One week Puglia train itinerary

There is so much to see and do in Puglia that many will say a week simply isn’t enough, however, we aren’t all blessed with unlimited holiday days so I think a week is a good starting point to get a taste for the region.

Days 1-3 – Monopoli

This pretty seaside town might look like your average Italian city from the outside, but once you reach the historic centre you will see why so many tourists flock here. A warren of narrow streets weave their way through historic whitewashed houses that sit under a blanket of blue sky.

This is also a great spot to base yourselves for a few days if you enjoy the beach. The town is right on the Adriatic Coast and away from the picturesque harbour, there are some beautiful beaches to visit in Monopoli, my favourites are Spiaggia di Porto Ghiacciolo and Lido Santo Stefano.

Make sure you visit nearby Polignano a Mare, just 5-10 minutes away by train (make sure you use the Trentitalia service rather than the Intercity as it is much cheaper). Here I would recommend taking a boat ride along the coastline, we booked ours with Pugliamare and had a lot of fun exploring different grottos along the way and jumping off into the sea to cool off.

Places to stay in Monopoli: Hotel Don ferrate is a boutique hotel located in the centre of historic Monopoli with beautiful views out to sea. 

B&B Borgo San Martino is an affordable guesthouse just 300m from the pretty port, the B&B is housed in a restored 17th century building with spacious rooms, free Wi-Fi and spacious bathrooms. 

For an ultra luxury experience, check out Borgo Egnazia, just outside the city of Monopoli, this traditionally Puglian hotel boasts two private beaches and its own beach club.

Days 4-6 – Locorotondo

An absolute must visit town in Puglia, Locorotondo is small but beautiful. It only takes a few hours to fully explore the Centro Storico (historic centre). which is why it is the perfect base, pushing visitors to relax and travel slow. Taste rich Italian coffee in the Piazza Vittorio Emanuele before exploring churches hiding down narrow alleyways. The town is filled with places to eat and local craft shops, all surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, with quaint Trullis and farmhouses spread all around.

When staying in Locorotondo you must spend a morning exploring Alberobello, a nearby trulli town and designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take the train from Locorotondo to Alberobello in just 11 minutes and get lost amongst the sweet little houses which now contain cafes, restaurants and souvenir shops.

Places to stay in Locorotondo: Locorotondo offers some beautiful B&Bs and guesthouses such as Pietra Pesara which offers beautiful accommodations, a private garden, and a delicious breakfast each morning. 

For those wanting to really relax and unwind under the Italian sunshine, Ottolire Resort offers a beautiful swimming pool to cool off in. With just 14 rooms, the hotel never feels busy and is built into a classic farmhouse estate. 

Last but not least, the Leonardo Trulli Resort, quiet and luxurious, a stay here is one that is all about leaving relaxed and rejuvenated.

Day 7 – Ostuni

You can’t go home before visiting the stunning hilltop town of Ostuni. You will see it before you arrive, majestically sticking out of the countryside, you can see the town from miles around.

Known as ‘White City’, Ostuni is full of well-preserved streets, in summer the doorways are adorned with pink Bougainvillea and the streets are filled with people eating and drinking outside. If you want to know more on the history of the city, make sure you take an ape tour where your guide will take you around in a tuk tuk so you can soak up panoramic views and wind your way through the picturesque streets.

There are plenty of places to grab a meal but I recommend Borgo Antico Bistrot for a really special experience. You cannot book, you just turn up (and they are closed on Wednesdays), but it is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the regions fresh produce whilst dining under the setting sun.

Places to stay in Ostuni: Take in spectacular views of the city from Biancadamare, a charming abode with guest rooms, suites, terraces, jacuzzis and a solarium.

  Paragon 700 is a charming boutique hotel with 11 luxurious rooms and suites that sit within the walls of an old palace. 

For a real special stay, have a look at Masseria Cervarolo, a 16th century farmhouse with its own cooking school.