5-day travel itinerary during spring in Apulia, my favourite and the best part of Italy

Let me begin by saying this: We've traveled to Italy over 10 times, exploring various regions, from its stunning islands such as Sicily and Capri, to its inland areas like the Amalfi Coast, Rome, up to Cinque Terre and the Italian Riviera. Milan, Lake Como, and the Dolomites with their breathtaking greenery are all places to adore, but among them all, our 5-day trip to Apulia in spring 2024 was the one we cherished the most, which is why we consider Puglia the best part of Italy.

TIP! Don't forget to follow me on Instagram to see my latest travel posts, and check out my highlights for more photos from this itinerary: My Insta

Apulia is a beautiful region in the southeastern part of Italy, often referred to as the "heel of the boot" because of its shape on the map. It’s known for its stunning coastline, charming villages, ancient ruins, and delicious food. The region is also famous for its white-washed hill towns, Trulli houses (especially in Alberobello), and a laid-back, Mediterranean vibe.

Moreover, beyond all these aspects, the sense of safety we experienced here (compared to other parts of Italy), the culinary charm, the friendliness and kindness of the people, along with the cleanliness of the places and the high standards of the accommodations we stayed in, enhanced our love for Italy. Apulia was the first place in Italy where we weren't deceived in any way — not by taxi drivers who asked for 100 euros for a 3,7km route (YES! These are "normal" prices for Amalfi Coast taxi routes), not by restaurant menu prices differing from the final bill, not at the supermarket, and certainly not by hotel rooms that looked different in reality than on booking.com. With that said, we once again declare Apulia the best part of Italy so far (although we have yet to visit Tuscany).

Before, I start with the itinerary, I want to tell you more about 3 splendid accommodations that totally stole our hearts and were our home for our stay in Puglia:

1. Echi di Puglia - Marsento

   Marsento is a small, very intimate adults-only seaside place, which feature 3 exquisite suites. Out of the 3 places we stayed in, we loved this the most, even though it was pretty pricey. You can check the current prices by accessing the link above. Marsento is located by the water, having its private rocky beach and is located in the marina of Polignano a Mare, between the tourist port and the picturesque district of San Vito, with its little harbor colored by the red and green boats of the last fishermen. The name Marsento means - "feeling the sea".

   * They offer the dreamiest breakfast in the their charming garden

   
   

2. Echi di Puglia - Boutique Hotel

   Echi di Puglia is also a small, intimate, adults only hotel, owned by Giacomo, the owner of Echi di Puglia and Marsento. When you reach this boutique hotel, you’ll forget the world behind you in the blink of an eye. They say it, and it is 100% true. Located in the heart of Apulia, 15-min away by foot from the center of in Polignano a Mare, this unique oasis helps its guests indulge in the luxury of an authentic retreat vacation.

   * They offer a delicious breakfast with organic products

   
   

3. Rifugio di Pulgia - Trulli & Dimore

   The 3rd place we stayed in was an oasis of tranquillity and beauty situated in the heart of

   Coreggia, one of Alberobello’s most characteristic neighbourhoods. The place is less luxurious than the 2 mentioned above, but more affortable and it is magic because its guest can choose to stay in a typical Trulli House (the conical-roofed stone structure for which Alberobello is famous for).

* They offer a delicious breakfast with organic products

Now, let us dive in our 5-day itinerary in Apulia, my favourite and the best part of Italy, an itinerary which is fitted not only for spring, but for any time of the year.

Day 1 - Bari

We took an early flight from Vienna and at 8:30 we landed in the capital city of the Puglia region -Bari - the capital of the Apulian region. The city is a vibrant port city located on the Adriatic coast, but is often overshadowed by cities like Rome or Florence. Bari is known for its mix of modern and historic influences, with a charming old town (Bari Vecchia), narrow streets, and the impressive Basilica di San Nicola, which houses the remains of Saint Nicholas. The city also boasts a lovely seafront, delicious street food (like focaccia and panzerotti), and a lively atmosphere, especially in the evenings when locals gather in the piazzas. What to visit:

• Basilica di San Nicola (Basilica of Saint Nicholas)

• Castello Svevo (Swabian Castle) - a  key historical landmark, this imposing fortress, built in the 12th century by the Norman King Roger II. The castle houses a museum with exhibits related to the history of Bari. Moreover, from the castle, you can get great views of the city and the Adriatic Sea.

• Bari Vecchia (Old Town)

• Cattedrale di San Sabino (Cathedral of Saint Sabinus) - a stunning example of Apulian Romanesque architecture

Day 2 - Was about discovering Apulia without a plan. What we did, was jump into our rented car and drove through the region. This is are places we reached and we think they would be worth mentioning:

• Trani - a seaport town, with a romantic promenade, where we saw the most amazing sunset

• Giovinazzo -  a small fishing village, which small narrow streets

Day 3 - Polignano a Mare - also called the town of poetr is by far the most romantic place in Puglia. Up and down, on walls, stairs or even on doors, the eye can often be enchanted by hand-written, verses and words of famous poets and writers, all brought to life by the local street artist, Guido Lupori, who wants to “bring young people closer to the beauty of literature.” No wonder that the Traveller Review Awards 2023, compiled by Booking.com, named Polignano a Mare the world's most welcoming resort for 2023. I must say, I totally agree with them. What to do:

• Start with Polignano’s historic district, where you can admire the San Giuseppe church, and then just let yourself get lost through the maze of stone-paved streets

• Visit the Purgatory Church and St Stephen's Church

• The Pino Pascali Museum, a contemporary art museum located in a former slaughterhouse.

• Polignano’s Caves - the cliffs around the city hide a variety of sea caves waiting to be discovered by the human eye. Visiting the caves is an amazing experience, but be aware that it can only be done by boat, canoe or a SUP

• Make a short walk and enjoy one of the best panoramic viewpoints at Ponte Borbonico of Lama Monachile. The best moment to get here is at sunset, when the horizon turns pink. You might just fall in love with the view and the place.

TIP! If you have done some previously digging into what Polignano is offering, then you probably have heard about Lama Monachile, the beach of desire. We DO NOT RECOMMEND IT, being small and extremely crowded throughout the season.

TIP! A better way of enjoying your time would be by enjoying a cocktail at Ristorante Grotta Palazzese, a unique luxurious restaurant situated in a cave, overlooking the sea.

Day 4 - Alberobello – which lies in the heart of the Apulia/Puglia region and is known for its unique Trulli houses, which are traditional limestone dwellings with conical roofs. What to do:

• Start Your Day at the Trulli District (Rione Monti)

• Visit the Trullo Sovrano - the largest and most significant trulli in the town. The Trullo Sovrano is unique because it has two levels, unlike most trulli that are single-story

• Stroll Through Rione Aia Piccola

• Enjoy a drink on one of Alberobello's Rooftop terraces

• Explore the Belvedere - a panoramic viewpoint offering sweeping views of the town

• Relax in the Piazza del Popolo - the town's main square

Day 5 - Matera – Famous for its ancient cave dwellings, known as Sassi.

Matera, is one of the most unique and historically rich cities you’ll ever visit. Being the oldest city in Europe, Matera is famous for its ancient cave dwellings, which date back thousands of years, Matera is a UNESCO World Heritage site that offers a glimpse into a past almost forgotten by time. What not to miss:

• Explore the Sassi di Matera

• Walk Through the Parco della Murgia Materana

• Have a meal at a Cave Restaurant

• Visit the Matera Cathedral (Cattedrale di Matera)

• End Your Day with Sunset Views from Belvedere di Murgia Timone

Additional places to explore if you have more time than we did:

1. Otranto – A historic seaside town featuring a stunning cathedral and pristine waters.

2. Lecce – Known as the "Florence of the South" due to its Baroque architectural style.

3. Gargano National Park – An ideal spot for nature enthusiasts, offering mountains, forests, and caves.

OUR TIPS FOR VISITING APULIA IN MAY:

• Summer starts earlier in Apulia and that means sunbathing is possible starting from April. Therefore, do not forget your swimmingsuit!

• Bring suncream, as the sun is strong in the region

• Evenings and nights can get cooler, so bring a sweater if you're planning a late night stay in the city. We could only recommend to do this, as Italian usually got to sleep later so the cities are still full with life till midnight or even later

• The places mentioned in this article, can be visited in 5 days, considering you rent a car. Be aware that roads in the region are in pretty bad condition, so take care when driving. Another thing to mention is that there is no highway in the region, so you will be driving a lot on land narrow streets.

• Public transportation is almost inexistent, for an area with this many tourists.

• If you go to italian coffee shops, you can get coffee for 1 euro still! The vibes in these places are unique. If you want some recommendations, leave us a comment.

• Apulia is cheap compared to the western part of Italy. Accommodations are always half the price, the service quality is way higher, the region is way cleaner and it is generally safer!

Safe travels, dear traveller!

Explore my other articles about Italy and beyond: https://www.mmtraveltips.com/

Remember to subscribe to my blog and leave a comment below if you found my post helpful!

Remember to follow me on instagram to get my latest posts about my travels and checkout my highlights to get more pictures about this itinerary.