Organizing a trip to Puglia isn’t always easy. The region is large, distances can be deceiving, and there are many interesting areas to stay: charming towns, well-connected cities, and, of course, some of the most beautiful beaches in Puglia.
Choosing the right place to stay can make the difference between a trip full of unnecessary miles… or a comfortable and well-planned route.
That’s why, in this article, we tell you which are the best areas to stay in Puglia depending on the type of trip you have in mind: whether you want to explore towns, enjoy the sea, combine culture and beach, or move around without changing hotels every night.
Additionally, we recommend accommodations with good value for the money (remember to book as soon as possible!) and strategic locations so you only have to worry about enjoying your trip.
If organizing your trip is complicated or you don’t have time, let us help you. With our custom travel service to Italy, we don’t just take care of your accommodations and restaurants, but every detail of the trip: itineraries, transportation, excursions, and unique experiences.
We’ll start talking about the best places to base yourself in Puglia, starting from the North and ending in the southernmost part of the region.
Where to stay in Puglia if you visit Gargano (Northern area)
If you’ve set your sights on Gargano, the heel of Puglia at the northern tip of the region, you’ll surely want to experience a vacation among picturesque fishing villages, nature, and beautiful rocky beaches.
In this part of the region, you’ll also find the Tremiti Islands, small oases of peace, tranquility, and beautiful natural landscapes.
If you ask us where to stay in Puglia in this area, we would look for accommodation in the towns of Peschici and Vieste for the following reasons:
- They are the most beautiful towns in the Gargano area.
- They have daily boat trips to the Tremiti Islands.
- They offer the largest number of accommodations in the entire area, so it will be easier to find one to your liking.
- They are centrally located in Gargano, making it easier to move to other nearby tourist spots.
Now then, we suggest more specifically some of the best lodgings in the area:
Vieste: where to stay in Puglia in the Gargano area
- Residence Fontana Vecchia: offers different types of apartments, from small studios for two people to two-bedroom rooms for groups of four. Its strengths are comfort, cleanliness, and an excellent location between the beach and the center of Vieste. Top-notch!
- Casa Cescal Rooms: A very clean and comfortable place with warm, modern rooms, comfortable beds, and a good shower. The hosts are very attentive and welcome you with details like homemade sweets. Perfect for exploring Vieste on foot, with private parking available for €10 a day.
- Colombo Apartment e Room: Ideal for a trip with family or friends, with an excellent location for both the beach and enjoying the nightlife. Very close to bars, restaurants, and services. The accommodation is well-maintained, very clean, and equipped with everything you need.
Peschici
- Il Peschiciano: Perfect location, incredible breakfast, and great attention from the host are the strengths of this accommodation that offers double or quadruple rooms.
- B&B Peschici: this is a good place to stay in Puglia in the Gargano area if you are traveling by car, as it offers convenient free parking. Also, we’ve heard wonderful things about the breakfast included in the price. You know the drill—book as soon as possible!
- Matthew’s Home B&b: this is a facility that has many solutions, from rooms for one person to groups or families of four. We recommend it for its location, cleanliness, and the exquisite breakfast they offer.
Bari and surroundings: a practical base in North-Central Puglia
Many people traveling to this region usually arrive in Bari.
The capital is a good place to stay in Puglia if you are interested in visiting some of its most beautiful towns and cities.
For example, one of the most beautiful routes you can take not only in Puglia but in the entire south of Italy is the following:
- Bari
- Polignano a Mare
- Monopoli
- Grotte di Castellana
- Alberobello
- Locorotondo
- Cisternino
- Matera (in the Basilicata region)
Where to stay in Bari
If you want to see some of these places and don’t want to move from the capital with your luggage, we’ve created an entire article on where to stay in Bari.
In it, you’ll find some of the charming hotels in Puglia, many tips, and you’ll be close to the airport to head back home.
Monopoli: a perfect base for exploring Puglia
If your intention is to follow a route similar to the one we indicated above, it might be more convenient to stay in Monopoli, as it is in a more central position to reach everything quickly.
We now suggest some ideal accommodations for staying in Monopoli and enjoying the northern part of Puglia:
- B&B Al Picchio: the accommodation has an excellent location, just a 5-minute walk from the historic center, with parking facilities nearby. It offers a decent breakfast, spacious, clean, and quiet rooms, ideal for resting without noise disturbances.
- Al Rosa Antico: Just a 5-minute walk from the historic center and all the restaurants in Monopoli, this accommodation offers free parking and a typical Italian breakfast included. The studio is very well-equipped, clean, and has a very pleasant atmosphere.
- Fanfulla: this guesthouse offers well-equipped rooms with a balcony, safe, flat-screen TV, air conditioning, and a private bathroom with a shower or bathtub. We think it’s one of the best places to stay in Puglia!
Although this area has some beaches, they are not among the most beautiful in the region. If you want to vacation in places with a more beautiful sea, better look for a flight to Brindisi or take a train from Bari to Lecce.
Itria Valley: the perfect central base
The Itria Valley is, for us, one of the best areas to stay in Puglia if you want to explore the region calmly and without driving too many miles each day.
This area perfectly combines charming white towns, landscapes of olive trees and trulli, and excellent proximity to the Adriatic Sea.
Places to see in the Itria Valley
From here, it’s very easy to visit essential places like Alberobello, Locorotondo, Martina Franca, Ostuni, Monopoli, or Polignano a Mare, making it an ideal base for organizing a trip through Puglia, whether it’s your first time or you’re looking for a relaxed trip.
Additionally, it’s a perfect area for those who want to alternate cultural tourism with Puglia’s beaches, without giving up charming accommodations like masserias or traditional trulli.
If you want to stay in Alberobello, you’ll find many interesting options in the article, even some where it’s possible to sleep in the trulli!
Accommodations in the Itria Valley
Besides Alberobello, we leave you with 3 other excellent options for staying in this area:
- B&B La Stradella (Ostuni): this is a small and cozy accommodation just a few minutes’ walk from the historic center, bars, and restaurants of Ostuni. The rooms are comfortable, clean, and have private bathrooms, some with balconies. Guests highlight the host’s kindness, the breakfast with local products, and the tranquility of the place.
- Trulli Caroli (Locorotondo): this is a charming accommodation that allows you to live the typical experience of the region by staying in authentic trulli. The rooms are cozy, clean, and well-equipped. Guests highly value the quiet location, ideal if you want to disconnect.
- Casa del Maestro (Cisternino): this is one of the charming hotels in Puglia located in the historic center of Cisternino, one of the most beautiful towns in the Itria Valley. It offers cozy, clean, and tastefully decorated rooms.
Where to stay in Puglia if you’re looking for beaches: Salento (Southern area)
If the goal of your trip is primarily to see the best beaches in Puglia, the southernmost part of the region (called Salento) is the one you should choose for your vacation.
Lecce: a cultural and central base
The most important center in Salento is Lecce, a beautiful city you shouldn’t miss if you pass through here.
Even though it’s not on the coast, this city can be a good place to stay in Puglia, as it has a fairly central position in the south of the region, so from there you can reach both the eastern and western coasts, both of which are wonderful.
If you decide on this option, we’re going to provide you with many hotel ideas for where to stay in Lecce. It won’t be hard to find one to your liking!
Alternatively, there are other coastal spots you can move between to enjoy the wonderful sea of the heel region.
We’re now going to point out three other reference towns where to stay in Puglia.
If you don’t find a hotel that’s right for you, you can always look in nearby towns or ask us.
Otranto: eastern coast and must-see beaches
On the eastern coast of Salento lies Otranto, a beautiful walled town that is undoubtedly among the most beautiful in Puglia.
We’ve chosen it because it seems like a perfect base for enjoying many of the most beautiful beaches on this part of the coast and in the entire region.
Among the beaches in Otranto and the surrounding area that you can’t miss are Baia dei Turchi, Torre dell’Orso, Marina Serra, and Porto Badisco.
Plus, it’s nice to come back from the beach and be able to go for a walk and dinner at night in such a beautiful town. We loved it!
Now we leave you with three lodgings to stay in Puglia in the town of Otranto:
- Hotel Miramare: in this completely renovated and modern hotel, located right in front of Otranto’s central beach, you can only have a wonderful few days. Just a few steps from the hotel is the entrance to Otranto’s old town, so you have no excuses not to combine the beach with a visit to the town! It seems to us one of the best-rated charming hotels in Puglia!
- VENTINOVE Apartments: Excellent location, within walking distance of both the historic center and the beach. Very clean. Excellent communication and easy check-in. The apartment is spacious, modern, and fully equipped.
- B&B A Due Passi: this is a B&B with breakfast included right at the entrance of the town, where it’s possible to leave the car next to the accommodation and enjoy the historic center on foot. Don’t miss out!
Gallipoli: center and western beaches
To get to know the western part of Salento, the place we wholeheartedly recommend is the city of Gallipoli.
Like Otranto, it is another of the most beautiful towns in Puglia, with a very characteristic historic center where it’s a pleasure to stroll after returning from a day at the sea.
In addition to this, Gallipoli has an excellent location for visiting the beaches of the South-Eastern area of Puglia.
If you don’t know, we’ll tell you: this part of the coast is one of the most beautiful in the region, with beaches featuring a spectacular turquoise sea like the Maldives of Salento, Baia Verde, Punta della Suina, and Lido Pizzo, among others.
If we’ve convinced you, book one of the accommodations we suggest soon, as rooms in Gallipoli sell out very quickly!
- B&B Ghalà: this B&B has elegant and comfortable rooms in an excellent location for visiting Gallipoli and its nearby dream beaches. The hearty breakfast included in the price is served on the building’s rooftop, with a beautiful view of the sea. The value for the money is truly unbeatable!
- San Gabriele Relais: this hotel seems to us one of the best places to stay in Puglia. The accommodation stands out for the kindness and attention of its owner. It’s well-located, near a supermarket and the bar where breakfast is served. The rooms are beautiful, comfortable, and have cozy beds.
- Bed&Breakfast La Cornucopia (Via Acquedotto, 57): they offer different types of rooms, ideal for couples and families of up to four people. Raffaella, the owner, is very helpful and prepares Italian breakfasts to die for. The rooms are well-kept, clean, and super comfortable. It’s a perfect place to stay in Puglia in the Gallipoli area!
Porto Cesareo and surroundings
The north-eastern area of Puglia also has some of the best beaches in the region, and we’d say in all of Italy too!
Here the sea is truly beautiful, with a color that will surprise you with its beauty.
Torre Lapillo and Punta Prosciutto are beaches that cannot be missed during a trip through Puglia done right.
One of the best towns to stay in Puglia in this area is Porto Cesareo, a small coastal town that offers a wide selection of hotels and accommodations for all tastes.
If you arrive a bit late and don’t find lodging in this town, you can move to another like Avetrana, which is also close to the beaches.
Plus, you can save a few bucks, as it’s a less touristy municipality! That’s what we did, and it worked out great for us!
Now, we’re going to suggest some TOP lodgings in this part of the region:
- B&B L’Isola; the location in town is perfect, just a few steps from the center and the beach. The staff’s attention is excellent and, besides, they prepare a fabulous breakfast. The rooms are comfortable and very well decorated. It’s not missing a thing!
- Villa Felice: another excellent place to stay in Puglia is Villa Felice, especially if you need a fairly cheap option where nothing is missing for enjoying a great vacation.
- Mareluce B&B: this beautiful hotel offers accommodation with a shared lounge, terrace, and common kitchen. All rooms have a private bathroom with a bidet, air conditioning, flat-screen TV, and fridge. The rooms are very nice and the price is one of the cheapest in the area.
- B&B Il Gabbiano: The accommodation offers excellent, spacious, and very comfortable rooms, with attention to detail and a high level of cleanliness. They have a balcony, which provides extra light and space, and the breakfast is complete and of good quality, ideal for starting the day with energy.
Which is the best area to stay in Puglia depending on your trip
Choosing where to stay in Puglia depends a lot on the type of trip you have in mind.
If your idea is to organize a route through Puglia and visit several charming towns, the most practical thing is to base yourself in the Itria Valley (Monopoli, Polignano a Mare, or Locorotondo), as you’ll be close to many of the region’s main attractions.
If, on the other hand, your priority is Puglia’s beaches, the south of the region (Salento) is the best option, with destinations like Gallipoli, Otranto, or Porto Cesareo, ideal for combining the sea, atmosphere, and beautiful towns.
For a short trip, staying in a single well-connected base, like Monopoli or Lecce, will allow you to optimize time and travel.
For a couples’ getaway or a relaxed trip, the masserias of the Itria Valley are a perfect choice: tranquility, landscapes of olive trees, and an authentic experience away from the crowds, ideal for enjoying Puglia without rushing.
Map of the areas where to stay in Puglia
In summary, let’s visualize on a map the best areas to stay in Puglia, so you can see where each of the places we’ve talked about in this article is located.
Where to stay in Puglia: frequently asked questions
Where to stay in Puglia for a week?
If you have a week in Puglia, the ideal thing is to split your accommodation into two bases so you don’t spend too much time on the road. A very good combination is Itria Valley (Monopoli, Polignano a Mare, or Locorotondo) to explore the center of the region, and the south of Puglia (Salento area, like Ostuni, Lecce, or Otranto) to enjoy beaches and towns with more Mediterranean atmosphere. This way you can get to know the region calmly and without rushing.
Where to base yourself to explore Puglia?
The Itria Valley is the best area to base yourself if you want to explore Puglia. From here you’ll be well-connected with Alberobello, Locorotondo, Martina Franca, Monopoli, and Polignano a Mare. If you prefer a city with more services and good train connections, Monopoli or Polignano a Mare are very practical options.
Where to stay in southern Puglia?
In southern Puglia, especially in Salento, towns like Lecce stand out, perfect if you’re looking for culture and nightlife, or Otranto, ideal if you want to combine the old town and the sea. If your priority is beaches, areas like Gallipoli or Porto Cesareo are very good alternatives, especially in summer.
Where to stay in masserias in Puglia?
The masserias are concentrated mainly in the Itria Valley and around Ostuni, Fasano, and Martina Franca. They are charming rural accommodations surrounded by olive trees and countryside, ideal if you’re looking for tranquility, good food, and an authentic experience in Puglia. However, for this type of accommodation, a car is essential.
How to explore Puglia?
The best way to explore Puglia is by car, as it allows you to move freely between towns, beaches, and masserias. The train works well for connecting cities like Bari, Monopoli, Polignano a Mare, or Lecce, but for coves, small towns, and rural areas, a car makes the difference. Therefore, the ideal thing is to combine a car and well-located bases according to your itinerary.
Conclusion
Have you already chosen the best area for you to stay in Puglia? You’ve already seen that there are different and good places to stay depending on what you want to visit in the region: beaches or beautiful tourist towns.
If you need more tips to find the perfect accommodation for you, you can always leave us a comment and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!
If you want us to design your custom trip to Puglia, with routes, accommodations, and beaches included, write to us and we’ll take care of everything!
