Itinerary for 3 day trip to Puglia

Puglia is a stunning region in Italy, known for its beautiful coastline, rich history, and delicious cuisine. Let’s dive into a fabulous 3-day itinerary that checks all your boxes: food, sightseeing, history, Instagram-worthy spots, and swimming!

Day 1: Bari & Polignano a Mare

Morning: Explore Bari

Breakfast: Start your day with a traditional Italian breakfast at a local café. Try a cornetto (Italian croissant) with a cappuccino.
Sightseeing: Head to the , a beautiful church that’s a must-see. Don’t forget to snap some photos of the stunning architecture!
Instagram Spot: Stroll through the Bari Vecchia (Old Town) with its narrow streets and charming buildings. The colorful doors and laundry hanging out to dry make for perfect Instagram shots!

Afternoon: Polignano a Mare

Lunch: Drive or take a train to Polignano a Mare (about 30 minutes). Enjoy lunch at a seaside restaurant. Try the local specialty, orecchiette pasta with broccoli rabe.
Sightseeing: Explore the picturesque cliffs and the famous . The views are breathtaking!
Swimming: Take a dip in the crystal-clear waters. The beach is small but beautiful, and the surrounding cliffs are perfect for some stunning photos.

Evening: Dinner in Polignano a Mare

Dinner: Enjoy dinner at , a unique restaurant set in a cave overlooking the sea. Make sure to reserve a table in advance!
Night Stroll: After dinner, take a leisurely walk along the cliffs and enjoy the sunset. The views are magical!

Day 2: & Matera

Morning:

Breakfast: Grab a quick breakfast at your accommodation or a local café.
Sightseeing: Head to (about 1 hour from Polignano). Explore the iconic trulli houses, which are unique to this area. The district is particularly photogenic!
Instagram Spot: Don’t miss the chance to take a photo in front of the trulli with their conical roofs. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site!

Afternoon: Matera

Lunch: Drive to Matera (about 30 minutes). Enjoy lunch at a local trattoria. Try cicoria (wild greens) and pane di Matera (local bread).
Sightseeing: Explore the , ancient cave dwellings carved into the rock. Visit the for a glimpse into traditional life.
Instagram Spot: The views from the are stunning, especially for sunset shots!

Evening: Dinner in Matera

Dinner: Dine at Ristorante Francesca, known for its local cuisine and warm atmosphere.
Night Stroll: The Sassi lit up at night is a sight to behold. Take a stroll through the streets and capture the enchanting atmosphere.

Day 3: Ostuni & the Beaches of Salento

Morning: Ostuni

Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at your hotel or a local café in Matera before heading to Ostuni (about 1 hour).
Sightseeing: Explore the White City of Ostuni, known for its whitewashed buildings. Visit the for some history and beautiful views.
Instagram Spot: The narrow streets and white buildings provide endless photo opportunities. Don’t forget to capture the stunning views of the surrounding countryside!

Afternoon: Beaches of Salento

Lunch: Head to a nearby beach town like or . Enjoy a beachside lunch at a local seafood restaurant.
Swimming: Spend the afternoon swimming in the turquoise waters. is a protected marine area, so the water is pristine and perfect for a refreshing dip.

Evening: Dinner and Sunset

Dinner: Enjoy a casual dinner at a beachside restaurant. Try some fresh seafood or a classic pugliese pizza.
Sunset: End your trip with a sunset at the beach. The colors reflecting on the water will be the perfect way to wrap up your Puglia adventure!

And there you have it! A delightful 3-day itinerary in Puglia that combines food, history, sightseeing, and plenty of opportunities for swimming and Instagram-worthy moments. Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget to savor every bite of that delicious food! 🍝🌊📸