Picture this - it’s March 2020 and all your travel plans for the future have been cancelled. I’m sure it’s easy to picture right? Well yeah, us too! We had a whole stack of cancellations rolling in when the pandemic began and quickly found ourselves buried under a whole lot of vouchers.

A few months rolled by and suddenly we all thought the pandemic was going away so, countries relaxed their borders and we could start considering a holiday. Brave in 2020 you might think, but it didn’t feel brave to us - we just jumped on it the second we could.

Puglia wasn’t on our 2020 list. It was somewhere on the list but on the ‘I don’t know when I’ll get there’ list. We are so thankful that all of our plans in 2020 were destroyed because we never would have gotten to explore Puglia. It has quickly become our favourite destination for the summertime and it has a special place in our heart for being our first trip after the lockdown. It brought a much-appreciated peace and rest that is hard to find in London on the best of days.

We took 14 days to explore Puglia - one of our longest trips ever at the time. I could’ve easily spent another 2 weeks there so I’m guaranteed to return there one day soon.

Don’t forget to check out Collection Two of our print series - dedicated entirely to Puglia! Have a look here.

Here is our 14-day post lockdown very relaxed Apulian road trip itinerary.

day 1

Fly to Bari or Brindisi Airport.
Bari is closer to Polignano a mare and Ostuni but Brindisi is closest to Lecce and the South.

Pick up a hire car (We use AutoEurope.co.uk or Rentalcars.com) and drive south to Torre Dell’Orso.
If you’re looking for a great and reliable transfer - we recommend booking through our favourite partner HERE.

Stay at the lovely Viatorem Suites right on the beach of Torre Dell’Orso. The location is amazing and we would stay here again.

Here is their Instagram.
Here they are on booking.com

After exploring the area, have a spritz and a bite to eat at Casaccia overlooking the beach before walking to Dentoni for espresso and gelato. Try the olive oil gelato. It’s made with olive oil instead of milk, and it’s SO GOOD.

Day 2

Always start your morning with an espresso and pasticciotto in Puglia!

This morning you’ll be doing this at Dentoni. A 2-minute walk from Viatorem Suites. Pasticciotto’s are a traditional Apulian pastry, usually filled with custard. Start your pastry journey with the traditional custard and then branch out with some wild flavours like cherry or pistachio. They are all good.

After this, drive to Grotta della Poesia. There’s a car park nearby and it should be noted that there is a small entrance fee to see Grotta dell Poesia. Enjoy the amazing natural rock pool and don’t forget to jump in at least once.

For sunset and dinner drive to the old city of Otranto. Walking through the old city exploring shops and taking in the view at golden hour is a great way to experience this beautiful waterfront town. Have drinks and aperitivo at Maestro on the marina overlooking the water. Martinucci laboratory is a good gelato stop on the way back to your car. Who needs dinner when you’ve had aperitivo and tons of gelato?

Day 3

Plan to be at Baia dei Turchi early today! Baia dei Turchi aka Bay of Turks is an amazing beach close to Otranto. Pick up some fresh peaches, water, and extra beach snacks before you begin your drive. Once you get down to the beach there’s only a small snack bar so take what you can for the day.

When you arrive you will park in a dirt car park and pay a set rate of 5 euros for the whole day. You can then walk to the beach or take the free shuttle bus to get you a lot closer, quicker. The bus is so easy and just runs back and forth all day. It’s a better choice than walking - especially in the heat.

This beach was our favourite. Have an Aperol spritz on the beach before midday (if you’re into that kind of thing) and enjoy the calmest, clearest waters we’ve ever been in.

If you’ve got a little bit of time later, swing by Castro Marina for the views and a swim off the pier.

For dinner, you are going to Cantine Menhir. This isn’t to be missed and you need to book in advance. This was one of the best meals of our trip and easily some of the best wine we’ve ever tasted. You’ll be seated outside under the stars and fairy lights and they serve a different wine with each course all for a perfectly reasonable price. Contact them for a booking via their website here.

Day 4

After your pasticiotto and espresso from Dentoni get in the car and begin your drive to Nardo! You’ll be basing yourself in this region for the next 5 or so days nearby some of Puglia’s best beaches and close to the town of Gallipoli. We LOVE this part of Puglia.

We stayed at Nardo Salento - Agrumento House. It’s a masterpiece. Check it out here. Find them on Instagram here.

Enjoy the accommodation, explore the old town of Nardo, and have dinner at a local restaurant.

day 5

Wake up in your new location and head to Panificio Lega which is a short walk from your house. It’s full of delicious pastries, bread and of course pasticciottos! Take them back to the house and enjoy breakfast on the rooftop.

Spend the day at one of the amazing nearby beaches like Baia Verde, Marina Di Pescoluse, Gallipoli, or Torre Colimena before driving to Gallipoli late afternoon for a swim and a wander through the amazing winding streets of the old town. Watch the sunset over the beach and then walk to Blanc Gallipoli. A beautiful concept store to explore before heading to their outdoor patio hidden at the back of their store. Enjoy some food, more drinks, and have the tiramisu!

Day 6

Today is Punta Prosciutto day.

One day when you’re doing this exact road trip don’t be surprised if you run into me at my new holiday house I’ve just bought on this beach (I can dream ok?) The best reference point to arrive at is Teranga Bay Lido. Parking is easy and free and sunbeds are cheap for the day. Have lunch at their little food shack where they sell fresh octopus, salads, and meats.

Wear SPF and enjoy the ocean. Remember you’re on holiday.

Pick up some groceries from the local store for dinner and prepare yourself an Italian feast. If you need ideas - check out our taste of travel post here for a traditional Apulian orecchiette pasta recipe.

day 7

Visit Lecce today!

First things first if you want to check out some more beaches, go to Baia Verde for a morning swim before your drive to Lecce. Lecce is a beautiful baroque town and only 30 minutes drive from your accommodation. Everyone will tell you not to miss Lecce. We concur.

Make a reservation at Angiulino Osteria for dinner and finish the night off with gelato from Baldo Gelato (we give you permission to have this before dinner too)

Day 8

Visit Schola Sarmenti in Nardo. Try the delicious wines. You’ll be able to order a case to be sent to your home wherever you’re from in the world.

In the evening book this fabulous Airbnb Experience where you’ll make pasta with a real-life nonna! Nonna teaches you how to make Orecchiette and other traditional kinds of pasta before you head up to the rooftop overlooking the local town and have an exceptional home-cooked dinner all included in the price.

So good! Thanks, Nonna.

Day 9

Check out from Nardo Salento and begin your drive to Alberobello.

A magnificent and unique town which is incredibly famous in Puglia. Take your time exploring the old trullos and admiring the cute little shops. There are plenty of places to stop for food or drinks amidst the beautiful white buildings.

It’s not time to head to Ostuni! It’s magnificent. Quickly check out the lovely white hilltop town and drink at Borgo Antico Bistrot for some incredible views before checking into Masseria Moroseta in time for sunset and dinner. Make sure you make a reservation for dinner even if you are staying there. If you can’t get a reservation to stay then book dinner so you can enjoy the amazing Masseria and eat dinner under the stars. You will be served fresh, in-season food made by their incredible chef Giorgia. Read our Masseria Moroseta review here.

Day 10

Have the best breakfast at Masseria Moroseta and plan your day around the pool, relaxing and checking out more of Ostuni.

Relax, hang out with the bulldogs and eat. Request lunch the day before so you can have it at the Masseria again. Eat all your meals here if you’ve only got a couple of nights.

Tonight’s dinner will be at Masseria il Frantoio – you’ll need to book this in advance too.

Masseria Il Frantoio is a large Masseria that grows all its own produce on-site. When you arrive the owner will most likely walk you through the property showing you all the produce. He is extremely passionate about what they make there and fair enough - it’s a pretty excellent 8-course dinner paired with local wines all for 70 euros per person. This cannot be missed if you’re a foodie. They also cater to all food intolerances.

Check out their Instagram here and their website here.

Day 11

Today you’ll be staying in Polignano a Mare. Our amazing BnB was called A Casa di dany. Available on booking.com but not always open to bookings. You’re lucky I shared this with you because I wish this place could stay a secret forever. They don’t seem to be taking reservations at the moment but depending when you’re reading this article – always check if A casa di Dany is available.

Explore Polignano a mare. Get a deck at Fly or sit on the rocks that surround the amazing beach of Lama Monachile.

For dinner get takeaway from Pescaria – a highly recommended fish shop that makes the world’s best fish burgers and have dinner on your balcony or the beach.

Day 12

Explore Polignano a mare this morning after a quick swim and a pasticciotto on the balcony.

In the afternoon drive to Monopoli, another beautiful little old town by the sea. Stop at the beautiful beaches along the coastline between Polignano a mare and Monopoli.

Explore the old town and see the beautiful cathedral before sunset and dinner on the water.

Day 13

Today is your final day! Sad times.

On our last day, we always make sure we have one last swim. When you live in London, it’s likely your last swim for a long time. Make the most of it, enjoy the sunshine, enjoy one last double espresso and pasticciotto and buy some souvenirs from the cute little shops in Polignano a mare before driving to your last stop.

Masseria Le Torri - a gorgeous little Masseria en route from Polignano a mare and close to the airport. They have the most amazing property and every room has that Italian elegance we all need. They serve dinner on site which was lovely and cocktails by the pool!

Day 14

The final morning.

Enjoy your breakfast in the courtyard of Masseria Le Torri and head back to your room to pack, check out and head to the airport.

We hope you enjoyed our 14-day itinerary for Puglia.

Don’t forget to check out our Italy prints here .

and our review of masseria moroseta here.

If you’re looking for a great and reliable transfer to/from Bari airport - we recommend booking through our favourite partner HERE.

If you need an E-Sim whilst travelling (we recommend you get one!) then you can book through our partner HERE.

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Itinerary: Our 14 Day Puglia Road Trip