Puglia is one of Italy's most beautiful regions — and one of the most difficult to explore without a car. Public transport connects the major cities, but the whitewashed villages, traditional masserie, hidden coves, and trulli can only be reached on four wheels.
In this guide, we propose a 7-day Puglia car itinerary starting from Brindisi Airport: a route designed for those who want to see the best of the region without rushing, with reasonable daily mileage and practical driving tips.
Day 1 — Brindisi: The Port, Roman Columns, and Old Town
You land in Brindisi, pick up your car at the P9 parking lot, and still have the whole day ahead of you. Brindisi is often skipped by tourists, but it deserves at least half a day.
Not to be missed: The Roman Columns on the seafront (symbolizing the end of the Appian Way), the Swabian Castle, and the historic center with its narrow alleys. Dinner with local products: orecchiette pasta, octopus, and Primitivo wine.
- Distance: 0 km (base in Brindisi)
- Recommended parking: Historic center, Piazza Cairoli area."
Day 2 — Ostuni: The White City
Only 35 km from Brindisi, Ostuni is one of Italy’s most photographed villages. The white houses climbing the hill, the Gothic cathedral, narrow alleys, and views over the Itria Valley are unmissable
Set off early to avoid the crowds (especially in summer). In the afternoon, head to the coast to visit the Torre Guaceto Nature Reserve, about 15 km away.
- Distance: ~50 km
- Driving time: ~40 minutes.
Day 3 — Locorotondo and Alberobello: The Trulli
Today you enter the heart of the Itria Valley. First stop: Locorotondo, a circular village with white houses and flower-filled balconies. Then Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its trulli — unique stone houses with conical roofs.
Tip: Visit Alberobello very early (before 9 AM) or late in the evening. During the day, especially in summer, it gets very crowded.
- Distance: ~70 km from Ostuni
- Driving time: ~1 hour.
Day 4 — Matera (Basilicata): The Sassi
About 100 km from Alberobello lies Matera, in the Basilicata region — European Capital of Culture 2019. The Sassi di Matera are a unique experience: ancient cave dwellings carved into the rock, now transformed into hotels, restaurants, and museums.
A small detour outside of Puglia that is absolutely worth the trip. Allow at least 4-5 hours to explore the city.
- Distance: ~100 km
- Driving time: ~1 hour 20 minutes."
Day 5 — Lecce: The Puglian Baroque
Return to Puglia for Lecce, known as the 'Florence of the South.' The historic center is a jewel of Baroque architecture: Piazza del Duomo, the Basilica of Santa Croce, and streets lined with churches, palaces, and literary cafés.
Lecce is also great for artisanal shopping: cartapesta (paper-mâché) is a unique local tradition. End the day with a pasticciotto pastry and a 'Caffè Leccese' for dessert.
- Distance: ~120 km from Matera
- Driving time: ~1 hour 30 minutes.
Day 6 — Otranto and Salento
From Capo d’Otranto, the easternmost point of Italy, you can see Albania on clear days. The Angevin Castle, the Cathedral with its medieval floor mosaic (one of the largest in Europe), and crystal-clear waters make Otranto an essential stop.
In the afternoon, choose your beach: Baia dei Turchi, Torre dell’Orso, or Porto Selvaggio. Salento’s sea is among the most beautiful in Italy.
- Distance: ~45 km from Lecce
- Driving time: ~40 minutes.
Day 7 — Return to Brindisi (or Bari)
The last day is flexible: you can fly out of Brindisi (heading back north along the Adriatic coast) or drop off the car in Bari if your return flight departs from there.
With Puglia by Car, the one-way service is included: pick up in Brindisi and drop off in Bari at no extra cost. Perfect for completing your loop without driving back.
- Distance: ~100 km to Bari, ~70 km to Brindisi.
Practical Tips for Driving in Puglia
- ZTL in historic centers: Many villages (Ostuni, Lecce, Alberobello) have Limited Traffic Zones (ZTL). Park outside these areas and continue on foot.
- Secondary roads: Some rural roads are narrow. A city car or a compact sedan is ideal for this itinerary.
- High season: In July and August, coastal roads get very busy. Set off early in the morning and use the lunch break to travel between locations.
- GPS: Outside urban centers, the signal can be weak. Download offline maps (Google Maps or Maps.me) before you set off.
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