We will have 6 nights in Puglia in April. We will have a rental car and are happy to make trips during the day, but we like to have dinner and an evening stroll in the town where we are staying so, we would like to have a base or 2 with great restaurants and Airbnb accommodations within walking distance of the restaurants. I was thinking Ostuni but after reading through this forum, perhaps Cisternino or Locorotondo are less touristy? Any ideas for a second base? We end our time in Puglia flying out of Bari. Thank you in advance for any insights!
Posted by
Boise, ID, USA
2257 posts
I haven't been to Ostuni, but I'll just chime in that I would definitely choose Locorotondo over Cisternino. I also love Trani, if you decide to do two bases.
Posted by
OP
11 posts
This is helpful. Geography-wise, Trani makes sense as a second base because it is farther afield. Thank you!
Posted by
Centennial, CO, US
2166 posts
I agree that Trani would make a good second base. Great restaurants & passeggiata in the evenings.
Posted by
OP
11 posts
Thank you! The restaurants are priority!
Posted by
North Italy
371 posts
Another vote for Trani, my favourite place! https://slowtravelitalyspain.blogspot.com/2023/04/why-i-love-trani.html
I would agree that Locorotondo is less touristy than Ostuni.
Cisternino is less picturesque than Locorotondo or Ostuni but is specialised in butchers who also directly cook their meat especially in the evenings. Excellent quality meat and a bit different from the usual restaurant experience.
Posted by
OP
11 posts
I found your posts so helpful on all of Puglia - from the link you provided. The pictures are amazing! Thank you for sharing!
Posted by
36 posts
Thanks for asking this question as we are in the same situation. I'm planning on Lecce as my second base for exploring the Salento. Looking at places between Cisternino and Locorotondo as our other base ,but agree that it's nice to not have to drive anywhere at night. I'll be following along to see other recommendations.
Posted by
Atlanta
3261 posts
We really like Lecce - it would be my choice for a base in Puglia.
Posted by
Sacramento, CA
275 posts
Lecce should definitely be on your radar. It’s a little bigger than the towns you’ve mentioned but it should be on your list if you’re in Puglia and willing to move about. Some think it’s the crown jewel in the area.
Posted by
New England
12 posts
I lived in the small town of Ceglie Messapica for 3 months last fall & loved it! It’s known as the gastronomic capital of Puglia. It has a Michelin starred restaurant & lots of other fantastic restaurants featuring regional foods & great wines. The Centro Storico is an amazing place with narrow alleys, trattorias, artisans shops and a castle. It’s centrally located in Puglia so day trips to Lecce, Grottaglia, Alberobello, Locorotondo, Polignano a Mare are easy to do. It’s almost equidistant to the Adriatic & Ionian beaches. Highly recommend it.
Posted by
67 posts
I agree about Ceglie Messapica and its many excellent restaurants.
Posted by
OP
11 posts
I did not even have Ceglie Messapica on my list! I am so glad you pointed it out. And so central as well. Thank you!
Posted by
202 posts
I will be arriving in Bari and leaving from Bari in mid-April next year. I just booked the flights and am at the early stages of planning. I will have about 10 days total and was thinking of spending the first two nights in Bari before moving on. We will have a rental car. I was also thinking about two bases, but was also considering Matera (I know not Puglia) as a base. We're interested in hiking, eating, and exploring. If anyone has any links or ideas that would be a great as a stepping stone.
Thanks so much.