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Puglia & Matera: 7-Day Plan You Can Actually Drive

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The 7-day version for May: every day fits real transit, opening hours and daylight. Prefer more or fewer days? 5-day plan · 6-day plan · 7-day plan · best time to go.

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7
days
260 km
distance
10.4 h
driving
38
curated stops

💡 Good to know for this plan

Day 1 Bari

6 curated stops
Transit
0h48
Finish
~16:45
Temperature
14.2°C–22.9°C
Rainy days
~5
Daylight
14.3h
09:00
Bari Cathedral read more map ↗
Admire the baroque refurbishment of this ancient Roman church.
50 min · Bari · Free
10:00
Basilica of Saint Nicholas search map ↗
Gaze at the gold ceiling and medieval cathedra in this Romanic church.
50 min · Bari
11:00
Enjoy world-class prose, opera, ballet, or classical music performances.
90 min · Bari
12:45
Castello normanno-svevo search
Explore the historic fortress built and rebuilt by kings and emperors.
50 min · Bari
13:50
Chiesa di Sant’Anna search
Discover this church that once served as a grand synagogue.
50 min · Bari
14:55
Church of Santa Chiara search
Behold the elegant Baroque curves of this reconstructed church.
50 min · Bari · Free
15:45
Venezia 40 search map ↗
Enjoy hearty panzerotti at this casual eatery.
60 min · Bari
Overnight here
e.g. Hotel Oriente Bari · Olive Tree hostel

Day 2 Alberobello

2 curated stops
Transit
1h10
Finish
~11:55
Temperature
17.0°C–20.4°C
Rainy days
~6
Daylight
14.3h
10:05
Church Matrice read more map ↗
You will find the Saints Cosmas and Damian Church, the parish church of Alberobello, with historic architecture and art.
50 min · Alberobello
11:05
Trullo Sovrano trullosovrano.eu map ↗
You will see a distinctive conical stone dwelling with a circular door, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
50 min · Alberobello
Overnight here
e.g. Hotel Astoria · Mariemonti

Day 3 Matera

6 curated stops
Transit
2h07
Finish
~17:50
Temperature
14.0°C–22.8°C
Rainy days
~6
Daylight
14.3h
10:35
Sassi di Matera read more map ↗
Explore ancient cave dwellings carved into limestone, offering a glimpse into millennia of human habitation.
50 min · Matera
11:35
Church of San Giovanni Battista read more map ↗
Explore this stunning example of Apulian Romanesque architecture dedicated to Saint John the Baptist.
50 min · Matera
12:35
Matera Cathedral read more map ↗
Marvel at the towering spire dominating the historic skyline.
50 min · Matera
13:35
San Pietro Caveoso read more map ↗
Admire the baroque facade with its three grand portals in the heart of the Sassi.
50 min · Matera
14:35
Belvedere di Murgia Timone search map ↗
Hike scenic trails for breathtaking views of Matera's landscape.
90 min · Matera
16:20
Park of the Rupestrian Churches of Matera search
Wander ancient rock churches and dramatic limestone ravines.
90 min · Matera
Overnight here
e.g. Hotel Il Belvedere · Sant'Angelo Luxury Resort

Day 4 Ostuni

2 curated stops
Transit
2h47
Finish
~15:10
Temperature
14.2°C–23.9°C
Rainy days
~6
Daylight
14.3h
11:15
Ostuni Cathedral read more map ↗
Admire intricate Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architecture.
50 min · Ostuni · Free entry
open: Tu-Su 10:00-13:00; Sa-Su 16:00-19:00
12:40
Parco naturale delle Dune costiere search map ↗
Cycle through olive fields to serene coastal sand dunes.
90 min · Ostuni
14:10
Cicinedda Fruit bistrot search map ↗
Relish fresh, fruity dishes and vibrant vegetarian options.
60 min · Ostuni
open: 11:00-04:00
Overnight here
e.g. Camping Villaggio Il Pilone · Relais La Sommità

Day 5 Lecce

6 curated stops
Transit
1h41
Finish
~17:05
Temperature
16.2°C–22.1°C
Rainy days
~6
Daylight
14.2h
10:15
Church of the Holy Cross read more map ↗
Admire the intricate Lecce baroque architecture and detailed stone carvings.
50 min · Lecce · €7
open: 09:00-12:00 and 17:00-20:00
11:15
Roman amphitheatre read more map ↗
Feel the history in this ancient arena, now alive with events.
50 min · Lecce · Adults €3.00; groups €1.50; students €1.00
12:15
Castle of Charles V castellocarlov.it read more map ↗
Walk through a medieval fortress hosting exhibitions and events.
50 min · Lecce
13:15
Church of Saint Irene read more map ↗
Discover elegant exterior masking a richly decorated interior space.
50 min · Lecce
14:15
Marvel at the grand baroque design and ornate interior decorations.
50 min · Lecce
15:15
Porta Rudiae read more map ↗
See the oldest town gate, rebuilt in elegant baroque style.
50 min · Lecce
16:05
Martinucci Laboratory search map ↗
Indulge in famous local cakes and creamy ice creams.
60 min · Lecce
open: 09:00-01:30
Overnight here
e.g. Azzurretta B&B · B&B Corte dei Musco

Day 6 Around Lecce

6 curated stops
Transit
0h30
Finish
~14:50
Temperature
16.2°C–22.1°C
Rainy days
~6
Daylight
14.2h
09:00
Triumphal Arch read more map ↗
Pass under the grand arch built in honor of Charles V.
50 min · Lecce
10:00
Palazzo del Seggio search map ↗
Stroll through a blend of gothic and renaissance architecture.
50 min · Lecce · Free
open: 09:30-13:30 and 15:30-19:30
11:00
Church of Saint Mary of Grace in Lecce search map ↗
View a 14th-century fresco overlooking the Roman Amphitheatre.
50 min · Lecce · Free of charge
open: Daily 08:00-19:00
12:00
Museo Archeologico Faggiano museofaggiano.it map ↗
Uncover ancient ruins discovered beneath a private residence.
50 min · Lecce
open: 09:30-20:00
13:00
Sigismondo Castromediano Archaeological Museum comune.lecce.it map ↗
Gaze at ancient Greek and Roman pottery and sea excavations.
50 min · Lecce · Free
open: Tu-Su 09:00-22:00
14:00
Visit this medieval fortress now used for events and as a hotel.
50 min · Lecce
Overnight here
e.g. Azzurretta B&B · B&B Corte dei Musco

Day 7 Otranto

6 curated stops
Transit
1h20
Finish
~16:40
Temperature
17.6°C–19.6°C
Rainy days
~6
Daylight
14.2h
09:50
Otranto Cathedral read more map ↗
Marvel at ancient stonework beneath soaring vaulted ceilings.
50 min · Otranto · Free
open: Jun - Sep: 07:00-12:00,15:00-19:00
10:50
Porta Alfonsina search map ↗
Stand between two towering gates that guard the town.
50 min · Otranto · Free
open: Daily
11:50
Porta Terra search map ↗
Pass under a tall stone archway into medieval streets.
50 min · Otranto · Free
open: Daily
12:50
Aragonese Castle read more map ↗
Explore grand towers and echoey halls of this fortress.
50 min · Otranto · For detailed information about prices check the website
open: M-F 10:00-19:00, Sa Su 10:00-20:00
13:50
Monument erected to the Heroes and Martyrs salentoviaggi.it map ↗
Feel solemn pride before the raised flag and cross.
50 min · Otranto
14:50
Museo Diocesano search map ↗
Gaze at sacred art and mosaic fragments in quiet rooms.
50 min · Otranto
15:40
La Bella Idrusa search map ↗
Enjoy pizza and Apulian flavors beneath ancient stone walls.
60 min · Otranto
open: 19:00-24:00

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Every stop is a real, sourced place, but opening hours change, roads close and businesses move. Check anything you're paying for before you book.

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