown
The following cost estimates are based on 7 days and include flights, transfers, accommodation, meals and activities. Prices will vary depending on traveller preference.
Budget (£750 to £1,000) Stay in guesthouses or budget B&Bs, self-drive economy car hire, trattoria dining, and free beaches.
Mid-Range (£1,000 to £1,500) Charming masseria or trulli stays, a mix of trattorias and nicer restaurants, some paid beach clubs, and guided tastings.
Luxury (£1,800 to £2,500+) Boutique masseria resorts with pools, private transfers or upgraded car hire, fine dining, premium beach clubs, private tours and tastings.
Holiday Balance
A very relaxing itinerary
This Puglia escape leans heavily into relaxation, with long afternoons at beach clubs, peaceful stays in rustic masserie, and slow seaside sunsets. Culture flows throughout the week, from wandering the whitewashed streets of Ostuni and Alberobello to tasting olive oils and wines at centuries-old estates. Adventure plays a lighter role here, with refreshing swims, scenic drives, and gentle coastal explorations keeping the trip feeling fresh and balanced without ever losing its easy pace.
When should I go?
Spring (April–June) brings warm sunshine, wildflowers, and quieter streets. Summer (July–August) is hot and lively, perfect for long beach days and vibrant coastal towns, though you’ll share it with holiday crowds. Autumn (September–October) is a sweet spot, with golden light, harvest festivals, and warm seas without the bustle. Winter (November–March) is cooler and peaceful, best for those seeking culture, food, and calm rather than beach time.
Climate overview of Puglia
