Published 7th Feb. 2025
Reading time
Sitting pretty on the heel of mainland Italy, Puglia boasts rugged coastlines, turquoise waters and sprawling countryside dotted with olive groves and orchards. And, as if that’s not inviting enough, Puglia is home to numerous postcard-perfect villages that perfectly encapsulate ‘la dolce vita’ (the sweet life). Whether you’d like to learn about age-old culinary traditions, admire medieval architectural masterpieces or simply wander through the cobbled streets in the sunshine, Puglia’s got you covered. Feeling inspired? Read on for our rundown of the most beautiful villages in Puglia…
1
Does the name sound familiar? We’ll give you a clue: picture a sleek Aston Martin winding along a coastal road, before cruising into a picturesque white-stone city set in the emerald Italian countryside. Yes, that’s right – Matera was the setting for the 2021 James Bond film No Time To Die. This seriously romantic village boasts sun-soaked buildings and a spaghetti bowl of cobblestone streets perfect for a high-speed car chase (though hopefully you won’t be doing any of that). Matera is also a big hit among history buffs keen to admire the Sassi Rock Churches, which are made up of incredible monasteries, houses and cisterns built in limestone rock since the Middle Ages. If it’s good enough for Bond, it’s certainly good enough for us.
Image by ronnybas/stock.adobe.com.
2
Next up on our list of the most beautiful villages in Puglia is Polignano a Mare, a pocket-sized coastal village perched precariously on the edge of rugged sandstone cliffs. Overlooking the aquamarine waters of the Valle d'Itria coast are a network of chalky white buildings that house everything from quaint seafood restaurants and boutique hotels to Romanesque churches and vibrant art museums. The village is also home to Lama Monachile beach, a tiny pebbly cove framed by the dramatic Ponte Borbonico di Lama Monachile bridge. To truly experience the village’s beauty (away from any peak season crowds), we recommend a private boat trip to admire the crystalline turquoise waters, earth-toned cliffs, and dramatic sea caves punctuating Polignano’s captivating coastline.
Image by Lucy Laucht.
3
Characterised by idyllic white-washed houses dotted up the hillside, Ostuni boasts beautiful details on every corner. Think pink roses lolling out of wood-framed windows, baby-blue Vespas lining cobbled streets and artisan markets selling handcrafted ceramics. Ostuni also features incredible historic sites, including a Gothic white stone cathedral and a Baroque church, which are best explored alongside a local guide.
Image by Bogdan Dada / Unsplash.
4
As well as being one of the most beautiful villages in Puglia, Alberobello is also one of the most distinctive. The village features a vast collection of trulli houses: whitewashed cottages with a conical roof that transform this Italian landscape into a fairytale scene. The tiny trulli houses have been standing since the 16th century (we have to hand it to those medieval architects), and their distinctive look and historical significance led to Alberobello being declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1996.
Image by Nuria Val/Coke Bartrina.
5
Tucked away in the heart of rural Puglia is the pretty village of Conversano. Punctuated by olive groves and fruit-tree orchards, Conversano has retained its medieval beauty and deep-rooted traditions, making it one of the best towns in Puglia to experience traditional Italian life. After a relaxing few hours exploring the village, we recommend you visit a masseria (fortified farmhouse) in the heart of the surrounding countryside. Here, you can learn about local culinary traditions during a hands-on cooking class, such as ancient Italian culinary techniques and the history of family recipes.
Image by milla1974 / Getty Images.
6
If you like a wander through a pretty city, then Lecce is the place to be, as this gorgeous town is chock-full of winding streets and pretty squares. While not technically a village, we couldn’t resist sneaking it onto our list of our favourite villages in Puglia. Lecce grew exponentially in the 16th century, leading to the development of a Baroque architectural style and the building of over 40 churches. In the daytime, stroll through the squares and admire the traditional buildings before stopping in a café for a pasticciotto, a traditional pastry filled with a perfectly sweet vanilla cream. Once night falls, the village lights up, so head to Lecce Cathedral in the Piazza del Duomo to admire its intricate façade as it's illuminated in the warm glow of the lights.
Image by EunikaSopotnicka / Getty Images.
Written by Emma Begley | Header image by Lucy Laucht.
Italy is a holiday hotspot (for good reason), so our help in navigating the crowds is invaluable. From snapping up hard-to-come-by Vatican tickets (at the quietest times of day) to organising an archaeologist to guide you around Pompeii, our consultants have the insider intel to make your trip unforgettable. Stuck on where to stay? Our vetted accommodation options range from family-run ‘trullis’ in Puglia to big-name hotels in Venice. So, whether you're an adventurous family or a couple on a romantic retreat, we can find the version of Italy to suit you.
ENQUIRE NOWPractical advice and inspiration for your next trip
Masserie are deeply rooted in Puglia’s history and culture. For centuries, these agricultural estates have shaped the lives of local people and withstood periods of intense socioeconomic transformation. The land and the farmhouses are so intrinsically linked, it’s hard to imagine spending time in Puglia, or to get a true feel for the heart and soul of the region, without exploring all that a masseria stay has to offer.
6th March 2026 - Italy Travel Inspiration
Slow down, take in the spectacular scenery, and savour the unhurried pace of life around the Italian Lakes. The lakes were made by glaciers retreating at the end of the last ice age and have been a popular destination since the Romans were in power, so the region has a rich history. Add in the landscapes, nature and the charm of the towns and villages, and you’ve got a recipe for relaxation. Here, our Italy expert, Valeria, runs through what you can do at the lakes and how to plan your trip.
18th February 2026 - Italy Travel Inspiration
The Dolomites in winter are pure magic, with snow-dusted summits, rosy alpenglow and villages that look straight out of a fairytale. When the crowds thin and the mountains put on their white coats, this UNESCO-listed range transforms into one of Europe’s most breathtaking cold-weather destinations. Beyond its world-class slopes, the Dolomites invites you to hike along alpine trails, sip hot chocolate in mountain huts and watch sunsets paint jagged peaks.
2nd February 2026 - Italy Travel Inspiration
Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
