Discover the charm, beauty, and hidden gems of Italy’s southern coastal region
Puglia — the “heel” of Italy’s boot — is one of the country’s most enchanting regions. With its sun-washed coastline, olive-grove landscapes, rich history, and irresistible cuisine, it’s no wonder travelers fall in love with this corner of Italy.
While Polignano a Mare often steals the spotlight thanks to its dramatic cliffside views, there are many equally stunning towns in Puglia that remain under the radar. From whitewashed hilltop villages to seaside gems and Baroque masterpieces, these towns offer unforgettable experiences away from the crowds.
Here are the Top 10 Prettiest Towns in Puglia — perfect for your bucket list.
1. Ostuni – The White City of Puglia
Often called “La Città Bianca,” Ostuni is instantly recognizable for its whitewashed buildings that shimmer in the Mediterranean light. Perched on a hilltop, this magical town offers panoramic views of olive groves reaching toward the Adriatic Sea.
Wandering through Ostuni’s labyrinth of narrow alleys feels like stepping into a postcard. Charming cafés, artisan shops, and hidden piazzas make every walk a discovery. The town’s cathedral, with its rose window and Gothic facade, is a highlight — and sunset from the old city walls is unforgettable.
👉 Best for: Architecture lovers, romantic strolls, photo enthusiasts.
2. Alberobello – Land of Trulli Houses
Alberobello is one of Puglia’s most iconic destinations — and for good reason. This UNESCO World Heritage town is famed for its trulli: unique white stone huts topped with conical roofs. These fairy-tale homes are unlike anything else in Italy.
The Rione Monti and Aia Piccola districts are the best places to explore trulli lanes, many of which now house shops, cafés, and small museums. Alberobello feels like a storybook village, nearly magical in its architecture and atmosphere.
👉 Best for: Unique architecture, UNESCO heritage sites, family travel.
3. Lecce – The Baroque Jewel of the South
Known as The Florence of the South, Lecce is famous for its richly decorated Baroque architecture. The city’s honey-colored stone buildings glow in the warm Puglian sun, and its ornate churches, palaces, and piazzas are some of Italy’s most impressive.
Don’t miss the Basilica di Santa Croce with its sculpted facade, or the Roman amphitheater in the Piazza Sant’Oronzo. Lecce’s lively streets are filled with artisans, wine bars, and gelaterias — perfect for exploring on foot.
👉 Best for: History buffs, art lovers, Baroque architecture fans.
4. Monopoli – Charming Seaside Elegance
Just south of Polignano a Mare, Monopoli is a lesser-known seaside treasure with a beautiful historic center, bustling old port, and sparkling waterfront.
The old town’s maze of streets leads to elegant churches, lively piazzas, and waterfront views that rival its more famous neighbor. Spend a morning browsing the fish market, then relax with seafood pasta by the sea.
👉 Best for: Seaside dinners, authentic local life, coastal beauty.
5. Martina Franca – Baroque Beauty in the Valle d’Itria
Tucked in the scenic Valle d’Itria, Martina Franca is another Baroque gem, similar in elegance to Lecce but with a quieter, more intimate vibe.
The old town features graceful palaces, beautiful churches, and elegant arcades. Piazza Roma is a striking Baroque square perfect for people-watching. Martina Franca also hosts one of Italy’s most respected opera festivals — the Festival della Valle d’Itria.
👉 Best for: Culture lovers, Baroque architecture, quiet charm.
6. Gallipoli – Ancient Port on the Ionian Sea
On Puglia’s southwest coast lies Gallipoli, an ancient port town that’s been shaped by Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Normans. The old town is located on an island connected to the mainland by a stone bridge — and its seaside views are breathtaking.
Gallipoli’s historic center is filled with narrow streets to explore, seaside fortifications to admire, and beach clubs stretching along the shoreline. Fresh seafood is a must-try here, especially the local specialty of fried small fish.
👉 Best for: Beaches, history, seaside ambience.
7. Cisternino – One of Italy’s “Most Beautiful Villages”
Perched above olive groves and vineyards, Cisternino is a hilltop town with a medieval heart. Its beautiful old town is compact and delightful, with whitewashed houses cascading down the hillside.
The culinary highlight here is the “fornelli pronti” — small butcher shops where you choose your meat and they grill it for you right there. It’s a simple pleasure that locals and visitors alike love.
👉 Best for: Authentic Italian villages, food lovers, slow travel.
8. Castro – Dramatic Cliffs and Hidden Coves
Less known than many other Puglian towns, Castro is a dramatic seaside village with clifftop views and hidden coves perfect for swimming. The coastline around Castro is rugged and stunning, with crystal-clear waters that call to snorkelers and swimmers.
Explore the old town’s narrow lanes before heading down to small beach coves, or visit the Grotta Zinzulusa — one of Italy’s most impressive sea caves.
👉 Best for: Nature lovers, swimming, cliffside sunset views.
9. Brindisi – Historic Port with Roman Roots
Brindisi is one of Puglia’s oldest ports and an important gateway to Greece and the Eastern Mediterranean. Its historic core is filled with Roman ruins, medieval squares, and seaside promenades.
The Colonne Romane — two massive Roman columns marking the ancient end of the Appian Way — are one of the city’s most iconic symbols. Brindisi’s harbor area is perfect for a relaxed evening stroll.
👉 Best for: History, seaside walks, ancient sites.
10. Trani – Elegant Waterfront and Norman Cathedral
Located on the Adriatic coast, Trani is elegant, peaceful, and impossibly charming. The town’s jewel is the Cathedral of San Nicola Pellegrino, a Romanesque masterpiece that stands right by the sea — creating one of Puglia’s most photographed views.
Trani’s harbor is filled with fishing boats and lined with cafés, making it an ideal place to enjoy a glass of local wine while watching the sunset over the water.
👉 Best for: Waterfront views, Romanesque architecture, relaxed evenings.
What Makes Puglia So Special?
Puglia stands out from other Italian regions for its unspoiled authenticity. Here are a few reasons travelers fall in love with its towns:
✧ Diverse Landscapes
From rugged cliffs to pristine beaches, rolling olive groves to Baroque cities — Puglia offers stunning variety.
✧ Rich History
Centuries of Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Norman, and Spanish influence have shaped its architecture, food, and culture.
✧ Incredible Food
Puglia is known for orecchiette pasta, mozzarella di bufala, fresh seafood, and rich olive oil — all rooted in tradition.
✧ Warm Hospitality
Smaller towns often mean more personal experiences, with locals eager to share traditions and culinary secrets.
Best Time to Visit Puglia
The best months to explore Puglia are May, June, September, and October — when the weather is warm, crowds are smaller, and sea temperatures are perfect for swimming. July and August can be busy, especially in coastal towns.
Tips for Exploring Puglia’s Towns
✔ Rent a car for the most flexibility — many beautiful towns are easier to reach by road.
✔ Stay in a masseria (traditional country estate) for a unique experience.
✔ Try local wines like Primitivo and Negroamaro.
✔ Go off the beaten path — some of the prettiest spots are hidden down side streets and coastal coves.
Final Thoughts
While Polignano a Mare is undeniably beautiful, Puglia’s charm doesn’t end there. From hilltop gems like Cisternino to Baroque masterpieces like Lecce, and seaside wonders like Trani, this region is packed with postcard-perfect towns that deserve a place on your travel list.
Whether you’re planning a first trip to Southern Italy or returning to explore deeper, these Top 10 Prettiest Towns in Puglia offer unforgettable beauty, history, culture, and heart.
