PUGLIA ROADTRIP ITINERARY: 8 DAYS FROM BARI TO MATERA

Puglia Road Trip Itinerary: 8 Days from Bari to Matera

Puglia is one of the most charming regions in the south of Italy: whitewashed hilltop towns, dramatic cliffs over the Adriatic Sea, fairy-tale trulli houses and long dinners that never seem to end. Every time I share Puglia on Instagram, I get the same question: “Can you send me your recommendations?” So here it is, all in one place, with my usual fancy recommendations.

I spent eight days exploring Puglia, starting in Bari and travelling along the coast before heading inland to discover some of the region’s most famous villages. I also included a detour to Matera, in neighbouring Basilicata, which makes a fantastic addition to a trip through southern Italy.

If you are planning a road trip through Puglia, this itinerary will help you organise your journey, choose the best places to stay and discover some of the highlights of the region.

In this guide, I share my eight-day Puglia road trip itinerary, including Bari, Polignano a Mare, Ostuni, Alberobello, Locorotondo and Matera, together with hotel recommendations, restaurants, activities and practical tips for getting around.

Puglia Road Trip: Itinerary at a Glance

For this trip, I planned eight days, seven nights and three accommodation bases. Having three different bases meant I could explore the region without spending too much time driving back and forth.

The itinerary starts in Bari, where I spent the first two nights, before picking up a rental car and heading south along the Adriatic coast.

From there, I explored Polignano a Mare, stayed in Ostuni for three nights and visited the beautiful trulli villages of Alberobello and Locorotondo. The final part of the trip took me across the regional border into Basilicata to discover Matera.

My eight-day itinerary:

• Day 1: Arrival in Bari
• Day 2: Explore Bari and enjoy a local pasta experience
• Day 3: Polignano a Mare and drive to Ostuni
• Day 4: Beach day and explore Ostuni
• Day 5: Alberobello and Locorotondo
• Day 6: Drive from Ostuni to Matera, with a stop along the way
• Day 7: Discover Matera and the Sassi
• Day 8: Return to Bari, with an optional stop in Altamura or Giovinazzo

Good to know: Matera is not in Puglia. It belongs to Basilicata, the neighbouring region to the west. However, it is close enough to make a very worthwhile extension to a Puglia road trip.

Where to Stay During Your Puglia Road Trip

One of the most important decisions when planning a road trip is choosing the right accommodation bases. Rather than changing hotels every night, I recommend staying in a few strategic locations.

For my trip, I chose Bari, Ostuni and Matera.

Bari – 2 nights

Hotel: Il Leon d’Oro (4-star)

Bari is a convenient starting point for exploring Puglia, especially if you are flying into Bari Airport. I stayed at Il Leon d’Oro, close to the central railway station and within easy reach of the city centre.

I recommend spending at least one full day exploring Bari before picking up your rental car.

Ostuni – 3 nights

Hotel: La Terrazza Sulla Rupe Relais

Ostuni was my base for exploring the central part of Puglia. From here, you can easily visit Alberobello, Locorotondo and other traditional villages in the Valle d’Itria.

It is also a good location if you want to combine sightseeing with a relaxing day at the beach.

Matera – 2 nights

Hotel: UNA Hotels La Martella Matera (a bit far from the city center, about 15 mins by car)

For the final two nights, I stayed in Matera, in Basilicata. This allowed me to explore the historic Sassi district without rushing through the city in just a few hours.

I recommend spending at least one night in Matera, although two nights give you more time to discover the city at a relaxed pace.

Day 1: Arrival in Bari

The first day was simply about arriving in southern Italy and settling into the hotel.

I arrived in Bari in the evening, so I didn’t plan any activities for the first night. If you are arriving late, I recommend keeping your first evening free and starting your sightseeing the following morning.

Day 2: Exploring Bari, Puglia

Bari is the capital of Puglia and a great introduction to southern Italian culture.

The historic centre, known as Bari Vecchia, is one of the most interesting parts of the city. Its narrow streets, traditional architecture and lively atmosphere make it a lovely place to explore on foot.

One experience I particularly recommend adding to your itinerary is a local pasta-making experience.

Bari Pasta Experience

I booked a pasta experience walking tour, which is a great way to discover some of the local food traditions.

Puglia is particularly famous for its orecchiette, a small ear-shaped pasta traditionally prepared by hand. You will often see local women making fresh pasta in the streets of Bari Vecchia.

It is one of those experiences that allows you to discover a destination beyond its main tourist attractions.

My recommendation: Book your pasta experience in advance, especially during the busier travel months.

Where to eat in Bari

For dinner, I had planned La Uacezze.

Bari is also an excellent place to discover traditional Apulian cuisine, particularly fresh seafood, handmade pasta and local specialities.

Day 3: Polignano a Mare and the Drive to Ostuni

On the third day, it was time to pick up the rental car and start the road trip.

I collected the car at Bari Airport (Karol Wojtyła Airport) with Centauro. From there, I drove south towards Polignano a Mare, one of the most picturesque coastal towns in Puglia.

Polignano a Mare

Polignano a Mare is famous for its spectacular position above the Adriatic Sea. The historic centre sits on limestone cliffs, with beautiful views over the turquoise water.

One of its most recognisable spots is Lama Monachile, a small beach nestled between the cliffs right next to the old town.

It is worth taking some time to walk through the historic centre, explore its little streets and enjoy the coastal views.

My tip: Don’t leave without trying a sea focaccia near Lama Monachile. It is a lovely local food stop while exploring the town.

Lunch at Da Tuccino

For lunch, I planned a stop at Da Tuccino, a restaurant in the Polignano a Mare area.

If you enjoy seafood, this is a restaurant worth adding to your list when planning your visit.

Boat Tour along the Coast

One of the experiences I included in my itinerary was a two-hour private boat tour departing from Cala Ponte Marina.

The tour included aperitifs and was booked for €40 at the time of my trip.

Seeing the coastline from the water is a different way to appreciate Polignano a Mare, especially its impressive cliffs and sea caves.

I would definitely consider adding a boat trip to your itinerary if you have the time.

Drive to Ostuni

After exploring Polignano a Mare, I continued towards Ostuni, where I stayed for the next three nights at La Terrazza Sulla Rupe Relais.

Day 4: Ostuni, the White City and the Adriatic Coast

Ostuni is one of the most recognisable towns in Puglia, famous for its whitewashed buildings and historic centre perched on a hill overlooking the surrounding countryside.

It is often called the White City, and it is easy to understand why. The white façades, narrow streets and little squares give the town a very distinctive character.

I recommend allowing enough time to explore the historic centre on foot rather than simply stopping for a quick photograph.

Beach Day at Lido Onda Blu

One of the things I wanted to include in this road trip was some time by the sea.

Puglia has a beautiful coastline, and the area around Ostuni offers several beach clubs and seaside spots where you can spend a relaxing afternoon.

I booked a beach chair at Lido Onda Blu for €27.24 at the time of booking.

If you are visiting during summer, I recommend planning at least one beach day into your itinerary. After several days of sightseeing, it is nice to slow down and enjoy the Adriatic coast.

Exploring Ostuni Old Town

In the afternoon, I headed to the historic centre of Ostuni.

The best way to explore is simply to walk around and discover its little streets, whitewashed houses and viewpoints.

For parking, I recommend using Ostuni Central Parking and continuing on foot towards the old town.

Where to Eat in Ostuni

For dinner, I had Osteria Piazzeta Cattedrale on my list.

Other food stops worth saving for your visit include:

• Borgo Antico Bistrot: A place to add to your restaurant list when exploring the historic centre.
• Burro Cafe: An option for brunch or a coffee break.

Day 5: Alberobello and Locorotondo – Discovering the Trulli Villages

One of the highlights of a road trip through Puglia is discovering the traditional villages of the Valle d’Itria.

On this day, I planned a day trip from Ostuni to Alberobello and Locorotondo.

Alberobello

Alberobello is probably one of the most famous destinations in Puglia, known for its traditional trulli houses.

These distinctive white stone buildings have conical roofs and are unlike anything you will find in most other parts of Italy.

The historic centre is particularly interesting, with entire streets lined with these traditional houses.

I recommend taking your time to walk through the different areas and explore beyond the busiest streets.

Parking: Parcheggio Via 7 Liberatori is a convenient option when visiting Alberobello by car.

Locorotondo

After Alberobello, continue to Locorotondo, another beautiful village in the Valle d’Itria.

Locorotondo is known for its circular historic centre, white houses and charming streets. It is a lovely place to wander around and enjoy a slower afternoon.

Both Alberobello and Locorotondo can be visited on the same day from Ostuni, making them an excellent combination for a road trip.

Dinner at Masseria Il Frantoio

For dinner, I planned Masseria Il Frantoio, close to Ostuni.

Masserias are traditional Apulian farmhouses, many of which have been transformed into restaurants, boutique hotels and countryside retreats.

They are an interesting way to experience another side of Puglia, beyond its coastal towns and historic centres.

Usually they have a set menu which requires reservations in advance.

Day 6: From Ostuni to Matera – Crossing into Basilicata

After exploring the main highlights around Ostuni, it was time to continue towards Matera.

Although Matera is not technically in Puglia, I would strongly recommend including it if you have seven or eight days for your road trip.

The city is located in Basilicata, the neighbouring region, and offers a completely different atmosphere from the coastal towns of Puglia.

Stops along the way: Cisternino and Ceglie Messapica

If you have some extra time, you can break up the drive with a stop in Cisternino or Ceglie Messapica (gastronomic capital of Puglia).

Both are beautiful towns in the Valle d’Itria and offer another opportunity to discover the architecture and atmosphere of this part of southern Italy.

You could also simply head directly towards Matera, depending on your schedule.

Arriving in Matera

After arriving in Matera, I checked into UNA Hotels La Martella Matera before heading out to explore the city.

Matera is famous for its Sassi, an extraordinary historic district consisting of ancient cave dwellings carved into the rock.

It is one of the most distinctive places in Italy and a destination that deserves more than just a quick stop on a road trip.

For dinner, I had La Nicchia nel Sasso Osteria Contemporanea on my list.

Day 7: Matera and the Sassi

Matera is one of the most fascinating destinations in southern Italy and one of the oldest cities in the world.

The city is famous for its Sassi di Matera, a historic settlement of cave houses, churches and buildings carved into the limestone rock.

Walking through the old town feels very different from visiting the traditional villages of Puglia. The landscape, architecture and history make Matera a destination in its own right.

Exploring the Sassi of Matera

I recommend allowing a full day to explore Matera at your own pace.

The Sassi districts, Sasso Caveoso and Sasso Barisano, are the main areas to discover. You will find narrow streets, viewpoints, cave dwellings and impressive examples of historic architecture.

One of the best ways to understand the history of the city is to join a guided walking tour.

Guided Walking Tour of Matera

I included a two-hour guided walking tour of the Sassi in my itinerary, booked for €30 at the time.

I recommend considering a guided visit because Matera has a fascinating history that is not always immediately apparent when exploring independently.

You can then spend the rest of the day wandering around, stopping for a coffee or enjoying the views.

Where to Eat in Matera

For dinner, you absolutely need to include Baccanti, a Michelin guide restaurant set in a beautiful cave serving local specialities.

Day 8: Matera to Bari – The Return Journey

On the final day, it was time to drive back towards Bari Airport.

Rather than driving directly back, you can use the journey to explore another town in Basilicata or Puglia, depending on how much time you have before your flight.

Optional stops: Altamura or Gravina in Puglia

Altamura is a lovely option if you want to discover another traditional town before returning to Bari.

Alternatively, you can consider Gravina in Puglia, known for its dramatic landscape and historic setting.

If you have enough time, you could also make a final stop along the coast in Giovinazzo before returning the rental car.

I returned the car at Bari Airport, where the road trip came to an end.

Practical Tips for Planning a Puglia Road Trip

Before organising your own trip, there are a few practical things worth considering.

How to get to Puglia

The easiest way to start this itinerary is by flying into Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport.

Bari is a convenient starting point for exploring the region and has good connections to several European destinations.

I recommend comparing flight options before booking and checking whether a return flight from Bari works best for your itinerary.

Renting a Car in Puglia

For this itinerary, renting a car is the most convenient option.

Although Bari itself is easy to explore without a car, having your own vehicle gives you much more flexibility when visiting the smaller towns and villages.

I collected my rental car at Bari Airport on day three and returned it there on the final day.

I booked with Centauro.

My recommendation is to compare rental companies carefully, check the insurance conditions and make sure you understand the deposit and fuel policies before collecting the car.

Parking in Puglia

Parking in the historic centres can be challenging, particularly during the busy summer months.

For this itinerary, these are the parking options I saved:

• Polignano a Mare: Parcheggio Marco Polo or Parcheggio Pugliamare.
• Ostuni: Ostuni Central Parking.
• Alberobello: Parcheggio Via 7 Liberatori.

Always check the parking restrictions and walking distance to the historic centre before arriving.

How Many Days Do You Need in Puglia?

I would recommend allowing at least seven to eight days if you want to explore Puglia at a comfortable pace and include Matera.

With fewer days, you can focus on Bari, Polignano a Mare, Ostuni and Alberobello.

If you have more time, you can extend your trip further south to discover additional coastal towns and beaches.

Where to Book Tours and Experiences

Some experiences are worth organising in advance, particularly during the summer.

For this itinerary, I recommend looking into:

• A pasta-making experience in Bari.
• A private boat tour along the coast of Polignano a Mare.
• A beach club reservation around Ostuni.
• A guided walking tour of Matera.

You can compare available activities through GetYourGuide.

Final Thoughts: Is a Puglia Road Trip Worth It?

Absolutely! Puglia is a wonderful destination for anyone who enjoys exploring Italy independently.

What makes this part of southern Italy so interesting is the variety of experiences you can combine in a single trip. You can spend the morning exploring a historic town, have lunch by the sea, discover traditional villages in the afternoon and finish the day with a lovely Italian dinner.

I particularly recommend combining the coastal towns with the inland villages of the Valle d’Itria. And if you have enough time, don’t miss the opportunity to include Matera in neighbouring Basilicata.

Eight days is a good amount of time to discover some of the highlights without making the road trip feel too rushed.

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your own journey through southern Italy!

Looking for a tailor-made trip?

If you would like a personalised itinerary for Puglia or another destination, I also offer a Trave Planning Service. I can help you plan your route, find accommodation, select restaurants and discover experiences that suit your travel style, dates and budget.

Discover my Travel Planning Service

Travel Resources in Puglia

Useful links
Finding flights to Bari: Skyscanner is a useful platform for comparing flights, exploring different dates and discovering alternative routes.
Renting a car in Italy: Sixt offers a wide range of vehicles and is useful to compare different itinerary options.
Tours and experiences: a local guide, a food tour or a carefully selected excursion can give you a different perspective on a destination. Check Viator or GetYourGuide.
Travel insurance: unexpected situations can happen even on the best-planned journeys. Take a look at Allianz Travel or Iati Seguros.
Need help planning your trip to Puglia: I offer personalised travel planning. Just contact me so that we can prepare a tailormade plan for your trip. See the Travel Advisor Service.

I hope this guide helps you plan your own Puglia road trip! Puglia is one of those places that stays with you, and Matera is a bonus you will not forget. Make sure to save and share this post, and let me know your thoughts in the comments. 😉