A Summer Family Trip to Puglia, Southern Italy
Puglia, in the very south of Italy, had been on our list for a long time – and last summer, we finally made it happen. We travelled as two families, together with close friends we’ve been on holiday with several times before, which made the trip even more special.
We flew from Copenhagen to Bari with Ryanair, an easy and convenient route. From there, we picked up a car and drove to our holiday home, located just outside Locorotondo. We travelled in July, and it was hot – properly hot – so a small but important tip right from the start:
👉 Book accommodation with air conditioning and always bring water on your day trips.
Because of the heat, we quickly fell into a lovely rhythm: excursions in the morning or afternoon, and quiet time by the pool during the middle of the day, when the sun was at its strongest.
Taranto – History, Shopping and a Relaxed Lunch
Our first excursion took us to Taranto, a beautiful coastal city with a slightly different feel compared to the more well-known towns in Puglia.
We wandered through the city, did a bit of shopping, and enjoyed a relaxed lunch at a small pavement restaurant, which was perfect in the heat. One thing to keep in mind here (and in much of southern Italy) is to check shop opening hours, as many places close during siesta due to the high temperatures.
We also visited the fort by the water Castello Aragonese. Castello Aragonese, located right by the water, is one of Taranto’s most recognisable landmarks. The impressive fortress dates back to the 15th century and offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s long and strategic history. Walking around the castle and along the waterfront nearby is well worth it, and the views over the sea make it an especially atmospheric stop on a warm day. Taranto felt authentic and lived-in, and it was a lovely introduction to the region.
Alberobello – Walking Among the Trulli
One of the absolute highlights of the trip was Alberobello. Seeing the famous trulli houses in real life was a huge experience – the whitewashed buildings with their conical stone roofs are even more charming than in photos.
We spent hours simply walking through the narrow streets, exploring corners, taking photos, and soaking in the atmosphere. Despite being a popular destination, it still felt magical and not as crowded as you would think.
We stopped for lunch at a lovely restaurant, and were very grateful that it had air conditioning indoors, as the midday heat was intense. Alberobello is truly unique and not to be missed when visiting Puglia.
Monopoli – An Evening Full of Atmosphere
On Saturday evening, we headed to Monopoli, and it completely stole our hearts.
The old harbour, with small blue boats floating quietly on the water, is incredibly picturesque. We walked along the water by the old fort-like walls, before heading into the historic centre.
Inside the town, we found narrow streets, small squares and endless charm. We were even lucky enough to witness a wedding celebration on the main square, which added to the magical atmosphere.
We also managed to get a table at a very cosy restaurant on one of the town squares, which felt like pure holiday luck. Monopoli has plenty of great dining options, especially around the old town and near the harbour, and it’s a perfect place for an evening out.
Polignano a Mare – Dramatic Views and Seaside Life
On our final day, we visited Polignano a Mare, and what a stunning place it is.
The dramatic cliffs, the turquoise water, and the famous beach scene make this town truly unforgettable. Locals were relaxing on the beach, while we wandered through the town, enjoying the views and stopping for lunch in the centre.
Once again: bring water. In July, the heat here is strong, especially with the sun reflecting off the white buildings and stone streets.
Final Thoughts on Puglia
All in all, we had an absolutely fantastic trip. Southern Italy feels very different from the north – more relaxed, more raw, and full of character. Puglia is every bit as worth visiting, and travelling with friends made it even better.
With beautiful towns, incredible food, and a slower pace of life, Puglia is a destination we would happily return to.
Where to Stay in Puglia – Accommodation Suggestions
Unfortunately, the house we stayed in is no longer available to book, but here are some lovely alternative options in the area.
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Trulli Alfieri (Alberobello) – Stay in authentic trulli houses right in the heart of town
👉 View current availabily and prices here -
Masseria San Michele (near Monopoli) – Traditional countryside stay with pool and character
👉 Check availability and prices here. -
Masseria Torre Coccaro (Savelletri) – Luxury masseria close to the coast
👉 See available rooms and book your stay here. -
Villa Ostuni (Monopoli area) – An entire villa just for you
👉 View current availability and rates here -
Hermanas Relais – Trulli Luxury is a beautifully restored trulli accommodation located in the heart of Alberobello.
This post contains affiliate links. That means I may earn a small commission if you book through one of my links – at no extra cost to you.
