Italy

Most Beautiful Villages in Puglia

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. Matera
  2. Polignano a Mare
  3. Ostuni
  4. Alberobello
  5. Conversano
  6. Lecce

1

Matera 

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. 

Flowers overlooking Matera

Image by ronnybas/stock.adobe.com.

 

2

Polignano a Mare

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.

Beach in Polignano a Mare

Image by Lucy Laucht.

 

3

Ostuni

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. 

Street in Ostuni

Image by Bogdan Dada / Unsplash.

 

4

Alberobello

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.

Alberobello

Image by Nuria Val/Coke Bartrina.

 

5

Conversano

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.

Archway in Conversano

Image by milla1974 / Getty Images.

 

6

Lecce

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.

Buildings in Lecce

Image by EunikaSopotnicka / Getty Images.

 

Written by Emma Begley | Header image by Lucy Laucht.

Why visit Italy with Original Travel ?

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 NOW

A few of the benefits of travelling with us to Italy

  • Our local Concierges
  • The Original Travel app
  • Airport lounge access
  • Destination Dossier
  • 24-hour helpline
  • Expert guides
  • 100% carbon absorption

You might also like

Practical advice and inspiration for your next trip

Reasons to Visit Italy in May

With its iconic landmarks, stunning scenery and famously delicious cuisine, Italy has long ranked as one of our all-time favourite destinations. This Mediterranean

Reasons to Visit Italy in September

Dodge the summer surge and enjoy a holiday to Italy in September. Scale the dramatic Dolomites in the refreshing autumn air, raise your glass in the Tuscan

Most Beautiful Islands in Italy

Italy’s marvellous mainland is high on every traveller’s bucket list (and rightly so). But did you know that there are around 450 islands in Italy? Whether you’re searching for otherworldly beaches,

See all our Italy blog articles

100% tailor-made holidays

Understanding Your Needs

Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday

Personalisation

We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities

Our Services

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